AZBW/AWA Rider Of The Month

Chad Cooper, 9, Gets An Early Start In Wakeboarding

By Chris Cameron

1. What is your name, age and where do you live?
   My name is Chad Cooper, and I am 9 years old.  I live in Fountain Hills, Ariz.
2. How long have you been wakeboarding?
   I have been wakeboarding for one year.
3. How did you get into wakeboarding?
   My mom and dad both ride, so they got me started.
4. What was the first trick that you learned?  Describe how to do it.
   The first trick that I learned was a heelside 1 wake jump.  You cut in on your heelside and jump the wake.
5. What is your favorite trick to see being done and why?
   My favorite trick to see being done is a Raley, because it looks really stylish.
6. What is your favorite aspect of wakeboarding?
   My favorite thing about wakeboarding is being in the air while doing a jump.
7. What do you like most about The AWA?
   I like competing in the competitions, going to the different lakes, and riding behind the different boats.
8. Describe your perfect day.
   My perfect day would be having glassy water and being able to land all the jumps I am working on.
9. What do you like to do when you are not wakeboarding?
   When I’m not wakeboarding I like to watch wakeboarding on TV and go swimming.
10. What do you want to be when you grow up?
    A pro wakeboarder.
11. Is there anybody that you would like to thank?
    I would like to thank my parents for teaching me how to wakeboard and helping me with new tricks.