July 2003

     When we first began WAKEtv The Wakeboard Video Magazine, our primary goal was to locate the most deserving young unsponsored wakeboarders, promote them on our videos and help them to attract the corporate sponsorships that they would need to begin their careers.  The story of Andrew Adkison is one of our most inspiring sponsorship success stories.  Athletes in search of corporate sponsors may find encouragement from Andrew's story of determination and persistence.

     Back in 2001 when WAKEtv first met Andrew Adkison, he had already become somewhat of a local hero.  At the time, Andrew didn't own a boat and he would drive for hours just to get a pull.  He described it to us in his first WAKEtv interview. "I was working at this one boardshop, I'm not sure if the owner knew this or not, but I was only there looking to meet the Hyperlite rep.   I just about wrapped myself around his leg saying 'Let's go ride, let's go ride!'" Andrew spent more time looking for a ride than actually wakeboarding and although he admits it was difficult sometimes, he always believed that his determination and commitment would pay off.

     The day we videotaped Andrew Adkison for WAKEtv #11, he learned four more new tricks right in front of our cameras.  He had never tried 313's before, (a 313 is a raley with a 360 at the end) but he was so excited to get some exposure that he was attempting any tricks or grabs that the crowd in the towboat or chase boat would suggest.  "Grab that scarecrow with a method grab!"  Done. "Try the 313 again!"  He landed it on the third attempt.  Toeside 7's, heel 7's, handle-pass KGB's, Andrew was riding on pure adrenaline during that video shoot and every time we watch his segment, it just reminds us how hard he was trying that day.  He rode like he had nothing to lose and everything to gain.  That's the way he looked at everything in life.  He was exactly what WAKEtv set out to find, deserving, talented, hard-working, but most important to us was Andrew's sheer determination.  It was clear why he was such a local hero.

     When WAKEtv Issue #11 released, it was a huge boost for Andrew's career.  Everyone was talking about the new kid.   Who was he?   Where did he come from?   What could he do on his wakeboard?  Andrew understood what he needed to do, he needed to begin impressing more than just those local kids on the docks.  He needed to broaden his horizons, meet new people in the industry and work as hard as he could to get his name out there.  He began the long journey of networking through the industry and he really focused on crafting his own unique riding style.  The time was right for Andrew to stand and deliver and he did exactly that the very next season.

     2002 was a year that Andrew Adkison will never forget.  His performance during his first year on the Pro Tour earned him the title of 2002 Rookie Of The Year.   One of the rules our dad taught us was to never demand respect, but to only command respect.  Andrew's riding on tour that year commanded respect.  Any rider confident enough to begin his pass with one of his many 720's is a rider who gets noticed.  Andrew's textbook whirlybirds, giant off axis toeside 540's and the now jumbo sized 313's that he was consistently landing would guarantee to light the crowds up!

     Andrew commanded quite a bit of attention on Tour in 2002, from some of the greatest riders in the world and from all of the wakeboard industry icons.  By the time Surf Expo came around, Andrew's determination and his persistent self-promotion had earned him major sponsorships from many of the biggest corporations.  GM/Vortec hooked him up with a brand new white Chevy Avalanche Z66 to pull the new red X2 wakeboard boat that Master Craft set him up with.  Andrew rides for Oakley, CWB and Loud Liquid and his list of sponsors is growing everyday.

     His story is one of unending inspiration.  Recently we revisited Andrew Adkison for a Follow Up Feature for WAKEtv Issue #14.  It's 2003 and with sponsors backing his every move, Andrew has now twice visited Australia and New Zealand for competitions and clinics.  He won the NZ Planet X, the NZ Open and NZ X-Air, he took second at Australian Planet X Summer Games and he won third at Moomba Masters.  Andrew Adkison is riding his wakeboard around the world, competing and teaching and landing his 313's for crowds everywhere.  "Traveling to other countries is unreal," Andrew told us.  "It's the opportunity of a lifetime and I don't take it for granted."  He continues, "You know the feeling when you hit a trick for the first time?  It's kind of like that when you get to ride somewhere as exotic as Wellington, NZ."

     By the first 2003 Pro Tour stop, they were already raffling off an Andrew Adkison autographed wakeboard with the Chevy Truck graphic across it!  These days, life is much different for Andrew Adkison.  Most recently, he moved into Shaun Murray's house, commonly referred to as "The Murriott".  Andrew hopes to gain inspiration from industry icons Shaun Murray and Jerry Nunn as well as the many talented international riders who are frequently seen around "The Murriott".  "Around here, you never stop laughing, you never stop having fun, you never stop riding."

     During Andrew's Follow Up shoot for WAKEtv Issue #14, Shaun and Jerry were out Ironing-Boarding.  "Basically that's 2 boards strapped together with an X-frame.  You leave here for ten minutes and you're missing something!"  Shaun and Jerry are helping Andrew quite a bit.  "Both those guys are excellent riders and coaches and they can really push you.  When those guys tell you to try a trick, how can you say no?"

     Although he still has to endure Jerry Nunn's constant taunting and being called "Rookie" while he loses in foosball, Andrew keeps his head up high.  He's got the new truck parked out front and the shiny red boat docked out back and he rides every single day as much as he wants.  Gone are the days of searching everywhere for a pull, driving for hours, paying for gas with change from the ashtray and hoping and praying to get a quick pull before the sun goes down.  Today his Master Craft throws him the perfect wake whenever he wants it.  His CWB boards fit perfectly in the back seat of the Chevy Avalanche Z66 and you still see Andrew attending all of the Amateur events as well, encouraging other riders and helping to support the grassroots side of the sport.  Andrew's only real concern was with Shaun Murray's alarm clock.  One morning, Shaun woke Andrew up by ripping through his bedroom door with an electric saw.  If he can just get used to living with Shaun Murray, Andrew will probably be just fine.

     He's come a very long way in two very short seasons, but Andrew Adkison has never changed.  He's still the same local hero that he's always been, but these days he's busy doing it all over the world.  He's having the time of his life, making friends around the world and inspiring others to ride their best.

     When we first met Andrew Adkison, he dreamed of becoming a professional wakeboarder.  Everyday he took one more small but solid step towards his goal to "live the dream".  Today he is living his dream.  All of us at WAKEtv wish him the very best.  He is our local hero too.  Rock on Andrew, you are our inspiration for everything we do.

Peace to all who ride.
Jocko
Executive Producer
WAKEtv The Wakeboard Video Magazine
    and The Mark Kenney Tribute DVD

BACK

		Contact@Aquaskier.com
Terms of Use		Advertise on Aquaskier		Privacy Policy