It’s no wonder professional riders and friends alike have been known to disappear for weeks at a time, only to be found hanging out at Scotty’s ‘Camp Chill’ on the banks of Lake Conjola. John Henson is no stranger to Scotty’s salt lake getaway. “Me and Scotty have been mates for ages. The Broome’s Conjola holiday house, along with my old red Spectre vessel, pretty much made up our early teenage years,” Johnny says. There’s no doubt that the spirit of Lake Conjola is permanently embedded deep within Scotty’s soul. It is the place where he and his father Allan would frequent the surf in between sessions out in the family boat since Scotty was a grommet. “I’ve been in the surf and riding waves since I can remember. Dad and I used to head down the coast every Sunday morning searching for a wave,” Scotty says. It was this influence that encouraged Scotty to want a sideways stance behind the boat. “Since I was five my family have been heading out to the river most weekends, skiing and doing anything we could behind the boat. When I was about 12 I started wakeboarding. Because I was already in the surf at that point, it wasn’t a hard step to take.” It wasn’t until around 14 or 15 years of age that Scotty decided to ditch the other boating activities and focus on wakeboarding solely. These days surfing and wakeboarding go hand in hand, and when he’s out in the surf waiting for a set, you can be sure his mind is probably on wakeboarding. “I still try and surf as much as possible in between wake sets, and I think it helps keep things fresh for me. I’m always pumped to go out riding after I’ve had a good surf session,’’ he said. Wakeboarding took a big leap forward for Scotty when he was in his mid teens. At the age of 16, he finished second at the 2001 X Games held in Penrith, sharing the podium with the legendary Mark Kenney and an up-and-coming Jeff Weatherall. “It really gave me a boost personally, and it became clear that I could actually do something with this sport,’’ he said.

Since those humble beginnings, numerous podium and top 10 finishes in events around the globe have become a regular thing. Competition aside, we all know that to make it as a professional wakeboarder, more than just respectable competition results are required. It demands a lot of industry activity off the water, and Scotty never fails to get the job done. Apart from his natural ability to be successful, there is a high level of drive that he demonstrates, and it’s a big reason his career has flourished. He has the ability to engage hardcore fans and new entrants to the sport alike. The second he’s finished his pass in front of a cheering crowd, you can be assured Scotty will instantly abandon his focus on his riding and a charismatic wakeboarding ambassador will emerge – one that the sport should be ever grateful for. If you had never been exposed to wakeboarding before, not only would Scotty’s huge slob front roll to fakie blow your mind, but his glowing personality would also help you see wakeboarders in the best light possible. His personality plays a huge part in his success in the media and he delivers tons of value for his sponsors on and off the water. “I want wakeboarding to be huge,” he says. “And it’s not only the competitions that are going to get it there.”

Scott knows better than anyone that photo shoots, filming and TV coverage, as well as competition, are just as important to push the sport. “I’d rather watch a video part or read an article than watch a contest any day, but that’s just me. I still love competing, so I guess I’m a bit funny like that. I think it’s all very important these days and I guess I try to be the full package, and not put all my eggs in one basket, so to speak.” Ask any photographer, cinematographer or sponsor what it’s like to work with Scotty and they will all submit rave reviews. The making of this article is a great example. Although Scott arrived home from the States unable to ride boat and in need of some knee surgery, that wasn’t going to stop him from shooting for the cover shot. He simply thought outside the square, put an idea forward, and made it happen within days. He is a classic ‘doer’. “We’re not going to have a crack; we’re going to make it happen,” is how Scotty put it. Another great promotion for the sport is when athletes from other board sport disciplines recognise wakeboarding as something deserving of respect. “When a surfer, snowboarder or skater thinks what us wakeboarders are doing is impressive, it gives me a great feeling,’’ he said. Scotty prides himself on a good all-round style in his riding, as well as performing tricks with ease, which is essential to keeping the representation of wakeboarding interesting.

“I like to think that I have a relaxed style of riding about me and make things look easier than what they are. I also try to be as legit as possible with my wakeboarding when it comes to grabbing tricks and poking and tweaking them,’’ he said. He has managed to avoid falling into the categories of ‘flippers’ or ‘spinners’, and has become one of the most well rounded riders out there. “I would hope I always maintain an all-round style and hopefully I can have an influence on other riders to keep it broad,’’ he said. Scott is one of those riders you could happily watch all day long. On film, on the bank or watching from the boat, there is something about taller riders, and Scott in particular, that makes wakeboarding look so legit. “Scotty has such a dope style,” said Chris O’Shea. “Which is kinda weird for a tall guy.” Chriso has already made plans to train with Scotty and help him get back on the water as soon as possible. ”I’m stoked because even though he is injured, I know he is going to push my riding in the most enjoyable way possible. When you ride all year round, it is so important you ride with people who keep it fun, and Scotty would be my top choice.” Riding and conversing with others in and around wakeboarding is another of Scotty’s natural talents. As much as hanging out with other top-level riders, Scotty thinks it’s just as important to hang out with the beginner, the up-and-comer, or even the weekend warrior.

“It’s no good being good at it (wakeboarding) if you can’t or are not willing to teach or help others about it and interact with people that share your passion,” he said. It is his willingness to help others, and never setting himself on a pedestal, that contributes to his popularity. According to Jeff Weatherall: “Scotty Broome is one of those rare people in the industry that everyone loves. It seems like the guy just has no enemies at all. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad word uttered about him.” When he isn’t actually wakeboarding, Scotty is still involved somewhere, somehow. This summer he’ll be on the road as part of the annual Tigé Tour. He also spends plenty of time in the offices of his sponsors, giving well received input into products, promotion, or discussing whatever topics are at hand. “My sponsors look after me. It seems only natural I should look out for them. Anything I can do for wakeboarding, I will. Like I said, I want it to be huge!” Scotty Broome has certainly already left his mark on Australian wakeboarding, and by the looks of things, he isn’t slowing up. He plans to continue chasing the sun to Orlando for as long as he can. And in all likelihood, when he does eventually decide to hang up the wakeboard he will unquestionably continue to make an impression on sport. “I would like to be remembered as a person that was good at all aspects of wakeboarding. From videos and articles, contests and rail riding. But I think most importantly, I want to be remembered as a great ambassador for the sport.”