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Liquid Force Rider Reactions | Tom Fooshee

(WakeMAKERS) What’s the funniest mispronunciation of your last name?

(Tom Fooshee) This one happens a lot and usually from a telemarketer. They will call and ask for Tom “Sushea”. Almost like a different way to say sushi. It never gets old.

(WM) Best contest you’ve ever been a part of and why?

(TF) I would have to say one of two events. First being Cablestock because of how much involvement I have with that event. Seeing it go from discussions at a conference table to what it is, is really rad. The other would be Wake Open. Pat Panakos and crew put in a ridiculous amount of work for us riders to have a great time. Plus all the media exposure that goes into it also helps. They are both incredible events!

(WM) You switched over from the LF Tex in 2013 to the LF Super Trip in 2014. What are the biggest differences between those boards? Do you use it strictly for cable or are we going to see you riding behind your Axis on the Super Trip?

(TF) I have been riding the Liquid Force Fusion behind the boat, but I do often mix it up and ride the Liquid Force Super Trip behind the boat too. It is the best flex board out for both boat and cable. The trip was such a long time hit and the modern day version of it will have the same effect regardless of where you take it.

(WM) What Liquid Force Bindings are you rocking this season? What’s your favorite part about them?

(TF) The Vantage Closed Toe. This binding has the perfect level of flex and maneuverability to it without sacrificing support and function. Of course my favorite part is the Velcro. We have our bindings so dialed in right now. The Velcro never wears down, its quick and easy and I still have yet to break a pair of bindings.

(WM) How would you describe the 2014 Liquid Force Super Trip in one sentence?

(TF) The most ridiculously awesome flex board that is easy to ride for all skill levels and can perform amazing presses on the cable while providing great pop behind the boat with soft landings everywhere you boast in the air.

(WM) What’s the current ballast setup like on your Axis A22? What bags and where do you have them placed?

(TF) I have the plug and play system courtesy of Straight Line products. So on top of the factory ballast I have two 750’s in each rear compartment, an additional 950 arrow shaped bag that goes through the bow and into the nose which all of that is plumed in. That is an option you can get on any Axis boat. On top of all of that I have a 650 on top of the seats in the nose and a 750 on the floor. So totaling around 5000lbs of ballast and it plains off no problem. Shocking part is that is with the stock base motor. Loving it!

Shop Axis Wake Factory Ballast Upgrades>>

(WM) Do you ever use the Surf Gate? If so, what’s your favorite Liquid Force Wakesurfer?

(TF) I do have surfgate on my 2013 Liquid Force Edition Axis A22 and it has totally revolutionized what this boat can do. Most wakeboard specific boats don’t have the best surf wake, but the Axis A series boats with surfgate make an monstrous surf wave that is very long. It definitely gets used on the weekends when I am at home and the lake is busy. Surfgate is one of the best inventions to ever happen to boats!

(WM) How do you see wakeboarding progressing over the next few years?

(TF) We are really on the right track with it right now. Most cable parks being built right now (usually by Sesitec) in the USA are made with the rider in mind. Cable is one portion of the progression of wakeboarding with that you can do with a Sesitec full size system and of course with a system 2.0 too. Unit parktech features are really helping progress with in lake pools, handrails and boosty kickers that are very cable park friendly. That is one direction that the sport will continue to progress in, but the other is what wakes have now become behind the boat. Axis for one has an A24 that is the largest wake I have yet to hit. Bigger boats and larger wakes are really chiming in on what can be done on a wakeboard. Thanks to Axis, riders can actually afford a boat that can produce a wake of this size without hurting your wallet.

(WM) Who has the best style in Cable wakeboarding right now?

(TF) Easy does it, Daniel Grant! The kid is unreal! If you follow wake and you haven’t heard of him, then you are living under a rock, so get out and get to a park now!

Read our Daniel Grant interview>>

(WM) What young gun should we be looking out for on the tour this season?

(TF) Even though Daniel is still the youngest gun on the park scene, I am going to throw a different name out there as he is more of a rookie then Daniel. Aaron Gunn came onto the scene this year crushing it! The kid is young and fearless. You will definitely be seeing this name many more times across podiums and photos in the mag.

(WM) You’ve won a lot of contests, championships and a ROTY so far in your career. Which one stands out as the best?

(TF) Definitely it being getting AllianceWake Rider of the Year in 2010. This in particular to me is the most coveted award you can be given in wakeboarding. This is something that you don’t get recognized for because you killed it in a contest or are a really good rider in one aspect of riding, this is an award that recognizes you as making the most impact in the sport that year along with progressing the sport and while helping improve the industry in general.

(WM) Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

(TF) Hopefully still working in the industry. If I am not riding, then I better be repping Liquid Force, improving Texas Ski Ranch as an employee and anything I can to help produce more cable parks and boat sales in the US.

(WM) What’s your power animal?

(TF) I’m going to go with a giraffe, I would love to know how it feels to be tall.

(WM) What’s your favorite Monster Energy Drink flavor?

(TF) Rehab pink lemonade! If you like pink lemonade then this is even better. The best before a shred!

(WM) Any shoutouts?

(TF) Of course! Aaron Grace, Tony Finn, Don Wallace, Matt Gleason, Jimmy Redmon and the entire crew at Liquid Force. Everyone at Monster Energy and SPY for all you do for wake and myself, Blake Hess and Paul Bialick at Texas Ski Ranch, Nico and Christen von Lerchenfeld at Sesitec, Lani Farmer, Jack Springer and Bryant Thomas at Malibu/Axis, and Johannes and Stefan at Unit Parktech. Thank you all guys for allowing me to live the dream!

(WM) Where can we find you online?

Instagram is the best in my opinion, find me there at @TomFooshee

Facebook

Twitter: @TomFooshee

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