Ryan Dodd

Biography

Ryan Dodd grew up training on a private ski lake his father built in the cow pasture on their farm. Named Junior Athlete of the Year by Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada in 1999, 2000 and 2001, he went on to be the Male Athlete of the Year in 2002, 2010, 2013 and 2014. After winning the world junior jump title in 2000, Dodd joined the national team in 2001. He attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe on a full scholarship where he was captain of the water ski team that won three national titles while he also won three individual titles. With 20 pro wins to his credit, Dodd’s career highlight is coming back from a life-threatening head injury to win the US Masters with a personal best jump of 237 feet. He bettered that mark to win the Malibu Open, jumping 238 feet. Dodd finished the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons ranked second in the world in jump, but held the number one spot for part of 2014, taking over from American Freddy Krueger who has been the year-end winner for 11 straight years. Dodd is a three-time Pan Am Games medallist.

PERSONAL

Family: Parents Bruce (former world water ski champion) and Dale Dodd… Younger sister Lindsay… Wife Breanne Dodd is also on the national water ski team… Getting into the Sport: Started water skiing at age 9… His dad was a national champion and it looked more fun than working on the farm… Close friend Thomas Moore also inspired him to try it… Outside Interests: Bachelor of Business Administration (Management/Marketing) from University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2007… Involved in real estate investments… Enjoys surfing, yoga, traveling, and coaching/mentoring juniors all over the world … Odds and Ends: Inspired by Jaret Llewellyn for his long, decorated career… Favourite mottos: “Live your life true to yourself and follow your dreams!” and “Be peaceful, present and positive”…

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

PAG: 2007 – SILVER (jump), BRONZE (trick); 2003 – BRONZE (jump), 6^th (trick)