WW: Let’s start off with some basics: Name, age, hometown, how long have you been riding?
EM: I’m Ellis Martinovich, 19 years old from Danville, California and I’ve been riding since I was about seven.
 
WW: Wow, you’ve been riding for a long time! Where do you normally ride and who is in your crew?
EM: I normally ride at Lake Tulloch and my crew is whoever is ready to get out on the water for some good times.
 
WW: How did you originally get into the sport?
EM: My dad used to force me to wakeboard. In the beginning I found it very frustrating and really just wasn’t willing to try. My dad had other plans in mind. He would force me to ride until I was good enough to be able to like it and now I LOVE it. Couldn’t thank him more for pushing me to realize how fun and truly relaxing wakeboarding is.
 
WW: How long have you been a camper at West Coast Camps? Has being a camper there changed your riding style or perspective on riding?
EM: I figure I’ve been going to WCC since I was about 12. I owe all my tricks to the WCC staff as they are truly the reason I’ve been able to make so much progress, though there is still plenty left to be made! Watching all the coaches ride has definitely helped me see what is possible on a wakeboard and it has definitely progressed my fundamental strength, understanding of the sport and has helped me develop my own style.
 
WW: What’s your favorite trick and why?
EM: My favorite trick is a Whirlybird 540 because of how technical it is…one day!
 
WW: What tricks are you working on?
EM: I am currently trying to ride out a crow mobe. Never thought I’d be saying that!
 
WW: What setup are you riding?
EM: I’m set up on the Byerly AR1 (incredible) with the Hyperlite System bindings (incredible).
 
WW: Who is your biggest influence (wakeboarding or not wakeboarding related)?
EM: My brother Jake is my biggest influence. Although he isn’t with us anymore, I know deep down he is guiding my every step through life, and his influence only pushes me to better myself in every aspect. We keep him alive through our motivation that he sparks.
 
WW: What do you like most about wakeboarding as a whole?
EM: Wakeboarding for me is the ultimate get away from life. No dealing with anyone, no problems, no nothing. It’s just me flying over the water without a care in the world. Wakeboarding has proven to be a very powerful influence in my life, reassuring me that I can use my talents and energies in a positive way.
 
WW: What is a normal day like for Ellis Martinovich?
EM: I work a 9-5! If you need janitorial/landscaping/construction work in the bay area, I’m your guy!
 
WW: If you could steal a trick from any pro, what would it be and who from?
EM: Mike Schwenne’s tuck knee, of course. I would add it to every trick.
 
WW: What has been the coolest experience you’ve had as a rider?
EM: Spring Ride 2011. Seeing what type of exposure riders actually get is insane! Makes me want to be involved
 
WW: Dream place to ride?
EM: I want to ride in a tropical area, somewhere with deep blue waters. I’ve been dreaming about that since I was little. I’ve also wanted to board in the SF bay for a while.
 
WW: Your life goal. What is it?
EM: My life goal is to be happy! I want to be successful, have a big happy family and I want to wakeboard.
 
WW: Words of advice to new riders?
EM: Don’t give up! Wakeboarding is a really positive thing. Don’t give up just because you’re not good. No one starts out a pro.
 
WW: Thank yous or shout-outs?
EM: Big thanks to my dad for keeping me focused and sending me to West Coast Camps every summer since before I was a teenager. There’s no way I could be where I’m at without my dad’s encouragement and support, no matter how much I did or didn’t want it. Also, a big shout-out to WEST COAST CAMPS!!! I can’t stress enough how much they have taught me and I definitely would have a few more concussions under my belt without them!