HOMETOWN: Santa Rosa Beach, FL
BIRTHDAY: June 7, 1984
FAVORITE WARM-UP TRICK:
Backflip
FAVORITE NAUTIQUE ATHLETE TO RIDE/SKI WITH (AND WHY):
This is difficult to answer by naming just one athlete since the Nautique team has such great people and athletes representing them. I would pick Erika Lang - we have traveled around the world together on several USA teams, most recently the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. Erika is a fierce competitor and very driven, and there is a lot to learn from what she can do on the water. As focused as we both are, we still have a great time and lots of laughs and keep it fun every time we're together.
EVENT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY YEAR:
US MASTERS - I have skied in the Masters since I was 12 years old (except for one year with an ACL injury). The heritage, the prestige, the title of the tournament alone makes it the best tournament in the world. I have captured 9 slalom titles to date...I was born in Atlanta, GA and the start of my skiing career was in GA, so Callaway Gardens is close to my stomping grounds.
HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF WATERSKIING:
Naturally anything on the water and in a boat...surfing, paddle boarding and deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and living the beach life. Training my Labrador retriever, Champ (THAT is a challenge! Chocolate Labradors are stubborn!)
WHAT ARE YOUR ESSENTIALS FOR A DAY ON THE WATER:
Sunscreen, music, polarized sunglasses, water, electrolytes and a great attitude!!
THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB:
Helping motivate young athletes to be the best they can be, both on and off the water.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING YOU’VE EVER DONE:
The first time breaking the World Slalom Record and the second most difficult thing was breaking the World Overall Record! I have since broken World Records 13 times (the most recent slalom record 5 @ 10.25m)...with an eye on the ultimate prize of running a complete pass on the 10.25m line behind the Nautique! However, the most difficult thing I have ever done was coming back from my ACL injury. That was the hardest thing both physically and mentally to overcome. And to this day there are still some challenges. Injuries are part of any sport, it's how you come back from them that matters. I was very blessed to have Andrews Sports Medicine and Dr. Cain be part of my journey back to the top.
TOP 3 SONGS TO PLAY IN YOUR NAUTIQUE:
Jake Owens - Down to the Honkytonk, Imagine Dragons - Whatever It Takes and Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone
