Well, since the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour schedule has been anounced I wanted to get the inside story from the voice of the tour himself, Danny Amir, A.K.A Dano the Mano A.K.A The Noise of the North. If you don't know Dano, this character is unreal. He's always up to something and always knows what's going down at each PWT event. I'm a huge fan of him, especially after he completely shaved his long shaggy hair as a fundraiser at Nationals last year. Check out the words I had with him in reference to the upcoming 09 season. Can't wait for the spring to arrive with more contests and events!
ME: How has the winter/off season been treating you?
DA: Well, it's been long and cold. I've been hangnig out with my friends back in Illinois. Spending lots of time with family and old friends.
ME: Are you staying back in Illinoois or able to travel a bit?
DA: The winter has been real mellow. Mostly just travelling back and forth between Chicago and Wisconsin.
ME: Has your hair grown back or are you keeping it clean and short?
DA: Knock on wood, but I have been lucky my hair seems to grow back pretty quiclky. As for the length, I have been keeping it short now, just easier to wash and take care of.
ME: PWT 09 schedule has been announced with some returning sites and some new sites...
Reno and Fort Worth are two returning stops that we've been to, what are you looking forward to from each stop?
DA: I love the atmostpheres of the different events. It's cool to meet other enthusiasts of the sport and to hear their story. Also, every where you go sponsors are pretty awesome. Jimmy Harvell with Texas MasterCraft is such a character and an awesome guy.
ME: Wisco gets a pro tour stop this year. How do you think they'll handle it?
DA: Well up there people love it, it's huge! They're already used to hosting Nationals but all the top Pros being spotlighted will be a nice change for everyone. It's going to be a big fun weekend for all, that's for sure.
ME: Knoxville and Lousiville are two new stops for the PWT this season. Anything you're looking forward to in each city?
DA: Making the drive down from Chicago to Orlando those are two cities I always drive through. I happen to know that each city has a huge wakeboard following. I look forward to discovering a new party in each town.
ME: PWT '09 Predictions...
Things got pretty heated in '08 between Phillip, Rusty, Adam, and JD. Do you expect the same guys on top this year?
DA: As you know anything can happen. But for the same guys on top, I am sure we will see some great battles all year but look for some past champions to really throw down. Danny Harf's year ended great last year, let's not forget Wake Awards.
ME: Any up and comers we should watch for?
DA: It's hard to say but if Jimmy LaRiche moves up to pro, let's get ready for some upsets.
ME: On the girl's side of things, Nicola proved herself in '08. Who would you expect to be her top competition in '09?
DA: Hard to say but you know the girls are training hard this winter. Nicola set a bar last season and now the others must try and raise it. Otherwise, she will be on top again.
ME: Any last words?
Da: 2009 is already shaping up to be another great year, I'm excited to see how it all will unfold. Also, I like to party?!