Fresh off a standout performance at OWC Hactober, John Dreiling breaks down what it took to secure the win. From his mental and physical preparation to key moments in his run to influences on his riding and what’s next, JD gives an inside look at his approach to contests, creativity on the water and the mindset that keeps him progressing.
 
WW: How did it feel to take the win at this year’s OWC Hactober?
JD: Seeing how talented all the young riders are nowadays, I am so stoked to walk away with the win and, honestly, was pretty lucky I was able to put down everything I wanted.
 
WW: How did you prepare mentally and physically leading up to the contest?
JD: Physically, I just rep the tricks, make a game plan in my head a week out based on the format and then do contest simulations (timed sessions doing my run). Then I have the data to make tweaks to my trick selection and have the best chance of landing everything. Mental prep comes from the physical prep. Getting those reps in gives me the confidence I need and then it's a bit about knowing yourself and how to get into flow. I have a routine that works for me, but ultimately, it's just about not overthinking it and being in the moment.
 
WW: Do you adjust your riding once you see what the other riders are throwing down?
JD: Depends on the event. In this case I knew the best tricks I had were the ones I wanted to do and I felt confident enough with the time limit to be able to do them all. So there was no need to make adjustments because I already was putting down my best. In qualifiers, I do play it a little safe and keep a few tricks in the back pocket if I need them. So in qualifiers I am more likely to make those adjustments.
 
WW: What part of your run are you most proud of?
JD: Honestly, just the fact that I put down the three tricks I wanted to in four laps. I think we got 10 laps, but I was locked in and things were working out. After that I honestly just sat back and watched the show from the other boys.
 
WW: Was there a specific trick or moment during your run that felt like a turning point?
JD: In qualis I felt a little rough, but on lap two I stuck one of my hardest tricks and it was on from that point on. I didn't have any idea how I would place, but once you get that first banger trick you can relax a little and just have fun. That always feels like a turning point to me.
 
WW: Who or what kept you the most motivated throughout the contest?
JD: Preston for sure. Gavin Giglio as well leading up to it. Preston had a banger hit that always got me hyped and he's half my age, so I really didn't want to lose to him yet. Gavin and I were doing similar lines and he is so talented and fun to ride with, so that back and forth in practice really pushed me to send the switch back 270 the first time.
 
WW: How would you describe your personal riding style and how it has evolved over the years?
JD: It used to be super tech focused and then it got pretty sendy and now I feel I just want tricks to look good and feel good. For events, I just focus on doing tricks that feel good and I can be super consistent with so I can focus on the execution.
 
WW: Does freeriding influence your contest mindset or does competing push your freeriding?
JD: It goes both ways. Freeriding is the heart of wakeboarding for me, but contests create goals and deadlines to push yourself. Many tricks I learned, I wanted to do freeriding, but the contest gave me that extra motivation and reason to send it.
 
WW: Who are some riders you draw inspiration from when it comes to progression?
JD: Over the years the list is huge, but recently I am lucky enough to share laps with the best in the world. Most of my inspiration comes from Stuckeys, Campbell and Rivers, but I still pull a ton of influence from OG Daniel and Yonel Cohen, as well as skaters Jamie Thomas and Chris Joslin. Mixing all these different influences helps me find tricks and lines I haven't seen before.
 
WW: What setup were you running during OWC Hactober including board bindings and cable settings?
JD: Slingshot Johnny Rocket 151 with Rad bindings. Cable running 30.5 km/h.
 
WW: What was your favorite memory from the event either on or off the water?
JD: Winter sunset laps with the homies at OWC playing follow the leader. Best memories from 10 years ago, and still today.
 
WW: How do you think events like OWC Hactober help shape the direction of modern wakeboarding?
JD: This hack is something I put together on the computer a year ago because I think it is the future of hacks to have a plaza like this. I pitched this event to OWC last year to try to just promote creative setups and building community. A year later they did it and I think we accomplished that. The comp showed how many lines were possible, how the hack appeals to all skill levels and styles of riding and how changing features and doing events can bring the community together, give people great memories and, hopefully, re-stoke the fire to get on a board and rip laps.
 
WW: What is next for you after OWC Hactober? Any upcoming contests projects or trips?
JD: Well, four months ago I took a job with Slingshot, so this next year will be a bit different, but I do plan to compete in some events like LAO at least one more time, just for fun and to create memories. Also, would love to stack some winch clips for Slingshot’s movie. Just have to fit it all in between the office hours.
 
WW: How can fans keep up with what you have coming next?
JD: My Instagram (@johnxdreiling), specifically my IG stories, are the best place to tune in. I have been running the stories a lot more recently as I feel it's more personable and not everything has to be a banger. Just fun and relatable. But I'll still have some posts coming when I put down tricks I am really proud of.