WW: Okay, let's let everyone knows the basics...name, age and location.
AG: Adrian Gentry, 17, Sammamish, Washington.

WW: A senior in high school I presume?
AG: Yes!

WW: So how long have you been riding?
AG: Two years

WW: How'd you get started?
AG: My brother Adam got me into it. He saw it and thought it looked fun, so he told me we're doing it. We had an old Bayliner and we rented a board from the local board shop, Extremely Board, and we gave it a shot! We were hooked!

WW: So you ride with your family?
AG: Yeah, my dad competed with my brother and me in the INT tournaments. My mom wants to do it this year.

WW: That's great! I wish I could get my parents into it...but then again, my mom can't swim, so she'd probably freak out.
AG: Yeah, maybe she should just watch! (laughs)

WW: I get tons of support from my family, always callin' me to see how my riding is....I'm assuming you get the same kind of support from your family.
AG: Yes, they are great! They support me 100% in everything

WW: What's the riding scene like in the Pacific Northwest?
AG: Awesome! The lakes are a little colder, but the scenery is so beautiful. There are so many little lakes around these parts that have perfect smooth water. I ride mostly on Lake Sammamish and it is a big lake. There are tons of cool people that we ride with.

WW: I lived there for a couple of years, so I'm familiar with the short season. Do you ride in the off-season as well?
AG: Yeah, the actual season is pretty short but I ride all the way through the end of October. During the winter, I ride up on the mountains and practice things like riding switch, 180's and hitting jumps. It's a good cross trainer. I am actually going to be going wakeboarding this weekend. I'm sure it will be cold! I can't wait.

WW: First time in a while?
AG: Yeah.

WW: Not to rub it in or anything, but we ride year-round! (laughs)
AG: I know. I wish I could, but there is no way I'm wakeboarding in the snow.

WW: So you competed last year...What was that like? How'd you do and what did you like best about the tournaments?
AG: I loved how it was a weekend event. We got to camp over night and hang out with all the other riders. What I loved best about them are all the nice, outgoing people I met. There was always pretty good music too! I had so much fun! My family and I traveled to all ten of the INT stops around Washington State. I met a lot of really cool people that I became good friends with. I really was in it to see how much I improved between each event. It was fun to compete, but I was really competing against myself. I did really well. I ended up taking 1st place in the state in Women's Novice.

WW: So you got to go to the Nationals?
AG: I am fortunate to have awesome parents and we flew down to Texas for the Nationals.

WW: Tell me what your experience at the Nationals was like? How did it turn out?
AG: I had the best time of my life! It was so much fun. The weather was beautiful and the lake was glass! I met so many cool people from all over the United States. Everyone was so friendly. I also got my first real sponsor from Marty with Y2Kp. It was so exciting. He and Ed are great. I came home with a sponsor and first place in Women's Novice. It was the best and most fun experience I have ever had.

WW: So who are your sponsors?
AG: Y2Kp Wakeboard Gear and Extremely Board Pro Shop currently sponsor me.

WW: Are you planning on attending any events this year, locally and/or nationally?
AG: I will be doing all of the INT stops here in Washington, one in Canada and, hopefully, one in Northern California. Also, I am planning to go to Nationals again. I will probably do a couple of the Northwest Session tournaments.

WW: What tricks are you working on now or want to work on?
AG: At the end of last season I was working on 360's but I didn't quite get them. I really want to work on spins first because they are the most challenging. I would definitely want to get some inverts. They look really fun. I have been trying to work on improving my grabs. I want to develop my own really cool style.

WW: So what would you say to someone starting out in the sport?
AG: Do it because it's fun and you love it!

WW: What's your favorite thing about wakeboarding?
AG: That I get to be out in the sun on a boat with my friends just chillin' and there is always something new I can try.

WW: Yeah, something about just being out on the water, huh?
AG: Yeah, totally!

WW: Who has been influential to you in your riding? Is there anyone that you look up to?
AG: Yes! My brother has influenced me. I definitely look up to him more than anyone. He is so good and he isn't afraid to try anything. He always will encourage me when he knows I am having trouble with a trick. I love to ride with him because he always makes me try even harder. Plus, we have a lot of fun out on the boat!

WW: Before we go, anyone you'd like to say thanks to?
AG: I would like to say thanks to my parents for always supporting me, my brother for being my best friend and Marty McFly for bringing me into the wakeboard world. Thank you Joe for this interview. This was really cool!

WW: It was my pleasure!
AG: And to everyone out there, have fun!

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