End of the Rope:
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Jake Bradley has been foiling for about 13 years yet is only 28. I was introduced to the sport through youtube clips of Jake and other riders and some of the huge tricks they were attempting and landing many years ago. Welcome into the world of Jake "Darth" Bradley:
Just for the folks, here's a little back story. I got into the sport after watching Murph absolutely crush it on the Airchair up and down the Parker Strip back in 1998. At the time I was 13 and a fairly avid wakeboarder slash slalom head. The folks had just got a boat that year and we were getting more and more into doing Lake Powell houseboat and river trips. Anyways, back when we saw Murph I knew we'd found something really cool. After a couple more years of riding an oversized ski that I didn't really enjoy (feet totally stretched out and my butt off the front of the seat) I finally hit the right size for a ski in the summer of 2000, pretty much the same time the same insane guy Mike Murphy had a new startup called "Sky Ski". After picking up a pro model that year and a newly released instructional video from Osta Productions out of Canada I learned 8 inverts in a couple months...I was hooked. From then on I competed in the pro class since my first competition starting in 2001 at the Worlds. The rest is history.
Just for the folks, here's a little back story. I got into the sport after watching Murph absolutely crush it on the Airchair up and down the Parker Strip back in 1998. At the time I was 13 and a fairly avid wakeboarder slash slalom head. The folks had just got a boat that year and we were getting more and more into doing Lake Powell houseboat and river trips. Anyways, back when we saw Murph I knew we'd found something really cool. After a couple more years of riding an oversized ski that I didn't really enjoy (feet totally stretched out and my butt off the front of the seat) I finally hit the right size for a ski in the summer of 2000, pretty much the same time the same insane guy Mike Murphy had a new startup called "Sky Ski". After picking up a pro model that year and a newly released instructional video from Osta Productions out of Canada I learned 8 inverts in a couple months...I was hooked. From then on I competed in the pro class since my first competition starting in 2001 at the Worlds. The rest is history.
We've never met but I have watched and read posts by you and about you. You appear to be a very passionate person. Would you agree? Would you want it any other way? Is Jake Bradley passionate? I'd like to think so. I've been in the sport since 2000 which is awhile now and I've had some great experiences. I've also met some amazing people that have influenced who I am and how I ride. When it comes to the forums and websites, those are great places to post tutorials and comments, however, they aren't a good place to take things too seriously. The online sensation started with yahoo groups then moved onto a centralized page called 'Foilfreaks' created by one of my best friends. Here, one could post questions or comments at free will which was awesome and a headache at the same time. I was one of the first ten people on the page and sort of felt a little compelled to keep the peace or set things straight when something was written and taken out of context or whatever. I guess I was a strong willed person who has an opinion I felt everyone needed to hear. After years of posting videos and being apart of the group I backed off from being at the vocal points of every topic. I can be charged with writing things I shouldn't have or whatever but deep down my core group of fellow riders and friends took it all with a grain...much like how I feel today and why I get on the page the current forum once or twice a month and haven't made a video in years. Instead, I travel all over the country riding with friends and keep it all out on the water.
You've changed gear over the years, aligned yourself with various manufacturers and proclaimed their virtues loudly. In your opinion, what percentage of a ride can be attributed to gear and how much is the rider? I've ridden for just about every manufacturer out there, no doubt. I've never really lied about a product for self-gain or to get money, this might be the reason I'm pretty much a privateer to this day. I know some would claim what I've done in the past controversial or whatever like riding a ski built from pierces of every company out there but in a sport that's so small it doesn't pay the bills for anyone out there to ride a brand exclusively we ride what's the best. With this in mind most people out there realize that if a majority of riders are riding specific equipment...especially the big air guys like Ferney, the Narans, Lewin, etc. there has to be a reason. I bring this up because with an almost pure passion based sport that is quite expensive, one must align themselves with the best equipment and guidance as they can...if one wants to progress to the levels of their dreams. This is important for manufacturers as well! Xtreme Foils has done an incredible job with the sport in regards to taking care off the riders best interest. I've ridden for this company since 2005 and couldn't have accomplished a fraction of what I have without their help. Today, some manufacture companies are paying more attention to this aspect like XAir Foils. Not since the early Mike Murphy days of Sky Ski has a company paid as much attention to their riders as their bank account. How much of a ride is the gear? Never before has 60 frames been attained until recently nor has going over 55 frames under 24 mph. This is gear oriented as well as the rider. It's hard to say what percentage is gear or rider but I'd say its close to 50/50. Thinking back on the Parker days where Murphy was busting out on the Airchair at 32 mph, he did more on that than a lot of riders are doing today on $5000+ skis.
You've changed gear over the years, aligned yourself with various manufacturers and proclaimed their virtues loudly. In your opinion, what percentage of a ride can be attributed to gear and how much is the rider? I've ridden for just about every manufacturer out there, no doubt. I've never really lied about a product for self-gain or to get money, this might be the reason I'm pretty much a privateer to this day. I know some would claim what I've done in the past controversial or whatever like riding a ski built from pierces of every company out there but in a sport that's so small it doesn't pay the bills for anyone out there to ride a brand exclusively we ride what's the best. With this in mind most people out there realize that if a majority of riders are riding specific equipment...especially the big air guys like Ferney, the Narans, Lewin, etc. there has to be a reason. I bring this up because with an almost pure passion based sport that is quite expensive, one must align themselves with the best equipment and guidance as they can...if one wants to progress to the levels of their dreams. This is important for manufacturers as well! Xtreme Foils has done an incredible job with the sport in regards to taking care off the riders best interest. I've ridden for this company since 2005 and couldn't have accomplished a fraction of what I have without their help. Today, some manufacture companies are paying more attention to this aspect like XAir Foils. Not since the early Mike Murphy days of Sky Ski has a company paid as much attention to their riders as their bank account. How much of a ride is the gear? Never before has 60 frames been attained until recently nor has going over 55 frames under 24 mph. This is gear oriented as well as the rider. It's hard to say what percentage is gear or rider but I'd say its close to 50/50. Thinking back on the Parker days where Murphy was busting out on the Airchair at 32 mph, he did more on that than a lot of riders are doing today on $5000+ skis.
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In your opinion, what piece of equipment (wings, tower, board, safety equipment has been the biggest improvement over prior versions since the original air chair? The biggest improvement between now and 15+ years ago I think are the wings and the modern day trick release. Obviously boards are replaceable so as long as there is a supply you're good. Flexible seats and CinchMAX seat belts/wraps come in close behind on this list for their back saving and securing features. The bar is up there as well! Without the advancement of metals and length who knows where we'd be. Thank goodness for the creators and innovators. I'm looking forward to the future. I'm really hoping someone comes up with a super affordable entry level ski that is safe and effective.
Your career is loaded with "firsts" , first 720, first ...do you consider yourself an innovator? I'm super pumped to this day to have been able to nab a couple firsts in the sport. It's a bit controversial about a couple of them but none the less I'm pretty happy. I can't thank all my friends, family, and fellow riders for the support I've gotten over the years in accomplishing what I have. I really do think that people pushing each other also pushes the limits of the sport. I would like to consider myself an innovator in the sport. To this day I try to think up new possibilities coupled with the new equipment we ride.
Can you elaborate on what you deemed controversial? Oh boy, I knew this would come up. Haha! Well, the biggest controversy had to do with the first ever double back flip ride away. We got the first one in film down in Phoenix back about ten years ago (AIRzona Sickness video). After that was published someone else came forward saying that they'd seen it done yet there wasn't a video camera running. It wasn't a big deal to me cause I thought it was a joke, however, I actually overheard the guy's wife telling a news reporter that he had in fact been the first one to do a double invert on a foil. Later that day I walked up to them both and asked if I could see some video so I could get tips on how to do one (they didn't know who I was at the time) and they both laughed at me and walked away. It's funny to think back right now on how arrogant some of the pros were back in the day.
Your career is loaded with "firsts" , first 720, first ...do you consider yourself an innovator? I'm super pumped to this day to have been able to nab a couple firsts in the sport. It's a bit controversial about a couple of them but none the less I'm pretty happy. I can't thank all my friends, family, and fellow riders for the support I've gotten over the years in accomplishing what I have. I really do think that people pushing each other also pushes the limits of the sport. I would like to consider myself an innovator in the sport. To this day I try to think up new possibilities coupled with the new equipment we ride.
Can you elaborate on what you deemed controversial? Oh boy, I knew this would come up. Haha! Well, the biggest controversy had to do with the first ever double back flip ride away. We got the first one in film down in Phoenix back about ten years ago (AIRzona Sickness video). After that was published someone else came forward saying that they'd seen it done yet there wasn't a video camera running. It wasn't a big deal to me cause I thought it was a joke, however, I actually overheard the guy's wife telling a news reporter that he had in fact been the first one to do a double invert on a foil. Later that day I walked up to them both and asked if I could see some video so I could get tips on how to do one (they didn't know who I was at the time) and they both laughed at me and walked away. It's funny to think back right now on how arrogant some of the pros were back in the day.
