Good ol' boy

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Photo J Wiegele

Age: 23
Home: St. Cloud, Minnesota, Land of 10,000 lakes
Years riding: 5
Sponsors: Oak Wakeskates, Reef, O’neill, The Youth Shelter Supply Skateshop, Freshtip Design, Smith, Dakine and Aloe Up
Boat, PWC or Winch? Love them all, but if I had to choose, PWC
Wake or sliders? Rails, but mixing it up is what I am all about
Film or photos? Film
Skateboard or wakeboard? Skateboard
Inclines or boxes? Inclines
Pool gaps or natural winching? Natural winching
Sunset Sesh or Sunrise Sesh? Sunrise
Metal or rap? Rap or maybe a little T.S.
Home or away? Probably home, but if I’m with fun people it doesn’t matter to me
Lawndart or flying squirl? Lawndarts are classic

I met Mike Roeder through snowboarding about 10 years ago. He was coming up through the ranks riding local snowboard contests when I asked him to ride for The Youth Shelter Supply. Soon after came sponsors, and filming for a midwest snowboard production company, called Bald E-Gal Productions. Mike always had a strong work ethic and easily balanced school, family, girlfriend, and friends with the demands of filming a video part. I often heard him talking about wakeboarding & wakeskating contests he performed well in, but never got to see him in action, though I had seen other pro snowboarders such as Micah McGinnity & Dan Brisse rip it up behind a boat. For the most part, besides the high numbers of lakes, this area has little to offer for someone who wants to be a pro wakeskater, as we don’t have the luxury of riding year round. Growing up in Minnesota makes one appreciate what they have, and those that succeed make the most out of it…

Finally I got to see Roeder in action. I have seen video edits of him, but I make snowboard videos and a solid part doesn’t really mean you have a consistent rider. We went out wakeskating at his cabin and he blew me away on how good he is. He has good style, and was doing tricks that I didn’t know kids were trying. Now he is dedicated to wakeskating year round, and I am sure he will make his mark on the sport! I am stoked that he is focusing on wakeskating (instead of wakeboarding & snowboarding). There is so much room for progression in the sport. Keep your eyes peeled for more to come from this kid.– Mike Theines