Thomas Horrell not wearing vest...

I just got done watching 'Blacklist' again and had a thought. I dont nessesarily think this way, but does Thomas get alot of crap for not wearing a vest most of the time? I figure people would be on him for the whole 'role model' thing. Just curious.

I hardly see any pro's now a days in vids wearing vest. It's a shame because it does probably have an effect on the younger watcher's.

I wasn't happy at all when Thomas rode a wakeskate for my kids at my LF Demo Day without a vest on in our 200' deep lake.I kept waiting for him to put it on as all the parents were watching on the dock, fortunately the Marine Police were not around.I think sometimes they forget they are role models!

if they dont want to wear one then fair enough, but if anyone comes out with us, its wear a vest or dont ride and i will always wear one, the only time i didnt was because i forgot and it was so much harder trying to keep afloat, went straight back and put it on

Get on Thomas for...anything?

Nah, you would just get the clan of overly-dedicated followers on your case.

Don't get me wrong, the stuff he does is awesome, I am just always amazed at the level of idolization he seems to be getting.

I guess it will take another tragic drowning for the current vest trend to reverse.

Yeah I just saw Gravity Sucks 2 and I was amazed at how few wore vest. Even a ncga is way better than nothing.

Yea, Fredrik - how quickly memories fade.

That would be a huge event if it really happened to pro skater or even a well known amatuer.
Someone who rides daily and is a great swimmer, etc.
In reality, the only way I see it happening is being KO'd from a board to the head, rail bust or on a big wake to wake trick gone ugly. Not as dangerous when just riding and doing lip tricks IMO.

wakeguru I disagree. "Accidents" can happen at anytime - doing inverts, going wake to wake or hitting sliders. There's no good time NOT to wear a vest - a double negative - which means every time is a good time to wear a vest. Who knows when you might experience a "freak accident" and need bouyancy to stay afloat? Wakeboarding is not worth drowning.

wait... did someone drown before?

Cory Kraut..R.I.P.

I was speaking of wakeskating, but true it's not worth drowning and you're right "accidents" can happen at any time. However, when you have been in and around the water for so many years on a board you kind of lose the fear unless you have been in a situation where you have almost been knocked unconscious. I have not been in one of those situations in many years of wakeboarding, wakeskating, barefooting, and surfing so it can seem very unlikely to someone like me.
I don't condone not wearing a vest, I was just presenting a perspective from the other side.
I actually agree that these guys should be more concerned with how they represent the sport to the younger riders who are easily influenced by their actions.

So what's worse, a pro rider not wearing a vest, or a pro rider wearing a flak jacket that promotes a false sense of security? A number of years ago tara hamiltom was learing scarecrows and she knocked herself out. I guess she was found a foot below the surface with her board still attached. I personally have always worn a jacket. Realistically, the best jacket is a coast guard approved jacket, otherwise you're still playing russian roulette (sorry for the cliche).

I got into wakeboarding when I was 15 and I never questioned whether or not I should wear one. And since there are concerned parents on here, I'd assume that you're involved with wakeboarding with your child. Ultimately, your word will go a long way. If your child wants to go without a vest, just state it plain and simple that if they don't wear a vest, the don't ride and that's that. Then once you say that, lead by example. Don't depend on thomas or shane to teach children about flotation devices. If all else fails, teach them about cory and show what could happen without a vest. It's a personal choice and it's not our job to judge an adult and tell them what to do.

As for thomas and his hero worship status, I think that some people out there really "get" wakeskating and can appreciate what he's done to advance the art. He's a major pioneer of it all, making some of the first decent wakeskates to ride on (size appropriate, unlimited foot positions, etc) and then pushed ahead with some of the first concaves (or if you want to be picky, the first GOOD and TRUE concave) and now the 4trac. Wakeskating would not be where it is if it weren't for Thomas. Plus, he was a damn good wakeboarder too.

I know what you are saying as far as Thomas and the sport and all. Not denying any of it. I just find it amusing that people are always so passionate about showing their support for him, no matter what the issue.

(Unrelated, I _personally_ think he has the best style of the pro skaters, but that others are more entertaining to watch in videos because of more frequent w2w tricks.)

Gotcha. Yeah, I would consider myself to be one of those people....

Yeah, thomas is really smooth, like he was meant to wakeskate or something. Yes, even smoother than scott. I actually think scott looks better on a wakeboard, but that's just me--I'd still watch him wakeskate. In my opinion, drew mcguckin has a great wake to wake style because he has seriously been going big wake to wake since "my house." Brian Grubb is pretty good wake to wake also, and is probably more techinical than drew in that respect. blah blah blah on my behalf, but it was good to hear your side of the story.

i used to think wearing a life jacket was over rated and how it would be impossible to possible drown. Last summer i was riding and caught my toe edge pulling a raly down and passed out in the water, good thing i was wearing a life jacket cause i am pretty sure it saved my life. After that i wont let anyone ride with me unless they have a jacket.

check out the video of it http://www.wakepics.com/view_single.php?medid=9787

When was the last time you took a look at Thomas? Role Model dossen't exactly come to mind when I see him in a mag, or video.

poolzy, i like how the announcer was saying "he's fine folks - just getting his breath back," as your HEAD WAS UNDER WATER!! sheesh.

yea that was intense haha

Awesome vid poolzy!

If Horrell does not want to wear a vest, so be it. I personally want to live if I get knocked out on the water, so for myself and others on my boat, there is no argument. Vests are mandantory.

i agree dude people take it for granted but they gotta relize how serious it could be

Ill second the cory kraut... hey i have a cordell hat and its getting pretty old anyone know where i can get some Corey kraut gear thanks