Favorite trick? Favorite trick is the glide. Even though I've got it dialed like a jump now its still the one that gets me going during a ride. The front flip is a close second. There's nothing like the feeling of pulling yourself against the boat then forward towards it end over end. I tell people it's like a roller coaster ride when you reach an apex before a decent. Epic feeling!
How many people have you introduced to the sport? This is a tough question because I may have shown someone the sport and influenced them into it without knowing. I've personally gotten maybe 50-75 riders up on a foil and almost as many how to invert. My greatest accomplishment was getting a high school friend to land flips after four days of instruction after never having been on it. Pretty cool!
How many people have you introduced to the sport? This is a tough question because I may have shown someone the sport and influenced them into it without knowing. I've personally gotten maybe 50-75 riders up on a foil and almost as many how to invert. My greatest accomplishment was getting a high school friend to land flips after four days of instruction after never having been on it. Pretty cool!
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You spent time in a show in china I believe, can you explain how that came to be? Were you alone or did you go there with other performers? Do you speak Chinese? I got a call from a former Sky Ski employee named Jesse one day and he asked me if I'd be interested in spending six months performing on the ski in southern China. I immediately jumped on the opportunity and was in Asia a week later. I was alone other than knowing him there but soon made a lot of friends on the set of the show. I spent a total of about 16 months there between Hong Kong and Beijing. Oh and I can tell a cab driver where to go, that's about the extent of my Chinese speaking.
You have lots of mentions of friends in motocross, did you compete previously? I used to race when I was growing up (pre-hydrofoil career). I liked it and it was a super big rush but couldn't get over the danger especially after seeing my cousin getting landed on only to break his leg and some ribs.
You are a pilot, commercial I believe. What is that huge rush like? I fly out of Columbus Ohio currently. I got on doing Delta Connection flying in January after instructing in Phoenix for about a year. It's a super huge rush. Obviously anyone who flys can imagine what it's like to be at the helm of a jet! I've actually been flying since I was 16 but stopped due to the furloughs due to 9/11 to pursue a career in construction. I started flying again a couple months after my China venture in 2011, now here I am flying the friendly skies as an amazing career! I am actually riding up front on a Southwest flight from Columbus to Phoenix to go ride with my pals during a break!
I knew someone that used to fly for delta, he ultimately stepped away due to the pressure. I'm guessing the pressure of all the lives in his hands. Do you think about that or not? Not sure what pressure he felt and I've never heard of anyone stopping flying due to 'pressure'. I think about people's lives in my hands for sure, however, I get more nervous driving people around in my truck than flying! Must be why I've got a big truck in the first place, but I still get a little nervous because of the potential for danger. There is also taxing lifestyle that comes with the gig, if you have a family and can't stand to be away for days at a time then it's not really the lifestyle. Me on the other hand am as single as can be and like traveling for free after work.
When and when did you learn to fly? Military? I learned in 2001 in southern Utah at the local college. I went back to school in 2011 to a school in Phoenix to get the rest of my licenses.
Lots of videos of you have your long hair flopping around while you flip. It was part of the style of "jake". You've gone short, is the wild side cut back too? Hah, viva la mullet! Trust me, if I could rock the long hair at work now flying I probably would grow it out! The wild side is there, only a different wild side I think. I have responsibilities now and have to watch what I do more. I like this cause it keeps me in line I think. Everyone has to grow up sometime, it just takes some longer than others...if ever. :-)
You have lots of mentions of friends in motocross, did you compete previously? I used to race when I was growing up (pre-hydrofoil career). I liked it and it was a super big rush but couldn't get over the danger especially after seeing my cousin getting landed on only to break his leg and some ribs.
You are a pilot, commercial I believe. What is that huge rush like? I fly out of Columbus Ohio currently. I got on doing Delta Connection flying in January after instructing in Phoenix for about a year. It's a super huge rush. Obviously anyone who flys can imagine what it's like to be at the helm of a jet! I've actually been flying since I was 16 but stopped due to the furloughs due to 9/11 to pursue a career in construction. I started flying again a couple months after my China venture in 2011, now here I am flying the friendly skies as an amazing career! I am actually riding up front on a Southwest flight from Columbus to Phoenix to go ride with my pals during a break!
I knew someone that used to fly for delta, he ultimately stepped away due to the pressure. I'm guessing the pressure of all the lives in his hands. Do you think about that or not? Not sure what pressure he felt and I've never heard of anyone stopping flying due to 'pressure'. I think about people's lives in my hands for sure, however, I get more nervous driving people around in my truck than flying! Must be why I've got a big truck in the first place, but I still get a little nervous because of the potential for danger. There is also taxing lifestyle that comes with the gig, if you have a family and can't stand to be away for days at a time then it's not really the lifestyle. Me on the other hand am as single as can be and like traveling for free after work.
