WW: How about a little introduction?
AG: Well, my name is Aidan Gunningham, I'm 16 years old and I've been riding for almost six years now and gotten to the level of a semi-pro rider. I live in McKinney, Texas and live with my mom and little brother.
 
WW: Do you remember the first day you stood on a wakeboard?
AG: Yes, I was about 10 years old at the time. I took a lesson at Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas and that was one of the best decisions I've made in my life, and look where I'm at today. Loving life and loving what I do.
 
WW: Where do you usually ride?
AG: I ride at Hydrous Wake Park at Allen Station, where I do most of my time riding, progressing and hanging out with my friends.
 
WW: Is wakeboarding a hobby for you or more of a lifestyle?
AG: If I had to choose, it would definitely be a lifestyle. Not only do I want to make it a lifestyle, but I want to make it a career. This is what I want to be around for the rest of my life. And I've been given so much love from all these different companies, magazines and definitely you guys for approaching me with this interview! Definitely getting my name out there for sure! So stoked on that!
 
WW: Do you ride with a set crew of people or do you mix it up a little?
AG: I mainly ride with my buddy Seth Colbert. He and I share a lot of things in our riding like style, pushing each other and rail riding. I also change it up also riding with others so I can spread the love riding with as many people as I can. It's not only fun, but it makes you an even better rider!
 
WW: What kind of boat do you usually ride behind?
AG: When I started riding, I was riding for fun mainly ‘cause I played rugby at the time. So it was a hobby then, but not till three years later when I started competing and learning new tricks faster. At the time I was riding for fun. I rode behind my Grandfather's 19-foot fishing boat (hahaha). It worked for the most part! I just wanted to have fun! Now days I mainly just ride cable.
 
WW: How about your wakeboard set up?
AG: For the 2014 season I'll be riding two different boards. I'll be riding CWB’s new Woodro 140 and the 2014 Jive. So pumped on how those boards turned out! The Woodro is super flexy and amazing for obstacles! The Jive is incredible on the kickers and air-tricks! I'll be riding the Woodro in obstacles-only competitions and the Jive for traditional competitions with air-tricks and stuff.
 
WW: What do you enjoy most about wakeboarding?
AG: I love the progression in the sport! So many things are out there to learn. It's just crazy to try to keep up with all of them. And there are some basic tricks that I haven't really done yet. But I look at it this way, not all tricks are for everybody. You don't have to know and do every trick there is in the sport. That's how I look at wakeboarding in my eyes. I learn things the way I want to learn them. It can take time, but everyone is different. Nobody is the same.
 
WW: What do you like to do when you’re not wakeboarding?
AG: When I'm off the water I'm usually hanging out with family, hunting, fishing, school and drivers Ed. I'm working on getting that license (hahaha)!
 
WW: Do you have WakeWorld.com set as your home page?
AG: I don't (haha), but I do check out the website quite a few times a month! Such a rad website!
 
WW: Are there any tricks that you are working on or want to work on?
AG: Yes! There are lots of tricks in the bag. Some I like to keep under wraps for this coming season, but I’ll tell ya one of them I'm working on. I'm working on double flips for this 2014 season. I've come pretty close to landing it in 2013, but 2014 is my year!
 
WW: What would your ideal day be like?
AG: If school is in session still, my day would be getting up at 6 a.m., get ready for school and go. Then right after school I go straight to Hydrous to train. In the summer it's crazy! Constantly traveling and riding 24/7! Haha, I love it! I've got huge plans for 2014! I can't wait!
 
WW: Pro wakeboarders… who would be your top three and why?
AG: My first favorite pro wakeboarder has got to be Tom Fooshee. He taught me so much about the sport of wakeboarding and skills. He definitely helps me out whenever he can! Gotta love that guy! My second favorite is my coach Cody Johnson. When I found Hydrous he showed me all the ropes in rail riding, kickers and air-tricks. We also hangout quite a bit and mess with each other all the time (haha). He's definitely a big part of my life and the sport. My third is Jade Whirley. When he worked at Hydrous he gave me tons of advice to help me out along the way of my career. Whenever I get to see Jade, we love to catch up and ride together whenever we can.
 
WW:Are there any spots that you hope to ride one day?
AG: I definitely want to hit up the Philippines and Thailand! I've heard nothing but good things coming from there. It's a must-go park I've heard.
 
WW:How about some words of advice to those that are starting out?
AG: For those that are starting out, don't get frustrated when you don't get up. Just remember to most importantly have FUN! When you have fun, you'll get it! It's how it works. Here's a tip: keep your knees bent, arms straight and let the rope pull you up. Don't try to pull yourself up. When your board is above the water, switch to the foot you are most comfortable riding in the front.
 
WW:Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
AG: Yes, I would first like to thank my family and friends for supporting me and keeping me going everyday. I'd also like to thank my sponsors; CWB Board Co., Asterisk, VitaminWater DFW, Velocity Fyre Photography and Coastal Boarding! These guys have definitely helped me out in times of need! They are always there to assist on anything they can! I'm so stoked and ready for a spectacular 2014 season!