All that's left this season is the world.

The destination is Parker, Arizona, and the Colorado River where Taylor Beaver, in her first year as a professional wake-surfer, will try to end the season on a high note in the invitation-only World Wake Surfing Championship which begins Thursday and ends Saturday.

It's an invitation based on a points system from qualifying at different events, said Jay Baker, Beaver's instructor. “You have to qualify to get there. How well you do determines if you get there.”

For Beaver, it was earning seven podium appearances in 10 competitions including three first-place finishes in events that took her across the country — from Virginia to California and into Canada.

Beaver said the differences between amateur and pro are vast. “There's a lot more pressure. The competition is super stiff.”

Baker says the exposure has been good for Beaver, a senior at Roanoke Rapids High School. “She's had opportunities to travel all over, talking and networking with CEOs and board sponsors (and) to be 17 and making pretty good money.”

Beaver is contemplating going to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and her sponsorship money may help defray some of her education expenses.

Beyond the podium appearances there has been the travel experiences. “I was really excited to go to California. I really liked it.”

Baker is expecting a solid performance from Beaver in Arizona. “I expect her to be on the podium. My expectations are always high. If she rides like she does in practice she will be.”

For Beaver, the first year of riding professionally has been rewarding, especially with the sponsor names carried on her board — Baker's WakeSurf NC, Ultimate Boat Lifts, L&E Research, Overby Marine and Cove Wakesurfers.

“It means a lot having people behind me,” she said. “I do want to thank them because it does mean a lot.”