How Mentorship is Powering This 14-Year-Old’s Contesting Journey: Jake WV4AM

Jake Maltz, WV4AM, is just 14 years old, but don’t let that fool you—he’s already proving to be a fierce competitor in the world of ham radio contesting. Inspired by his grandfather, Steve Narducci, W9SN, and mentored by seasoned contester Fred Dennin, WW4LL, Jake is racking up QSOs and sharpening his skills at an impressive pace. He’s got the drive, the speed, and, let’s be honest, the stamina to run rates most ops twice his age would envy. In this conversation, Jake shares how a surprise visit from his grandfather sparked an obsession that led him from an old-school paper log to high-intensity multi-op contests. He talks about the thrill of working pileups, his experience at WW4LL’s station, and why contesting keeps him hooked. And in an era where teens are glued to screens, Jake sees ham radio as his own version of social media—only with better conversations and far less doomscrolling. Will this hobby shape his future? Maybe. But for now, it’s all about the next contest, the next DX contact, and the next challenge. Tune in to hear how mentorship, curiosity, and raw talent are bringing new life to the hobby. Join the conversation, drop a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more stories from the world of amateur radio.