Women push the limits

Phaedra Harder gets some nice air and a grab over the wake.

My girlfriend kim and I do most sports together. It is one way we enjoy our time with each other, ripping it up in the great outdoors — whether it’s kitesurfing, dirt biking, mountain biking or any other crazy escapade. I love watching her dial a sweet line on her freeride bike or take some air with her kite under the power of the wind.

Women bring so much to sports. They seem to always seek out the fun in an activity, rarely have an ego and work off efficiency instead of just powering through something. I thought it was about time to do an article on some women who excel in sports. Now I know there are a ton of you out there, however, it is impossible to cover everyone so here are just a few who truly rip it up and inspire.

• Jen Segger-Gigg; Age: 26; Sport: Anything Adventurous

Segger-Gigg personifies the word adventurous. She races with Team Dart-Nunn, one of the top Adventure Racing teams in the world. Although she said she is motivated by the thrill of victory, it is the actual process of the training she does everyday that keeps her seeking different adventures. Although her strengths are in running and mountain biking, she is always ready to tackle any sport at the drop of a hat, usually excelling at it in the process.

Adventure racing is a tough sport that requires you to work within a team through a grueling course in far away places and usually with very little sleep. Learn more about Jen at www.challengebychoice.caor better yet, participate in a local adventure race and meet her in person.

• Heidi Cannon; Age: 21; Sport: Motocross Racing

If you have ever visited one of our local motocross events then you have probably seen Cannon tearing it up around the track and getting big air. Although she is only in her third year of motocross racing, she can often be seen giving the boys a run for their money. She is unmistakable with her pink and white Yamaha 250F and pink motocross gear and is always willing to help new women riders out. She also helps customers find the perfect parts for their bikes at GA Checkpoint Yamaha in Port Moody. If you have always wanted to try a dirt bike then check out the Fraser Valley Dirt Riders Association at www.fvdra.com.

•Phaedra Harder; Age: 17; Sport: Wakeboarding

Harder has been on the water since a very young age. She always loved wakeboarding but really made a huge jump when she joined the Cove Watersports Wakeboard School, run by Joel Perkins. Over the last few seasons she has improved so much that Perkins has enlisted her as part of his wakeboard team that travels and competes all over B.C. Harder said she loves the fact that she can spend all summer out on the water with friends perfecting her skills. Even though winning competitions is important to her, it is her zest for promoting the sport and getting others involved which makes her such an asset to the team. Give wakeboarding a try this summer by contacting Cove Watersports at www.covewatersports.com. The biggest wakeboard school in B.C. is right in our backyard.

These are just a few of the incredible women who are out there having fun, pushing their limits and inspiring others to get outside and enjoy our amazing West Coast Outdoors!