When and when did you learn to fly? Military? I learned in 2001 in southern Utah at the local college. I went back to school in 2011 to a school in Phoenix to get the rest of my licenses.
Lots of videos of you have your long hair flopping around while you flip. It was part of the style of "jake". You've gone short, is the wild side cut back too? Hah, viva la mullet! Trust me, if I could rock the long hair at work now flying I probably would grow it out! The wild side is there, only a different wild side I think. I have responsibilities now and have to watch what I do more. I like this cause it keeps me in line I think. Everyone has to grow up sometime, it just takes some longer than others...if ever. :-)
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You are a Beachbody coach. At what point in your addiction to Tony Horton's workouts did you realize you wanted to be a coach. What do you get out of it? Id like to give my doctor, Amy, a big shout out for shining some light on the subject of fitness and nutrition. Without her guidance when I was first getting into it I wouldn't have kept with it and look/feel the way I do today. Thanks Aymee! I got into coaching and pushing fitness products when I first heard of the opportunity. I had already become addicted to working out and I think it was maybe six months after starting P90X that I started coaching and helping others with their health.
Have you met Tony? What is he like? I met him once in Vegas at an expo. I gave him a DarkSide shirt and a couple stickers. He's living Long Beach and says he's seen riders a couple times. He's an amazing trainer and motivator. I try to be like him when talking about fitness and eating right.
Tell me about shakeology and why I should take it up as a nutrition fix? Shakeology is a nutrition supplement that I've been on for maybe three years now. I've also gotten my family taking it as a superfood and veggie supplement. I saw all the videos describing its benefits and everything before I started taking it but took those at face value and as a selling point. I tried a month trial and was hooked. There's a lot of fiber in it so you'll get cleaned out for sure, but after your body gets used to its nutrition you'll cut back on potential binge eating and probably not eat sick as much. I can tell you what it did for me, but you'd have to try it to see your benefits. I'd highly recommend it. I take mine with iced coffee and it makes it taste like chocolate milk. Yum!
Travis Pastrana- your video with him out on the water, love the dialog about how tough it is to foil. Tell me about that day. We hooked up with TP after Vegas Supercross one year out on Lake Mead at Pirates Cove. Talk about a rock star, the guy rolls up in his bus and comes out in board shorts yelling "Sky Ski!" We took him out on the boat and got him strapped in for a ride. He told us he loves to ride but hasn't gotten much advice or help being he's the only rider around his lake in New England. He got up and rode really well. Now to know Travis you'd have to know that he's full throttle the entire time he's doing anything. He told us to help him learn to jump. We gave him advice on pulling knees up, etc...he went right into cutting hard and yanking back. After taking a couple falls he decides he wants to flip instead (see video). He went full throttle on about ten attempts and stuck a couple dismounts. He was happy he got those around but took a couple knee-banging crashes in the process. It was awesome to meet him and have that experience.
Have you met Tony? What is he like? I met him once in Vegas at an expo. I gave him a DarkSide shirt and a couple stickers. He's living Long Beach and says he's seen riders a couple times. He's an amazing trainer and motivator. I try to be like him when talking about fitness and eating right.
Tell me about shakeology and why I should take it up as a nutrition fix? Shakeology is a nutrition supplement that I've been on for maybe three years now. I've also gotten my family taking it as a superfood and veggie supplement. I saw all the videos describing its benefits and everything before I started taking it but took those at face value and as a selling point. I tried a month trial and was hooked. There's a lot of fiber in it so you'll get cleaned out for sure, but after your body gets used to its nutrition you'll cut back on potential binge eating and probably not eat sick as much. I can tell you what it did for me, but you'd have to try it to see your benefits. I'd highly recommend it. I take mine with iced coffee and it makes it taste like chocolate milk. Yum!
Travis Pastrana- your video with him out on the water, love the dialog about how tough it is to foil. Tell me about that day. We hooked up with TP after Vegas Supercross one year out on Lake Mead at Pirates Cove. Talk about a rock star, the guy rolls up in his bus and comes out in board shorts yelling "Sky Ski!" We took him out on the boat and got him strapped in for a ride. He told us he loves to ride but hasn't gotten much advice or help being he's the only rider around his lake in New England. He got up and rode really well. Now to know Travis you'd have to know that he's full throttle the entire time he's doing anything. He told us to help him learn to jump. We gave him advice on pulling knees up, etc...he went right into cutting hard and yanking back. After taking a couple falls he decides he wants to flip instead (see video). He went full throttle on about ten attempts and stuck a couple dismounts. He was happy he got those around but took a couple knee-banging crashes in the process. It was awesome to meet him and have that experience.
