Thomas Herman: Pushing Boundaries in the World of Professional Wakeboarding

Meet Thomas Herman, a 21-year-old professional wakeboarder originally from Indiana, now living his dream in Florida. Thomas's journey in wakeboarding began when he was just 7 years old, and over the years, he has transformed from a passionate youngster into a remarkable athlete known for his dedication and drive to push the boundaries of what's possible on the water.

 

 

A Landmark Achievement: The World’s First Triple Flip

Thomas's hard work and commitment paid off spectacularly in 2023 when he landed the world's first Triple Flip behind a boat. "It took a lot of time and effort," Thomas reflects. "It was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever put myself through; not only physically, but mentally." This incredible feat wasn't just about pulling off a difficult trick—it was the result of years of perseverance, countless hours of training, and an unyielding refusal to accept limits. The sense of fulfillment from achieving such a milestone is unmatched. Since that moment, Thomas has been motivated to chase that feeling again, continually striving to push the boundaries of what’s possible in his sport.

 

 

Continuous Improvement: The Key to Growth

For Thomas, the journey of becoming a better athlete is built on small, consistent steps. "Just doing a little bit more than you did the day before gives you a great feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day," he shares. "I found that writing down goals or a to-do list helps to push myself throughout the day." This philosophy of steady, incremental progress is a cornerstone of his approach, ensuring he’s always improving and never stagnant.

 

 

Positivity as a Force for Good

Beyond his achievements in wakeboarding, Thomas believes in the power of positivity. "Just be positive. Try to leave a great impression on everyone you come across," he advises. For him, making the world a better place can start with something as simple as a positive attitude. "If you can be sad for no reason, you can be happy for no reason too!" It's this mindset that makes Thomas not only a great athlete but also an inspiring individual who uplifts those around him.

 

 

Challenges and Lessons in Patience

Thomas is no stranger to challenges, and like many in his field, he's faced some tough situations. Currently, he’s navigating the complexities of securing more sponsorships in an industry that’s facing its own set of challenges. "The industry is in a bit of a weird place with sales and finances," he notes. This period has taught him the importance of patience. "I know it will all play out how it is supposed to, and I will never let it stop me from being myself and the best athlete I can be," he says with confidence.

 

 

Staying True to Yourself: Advice to Live By

The best piece of advice Thomas has ever received is simple yet profound: "BE YOURSELF!!! Stop caring about what others may think or say about you." This mantra has guided him throughout his career, helping him remain authentic in the face of external pressures. It’s a reminder that true success comes from being genuine and staying true to who you are.

 

 

What’s Next for Thomas Herman?

Looking ahead, Thomas is full of ambition and dreams. His next big goals involve executing tricks that have never been done before. "Taking something that seems 'impossible' and turning it into reality is a crazy thing," he says. "I have full belief in myself that I can do anything I put my mind to." With this unwavering confidence and determination to outwork anyone, Thomas is set to make waves in the wakeboarding world for years to come.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Keep Pushing Forward

Thomas Herman’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. His journey teaches us the importance of taking small steps every day toward our goals, staying positive, and always being true to ourselves. As he continues to innovate and inspire both in and out of the water, there’s no doubt that Thomas will keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in wakeboarding—and beyond.

 

Photos Credit: Jeff Mathis / Garret Cortese 

Videos Credit: Devin Tatro / Cody Hunnicutt / Hayden Bradley