Making Waves: Meet Syracuse’s Camden Powell

Camden Powell, left, pictured with his father, Derek.

At right: Camden during competition.

by Ray Balogh photos by Waters Edge Photography

Camden Powell, a lifelong resident of Syracuse, has garnered athletic achievements in watersports that are stratospheric for anyone, let alone a lad of 17. He has captured respectable honors against the best competitors in the world— on lakes around the world. Yet the siren call of Lake Wawasee lures him back time and again to enjoy his favorite pastime of “just hanging out with a group of friends in the middle of the lake." LAKElife asked Master Powell to introduce himself to our readership, and we hope you enjoy reading how one “local boy made good.” LAKElife Magazine, meet Camden Powell.

Please tell us a little about yourself Making Waves

and your family.

I’m 17 and a junior at Wawasee High School. I have attended the Wawasee School District and have lived within Syracuse my entire life. My mom, Trisha, is an elementary school nurse, and my dad, Derek, owns TPC Landscaping. I have one sister, Addison, who is currently in eighth grade.

What achievements have you reached in the field of sports?

I am a three-sport athlete for Wawasee: cross country, swimming, and track. I also race Jet Skis® throughout the world, and have been able to compete— and place well— against some of the best jet skiers in the world.

When and how did you first recognize you could be a force to be reckoned with in jet skiing?

I started racing somewhat professionally roughly two years ago. In my first professional race against the best competitors, I was able to pull out a solid third place. That was one of the first recognitions for me that I could compete against the best.

What do you like best about living the lake life?

The atmosphere of everything on the lake. There’s just a lot you can do, from surfing to riding jet ski to just hanging out with a group of friends in the middle of the lake.

How have your achievements, especially at your age, affected your relationships with your peers?

I think the achievements have affected my relationships fairly positively, because I have been able to make friends, for example, with Haden from Florida. If I didn’t race, I wouldn’t even know him.

What has competition taught you about life?

I would say that competition has provided numerous lessons and learning experiences that have benefited me. Just a couple of examples are working hard and seeing success come from my efforts, and learning the deeper meaning behind small things. Those benefits wouldn’t be as great for me without competition.

How have your parents, sister, friends, and teachers contributed to your success?

They have always been able to push me in the right direction and set me up to be a better person in every way I can.

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not training or competing?

I like to spend time with friends and I love to be out on the lake doing whatever. Training for jet ski racing is also something I find really fun and enjoy doing.

You’re still young, but if you had the opportunity, what would you do differently in your life?

There are a lot of things I want to do differently, but I think everything happens for a reason, so I wouldn’t want to change anything from the past.

What are your plans for the rest of the summer?

I plan on working with my friend for my dad, and spending a lot of time with my friends and on the lake. I will be competing in multiple jet ski races in Florida and on Lake Michigan, and will be running to train for cross country this fall.

If you could sum up your present life in one sentence, what would you say?

Busy and unpredictable at times— because I have been very busy lately and I have sort of just been going with the flow without a plan.

When it’s all said and done, what do you want to be known for in your life?

I would like to be known as someone who always knew how to have a good time, no matter what the circumstances, but was also someone people could always count on in any way.

Fun for a lifetime Ride the wave It’s what you crave Ride the wave It’s what you crave

SINCE 1972 SINCE 1972

Who pours the best drink? And where’s your go-to for dining or take-out?

Send your bartender and chef nominations… we want to hear from you! sue@lakelifemagazine.com.