Gordon Harrison is the consummate watersports enthusiast. Growing up lakeside in Central Virginia, he naturally gravitated toward skiing and wakeboarding before moving to Orlando after high school to train and compete on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. Later, he would be drawn to the beaches of Florida’s Space Coast to pursue ocean surfing and, his latest passion, foiling. It’s the now 30-year-old firefighter’s years spent as Boating’s own Zoolander, however, that make him of interest to our readers. Harrison has long been one of the smiling faces for our annual Buyer’s Guides photoshoots, entrusted to drive everything from PWC to go-fasts, take his turn in the wakes surfing or foiling, and never, ever, forget the golden rule—don’t look at the camera!
So how does one go from hardcore watersports enthusiast to Boating supermodel?
The transition actually came pretty easy. During my time as a pro wakeboarder I was supported by Supra Boats and did many photoshoots over the years, where I learned how everything works and what’s needed. In my position on the Boating shoots I’m kinda like a Swiss Army knife. I could be assigned the role of athlete, boat driver, or model. It’s fun and will keep you on your toes.
Any highlights that stand out over the years?
My top highlights are seeing old friends in the boating industry and getting a first look at the next year’s new boats. Living the beach life now, it’s nice to get back on the lake and on sick boats. I gotta add the helicopter shoots, too. Even though I moved away from Orlando, I find it so cool that I still get to plug into the towed-watersport industry and work with Boating Magazine.
I’m guessing it’s not all sunshine and rainbows…
The most challenging part is doing these shoots in cold weather. We run these boats at over 30 mph, dressed like it’s 90 degrees out and acting like we’re on the best summer vacation ever. Meanwhile the photo crew might be decked out in thermal underwear and foul-weather gear. It’s something to bear, but comical at the same time. The next challenge would be quickly adapting to boats I’ve never driven. There are always new controls or accessories to learn to make sure we all have a safe ride.
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We recently added your wife and brother to the mix. I feel like you guys are going for world domination.
Yeah, it’s super cool! I can’t explain how it fills my heart, because I’ve always just been able to share stories and show them the work after publishing. All that comes to mind is that it’s special. I wouldn’t say we’re after world domination, but there’s strength in numbers.
Alright, be honest…is there a boating version of Zoolander’s Blue Steel?
While doing these shoots you definitely gotta have your own Blue Steel! Really, though, you just have to be able to hold a smile for a few minutes with the wind blasting in your face.
