It’s a crisp early morning at Lake Falerin, a stunning alpine lake perched 2,000 meters above sea level in Switzerland’s Laax region. Against this breathtaking backdrop, 21-year-old Jamie Huser etched his name into wakeboarding history by successfully completing a 140-meter rail ride—the longest ever attempted on a wakeboard.
After 112 failed attempts, Huser found his flow on the 113th try, gliding across the entire rail and setting a new world record.
The Challenge
In competitive wakeboarding, riders are either towed by a boat or pulled by a cable system, maneuvering around obstacles such as plastic rails typically measuring 10–15 meters. Huser’s rail, however, was a different beast—140 meters long, built of slick metal, and floating on Lake Falerin.
Constructed from 24 connected segments, the rail floated freely once assembled. The conditions were far from ideal: the cold alpine water, the rail’s slippery surface, and inconsistent rope tension all tested Huser’s balance and precision.
“I wanted to try something new and really challenge myself,”.
Huser explained
And challenge himself he did—ultimately succeeding in spectacular fashion.
Technical and Physical Preparation
Months of preparation went into this attempt. Huser focused on balance training, spending hours on slacklines, balance boards, and gym balls. Strengthening his arms and shoulders was equally important, especially after recovering from shoulder surgery.
On the rail itself, finding the perfect speed was crucial. The sweet spot turned out to be 34 km/h.
“Over time I realized I had to stay calm. I told myself, ‘Do it nice and slow, like in slow motion.’ Every tiny movement makes a difference.”
he shared
That calmness paid off—Huser balanced flawlessly across the entire 140 meters.
“Indescribable. It felt like freedom. I was overwhelmed with emotion, full of joy,”.
he said after the record-breaking run
About Jamie Huser
Though only 21, Huser has been a standout in wakeboarding for over a decade. He first stood on a board at age three, guided by his father, who runs Europe’s first wakeboarding school on Lake Zurich. By age 11, Huser was already winning adult competitions. At 14, he became European Champion and runner-up at the World Championship.
In 2023, he was named Rookie of the Year after finishing second overall on the Pro Tour.
To advance his career, Huser moved from Switzerland to Orlando, Florida, at 15, accompanied by his family. The move provided better conditions and year-round training opportunities.
“I’m endlessly grateful to my parents for enabling me to live my dream,”.
he says
With his 140-meter rail ride world record, Jamie Huser has not only pushed the limits of wakeboarding but also inspired the next generation of athletes to dream—and ride—bigger.