Meet Tim: From His Dad's Weathered Boat to ATX Surf Boat Family Tradition

Tim's love for boating started with his dad and a neighbor's old boat that "might not have seemed like much to anyone else." Today, he and his family spend 6-10 hours a week on Boyd Lake in Colorado, living by the mantra painted across the back of their ATX: "Don't Look Back."

How It Started: A Dad and a Weathered Boat

Tim's dad was always looking for something they could do together—something that felt like an adventure but brought the family closer. Living just a short drive from the lake, the water naturally became their gathering place.

"I remember the day he decided to buy our neighbor's small, slightly weathered boat," Tim says. "To anyone else, it might not have seemed like much. But to us, it was a ticket to an entirely new world."

Weekends quickly turned into early-morning launches, sun-warmed afternoons, and the kind of laughter that only comes when you're learning something new together. Before long, they weren't just dipping their toes into boating and water sports—they were completely hooked.

Finding ATX: When the People Matter as Much as the Boat

Years later, when Tim and his wife decided to upgrade to a newer boat, their first stop was the Denver Boat Show. They wandered through countless models and brands, comparing features and trying to make sense of it all.

But what stood out wasn't a boat at all—it was a person.

"The wife of the President at Tige welcomed us with the kind of warmth usually reserved for family," Tim explains. "Her genuine friendliness drew us in and introduced us to the ATX brand back in 2020."

As they climbed aboard different boats and compared features, something became clear: their local dealer's hands-on approach and the overall simplicity of the ATX lineup made the experience feel effortless.

"It was the only demo that didn't scare my wife away from the driver's seat," Tim says. "And that alone spoke volumes. The boats were intuitive, approachable, and perfect for learning how to surf without feeling overwhelmed."

The combination of their budget, the ease of use, and the way the ATX team made them feel made the decision easy. That day at the boat show, it became obvious—they were destined to be an ATX family.

Life on Boyd Lake: Early Mornings and Colorado Views

Tim's family has always been the "get on the lake before everyone else wakes up" type. Most days, they're pulling out of their slip at Boyd Lake in Loveland, Colorado around 7 a.m., soaking in the calm water and quiet shoreline.

"By noon, the toys are packed up, the crowds are just starting to roll in, and we're already heading home with sun on our faces," Tim says.

Sure, they'll stay out for the occasional all-day adventure, but there's something special about wrapping up early and still having the entire afternoon ahead—another chance to jump into whatever Colorado's great outdoors has planned next.

Boyd Lake has become their home base. They love exploring other spots around the state on occasional weekends, but nothing quite compares. "The community, the atmosphere, and those unforgettable views make it tough to beat," Tim explains. "Spending a day on the water with the Colorado Rockies rising in the background—well, that never gets old."

His Favorite Memories: Watching His Kids Nail Their First 360s

Some of Tim's favorite memories revolve around watching his son and daughter land their first 360s on the surfboard.

"I've always been perfectly content just cruising the wave," he says. "But seeing their excitement when they finally nail a new trick—after all the wipeouts and determination—never fails to make my heart swell."

And then there are the moments when Mom takes a turn on the board. "Those moments when she steps out from behind the wheel and onto the wave are always special," Tim says. "There's something about seeing her ride, laughing and soaking it all in, that reminds us why we cherish these days on the lake so much."

His Advice: Your Dealer Matters More Than You Think

If Tim could offer one piece of advice to anyone shopping for their first boat, it's this: your dealer matters—a lot.

He's also noticed that too many people fixate solely on "the wave." Sure, a great wave is important, but the truth is that most challenges come from learning the sport and improving technique—not from the boat itself.

"That's where a good dealer becomes invaluable," Tim says. "The guidance, tips, and hands-on help they provide are truly priceless."

Right behind dealer support is the importance of overall boat simplicity. Driving a boat can be tiring and stressful without the right setup—or the right people backing you. But with the right dealer and an intuitive, user-friendly boat, the whole experience becomes smoother, easier, and infinitely more enjoyable.

What Actually Matters vs. What's Nice to Have

When it comes to choosing a boat, Tim believes the real "must-haves" are simpler than most people think.

"At the top of the list is a reliable manufacturer and a dealer who truly takes care of you," he says. "Pair that with a boat that's easy to use and intuitive to operate, and you've covered the essentials."

Everything else falls into the "nice-to-have" category—the fun upgrades that elevate your time on the lake. Things like premium finishes, built-in trash cans, onboard refrigeration, oversized screens, and a powerful stereo system aren't necessities, but they certainly add a little extra joy to those perfect summer days.

Don't Look Back

Boating has completely transformed the way Tim's family spends time together. "I often catch myself bragging about the 6-10 hours a week we get to share, fully present, with nothing on the agenda except fun, connection, and being out on the water," he says.

That uninterrupted time as a family has made their investment in their ATX feel like one of the easiest decisions they've ever made.

Across the back of their boat are the words "don't look back." It's become a mantra for the whole family.

For Tim and his wife, it's a reminder to never second-guess the investment they've made in these moments. And for the kids, it's a nudge to soak in every ride, every laugh, every wave—and truly live in the moment without looking back.