MotorActionMedia.com is all about supporting and highlighting the up-and-coming talent in the industry, and in the last year lots of eyes have been on Wyland Reden — so it’s about time we chatted with this young shredder.
Wyland, could you tell me a little about how you got involved in Jet Ski racing? What are some of your “career highlights”? Your favorite memories, or accomplishments?
I got involved in Jet Skis when my dad bought two skies one 440 and one 550. some of my career highlights are making my sponsor’s proud, have fun, and learn. My favorite memory so far is Mark Gomez calling my dad and inviting us to go riding with him and the O-side crew, it was completely nutz! Mark and his crew were launching 20ft plus off the waves! The guys were all so cool giving me tips and stuff. Then afterwards at the boat ramp, Mark hooked me up with some serious gear, there was so much I was able to give a ton to my friends and my 2 cousins, whom just had all of there gear stolen out of the back of my uncle’s truck. It was like Christmas in the summer. I can’t thank Mark enough he is a super cool guy. My biggest accomplishment was getting 2nd for my first time at world finals — I was just hoping to make it in top 10.
I understand that you choose to race Vintage rather than the Juniors class, could you tell me why that is? Is there a reason why you enjoy vintage more?
I would rather race the vintage class because 550s skis are so much harder to ride; 550s are bouncy, unpredictable and loud which makes for a lot of fun. The greatest riders all rode 550s. The perfect example is Mark Gomez pushing his 550 to the outer limits on a whole new level, barrel rolls and back flipping, to racing. Mark is one of the greatest riders in the history of the sport he can get on anything and shred. I can’t say enough about the people who ride or race 550s are some of the best people I’ve been around. Truly awesome people! My biggest role models are Mark Gomez “Gomer’, Jeff Jacobs the “Jammer”, Mike Yellich the “Mauler”, Chris Fischetti “Flying Fish”, Victor Sheldon the “Slasher”. I have role models because I have learned things from each one of them and they are great people. They all started their careers on 550s and all of them shred on anything they get on. My coach Mauler is over 50 years old and still shreds!!
Could you tell me a little about your race ski?
My race ski is a 550 reed motor in a SX hull. My motor had a lot of work done by my sponsor BJ’s Performance. The hood was also made by BJ’s Performance. What I like most about it is that it stays in the water most of the time and it also has great handling.
How has your season been so far? What are your goals for the rest of the season?
My season has been great so far, I just defended my west coast regional championship. My goals for the rest of the season are to learn and get ready for world finals.
What would you tell other kids to try and get them into Jet Ski racing?
I would try to get the other kids into the sport by telling that it is safer than most other racing sports and a lot more fun and the people are great.
I understand that you are sponsored by Jet Renu. What are your favorite Jet Renu products, what do you use them for?
I love all the Jet Renu products, but my favorite product would have to be Stank Away because it makes my riding gear smell great and look great.
Are we ever going to see you racing any other classes? Or is your heart set on vintage?
Yes! You will see me in other classes later on I am looking forward to racing other classes, and always will be racing vintage.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
This month my mom and dad bought a home on Lake Elsinore from a complete stranger. Well, this stranger was a former pro racer from back in the day. He used to race with my coach Mike Yellich — small world..The first day we moved into the house this guy called my dad and told my dad to look under the coffeepot — he left me a lot of money for my racing!! I would like to thank Matt Rhodes!!! He just bought me a brand new PJS motor that Havasu Watercraft had been saving for me for the past 2 years. I look forward to seeing him at world finals.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I have and army of sponsors that all have helped me and I am extremely grateful I would not have accomplished what I have without these people. Mom and Dad, BJ’s Performance, Jet Renu, Havasu Watercraft, Jettrim, IPD graphics, Jet Pilot, Mauler Racing, TJrider1, AquaNutz, Dasa, Impros, Rhaas racing products, Norcal water sports,, Reloaded Racing, TsunamiJetski.com, Throttlejunkienews, American Outdoor Cooler, Kali Protectives, Jetnetics, BC Café Catering And Anna thank you for everything you do! You do a lot of great things for the sport. A lot of my friends are big fans of yours, we are cheering for you at world finals, good luck!
