Happy Friday everyone!!!
Very, VERY excited to have with us James Heder of YoYo Friends! An incredibly talented player - enjoy the read!!
What got you into throwing, how did you find the hobby?
My story is probably pretty different from a lot of people haha. So I was at school and I won a math game, and I happened to pull out a yoyo from the prize bag! I started playing with it for the rest of the day, and the next day I saw Gentry Stein’s 2019 U.S. Nationals freestyle. After that I got hooked!
What is your goal in 2025 for yourself? Yo-yo or not!
My main goals for myself this year are to get top ten at the U.S. National Yoyo Contest and to make finals at Worlds!
If you could only have one yo-yo for the rest of your life what would it be?
That yoyo is a secret for now. It won’t be coming out for a while but when it does, I think a lot of you will like it!
What trick are you working on currently?
I don’t have a specific trick I’m working on but I’ve mostly been working on making my own tricks!
What’s the trick that gives you the hardest time?
Ayumu Kasuga behind the head arm hop.
What’s your favorite trick?
Anything techy/slack
What’s your favorite yo-yo of all time?
Currently it’s gotta be the Yoyofriends sunwing. I love how the yoyo moves on the string and I love making tricks on it!
What’s the most meaningful throw you have?
The most meaningful throw I have is probably the first yoyo Yoyofriends sent me, which is a Peregrine X. It always reminds me of their generosity and how amazing of a sponsor they are.
What’s your worst habit with yo-yos?
Probably procrastinating when it comes to changing pads🤣
What’s kind of things are you into outside of yo-yos?
Outside of yoyoing I like to cook sometimes, and thats basically it lol.
What song best fits your personality?
I’d probably say Thinking About You by Cody Fry
Favorite restaurant and order?
My favorite restaurant is probably Noodles and Co., and I usually order a normal bowl of mac n cheese and a lemonade!
Favorite movie and or Book?
I don’t really have a favorite movie, but My favorite book is probably Number The Stars, written by Lois Lowry.
What does yo-yo’ing mean to you?
Yoyoing to me is something that can be done anywhere, with infinite potential. It’s something that I love, and I’ll try to stay with this community for a long time to come!
What’s your favorite memory from your time in the hobby?
My favorite memory in yoyoing so far was probably winning my first yoyo contest, which was the sport division at the Florida State Yoyo Contest in 2023.
What’s your best advice for people to get better at yo-yoing?
Don’t get discouraged if you’re not doing well with whatever you’re trying to do in yoyo, just keep at it and you’ll succeed.
How has the community changed since you started? Where do you want it to go?
I’ve seen that more and more young throwers are entering the community, and tricks are just getting harder and harder. Contests aren’t everything, and I think yoyoing is something that is meant to be fun.
If you never picked up a yo-yo - what would things look like now?
If I wasn’t yoyoing, I’d probably end up fully being into cooking/cars.
Advice/ words of wisdom to new players?
If you’re just starting out, you shouldn’t worry about winning contests or having to get sponsored–just enjoy the sport and learn everything you can!
Whats you want to tell the world?
I want to thank the community for being so kind and supportive. I’m very glad I stuck with this hobby–the connections I’ve made are incredible!