McMahon leaves them in his wake

A rising star on the national wakeboarding scene, McMahon registered the biggest win of his short career last weekend in taking out the junior division at the prestigious Moomba Masters in Melbourne. 

And less than two weeks on, the 15-year-old is already aiming to add an Australian crown to his rapidly growing resume.

"It's the biggest Australian event so I'd definitely like to come away from Wagga with a win there," McMahon said of his hopes for next week's championships. 

"My mate Lewy [Lewis] Watt won it last year and I placed second behind him on the podium so if we could switch positions this year that'd be nice," McMahon added with a laugh. 

After taking up wakeboarding five years ago, McMahon has rapidly moved through the sport's ranks.

The Karabar High student began competing at the age of 11. 

And last weekend's Moomba title has further cemented his reputation as one of the sport's leading up and comers. T

he Moomba Masters, held on the Yarra River, is billed as one of the largest wakeboarding and water skiing competitions in the world and features a full roster of national and international competitors. 

"People come from all over the world to compete at Moomba so Lewy and I went down not really knowing what to expect or who we'd be competing against," McMahon said.

"I went down there thinking I could maybe place ... but I ended up being fortunate enough to win it.

"But even just being down there and hanging out with some of the older boys who I've looked up to for many years was incredible."

Following next week's national championships, McMahon is set to embark on a four-month tour of the United States where he will attempt to qualify for the junior professional tour. 

The teenager is also aiming to compete at the American Nationals and next month's Wake Games in Florida before the World Titles in June. 

"There are five or six Aussie guys doing it [wakeboarding] full-time over in America which is what I'd love to be able to do," McMahon said. 

"Wakeboarding is one of the biggest action sports over there [in America], people follow it just like football or baseball so there are definitely opportunities to turn professional."