WSM: Let’s start with our typical interview questions. What’s your name, where are you from, how old are you, and how long have you been wakesurfing?
Sammy: Hi my name is Sam Goncalves, I’m from West Hartford, Connecticut. Our lake house is on Highland Lake in Winsted, CT. I’d like to give a shout out to all our friends in the 098. I’m 11 years old and I’ve been wake surfing for 2 years.
WSM: Prior to wakesurfing, were you doing any other towed watersports?
Sammy: Before I learned to wakesurf, I wakeboarded, skied, and kneeboarded. They’re all fun! I tried cable wakeboarding in North Carolina. That was really fun!! I definitely want to do that more.
WSM: We saw that you recently landed your first 360! How long have you been trying that trick?
Sammy: I’ve been trying a 360 since I started surfing last summer on my surf style board, but I just started on my skim the day before I landed it with Jake Caster.
WSM: Do you have any advice to give other kids that are also trying to land a 360?
Sammy: Keep your knees bent, get a little speed, use one hand, stay over your board, and get on your heels on the way out.
WSM: Do you have any family members or friends that also wakesurf? If so, do they ride without the rope or do any tricks?
Sammy: My dad and older sister can surf without the rope and do a couple tricks, my mom and little sister still use the rope.
WSM: If you got to control the stereo in the boat when you are riding, what would you listen to?
Sammy: Zach Brown Band.
WSM: Have you met any pro wakesurfers?
Sammy: Jake Caster, Dom Lagace, Chris Wolter, Connor Burns, Aaron Witherell, Jarrett Scribner, Keenan Flegal, Jordan Wolfe, Gabrielle Hockly, Madi Horta, Jodi Grassman, Allison Sos, Erika Sos, Angie Viland, Caro Villeneuve, RJ and Emily Garcia, Drew Drennan, and I met so many others at Canadian Nationals that aren’t pros (yet)!
WSM: If you could fly or be invisible, which would it be and why?
Sammy: I would fly so I could get places so much faster (plus it would be so cool)!
WSM: What is your favorite wakesurfing trick that you’ve seen someone do?
Sammy: Either the 720 big spin or Hi-5 flip. They are both insane.
WSM: What goals would you like to achieve? What do you think will be your next trick to try?
Sammy: I would like to podium next year at Worlds and I want to learn how to do an Alleyoop.
WSM: Have you ever competed in a competition?
Sammy: Canadian Nationals, Wootown Wake Fest, Hayday wakesurfing Championships, and the Candlewood Cup.
WSM: What other sports are you playing and how does wakesurfing compare to them?
Sammy: Hockey and Lacrosse and I love all of them but wakesurfing is different. It’s like a big family. The day before comps everybody’s on the boat together and hanging out. Everyone teaches each other and hangs out after. It’s just cool.
WSM: When you go wakesurfing, do you have a lot of people that go with you? Or just a small group of friends/family?
Sammy: I go mostly with my family and some of our friends.
WSM: Do you have any sponsors, friends, or family you’d like to thank?
Sammy: Yes, there many. Everyone that’s helped me get better and given me tips. I would like to thank NautiCurl, who sponsors me and makes a great wave, Jeff Wahlers from Soulcraft for making me the sickest board ever, and especially my dad.
WSM: Would you like to plug any social media?
Sammy: Yes my Instagram is Sammy_G_63.
We at WSM want to thank Sammy and his dad Michael for the opportunity to get caught up! Look out world, he’s only going to get better!
