Taylor Beaver finished in second place in the 2014 USA National Wakesurf Championship at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, over the weekend.

More than 76 riders participated in the event and there were six riders in her division, said Jay Baker of WakeSurfNC, one of her instructors and sponsors.

The event represented “the best of the best” in the sport, Baker said. “She had two big tricks and nailed one and just missed the second one. If she landed both she would have probably beat her. (Division winner Jordan Wolfe).”

Still, the 16-year-old Beaver's progression has been impressive, Baker said, as she is competing at a semi-pro level. “The seven-time world champion who gave out trophies said she is a force to be reckoned with. Everyone in the wake surf community knows she is a rising star. She's a quick learner, and has a great work ethic. She is determined to become a pro. She takes this sport very seriously and knows where she wants to go.”

Beaver has recently signed an endorsement deal with Cove Wakesurfers and also signed a deal with L&E Research out of Raleigh. Her other sponsors include Overby Marine, Ultimate Boat Lifts and WakeSurfNC.

Beaver's next competition will be in Charlotte September 13 at an INT Series meet, which will be a tune-up, Baker said, for the world competition in Las Vegas on September 24.