Leocadie Bouillot - A Diamond in the Women's Wakeskating Community

Hey Leocadie! We’re super hyped to get to know more about you and your love for

wakeskating. When did you start wakeskating, and how did you fall in love with it?

Hey! I started wakeskating in August 2021 when I was 21 years old. I’m actually a surfer, and I used to skateboard a lot. Wakeskating feels like the perfect mix between the cruising feeling of surfing and doing tricks like in skateboarding. I was over falling on concrete, and I love being in the water, so it just felt like the right choice for me.

Tell us where you’re from and what the wakeskate culture is like there.

I’m from Margaux, near Bordeaux, France. Around my home cable, WamPark Avensan, there’s a strong wakeskate community. In the southwest of France, most of us know each other. It feels like one big family. Everyone has their own style, but we support and push each other. We love getting together and having fun.

Who are your biggest inspirations?

A lot of the French riders inspire me, but I especially enjoy watching Yohann. Of course Telma, Zuzanna, and my friend Alysha are huge inspirations too.

What are your favorite parks to ride?

In France, La Source Wake Park is definitely special to me. I had my first wakeskate weekend with Leo there, so it holds a special place in my heart. Of course my home cable, WamPark Avensan, is something else entirely because home is always special. Abroad, I’d have to say Deca Wake Park in Philippines. In my opinion, it’s one of the best spots for wakeskating.

We’re so excited about you creating @skatetourforwomen. When did it start, what inspired you to create it, and what is it all about? Tell us everything!

OMG, what a journey! It’s been three years already since it started in April 2023. I’ve always dreamed about creating a space for women in the sports I love, and I found my place in the wakeskate scene. I know wakeskating is very niche, but I wanted to give it a try.

The goal is to give girls confidence to try the sport, encourage each other, and hopefully bring more women into wakeskating. There’s so much more I could say about it. It’s not easy gathering as many girls as you see in wakeboarding, but every movement has to start somewhere. I hope it helps more girls push their riding, find sponsors, gain visibility, and make the sport better for the next generation.

What have you learned through hosting these events?

It’s not easy. There’s a lot of doubt sometimes. But when the girls show up, ride together, smile, laugh, and try new things, I remember exactly why I do it. It’s about the memories and the connections.

At the end of the day, I just want to give the girls a great weekend and leave them feeling good. But I won’t lie, I’m always thinking about what comes next. Do I keep it women-only, or should I make it more diverse? Maybe some of you can help me answer that question!

Which wakeskate women should everyone have on their radar right now?

We all know Telma, of course, and Ane is right there with her. I also really believe in Alysha, and the younger generation rider Rosa is definitely one to watch.

Why should everyone try wakeskating?

First, there’s the practical side. For wakeboarders, wakeskating can really help improve balance, precision, and air awareness.

But the most important reason is simply how much fun it is. If you’re not familiar with wakeskating, it gives you a different feeling than wakeboarding. Even just cruising around and messing about on a wakeskate is incredibly fun.

What do you do when you’re not wakeskating?

Mostly surfing. I spend a lot of time with my friends and family because they’re incredibly important to me. Besides that, I’m a wakeboard instructor, I run Skate Tour, and I’m always planning my next adventures and trips.

What do you hope for the future of wakeskating, and what are your personal plans for the next few years?

I hope wakeskating becomes more visible. It won’t be easy, but it’s definitely possible. I’d love to keep the skateboard vibe while presenting the sport in a way that people enjoy watching.

I think competitions could become more entertaining too, maybe with more jam-style formats. If people enjoy watching the events, they’ll want to see more of them.

As for my personal plans, it’s hard for me to think that far ahead. I’ll probably continue working as a wakeboard instructor, spending summers in France and winters abroad, learning from different places and cultures. I’d love to gain enough experience to judge international competitions one day and continue growing Skate Tour around the world.

That’s already a pretty big dream!

Any words for the cats out there?

If you start believing in your own abilities, your dream life is already beginning. Just go for it!