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Have you tried foil boarding? I haven't tried the stand up or kiting. I'd like to but every time there's a chance on the water I jam the sit-down!
Surfing? I've surfed a few times. I'd like to hit it more often for sure, I definitely see it in the future now with this new gig.
Other more traditional sports growing up? I golfed a little in high school and bmx'd, along with a little motor cross. After the foil fix started its all I did. My dad and I would go out twice a day at a local lake. He loves riding more than me!
You mentioned golfing in high school. Casually or on a team? Best round ever? Long drives or good short game (both/neither)?
I golfed on the high school team. Where I grew up there are eight golf courses in a 25 mile radius so everyone golfed. Best round was a 79 at a tournament course. I think my drives got up around 315 in my prime. I'd actually like to get back to it now that I'm in far superior shape than what I was back then. Me and Geno actually golfed a round during the 2010 Nationals in Denver and had a blast.
You mentioned your Dad loves foiling, even more than you. Did your mom ever foil or does she now? What can they do for tricks, any inverts? My mom doesn't ride nearly as much as me and my dad. My dad has some awesome inverts (rolls, gainers, huge airs) and we call his ride the 'Vern Show'. Like I said before he likes riding A LOT. I'd put him up there with Kevin 'throwin fatties' Thayer and my main man Ben 'darthfern' Ferney as the most addicted riders I know.
What is your biggest single thrill moment in foiling? Smashing the 720 in Italy. One of my best pals BSteele and I worked this trick over for a summer back in like 2006 when I first lived in Phoenix. This was when we had started messing around with composite foils. I had gotten the wake 360 down pretty good so we thought about what might happen with the 720. We tried and tried but either couldn't get the air or rotation. I had the air and he had the rotation, we were so close but let it slip away after months of working the trick. I had an amazing opportunity to go to Europe and train with the best riders over there. One morning a couple of us went out to throw some new tricks. I had an itch to go throw a 720 on a new and improved ski that I was riding there. After coming really close on my first try I decided to stick with it. I got whacked a couple times but no boaters. After 23 tries I finally hit it. This was our 'holy grail' and it'd finally been found. I sent BSteele the video immediately and he released it after spreading the rumor to see what people would say. Funny how people actually doubted that it'd been done, I still remember those people and laugh when I see them.
Surfing? I've surfed a few times. I'd like to hit it more often for sure, I definitely see it in the future now with this new gig.
Other more traditional sports growing up? I golfed a little in high school and bmx'd, along with a little motor cross. After the foil fix started its all I did. My dad and I would go out twice a day at a local lake. He loves riding more than me!
You mentioned golfing in high school. Casually or on a team? Best round ever? Long drives or good short game (both/neither)?
I golfed on the high school team. Where I grew up there are eight golf courses in a 25 mile radius so everyone golfed. Best round was a 79 at a tournament course. I think my drives got up around 315 in my prime. I'd actually like to get back to it now that I'm in far superior shape than what I was back then. Me and Geno actually golfed a round during the 2010 Nationals in Denver and had a blast.
You mentioned your Dad loves foiling, even more than you. Did your mom ever foil or does she now? What can they do for tricks, any inverts? My mom doesn't ride nearly as much as me and my dad. My dad has some awesome inverts (rolls, gainers, huge airs) and we call his ride the 'Vern Show'. Like I said before he likes riding A LOT. I'd put him up there with Kevin 'throwin fatties' Thayer and my main man Ben 'darthfern' Ferney as the most addicted riders I know.
What is your biggest single thrill moment in foiling? Smashing the 720 in Italy. One of my best pals BSteele and I worked this trick over for a summer back in like 2006 when I first lived in Phoenix. This was when we had started messing around with composite foils. I had gotten the wake 360 down pretty good so we thought about what might happen with the 720. We tried and tried but either couldn't get the air or rotation. I had the air and he had the rotation, we were so close but let it slip away after months of working the trick. I had an amazing opportunity to go to Europe and train with the best riders over there. One morning a couple of us went out to throw some new tricks. I had an itch to go throw a 720 on a new and improved ski that I was riding there. After coming really close on my first try I decided to stick with it. I got whacked a couple times but no boaters. After 23 tries I finally hit it. This was our 'holy grail' and it'd finally been found. I sent BSteele the video immediately and he released it after spreading the rumor to see what people would say. Funny how people actually doubted that it'd been done, I still remember those people and laugh when I see them.
