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Regarded as one of the country’s best Wakeskaters, progression of his riding as well as the local Wakeskating scene is on the top of the list for Matti Buys.
He recently spent some time in the South of America learning, filming and riding with a host of Pro Wakeskaters. We caught up with him to talk about the trip and to find out what went down.
Thinking back to your recent trip to the U.S. What were your highlights and lowlights?
Hmmm, its always tough thinking about lowlights, now looking back they were all kinda funny and I can laugh at myself, but definitely sinking Andrew Fortenberry’s winch and riding a jet ski into a rock were not the greatest of times. Highlights would have to be spending a week with Nick Taylor at his property just riding and learning from him. Then just hanging out with the whole crew in Austin was epic. Those guys are the greatest.
How long were you there for and how many states did you visit?
I was there for just under 4 months and my trip took me through 5 States. All in the South.
What was the reason for the trip and did you accomplish what you set out to do?
The main reason for my trip was to go and work with filmmaker Andrew Roehm on a new project he is working on set to release in 2017. I cant say much for now but I can say, it looks epic. So this trip’s main objective was film film film! It will always be tough to be 100% satisfied with the clips you get when filming but I would definitely say we got the job done.
Explain that Wakeskating scene over there compared to home?
Everything there is on a way larger scale. More riders, more cable parks, more spots and more people killing it. Everyone over there is really good. You will meet someone you’ve never heard of over there that will just come out and rip. It’s sick.
What would you like to see change in the local Wakeskating scene?
I do like the changes that are happening right now but I would like to see more groms like Sean Bacon and Jaques Labuschagne, its good to see those dudes coming up and ripping it. Then it would be great if a few more cables popped up and started backing up their local riders like they do in the States. Giving them filming sessions allowing for them to build up their riding as well give the cable’s exposure.
How many different spots did you get to session and which was your favourite?
Man, that’s a tough one. There were so many good spots. Fun cables like Quest ATX and TSR in Texas. Then all the super cool winch spots I got to hit with Andrew on our Florida trip, riding on Anna Maria Island with the island crew, but My favourite will still be just riding at Nick Taylors backyard spot in Suwannee. It’s the perfect wakeskate playground and with the crew we had, it was the most fun I’ve had on a wakeskate trip.
Did you have the chance to compete in any comps?
Unfortunately not. This year was focused on getting together some solid video clips.
What does a trip like his do for your Wakeskating?
Going overseas and riding with new people will always do wonders. It’s amazing how you can go there with a certain perception of your wakeskating and how you want to ride, but then you can watch Collin Gee take a set behind the Jon boat and all of a sudden you just want flow, or see Andrew Pastura do tricks first try at a winch spot or just watching Nick Taylor and his comfort levels on a board wherever he is makes you really want look at your riding again and iron out any weaknesses you yourself can identify. It’s an amazing learning experience both on and off the water. I love it!
Did you lean any new tricks while over there?
I may have.
Who were some of the pro riders you got ride with, and did you learn anything from them?
Man I got to ride with a bunch of different guys, from the super fun Austin Texas crew of Collin Gee, David Roehm (who is really killing it across all platforms, his gonna laugh at me saying that) Bret Little (who I met a while back in the Philippines and is just an amazing dude to hang out with and watch ride) Andrew Roehm (yeah he films and kills it, so don’t fall to much or he’ll show you how its done.) Then in Florida I got to ride with Dieter Humpsch for a couple days in Suwannee which is always a fun shred, followed by the likes of Nick Taylor, Andrew Fortenberry, Travis Belsito, Cole Kraiss, Andrew Pastura, Tommy Wooten, Jeff Skulnik, Nick Robinson and Ollie Moore. I could tell you a story or two about how they really helped me with my riding in one way or another. They’re all absolute legends and I wish I could write about every single one of them in this article.
How would you rate your Wakeskating compared to some of those pros?
Like I say every time I watch these guys ride, I just want to learn something from them. They’re all unique in their own way and it’s tough to compare my riding to theirs. I just hope they can look at my riding and feel half as good as I do about theirs.
When are we going to see Matti Buys living and competing full time in the US?
[Laughs], hopefully some day soon, but for now I’m really focused on helping the scene back home grow with the wakeskate tour, and more. Lets get more South Africans on WAKESKATES!
What’s next for Matti Buys?
I am currently busy nursing an inured foot back to normal but then straight after that, a lot of wakeskating. Looks like a possible move to somewhere else in South Africa for a few months and then some video parts. World Champs in Mexico next year and hopefully a second USA trip for their summer accompanied by some good contest results…but we can only hope.
Photos by Andrew Roehm and Ryan Light
