WaterSki Magazine

What would your son say is his most embarrassing moment?
Dad says: Falling on his opener at the 2003 Nationals after flirting with Caroline Darwin. He blew it. That’ll make him mad.
Son says: Falling on my opener at the Junior Masters in front of everyone. It wasn’t a lot of fun, but you move on.

What’s Tyler’s favorite thing to do off the water?
Dad says: Work out, play football and go out with his buddies.
Son says: Sports for sure. I play a lot of intramurals at school and love competing and having a good time with my friends.

Does your son give you credit for his success?
Dad says: For some of it, yeah. He’s pretty successful on his own. He puts a lot of work into it.
Son says: Absolutely. He’s always backed me on the water, and has been a huge support. He pushes me to be the best skier I can be, and I’m grateful.

What do you do that really pushes Tyler’s buttons?
Dad says: Like most dads, I aggravate him. I push him hard to ski better. I’m going 34 mph now, but we still challenge each other on the water.
Son says: We’re really alike, and when I was growing up we used to butt heads a decent bit. I always wanted to do things my way, but as I’ve gotten older, we get along really well.

How does your dad celebrate after a big win?
Son says: He likes a strong Crown and 7, and likes to hang with the people at the event.
Dad says: I celebrate with Crown Royal. I actually have a special bottle — it’s 116 years old. I’ve only opened it a few times: once after Chris Parrish broke the world record, and after a few Big Dawg wins.

Who would your old man say is his favorite skier?
Son says: He and Parrish are pretty tight. They’ve skied together a lot and have a good relationship.
Dad says: I grew up watching Andy [Mapple], and he’s awesome. Parrish and Nate [Smith] are both fun to watch in action as well. I’m a huge fan of the sport.

What would your dad say is his biggest strength on the water?
Son says: He’s super consistent and has a strong mental focus. It really helps him perform his best every time.
Dad says: Being able to hang on! I would say behind the boat [is] where I’m the strongest.

As a DEA agent, how often does your dad clean his guns?
Son says: He keeps those things shiny. He definitely cleans them after he goes to the range with the boys. They’re always good and clean.
Dad says: Not often enough. That’s why I carry a Glock — they’re low maintenance. I like to shoot, but I neglect the cleaning. I clean my ski more than my gun.