“My goal this year was to make the top three a few times,” said Herman. Interesting that the only other top three finish was the unforgettable, historic top spot at the Red Bull Double or Nothing forever marking him as “the Triple Flip Kid”. He is now 2 for 2, but that hasn’t come without the grind.

Herman’s first pro season in 2021 earned him the Rookie of the Year status and yielded results that were respectable, but maybe not exceeding expectations. The following year he ended up 8th overall, then last year with a very solid 6th place overall finish with hard work being the ingredient Herman credits for the improvement. “I’ve just been working so hard and doing every boat event that there is,” Herman reflected. “It is really cool to hear that others are recognizing my hard work. Even riders who I don’t ride with much have said some really supportive things.”

What would surely be a lifetime memory for Herman was magnified by many factors in that the venue was two hours from where he grew up in Fort Wayne, IN. Thomas’s supportive father, TK Herman,  posted a memory of standing on the same starting dock with his son in 2011 when Thomas was only 8 years of age. “This might be the only time I could have my whole family and all my close friends from home in the same spot at the same time, so to have all this happen was something super special,” said Herman.

Read Next: More PWT Stop 1 Results

One of the winningest PWT riders in history just happens to be a very close friend and roommate to Herman. “Cory (Teunissen) has all of his trophies and PWT guitars on his walls and he made some space for me. I had to borrow one of his guitars to even out the space but told him recently that I wanted to give it back to him.” He can now proudly fill out his trophy wall with a well deserved win.

Jr. Pro rider Shion Takaiwa has been turning heads for over a year and the Japan native took the win with technical, unique tricks. On the wakesurf side, Jett Lambert continues his dominance with his ability to make the hardest maneuvers and combos look effortless. His board and body control are second to none and early signs are pointing to another overall PWT title.

The next Pro Wakeboard Tour stop heads to Park City, UT on the crisp waters of the Jordanelle Reservoir.

The post Thomas Herman’s Star Continues to Rise With First Pro Wakeboard Tour Win appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The Pro Wakeboard Tour first stop of 2024 at Indiana saw Supra Boats athlete Thomas Herman (@thomasherman ) take top podium. This marks Herman’s first PWT podium appearance.

The event was held at Lakefront at Keystone (@indyboatco) in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 22 and 23, 2024.

Sharing the podium with Herman were Shota Tezuka (@shotatezuka) in 2^nd and Luca Kidd (@luca_kidd) in 3^rd.

In Jr. Pro Wakeboard, Shion Takaiwa (@shion.takaiwa) reigned supreme once again, blending crazy tech tricks with a fluid style.

Finally, Jett Lambert (@jettshreds) took home the Pro Wakesurf division win. Jett starts off his defense of his overall title with a bang!

Stop two of the Pro Wakeboard Tour takes place July 11 and 12 at Jordanelle State Park, in Park City, Utah. 

The post 2024 Pro Wakeboard Tour Stop 1: Indianapolis, Indiana appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Video: Jake Snider Films

The official Wake Awards Trick of the Year is a distinction that can be earned in a singular moment. Of course, the work put in to create that moment can take endless hours of attempts and a lifetime of dedication to build to that event. For the 2023 season, were there to be a Wake Awards, there was little to no question that Thomas Herman’s triple backroll would be the unanimous Trick of the Year award winner. Wakeboarding, though not running Wake Awards for 2023, banded together with the local Orlando crew of Thomas Herman’s friends, riders, and industry folks to honor Thomas in his unforgettable accomplishment. Check out how the celebration went down.

The post Thomas Herman Awarded Wakeboarding’s 2023 Trick of the Year appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

THREE is a mini documentary capturing the three-year story of wakeboarder Thomas Herman as he conquers the uncharted territory of the triple flip behind a boat.

THREE takes viewers on a captivating ride through the highs and lows of Thomas Herman’s relentless pursuit of the triple flip. The film showcases not only the breathtaking athleticism of this wakeboarding pioneer but also the unwavering determination that fueled his quest for perfection.

Hear from wakeboarding legends Darin Shapiro and Parks Bonifay, who provide exclusive insights into the significance of Thomas Herman’s journey and its impact on the wakeboarding community. Pro wakeboarder and esteemed coach Mike Dowdy shares his perspective on the challenges faced by Thomas during his ambitious venture, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making wakeboarding history.

Read Next: The Thomas Herman Effect

The documentary also features Steel Lafferty, who was extremely close to landing the triple flip behind a boat during his X Games Real Wake part providing a firsthand account of the perilous world of pushing the limits in wakeboarding. Together, these industry giants shed light on the mental and physical challenges that come with attempting groundbreaking tricks.

THREE culminates in the awe-inspiring moment at the Redbull Double or Nothing event where Thomas Herman defies all expectations, landing the first-ever triple flip in front of a massive crowd and an industry that has been eagerly anticipating this historic feat.

This mini documentary is more than a celebration of wakeboarding; it’s a testament to human resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

See THREE: supraboats.com.

The post Mini-Documentary THREE Drops! appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Progression is arguably the most important aspect of wakeboarding. Progression can take the form of landing a new trick all together or adding a unique touch on an existing trick. Either path can open the door to an offshoot of ideas and development that builds over time. Then there are the more rare, giant leaps in progression that make the wakeboarding history books, a moment in time burned into the minds of wakeboarding enthusiasts. In a contest format set to raise the bar on what can be done on a wakeboard, a new chapter of wakeboarding was created at the Red Bull Double or Nothing on a lake in downtown Orlando. 