Favorite places to foil? Why? Lake Powell or Lago Dé Òrta in Italy. You've got scenery and water at these places that's unmatched anywhere in the world. Also, I've got so many spectacular memories that add to the epicness of these places.
Worst (if possible) places to foil? Why? Flowing rivers with turbulence or shallow bodies of water! You either end up getting mad cause you can't ride or you hit bottom and end your day.
Ever been approached by water patrol boat that has seen you in action? If so, what did they say? I've been approached a couple times to say good work and stuff. I've been super tempted to then go back by them and throw something big but I don't wanna break the law. Hah, yeah right.
I get asked to play golf with co-workers and friends, I usually decline because it is 5-6 hours on a weekend that I could be at the lake. How do you gently let people down when you crave the lake? This happens all the time. I usually just show them pictures of what we do and/or the girls that are coming out on the boat...usually that settles the dispute quickly. :-)
Worst (if possible) places to foil? Why? Flowing rivers with turbulence or shallow bodies of water! You either end up getting mad cause you can't ride or you hit bottom and end your day.
Ever been approached by water patrol boat that has seen you in action? If so, what did they say? I've been approached a couple times to say good work and stuff. I've been super tempted to then go back by them and throw something big but I don't wanna break the law. Hah, yeah right.
I get asked to play golf with co-workers and friends, I usually decline because it is 5-6 hours on a weekend that I could be at the lake. How do you gently let people down when you crave the lake? This happens all the time. I usually just show them pictures of what we do and/or the girls that are coming out on the boat...usually that settles the dispute quickly. :-)
Rapid Fire Time:
Do you currently have a boat, if so, what type? 2000 XStar
How many days a year do you get out on the water and ski yourself? Last year I only got out maybe 15 days due to school and training. This year I hope for 100 days.
What, in your opinion, is the perfect storm for the sport? Where is it in 5 years, what, if anything, is different? Of course X Games, however they pulled wakeboarding so I doubt we'd make it in. I'd like to see another pro circuit that goes all over the world.
You've foiled nearly half your life (by my calculations), do you see yourself foiling 20 years from now? I truly hope so! Murphy didn't even start riding until he was in his 40s, I'd love to ride until I'm well past my prime.
Favorite foiler to watch? This is a tough one. I love watching Ben Ferney because we both tried to mimic our riding after each other and coined the style "DarkSide" together through years and years of hard work. I also really enjoy watching and jamming with Tyler and Torey Narans, Al "Nacho" Lewin, KT, my dad, and the iron man of the sport Geno Yauchler. These boys are killin it.
Do you have a bag of stuff you take on the boat? What's in the bag? Bag includes: three protein bars, skull candy head phones, speedo, SPF 30 lotion, two red bulls, black edition GoPro with three spare batteries and two spare microSD cards (that camera chews up the memory), two sets of Dragon sunglasses, DarkSide stickers for the fans, tools, spare set of Xtreme wings, bolts, ProTec helmet, EVS shoulder brace, rope/handle, vest, and some hydro codeine.
$10m in cash or a super power, which super power? Super power. I'd fly, without my jet of course.
If you were instantly made commissioner of the newly founded World Organization of Hydrofoiling, what would be your first move? Not allow Brad Scott to be involved in any part of it. Hahah, just kidding Brad. First move would be to hire and pay (as much as he wanted) Bryan Steele as my right hand man to help revive the sport and set it back to its progressive ways in regards to marketing and competitions. Then I'd hire the best riders in the world to make a new set of instructional videos and an entry level composite ski.
Rank in order of favorite to least favorite (pizza, politics, XBox, The Beatles, lobster roll, beer, Bill Clinton, sushi, Run DMC, Las Vegas) Vegas and beer tie for favorite, sushi, lobster roll, pizza, The Beatles, then Clinton / Run DMC / XBox all tie for least favorite.
Is there an afterlife? I was baptized Mormon so I hear I get like my own planet and something like 30 wives. Is that heaven or hell, you tell me!
Favorite all-time song that makes you happy. Damn, this is like asking what my favorite trick on the foil is... I'll shoot from the hip and name five that come to mind for the fans. Limelight - Rush TSRTS - Led Zeppelin Bad - U2 1901 - Phoenix Dressed to Kill - New Found Glory
Favorite all-time song that makes you sad or thoughtful. Uhh. I'd say Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. I actually went to my first concert of my life a week after he lost his son whom he wrote that sing for. I remember it to this day hearing about it.
