What is your name?
Wayne Keller
What is your major?
I’m a sophomore electrical engineering major.
Where is your hometown?
Rehobeth Beach, Delaware.
Why did you decide to go to USM?
Definitely for the skiing. I ride ski blades. Where I’m from is a resort town, and it gets really depressed during the winter. Up here it comes alive, kind of.
Are there any other extreme sports you are into?
I like sky diving. I’ve been on two dives with the school. It’s the most wild thing in the world. Nothing comes close. We went up in the plane the first time, this lady jumped out in front of me, and it looked just like a dead body. But the best feeling is when your feet are off the ground. You detach from your body. It’s just a sincere rush. Nothing’s purer. Once the shoot pops it’s just peaceful. As far as other sports, I like surfing.
When did you start surfing?
I’ve been body boarding as long as I can remember. I picked up surfing five years ago. I just started long boarding.
What has been your best surfing experience?
Definitely “Big Saturday.” It’s the name my friend and I gave for this one time back at home. It was right before an offshore storm, and the waves were 12 to 13 feet. I caught these awesome rides.
Have you ever tried to make your own board?
I made this one myself [shown in picture]. I’m like my dad, Mr. Fixit I guess.
Which is better, “Endless Summer ” or “Endless Summer II?”
“Endless Summer one,” by far. It’s a classic, and Robert August is just an amazing surfer. I like it better because it’s just classic surfing.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I like engineering a lot. I guess I’m just a nerd at heart. I’d like to work maybe for Fairchild or something. I like to tinker.
What is the best thing about USM?
Proximity to ski resorts, and Portland is really nice too.
Is there any bit of advice you would like to give other students?
Make sure you keep up with your studying but don’t forget to have fun.