In the early days of wakeboarding, the double up was utilized to give the rider more airtime to complete an extra 180 degree spin or to put a grab on a trick that was otherwise rushed off of the small boat wakes of the time. Inboard competition boats were essentially slalom ski boats that were designed to create the smallest wake possible for skiing at 30+ mph, but at slower speeds like 18 to 20 mph, wakeboarders and trick skiers could get some lift out of the wake. When the original wakeboard pioneers realized that timing a roller created while turning around at the end of a pass to hit when it combines with the boat wake, the sport saw a deluge of new tricks. 

The boats continued to get bigger and heavier, the engines, transmissions and propellers continued to push more weight that would displace more water and the wakes persistently grew to a point where the double up was no longer a necessity for progression. In fact, many riders started to shy away from hitting double ups on a regular basis since the wakes were big enough to learn new tricks without it and the looming fear of injury. It is a safe bet that the most injuries to occur at the pro level over the last 3 decades have been during a double up attempt. 

While the wake straight from the boat provides a very predictable and consistent pop, the double is highly unpredictable and relies heavily on the driver to create a solid set-roller, then approach at an optimal angle. Even more unique about the double up is that every rider prefers a little something different. Some riders like the angle “T-ed up” or closer to a 90 degree approach, while other prefer a more “open” or easier pocket to get into. Even in perfect conditions, the double up is a volatile beast that produces a stunt-like kick that is very difficult to control.

Considered the GOAT, Parks Bonifay leveraged the double up to launch him into legendary status through his illustrious career. It only makes sense that this event was the brainchild of Parks and Red Bull, giving riders the motivation to return focus to the double up and test the edge of progression in a winner take all format. The first inaugural event was in 2004 and it was an instant success. The event took a few years off and while it has maintained the exclusivity of only including riders that Parks deems worthy, he has added the chance for riders to earn a wildcard.  This year that was Rookie Jamie Huser and snowboard cross-over athlete Fynn Bullock.

Read Next: Women to Ride as Red Bull Double or Nothing 2023 Comes Back to Orlando

For the first time ever, the women had a chance to push the double up progression with Meagan Ethell and Jamie Lopina earning invites. “It is just really cool to be a part of the 10th anniversary. The women haven’t really made double ups a part of their regular riding so getting to use this stage to help inspire the younger girls is exciting.” Both Ethell and Lopina approach the sport in a similar fashion with attention to detail, learning tricks switch and regular and focusing on linking smooth stylish tricks. The contest approach is where they start to depart. Ethell being one of the most decorated, consistent athletes in the sport has taken down every major title numerous times. Lopina on the other hand has had top podium finishes but chooses to set up her passes in ways that feel good for her, but might cost her higher finishes. If you watch each of them ride you might guess that they train together. “We ride together sometimes but not all the time, I love the way she rides and she really pushes it for the girls.” said Ethell of her fellow competitor.

The virality of the triple flip barrier being broken down will ensure that the most eyeballs ever will be on this year’s Double or Nothing. Speculation on what kinds of tricks will be attempted next year.

The post The Thomas Herman Effect appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Check out this video from Send It Official on YouTube to see Herman’s amazing feat.

The four-minute mile. The 100-mph fastball. The first tow-in big wave surfer. Sports of all types are rife with milestones.

Now comes Thomas Herman. With his triple back roll performed at the 2023 Red Bull Double or Nothing in Orlando, Florida this past weekend, Herman makes history as the first wakeboarder to complete a triple flip behind a boat.

Herman wrote the following on Instagram (@thomasherman):

HUGE thank you to @parxxx + event sponsors for the opportunity to make this happen on such a big stage. The crowd was unreal and I think that’s what I needed! Thank you to my friends, family, and companies that stand beside me. Couldn’t have done it without you??

Herman went on to post:

This thing was a BATTLE?? Guesstimate roughly 250 double ups and the 30th attempt we got her done?? It has always been a dream of mine to invent a trick. For that to be the Triple Backroll sounds insane haha!

A day I will always remember

Read Next: Women to Ride as Red Bull Double or Nothing 2023 Comes Back to Orlando

We will remember it, too, Thomas. Congratulations, and thank you for elevating the sport.

The post Thomas Herman Completes First Ever Wakeboard Triple Flip by Boat appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Meet the Pros is our series of articles profiling professional wake athletes. MTP strives to bring you the hard facts about your favorite pro riders, so you can learn what boats and gear help them achieve greatness. We also make sure to include some personal insights: be sure to scroll all the way down to learn what these, “Fun Facts,” are for each rider. Enjoy this installment of Meet the Pros and learn about Thomas Herman.

Biography

• Name: Thomas Herman
• Nickname: T-Herm
• Instagram: @Thomasherman
• Home Lake: Lake Jessamine, FL
• Favorite Trick: Boat: KGB 540

Top Three Accomplishments

• 2021 – Rookie of the Year
• 2020 – 1st Place Junior Pro National Championships
• 2020 – 1st Place Junior Pro Series Overall Champion

Gear

• Boat: Whoever’s willing to pull me!
• Board: Ronix One Blackout
• Binding: Ronix XRT
• Rope: Ronix North Handle
• Life Jacket: Ronix Supreme Jake Pelot Vest

Fun Facts

Most Insane Trick Landed: Double Nose Grab Backroll

Something Quirky: I love Demi Lovato’s music!

Surprising Fact About Pro Wakeboarding: I was very surprised at the toll riding at the pro level takes on my body.

What do you do off the water? Play guitar and I enjoy hanging out with friends.

The post Meet the Pros: Thomas Herman appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.