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Savannah Barber

WW: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? How long have you been riding and where do you live?
SB: My name is Savannah K. Barber. I'm 15. I've been riding for about a year on a wakeskate and a little over a year and a half on a wakeboard. I live in New Braunfels, Texas.

WW: What do you like more, wakeboarding or wakeskating?
SB: Between wakeboarding and wakeskating I cannot really say what I like more because they give me about the same amount of thrill.

WW: What got you interested in board sports and especially watersports?
SB: I joined the Texas Ski Ranch only for the skate park. As any kid, I always skateboarded. It does get very hot in Texas and the skatepark is outdoors, concrete, metal ramps/obstacals, etc. The lakes are right next to it, so I tried the water on a wakeboard. It was fun and I begged my dad to get me one. We bought one that was to be guaranteed on sliders and kickers. Well, after less than half a year, we sent it back to the manufacturer for a replacement. While waiting, I got a wakeskate so I could still stay on the water.

WW: What is your current setup (wakeskate, wakeboard, skateboard)?
SB: My current setup on wakeboard is with an O'Brien Vision and O'Brien Ion Bindings. Wakeskate, who I officially ride for is 484 Wakeskates. Skateboard: Element.

WW: What are your favorite tricks?
SB: Favorite tricks on the wakeboard are Raleys off the kickers and 540's on/off the A-frame. On wakeskate, 360 shuvit and back 180 off the A-frame.

WW: I understand that you spend a lot of time at the Texas Ski Ranch. Do you enjoy riding the cables more than you enjoy riding behind a boat?
SB: I like riding cable more because I know how to do more, but if we had a boat I would probably like it better.

WW: You did really well at the TSR FreeZride event in Texas. A first in the Cable Wakeskate division, second in Boat Wakeskate and first in Women's Wakeboard. What went through your mind when you got the results?
SB: When I heard the results I was stoked. Not only did I win 400 bucks, but I grabbed a few sponsors too!

WW: 400 bucks and a few sponsors for having fun. Sounds like a deal to me. Was FreeZride your first competition or have you done other ones in the past?
SB: Yes, outside of skateboarding, this was the first competition against only guys on the wakeskate. I have competed on both wakeskate and wakeboard against girls on the cable tour.

WW: Which tricks are you working on landing right now?
SB: On a wakeskate, kick flips in the flats and backside 180's off the kickers. Wakeboarding, a few inverts off the kickers.

WW: Whose style in wakeskating and wakeboarding do you like the most?
SB: Wakeskate, Grubb and Byerly. Wakeboard, Parks and Dallas.

WW: How do guys respond to your riding? Are they helpful, jealous, encouraging?
SB: Guys in general are very helpful and encouraging. No jealousy at the comps but there is in the chat rooms.

WW: Are you planning to do the Pro Tour this year? Will you be competing in wakeskate and wakeboarding?
SB: I will be going on the Pro Wakeboard Tour in Orlando, primarily for wakeskating, and I intend to go the length of the tour. Definitely on wakeskate and why not give it a try on wakeboard.

WW: Are you pretty excited that you are going to be competing against the pros?
SB: Excited? How about challenged? It will be fun regardless the outcome. I must be in the top 20 to go on to the next stop in Fort Worth.

WW: Do you have sponsors that are helping you out for the cost of travel and contest fees?
SB: Yeah, Scott with 484 wakeskates has already taken care of that, provided I get into Sunday at Orlando, Fort Worth or Reno. Let's keep our fingers crossed. There are others just waiting to see Orlando. I hope it's all good.

WW: What advice can you give to any girls that are starting out in this sport or those that want to start competing but may be hesitant?
SB: The skate[board] is probably the best practice or get a tramp or a boat if wakeboarding is where you want to go. You should work on your balance. Something simple such as an Indo Board helps during the off months. Just compete and live with the results.

WW: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
SB: Scott and Troy with 484 Wakeskates, Paul and Christine at the Texas Ski Ranch and all TSR employees that have helped me get to this point.

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