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Name: Mark Gomez
Nick Name: Shark Bait, Gomez
Sport: Jet Ski Freeride
Sponsors:
- Wamiltons Customs - www.Wamiltons.com
- Hydro-Turf/HT Moto – www.Hydroturf.com
- WORX Racing Components - www.Worx.com.au
- Jet Ski Solutions – www.Jetskisolutions.com
- Lehr Performance Watercraft – www.LehrPerformance.com
- Pacific Motorsports – www.Pacificmotorsports.net
- Pacseal Hydraulics – www.PacsealHydraulics.com
- LegDrag – www.Legdrag.com
- AC Racing – www.ACracing.com
- Performance Fiberglass – www.Performance-Fiberglass.com
Home Town: Fullerton, CA
Age: 19
How long have you been riding for for? 10 Years as of age 9
What is freeriding?
Freeriding isn’t just the name for Jet ski Motosurf, It’s the definition within itself. When we ride in the surf there is no set routine we follow through. We are surfers who’s motions are influenced by and complimentary to the surf we ride. Our “track” is liquid, it is always changing opening up many different options in every direction, eliminating the track borders giving us the freedom we ride on. That is a small definition of Freeride to me.
When did you start?
I started riding in the surf every weekend when I turned 16 and installed a tow hitch for my 1998 Honda Accord LX.
Best place you have traveled to for your sport and why?
So far the best place I have traveled to is Pacific City, Oregon. There is so many things to appreciate there, the surf is some of the gnarliest messy and powerful surf on the west coast. The big rock in the middle of the ocean is the coolest thing to see and ride the cove break in front of also.
Why do you think we added you to our team?
I believe Liquid Militia has added me to the team because of my dedication to the sport, my willingness to promote the sport by web services or travel to events, and my potential as a young rider in the Freeride Industry. Despite any and all reasons that it may be, overall I appreciate their belief in my potential as a rider and as a person representing Liquid Militia’s Freeride Core team.
Lighter or Matches
Lighter
Next trick you want to accomplish?
I hope to turn my slow rotating pancakes into successful Back Flips in the very near future. And also start letting my hands go on barrel rolls. Just waiting for something to snap inside my noodle that really makes trying these kind of stunts somehow seem like a good idea.
Who is someone you admire in your sport? And why?
A person I admire in the sport of Freeride is 2 time world Champion, Ross Champion. From the beginning when I brought my developing Kawasaki 550 out to Oceanside he has always been super supportive keeping me exciting to go for something new and provide technique on things I struggle to accomplish. Bottom line is Ross Champion has always been a great mentor, and friend, not only as a rider but as a person. The next person behind him has a large footprint to cover, the day he moves on from this industry. He has really been doing many great things to push the limits of our sports potential and help ignite events in distant waters, which brings us all closer together and stronger than before.
If you were dropped from a helicopter on a remote island what 3 items would you bring with you?
- A phone to let someone know where I am. I’ve watched Lost …these islands aren’t fun!
- My ski assuming there is surf
- Wilson
Biggest expense you have acquired due to riding?
A sizeable credit card debt from emergencies with broken parts, motor problems, and or being in a tight spot at events.
Spot you ride at the most?
Oceanside 1-2 times a week
Do you like the smell of gasoline?
Do bears poop in the woods?
Broken any bones riding?
Nothing broken so far, Sprained my ankle twice though.
What do you like best about your sport?
The fluid style of how we ride, and the fact that our ramp track is always changing into something new.
Where would you like to see your sport going?
Anywhere but down. X-Games and ESPN coverage would be ideal.
Star Fish or Sea Horse?
Sea Horse
What is an object you wear when riding that no one knows about?
Ankle brace
If you could go anywhere in the world to ride what place would you pick and why?
Australia, it’s simple, Hot women, Great weather, Killer surf, Meat Pies, Cool people, and smoking hot Women… need I say more?
What motivates you to get back out on the water again and keep riding/pushing yourself?
What drives me to push through setbacks and continue to progress is the commitment and dedication to my sponsors/friends who have taken their time, product, and or services to support me. They don’t let me down when I need their help so how could I do any differently?
Parrot or Owl?
That’s like Flo rida vs Biggie smalls pshh Owl forsure
What’s the perfect riding day for you?
I remember the day right now. 3 ft consistent surf breaking strong, not a cloud in the sky, 90 degrees outside, blue clear water, and no helmet to take it all in just surfing the small waves. Best day in Oceanside ever.
Some how did you become an owner of Shawn Alladio’s original race ski lol?
When I was 15 years old and decided I wanted to get my own ski, my brother contacted a friend who was selling a “raced out” 440. So for my entire savings of $600 I purchased it, rode it in Oceanside for one day, then came back the next day to have the rod fly through the crank case on the way out of the harbor.
How often do you ride a sit down?
Only when I have to, other than that my brother brings out his Sea doo RXP to take photos and rip around. If a couch doesn’t do over 65mph its pointless.
What do you like to do when your not riding?
Fixing something on my ski that is likely broken, being the reason im not riding.
Sites you want people to check out?
Anything you want to add?
Not at the moment
Say the first thing that comes to your mind:
Snowman: Frosty
Knob: Door
Super: Duper
Waves: Swell
Square: Nose
Drift: Tokyo
Squid: Ink
Dice: Left Right Center
Scream: Pancho’s barking makes me want to
Apple: Pie
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Mark Gomez
