We sit down with Anna Nikstad from southeast Texas for a chat about her journey in wakeboarding and involvement with Follow in developing and testing our gear for the optimal female performance, fit and appearance.

- So tell us who was your favorite sports hero growing up?

I looked up to Mia Hamm and Dallas Friday when I was a Kid.

If you were not wakeboarding what would you be doing?

Maybe... snowboarding or rescuing elephants.

Do you think life as an athlete is tough compared to other careers?

It's all about perspective, sure it can be tough, but I think I'm the luckiest person alive to get to wake up every day and do what I love.

"Do you have any secret talents or party tricks? Oh yeah, I'm full of them!"

What is your training regime? And how do you prepare yourself mentally for competition?

 In season I try to ride as much as possible and learn something new every sesh. In the off season I mix in some work in the gym, long distance swimming and Isometric training. When I'm trying to work on my mental game for competing - I focus a lot on my breathing.

Do you have any superstitions or must do routines?

Yeah, I jam Beyonce before I compete. That sorta seems to help.

"Follow and I have worked together for years to get the right fit and feel down for the women in watersports. Keeping in mind what actually works on the water and what feels the best has kept us on track with creating the best women's life jackets in the industry."

Ha! As a pioneer of women's wakeboarding, do you have any words of wisdom for the up-and-coming girls who want to get into wakeboarding?

Ride with people who are better than you.

You have been a team rider for many years, can you tell our readers how you've helped Follow advance its range for female fits and performance?

Follow and I have worked together for years to get the right fit and feel down for the women in watersports. Keeping in mind what actually works on the water and what feels the best has kept us on track with creating the best women's life jackets in the industry.

What do you like about the Follow Gear?

Follow gear is hands down the best quality you can find. I'm confident in anything I wear, that it will fit nicely and perform exceptionally on the water.