Anna Taylor joins team Phase 5 as our very FIRST female adaptive rider. Joining our first adaptive rider, Florian Dungl aka The Cage Surfer, Anna is all about showing the possibilities of what can be done on the water. Her riding is inspirational, her attitude is amazing, and we’re stoked to have her! Find out more about her below and make sure to give her a FOLLOWto keep up with her.
- Name: Anna Taylor
- Home Town: Denver, CO
- P5 Board of Choice: Key
- Years Riding: 6
- Biggest Accomplishment in Wakesurfing: 2024 CO State Champion & 2024 Western Regional Champion
- Riding Crew: John (my husband), Ashton (our son), my amazing stepkids, Bella & Jake, and close friends Jim & Denise Tatro
- Favorite Place to Ride: Chatfield Reservoir, CO
- Boat of Choice: Nautique G23
- Other Hobbies: Traveling, graphic design, baking, yoga, fitness, & inspiring others through wakesurfing!
PHASE 5: Congrats on joining the team, Anna! How does it feel to be the first female adaptive rider for P5?
Anna:It’s an incredible honor! Being the first female adaptive rider for Phase 5 means a lot—not just for me, but for the entire adaptive sports community. I hope this helps show others that the water is for everyone, no matter the challenges they face. Wakesurfing has given me so much freedom and joy, and I want to help others experience that too.
PHASE 5: How did you get into wakesurfing?
Anna:The first time John and I saw someone wakesurfing, he turned to me and said, “One day, I’m going to teach you how to do that.” I didn’t believe him at the time, but here we are! It wasn’t easy at first, but John kept encouraging me, and I eventually got up on the board. Now, wakesurfing is such a huge part of my life, and I can’t imagine not being on the water.
PHASE 5: What are some of your goals for the 2025 season?
Anna:My biggest goals are to compete at Nationals and Masters and qualify for Worlds. I’m focused on improving my riding, dialing in new tricks, and continuing to push the boundaries of adaptive wakesurfing. Beyond competition, I want to help grow the adaptive wakesurfing community by showing others what’s possible. If I can inspire just one person to try something they never thought they could do, that’s a win.
PHASE 5: Have you had the chance to take out any other adaptive riders to show them the ropes of surfing?
Anna:Not yet, but if you’re in Colorado and want to give it a shot, please reach out! We’d love to teach you and help you experience the freedom of wakesurfing.
PHASE 5: What do you do in your free time, outside of surfing?
Anna:I love traveling, spending time with my family, and sharing my journey to help others see what’s possible. A big part of my life is encouraging people—whether they have a disability or not—to push past their limits and try something new.
PHASE 5: What’s some advice you would give to some aspiring riders?
Anna:Don’t let fear hold you back. Whether you’re just starting out or pushing yourself to the next level, there will always be challenges—but that’s part of the fun. Keep going, be patient, and surround yourself with people who support you. And most of all, enjoy every second on the water!
PHASE 5: Congrats again, Anna! We’re stoked to have you. Is there anything else you’d like to say or anyone you’d like to thank?
Anna:Thank you so much! I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Phase 5 family. I want to give a huge shoutout to my husband, John, for always believing in me and supporting me every step of the way; my kids, Bella, Jake, and Ashton, for being my biggest cheerleaders; and our amazing crew, Jim & Denise Tatro, for always being there to support and encourage me. And, of course, a big thank you to Phase 5 for giving me this opportunity—I can’t wait for the season ahead!
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