Making Noise: Thomas Olson - Gig Harbor, WA

Words by Zack Clark
Photos by Bryan Myss

Northwest staple Brent Starr with Thomas Olson

Every now and again we hear about the next big thing coming out of the Northwest. A few seasons ago that was Kirkland, WA native Nick Jones who has progressed leaps in the last year after going to school in Florida and returning home to the Northwest in the Summer. Known for style and dedication to their roots of the Upper West Side, Northwest Riders continually progress the wake scene in both obvious and subtle ways.

One of the newest names to pop up as someone that is bringing his skills to the table and showing the NW wake community that he means business is that of Thomas Olson of Gig Harbor, WA. Olson, referred to as “TO” amongst his peers, has a style similar to that of local legend Bret van den Heuval. The similarities in style not only shine through because of the tall stature of the two, but because Bret V and his brother Matt have taken Olson under their wing and are helping mold and shape his riding ability.

Thomas Olson and Bret van den Heuvel

“Shortly after I met Thomas out on Horsehead Bay he started taking wakeboard lessons from my brother Matt and I. We saw that he had incredible talent and a great attitude at a young age. If you watch “The Arrival” wakeboard video, you can see that we have similar riding styles. Tom and I are both tall guys and we throw a lot of the same tricks. We are very technical riders who like to take moves big and do stylish grabs,” mentioned Bret van den Heuval. “I am excited to pass the torch to Tom as the next upcoming wakeboarder from Gig Harbor! That kid has been putting on that board and doin’ work. I was proud when he got his first sponsors and video section. It reminds me of how Brent Starr mentored me as a rider in high school. I am very thankful of how Brent pushed my riding level and helped me with competitions and photo shoots. Now I look forward to watching Tom’s success in the future!”

When first meeting Thomas you can’t help but think that he is a bit shy. After getting to know him a bit better, he quickly becomes one of the funniest and enjoyable in the group. The initial shy demeanor quickly shows itself as a humility that Olson carries…something that is refreshing in an industry full of self-proclaimed “rock stars” and often overly brash personalities. Thomas is quite simply a good kid that loves wakeboarding for the riding, friendships, and the true bonding atmosphere the sport lends to those involved. Olson has quickly got us behind him as he looks to make a name for himself in the Northwest. He also has the support of some local sponsors and friends that want to see him progress both in his riding and in his overall growth.

“Our company views character as equally important if not moreso than ability. Thomas is obviously a very talented rider. The thing I remember most when I first met him is how stoked he was just to be out riding and also how appreciative he was to Matt V just for inviting him out,” said Greg Young of Northwest Riders Clothing. “Nobody wants to sponsor some kid who is obviously talented, but goes out of his way to tell you how great he is. Thomas is just a regular guy when he gets off the water. He is friendly, very approachable, positive, and has a great (and weird) sense of humor,” added Young.

Northwest Riders ‘07 Summer Tour Boat : Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV
Riders: Greg Young, Brent Starr, Thomas Olson, & Bret V

You can get to know TO by signing up for the premiere camp in Washington at NW Wakeboard Camp. Get pro caliber instruction from Olson as well as the brothers van den Heuval. Find out first hand the ability and infectious personality that classifies Olson as someone that is Making Noise in the NW wake scene.

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