In the history of wakeboarding, there has never been a rider like Rusty Malinoski and it’s safe to say there will never be another. As a lot of pro riders live in a relaxed, mellow, freeriding world, this Canadian beast stormed onto the Orlando scene hard in 2004 with his “6W” motto; "Work Will Win When Wishing Won’t."
 
Rusty ascended quickly to the top of the sport, winning "Best Wakeboarder" two years in a row at Wake Awards, along with multiple Pro Tour victories, cover shots, first place honors in Reader’s Polls and banging video parts.
 
Now at 30 years old, Rusty has been going ballistic with his training and is the current, WWA Wakeboard World Champion. As the owner of a Cross Fit gym called Clermont CrossFit in Florida, Rusty has excelled as an athlete in this popular training discipline and has placed well in major events.
 
It’s no secret that Rusty is a fierce competitor, but anyone who gets to hang out with him outside of the contest environment quickly realizes he is one of the most hilarious riders on the scene, always making his friends laugh with his spontaneous and ridiculous sense of humor. With family values at the top of his priority list, the legend of Rusty will far transcend wakeboarding, as he is a remarkable human being and one of the greatest athletes in all of action sports.
 
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad
 
Music you’re currently listening to: Macklemore
 
Favorite sports besides wakeboarding: Crossfit, motocross, MMA fighting.
 
Did you really enter a pro Crossfit contest? How was it compared to a wakeboarding contest? Yes. And it was the most intense and empowering thing I’ve ever done. It doesn’t compare to a wakeboarding event. You’re basically redlining your body for four workouts in four hours. It’s insane.
 
What was your first and last tattoo? First was my name on my back. I was 15 and I thought it’d be super cool (laughter). My most recent tattoo is footprints from our new son Kruz. I have his and Marek’s both on my chest.
 
What’s the best part of waking up every day? Getting Marek ready for school.
 
Is it going to be mayhem now with two boys in the house? It isn’t quite yet, but I’m sure it will be soon!
 
Craziest thing you’ve ever done with Balzer: Not the craziest story, but probably one of the funniest was when Balzer lost his brand new queen size mattress out of the back of his truck while we were driving down the highway.
 
What are the chances of you going vegan? Not likely.