May 17 was a bad day for Harley Clifford. At least that's what he said on Instagram. Exactly why was a bit of a mystery until it was revealed that the most dominant wakeboarder in the sport had blown his knee out while filming a video part. Now recovering in Australia, Harley is looking forward to rehab, being a spectator for 2016 and getting back in shape for 2017. We had a chance to ask him about the injury and his state of mind.

WW: You just had your first major injury. How did it go down and what trick was it on?
HC: I was out filming for my Real Wake X Games part and went a little too big off the double up on a double indy back roll. I came down with my front leg straight and hyperextended it. It really did not hurt at all, but I knew it happened. I just got out of my bindings and was like, "Boys, I just blew my knee," and the boys took me back to the dock. I went and got an MRI that day and pretty much flew back to Australia the next day for surgery three days after that.
 
WW: What is your plan now that surgery is out of the way? Will you stay in Australia for rehab?
HC: Surgery was 12 days ago now and I'm doing really well. I'm up and walking, plus I have full extension in my leg. I'm going to spend the next month here in Australia just because I feel really comfortable with my physio to get me through this first part. Then I'll head back to America and do a couple of months over there at a physio therapy/rehab facility called Nakoa over in San Diego. Still going to head to most of the events to watch!
 
WW: This is probably your first winter home in Australia for a couple years. What have you been doing to pass the time?
HC: Well I've only been home for like two weeks and this knee thing has consumed most of my time! The first week I was home it was like 85 every day anyway (ha-ha). But apart from that, just taking advantage of being home and spending time with friends. I would like to say I have been hanging out with the family, but they are in Europe (ha-ha).
 
WW: Now that you're out, who would you like to see do well this season?
HC: I just want to see everyone do well this year. Mike Dowdy is super deserving. He has been working hard since his knee injury two years back and is riding really well! Wish I could of stayed injury free this year to battle it out with him. Would of been super fun and competitive. Apart from that I just want to see everyone do well. I know Cory has the tricks to beat Dowdy, so it would be sick to see him lay down some epic runs!
 
WW: You had a pretty invincible run going your whole career. Will this injury change the way you see wakeboarding?
HC: Yeah, I have had a great past seven years riding pro. Definitely could not have dreamed of being able to do some of the stuff I have done. I have been very fortunate, but this is action sports and injuries do happen, so I have always been prepared for that! This is not going to change the way I wakeboard or anything. My plan is to take rehab really seriously, do everything right, take my time and come back even stronger and more fit.