A weird talent you have? Hah! I can either make chicks love or hate me within 10 seconds of meeting me. True story, ask Nathan about this one. In all seriousness I can write pretty good with both hands.
Best concert you've ever attended, why? Every time I've seen Rush has been epic. Vegas in 2010 was awesome, 3.5 hour dual set. Queensryche in Vegas was good cause they played out an album called Empire which told a story. U2 in Barcelona was amazing. Also seeing Fat Boy Slim DJ on the Great Wall of China was incredible. I've been to some awesome shows. Oh yeah, seeing Hagar play with Joe Satriani for the first time was awesome playing old Van Halen stuff just killing it.
Time travel exists, where/when do you travel, why? Depends for how long. I'd like to travel ahead to like 2100 to see what's up cause I'll be dead by then. I'd also like to go to the moon so maybe it'd be possible by then.
Worst movie you've ever seen? The Cube was a bad one. I watched it years ago.
Best movie you've ever seen? Anchorman, Top Gun, Wedding Crashers, Hall Pass.
Best sitcom of all time? That 70s Show or Seinfeld
Ever get someone's autograph? Who? I got Joe Montana's at a horse show once.
Lennon or McCartney? Both.
Where do you do your deep, introspective thinking? Yoga class
Olympics or Xgames? XGames now has rally cars which is crappy but Olympics has curling so they both fail. X Games though
O.J. Simpson - murderer or accused and aquitted searcher for the murderer? If the glove don't fit, you must acquit!
Did man ever walk on the moon? I hope so.
Top 3 websites you visit every day? Foilforum, Facebook, theCHIVE
Lee Harvey Oswald - acted alone or a patsie? Patsie
Best nickname you've ever been given? 'Darth'
Collect baseball cards as a kid? Football cards. I've got stacks.
Lets say you're on death row, what's your pick for last meal? Crab legs
Hammock or adirondack chair? Hammock
Last time you were on a tube? Two weeks ago with Nathan's daughter
What worries you more, climate change or the price of gas? Gas. I'm poor.
Justin Bieber’s coming to Columbus for a concert? How many tickets you want? All of them so I can burn them.
Most embarrassing moment of your life? Getting into a fight in high school and getting a bloody nose in the hallway in front of a girl I was dating. I dropped the kid but my nose was like a fountain.
What happens next, Tiger Woods remarries or wins his next major championship? Depends on the pre-nump. Probably a championship.
Do you play any musical instruments? Guitar very poorly.
You're out foiling, a boat approaches, you can't believe your eyes, this is amazing, ____________ wants to watch you foil! (fill in the blank with the person(s) that would be your ultimate, amazing show-off experience) This amazing Victoria Secret model named Adriana Lima. I would pre in my pants then go throw down. I'm actually pretty good under celeb pressure
How many days a year do you get out on the water and ski yourself? Last year I only got out maybe 15 days due to school and training. This year I hope for 100 days.
What, in your opinion, is the perfect storm for the sport? Where is it in 5 years, what, if anything, is different? Of course X Games, however they pulled wakeboarding so I doubt we'd make it in. I'd like to see another pro circuit that goes all over the world.
You've foiled nearly half your life (by my calculations), do you see yourself foiling 20 years from now? I truly hope so! Murphy didn't even start riding until he was in his 40s, I'd love to ride until I'm well past my prime.
Favorite foiler to watch? This is a tough one. I love watching Ben Ferney because we both tried to mimic our riding after each other and coined the style "DarkSide" together through years and years of hard work. I also really enjoy watching and jamming with Tyler and Torey Narans, Al "Nacho" Lewin, KT, my dad, and the iron man of the sport Geno Yauchler. These boys are killin it.
Do you have a bag of stuff you take on the boat? What's in the bag? Bag includes: three protein bars, skull candy head phones, speedo, SPF 30 lotion, two red bulls, black edition GoPro with three spare batteries and two spare microSD cards (that camera chews up the memory), two sets of Dragon sunglasses, DarkSide stickers for the fans, tools, spare set of Xtreme wings, bolts, ProTec helmet, EVS shoulder brace, rope/handle, vest, and some hydro codeine.
$10m in cash or a super power, which super power? Super power. I'd fly, without my jet of course.
If you were instantly made commissioner of the newly founded World Organization of Hydrofoiling, what would be your first move? Not allow Brad Scott to be involved in any part of it. Hahah, just kidding Brad. First move would be to hire and pay (as much as he wanted) Bryan Steele as my right hand man to help revive the sport and set it back to its progressive ways in regards to marketing and competitions. Then I'd hire the best riders in the world to make a new set of instructional videos and an entry level composite ski.
