Water Sports

MasterCraft’s Let Her Rip Program Empowers Women and Girls

Combining watersports, camaraderie and mentorship, MasterCraft’s Let Her Rip movement empowers women and girls.

By Boating Tech Team

May 25, 2026

Combining watersports, camaraderie and mentorship, MasterCraft’s Let Her Rip movement empowers women and girls. Courtesy MasterCraft

This marks the sixth year of MasterCraft’s on-water clinic series known as Let Her Rip. The program—called a “movement” by MasterCraft—uses watersports to build confidence and strengthen skills for women and girls.

There’s little doubt that learning new skills is a great path to enhanced self-esteem. Couple that with the support and community that participants experience at Let Her Rip events, and you have a recipe for good times, good feelings and people being set on a course for success. We like that. Especially since that course entails getting out on—and behind—boats.

The program reinforces MasterCraft’s continued commitment to breaking barriers and advancing inclusivity in watersports. The campaign is supported by Progressive Insurance and powered by Chevrolet, which happens to be the official tow vehicle of MasterCraft. Participants learn and ride with pros such as Meagan Ethell, Alexa Score, Ashley Kidd, Ali Garcia, Emma Galusha, and Ansley Pritchard.

Teaching the next generation at Let Her Rip

Participants benefit from the power of community and the sense of accomplishment from learning new skills at Let Her Rip events. Courtesy MasterCraft

Our Take

To get a deeper understanding of Let Her Rip, we sent photojournalist Sean Kilgus to Lake Norman, North Carolina. There he met with personnel from MasterCraft’s dealer, Dyer Marine, host of a Let Her Rip event. Through Kilgus’ lens and through the words of participants, we came away with a good vision of Let Her Rip.

Similarly stoked is Emma Galusha, a professional wakesurfer from upstate New York. “These events are awesome to get a bunch of ladies out on the water,” Galusha gushed. “I personally love coaching women in watersports, and it’s just gonna be a great day with a bunch of ladies. This event is super special for a lot of participants because it might be the only day—the only opportunity—that the girls have to be coached by a female or a female athlete. It creates such a cool environment and makes sure everybody’s super comfortable. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for getting up for the first time, learning new tricks for the first time, learning about boat safety, and all the while having fun doing it.”

A Tour Apart

What sets these events apart is the atmosphere of support and encouragement they cultivate.

Krista Schipner, vice president of marketing at MasterCraft Boats, voiced her passion for Let Her Rip.

“To me, it means leaving worries and self-doubt on the shore and creating a safe, fun place to go all-out and try new things. Let Her Rip means knowing you can fail and then getting up and trying again while the entire boat is cheering you on.”

The Let Her Rip philosophy extends beyond watersports, resonating through MasterCraft’s own leadership team.

For Schipner, whose passion for watersports began when she learned to ski at 2 years old, the water has been transformative. “The lessons I learned while being on the water truly forged who I am today. Standing on the dock with people of all ages and backgrounds and being seen as an equal, a competitor, a friend, and an important part of our community taught me confidence—and to believe in myself even when feeling intimidated.”

Charlene Hampton, vice president of human resources, emphasizes the courage required to pursue dreams. “You can only find out how great you can be and all that you can accomplish by following your dreams. Always hold true to who you are; never abandon your beliefs and values. Success requires courage, dedication, hard work and confidence in your ability to succeed.”

Jan Morton, vice president of supply chain, reflects on her 36 years navigating a traditionally male-dominated marine industry. “Being a female in the marine industry 36 years ago was somewhat intimidating as the industry was undeniably a male-dominated industry.” Her advice to aspiring women: “Exude confidence in yourself while staying humble, seek mentorship, build strong business relationships, help others succeed, go above and beyond—you’ve got this! Do not ever give up. Get out there, shine and Let. It. Rip!”

At its heart, Let Her Rip builds lasting connections among female riders of all ages who support and uplift one another. As Schipner notes, “Let Her Rip means you are just as excited when someone gets up for the first time as you are watching a pro ride. Let Her Rip means supporting girls and women by helping them feel confident in their abilities, both on and off the water.”

Let Her Rip builds lasting connections among female riders of all ages who support and uplift one another. Courtesy MasterCraft

Conclusion

The Let Her Rip movement invites women and girls everywhere to embrace confidence, pursue their goals, and find community on the water. As Hampton encourages, “There may be times that it feels like you are climbing Mount Everest. You’ll get through if you stand strong and let her rip to accomplish your goals and be the best you can be!”

To participate or learn more about Let Her Rip, visit mastercraft.com/let-her-rip-movement.