Interview: Arun Frances
Photos: Clinton Showalter

Travis Propst

WW: What's your name, age and where are you from?
TP: My name is Travis Propst, I am 18, and I live in New Kent, Virginia.

WW: So, how did you get into wakeboarding?
TP: I've always been around the water and, after I saw it on TV, I talked my parents into buying me a board.

WW: What is the wakeboard scene like in your hometown?
TP: It's pretty much rednecks behind I/O's, but then there are a few guys that have been around since before I started that still come out, ride hard and push me to learn more. I guess we are all pretty much rednecks. We all ride together and we always have a good time.

WW: How often do you ride?
TP: I ride just about everyday. I teach lessons during the summer so that keeps me on the water a lot. I also live a ways from anything and there isn't much to do, so I usually ride even on the days I don't feel like it.

WW: How long have you been wakeboarding?
TP: I have been riding for about five years.

WW: What kind of boat do you have or ride behind usually?
TP: We have a 04 Mastercraft X-2, which is an awesome boat. I really like the wake. Also, one of my friends has a new X-star. We ride behind that a lot as well.

WW: What do you do when you're not wakeboarding?
TP: I'm either surfing, skating or playing guitar and, recently, spending a whole lot of time with my girlfriend.

WW: How did it feel to get on the podium with a 3rd place finish in Jr. Men at the Pro Tour stop in Reno? Were you pretty excited?
TP: It was definitely a surprise. I was so stoked. I came into this year just hoping to qualify in the top 18 at each stop, so I couldn't believe it when I made it to the podium. It was very exciting.

WW: Are you going to continue on the tour?
TP: Definitely. It's just hard getting to all the contests because it cost so much. I'm draining my parents and my wallet dry. I'm just glad my parents are so supportive. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be at any contest.

WW: When you first started riding, would you have ever thought that you would be competing against some of the best wakeboarders in the world? Must be pretty cool!
TP: Yeah, it's very cool, but when I first started riding it was in an intensity barefoot suit. The only thing I could think about was getting a pair of boardshorts. But I really don't think I ever saw myself competing on this level until Reno.

WW: Where do you hope to be in five years? Graduate College? Top 20 on the PWT?
TP: I definitely hope to have graduated in five years. It would be awesome to be on the tour and doing well, but, if not, I just hope I don't get hurt and it stays fun.

WW: Do you have a job to help pay for the expenses of the contests and wakeboarding in general?
TP: Kinda. During the winter I worked at Glass and Powder some, and during the summer I teach wakeboarding lessons. I contribute whatever I can. Then my parents get the rest, which is really helpful.

WW: Where is your favorite riding spot?
TP: I really like the river I live on, the Chickahomany, but I like riding at Smith Mountain Lake a lot because the water is super clear and it's up in the mountains. It's just a really cool place to ride.

WW: What would your ideal day consist of?
TP: Getting up early and going to the beach to surf a little while. Then coming home, pick up some friends then go riding till dark.

WW: Any words of advice for individuals that are just starting or even those that are more advanced?
TP: Always ride for yourself and no one else. Do what you want to do when you ride and have fun. Don't worry about if everybody else likes it or not.

WW: Is there anyone would you like to thank?
TP: My parents for everything. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have even had the chance to start riding. Danny Webb and Ted Beautista, Liquid Force, Glass and Powder Board Shop, Ski Boats Unlimited, Electric Sunglasses, Solace Boarding Co., Mafia Project, Norm Kraus from MasterCraft and WakeWorld for doing an interview with me.

 Return To The Rider Link Front Page