Rank in order of favorite to least favorite (pizza, politics, XBox, The Beatles, lobster roll, beer, Bill Clinton, sushi, Run DMC, Las Vegas) Vegas and beer tie for favorite, sushi, lobster roll, pizza, The Beatles, then Clinton / Run DMC / XBox all tie for least favorite.
Is there an afterlife? I was baptized Mormon so I hear I get like my own planet and something like 30 wives. Is that heaven or hell, you tell me!
Favorite all-time song that makes you happy. Damn, this is like asking what my favorite trick on the foil is... I'll shoot from the hip and name five that come to mind for the fans. Limelight - Rush TSRTS - Led Zeppelin Bad - U2 1901 - Phoenix Dressed to Kill - New Found Glory
Favorite all-time song that makes you sad or thoughtful. Uhh. I'd say Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. I actually went to my first concert of my life a week after he lost his son whom he wrote that sing for. I remember it to this day hearing about it.
A weird talent you have? Hah! I can either make chicks love or hate me within 10 seconds of meeting me. True story, ask Nathan about this one. In all seriousness I can write pretty good with both hands.
Best concert you've ever attended, why? Every time I've seen Rush has been epic. Vegas in 2010 was awesome, 3.5 hour dual set. Queensryche in Vegas was good cause they played out an album called Empire which told a story. U2 in Barcelona was amazing. Also seeing Fat Boy Slim DJ on the Great Wall of China was incredible. I've been to some awesome shows. Oh yeah, seeing Hagar play with Joe Satriani for the first time was awesome playing old Van Halen stuff just killing it.
Time travel exists, where/when do you travel, why? Depends for how long. I'd like to travel ahead to like 2100 to see what's up cause I'll be dead by then. I'd also like to go to the moon so maybe it'd be possible by then.
Worst movie you've ever seen? The Cube was a bad one. I watched it years ago.
Best movie you've ever seen? Anchorman, Top Gun, Wedding Crashers, Hall Pass.
Best sitcom of all time? That 70s Show or Seinfeld
Ever get someone's autograph? Who? I got Joe Montana's at a horse show once.
Lennon or McCartney? Both.
Where do you do your deep, introspective thinking? Yoga class
Olympics or Xgames? XGames now has rally cars which is crappy but Olympics has curling so they both fail. X Games though
O.J. Simpson - murderer or accused and aquitted searcher for the murderer? If the glove don't fit, you must acquit!
Did man ever walk on the moon? I hope so.
Top 3 websites you visit every day? Foilforum, Facebook, theCHIVE
Lee Harvey Oswald - acted alone or a patsie? Patsie
Best nickname you've ever been given? 'Darth'
Collect baseball cards as a kid? Football cards. I've got stacks.
Lets say you're on death row, what's your pick for last meal? Crab legs
Hammock or adirondack chair? Hammock
Last time you were on a tube? Two weeks ago with Nathan's daughter
What worries you more, climate change or the price of gas? Gas. I'm poor.
Justin Bieber’s coming to Columbus for a concert? How many tickets you want? All of them so I can burn them.
Most embarrassing moment of your life? Getting into a fight in high school and getting a bloody nose in the hallway in front of a girl I was dating. I dropped the kid but my nose was like a fountain.
What happens next, Tiger Woods remarries or wins his next major championship? Depends on the pre-nump. Probably a championship.
Do you play any musical instruments? Guitar very poorly.
You're out foiling, a boat approaches, you can't believe your eyes, this is amazing, ____________ wants to watch you foil! (fill in the blank with the person(s) that would be your ultimate, amazing show-off experience) This amazing Victoria Secret model named Adriana Lima. I would pre in my pants then go throw down. I'm actually pretty good under celeb pressure
I'd like to give a couple shout outs. Id like to thank my mom and dad for the countless hours pulling me around the lake. Id like to thank Ferney, Sheena, Bsteele, Aymee, and my sister for filming me and study sessions of our riding. Thanks to the big air guys for pushing the sport and elevation. Thanks to Murphy and Woolley for the sport's creation. Thanks to Airchair for the use of a board and tower. Thanks to XAir for always having a ski for me to ride when I couldn't afford one. Thanks to Schuy at Xtreme Foils for the dedication to me and the sport. Also, thanks to all of you out there that have been apart of my life and career in this sport...y'all know who you are.
Photos below from Great Lakes Photography except the first one, from Jake Bradley's website