Interview with five-time World Wakesurf Champion Drew Danielo 
Venice, Florida, USA April 20th 2011 

Wakesurfers.net recently caught up with 5x World Wakesurf Champion Drew Danielo to talk about how he got into wakesurfing and what he loves about it.

AGE: 30
HOMETOWN: Venice, Florida, USA
HIGHLIGHTS: 5-time World Wakesurf Champion
SPONSORS: Phase 5 Wakesurfers, Centurion Boats, Arson, Dunkelvolk, Boardco.com & Ollie's
STANCE: Regular
STYLE: Skimstyle 

WS: Hey Drew it's a pleasure to have you on Wakesurfers.net. How are things?
DD: Things are great. I’m really busy with my shop, wife and raising our little boy.

WS: When and where did you discover wakesurfing?
DD: I skimboarded professionally for Zap Skimboards. They started Phase 5 and said hey there is a Wakesurfing Championship coming up. Do you want to go? So we went and I won and have been hooked ever since.

WS: How has wakesurfing progressed since you first won the world championship back in 2003?
DD: In 2003 we were trying to figure out what to do. I was taking tricks from skimboarding and doing them behind the boat. I won with the help of a 360° shuv it in 2003. Now you need 360° shuvs, Backside and frontside bigspins, switch tricks, airs and combo's to even have a chance.

WS: In what direction would you like wakesurfing to evolve?
DD: I really like skim style wakesurfing. It is more fast paced and cooler, more technical tricks are going down. 
But there are a handful of guys riding surf style that are killing it. Like James Walker and Chase Hazen.

WS: Tell us something about your new Phase 5 pro model series coming out this season.
DD: Well the board that I have had for the last couple years is staying the same just did a full bottom graphic on it that comes in 4 different colors and a new top logo. I also have a new model coming out called the Diamond Danielo. Really cool board with a big wide tail on it so it is fast and you can ride more weight on your back foot without losing speed. It is a fun board to ride to. Fairly stable until you try and slide it then it is a loose goose!

WS: You're known for your big spins and 360° aerials, anything new you've been working on which we can look forward to in the future?
DD: I am always working on some new stuff. I've been doing alot of combos and alot of switch tricks.
Just doing tricks regular then turning and doing them switch to.

WS: What motivates you to keep riding and progressing?
DD: I guess just how much fun it is. Since being in the sport since the beginning and watching it grow and knowing that I had alot to do with helping it grow is really cool. Plus I love teaching people how to wakesurf. Seeing someone let go of the rope for the first time and that instant smile they get makes it all worth it.
There is nothing better than being on the boat with friends and family.

WS: Where is your favorite place to ride, and why?
DD: I love riding in my little semi private lake and Lake Powell. I go out there every year with the guys from Boardco.com and we have a blast. No pressure or contest just ride, relax, ride again and just have fun.

WS: What are your doing when you're not wakesurfing?
DD: Either hanging out with my wife and son or at my shop working.

WS: What kind of music are you listening to at the moment?
DD: Mostly country with some punk and a little rap in there. Depends on the day.

WS: Where do you see yourself within the wakesurfing industry in 10 years?
DD: Hopefully kids (who will be doing tricks we never thought) will still look up to me as one of the people who helped the sport to where it is then. I also see myself still riding and hopefully my son will be showing me up by then.

WS: Which Event are you most looking forward to in 2011?
DD: Probably worlds because it is fun to see everyone ride and it is a great time to hang out with everyone.

WS: Any chance that we will see you coming to Europe in the near future?
DD: That sounds like fun. Maybe a family getaway with some riding to???

WS: If there was one piece of advice you could give to the kids, what would it be?
DD: Enjoy life. Stay away from drugs and go to church. Don't worry what everyone thinks of you. 
Do your best and be proud of what you have and do.

WS: Anyone out there you want to thank?
DD: Bob and the crew at Phase 5, Troy Mann and his family and all the peopel at Boardco.com, My wife for her support and for being the best mom ever, All my friends and family and God for giving me the ability to find my talent and use it for a positive influence!

WS: Thanks Drew, for your time and talking to Wakesurfers.net

Interview: Wakesurfers.net  Photos: Phase5boards 

PHASE FIVE TEASER 2011