Meet Flite Team Rider Harley Clifford

Harley Clifford, 31, pro wakeboarder and Flite Team Rider from the Gold Coast (GC), Australia, is known for his jumps and tricks on a Fliteboard. Splitting his time between GC and Florida allows him to ride year-round. A husband and father of two, he is dedicated to his family and craft, balancing both on a daily basis. Family is where it all began for him too. 

Growing up near the water, Harley was always out on the boat with his mum, dad and brothers. By 5 years old, he had already made a name for himself in the wakeboarding community, doing flips and spins. At 9, he travelled to the US to compete in the Junior World Championships, and at 13, he competed in his first pro event.

Since then, Harley has amassed an impressive list of achievements including: 

• 8 x World Wake Champion (first title won at 14 years old)

• 15 x National Championships (US and Australia) 

• X Games Gold Medallist

• 23 x individual Pro Tour stop wins 

• 5 x overall US Pro Tour titles 

• First ever to do a double flip off the wake and in competition

Harley was an early adopter of Fliteboard, first trying it about 7 years ago. The freedom it gave him to ride without an observer or driver (both necessary for wakeboarding) was incredible. As a Flite Team Rider for the last 2 years, he has continuously sharpened his skills. He is as impressive as you might imagine, landing jumps and tricks at will.

When we asked him how Fliteboarding has influenced his life, he shared: “There are so many days I wake up and the conditions are bad for wakeboarding or it’s bad to get out on the ocean. I live on the canals in the Gold Coast and I can just throw my Fliteboard in the water, go enjoy myself and have an expression session, kind of whenever I want. It’s so convenient and easy to get out there. That’s what I love most about it.”

To hear more of Harley’s story and watch him in his element, check out the video below. 

If seeing him land flips and ride waves inspires you, check out this article with our top 6 tips for learning tricks.