Parks
Bonifay
United States
·
Wakeboarding
Date of birth | 30 September 1981 |
|---|---|
Place of birth | Winterhaven, Florida, USA |
Age | 44 |
Nationality | United States |
Career start | 1995 |
Disciplines | Wakeboarding Boat |
Pete Bonifay described his son Parks as fearless. He should know. When Parks was just six months old, Pete strapped skis on his son and watched him go.
Following in his parents' wake
The son of two show skiers, Bonifay was given the training grounds, tools and mentorship to develop his skills. Not only did he learn to ride big air, but he gleaned more from Pete and Betty Bonifay than just the foundation for a championship career, he gained compassion and the drive to flourish.
At the age of three he was already competing and by the time he was a teenager, wakeboarding was taking off. He believes the sport was made for him. At 14, Bonifay won the inaugural Wakeboard competition in the 1996 X Games – his first of two gold medals. Over eight seasons, he collected five medals and too many titles to count.
An innovator like no other
In addition to five Pro Tour Championships, Bonifay was named Wakeboarding Magazine Rider of the Year in 2003-2004. One of wakeboarding’s foremost trick innovators, Bonifay set the bar high, introducing a variety of double flips emulated by inspiring wake disciples.
Watch Parks Bonifay waterskiing barefoot from a helicopter in 2024
1 min
Parks Bonifay art of gliding
Parks Bonifay and Red bull helicopter pilot Aaron Fitzgerald complete the first ever transfer from helicopter to boat and back to helicopter all while barefoot watersking at 50 mph.
A member of the Wakeboarding Hall of Fame, Bonifay is considered the most influential rider of all time. As he transitions from competitor to wake statesman, Bonifay embodies the mantra that he’d rather ride smart long-term than ride hard short-term. His goal? To ride for another 20 years.
A legend and an ambassador
These days, Bonifay continues to shape wakeboarding beyond competition, hosting events such as Double or Nothing, collaborating on new media projects and remaining one of the sport's biggest ambassadors.
Taking flight during Red Bull WakeDuel
© Vadim Kozorez/Red Bull Content Pool
A quick refreshment break during Red Bull Double or Nothing
© Robert Snow/Red Bull Content Pool
Parks Bonifay is considered the most influential wakeboarder of all time
© Leonardas Borotinskas/Red Bull Content Pool
The celebrations begin for Grubb, Miles Daisher and Parks Bonifay
© Naim Chidiac/Red Bull Content Pool