Hawke's Bay wakeboarder Sam Pomana is self-coached and picks up tips and instructions off a DVD.
The Napier Boys' High School year 13 student is obviously a fast learner and doesn't consider his lack of a coach a setback. Despite being in just his second season in the sport Pomana won the under-19 junior boys title at the weekend's Lake Karapiro-hosted nationals.
"I love the underdog tag ... it's worked for me all season," Pomana said as he reflected on his seven-point win over Aucklander Francesco Hazelwood, a two-time national under-15 champion who was competing in the under-19 grade for the first time. A former winner of the title, Josh Plaw of Karapiro, was third.
It was Pomana's fourth title from as many events this season. A fortnight ago he won the under-19 title at Mangakino and previously he won the North Island title at Mangakino and a Central Hawke's Bay competition.
Pomana, Hazelwood and Plaw were the top three qualifiers for Saturday's final from Friday's heats. Pomana had one fall in his final run near the finish but had already secured the title by then.