Sergeant Tyler Royal is AOTW

Wakeboarding has been a huge part of Sergeant Tyler Royal's life ever since he was only eight years old. Now Tyler not only wants to pursue wakeboarding professionally but he also wishes to help the sport grow and share to others what wake boarding has done for him.

Who influences you and why?

I'm really influenced by guys like JD Webb and Josh Twelker. The way they can poke and twist themselves really makes me want to strive hard to put my own influence on my riding and perfect it as my own as much as they have.

What/ Who inspired you to start wakeboarding?

I always grew up on the water so I was bound to run into wakeboarding eventually. My dad bought a wakeboard when I was about 8 and started riding it, I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Shortly after that I broke my femur in half skateboarding. While I was learning to rewalk again I watched Shaun Murray ride at a clinic he put on, where he kind of took me under his wing that day and showed me how great of a sport it was. From then on that was all I wanted to do, it gave me a reason to learn to walk again!

What are your proudest moments/ accomplishments in 2013/2014?

One of my proudest moments was winning state in the Alabama INT Tournament Series. It was a 12 stop series so putting together runs in the tournaments to win the entire season was really gratifying.

What part of your wakeboarding are you looking to improve upon most this year?

I really want to start with having more tech tricks under my belt while I'm still trying to add my own influence to my riding.

Have you had to overcome any challenges that made wakeboarding an obstacle at times? (i.e. Injuries, support)

Breaking my femur was a big one to overcome but I think it helped push me in the long run. I also hit a floating tree that put me on the sidelines for a few weeks. Then there are always the occasional set of stitches that slow you down but really it makes you just that more appreciative of the time you do have on the water.

What is your daily routine and how do you prepare yourself for a day out on the water?

I usually start the day with a paddleboard or a swim and follow it up with any Monster Rehab to help boost me back up. Then some friends and I load the boat up with my family and head out for the day. Friends and family make the wakeboarding atmosphere that much more enjoyable so having them around is just a bonus to the sport.

Where would you like to see yourself in the next few years?

I'm hoping to compete in the Malibu Pro Card event at the begining of next season and possibly moving to Florida to be closer to the central hub of wakeboarding.

When I’m not out on the water you can find me____________________?

Either giving wakeboard lessons to help spread the sport or hanging out on the pier with friends enjoying the lake while the water is still warm.

Who would you like to thank?

I would like to thank the Monster Army for continued support throughout the season, Inboard Solutions for hooking me up with all the best Obrien gear to keep me fresh on the water, all my friends I ride with that push me to keep progressing, and more importantly my family for sticking by me, supporting me, and allowing me to persue my dreams! Love you guys!!!!