It's big news when one of the top women's riders switches board companies. We covered it last week, Nicola Butler is now riding for Company Wake. I had a chance to get her feelings on the board change and also catch up on what she is up to. I'll have you know that we definitely had to interupt some of her high school studies for this interview, but it's rad that she's able to balance the wake life and her education. Nicola is a legitimate shredder and has represented this past season in competition and in free riding. We can all expect to see a lot more coverage on Nicola as she progresses her own riding and the entire sport of women's wakeboarding. Enjoy the words...

ME: What have you been up to in the offseason?
NB: Just hanging out riding a bunch and trying to do schoolwork

ME: Working on anything new or goals for the winter?
NB: Yeah, just working on getting old tricks back and consistent and new tricks of course.

ME: Any travel plans for the winter?
NB: Hopefully going to the Philippines for cable worlds in Feb

ME: It's official now, you're now riding for Company Wake'
How stoked are you to join the team?
NB: Really stoked, it's still a small company right now but i believe that big things are gonna start happening and i can't wait for this season

ME: What aspect of the company appealed to you?
NB: I think that just joining a rider owned company it would be better in the long run and coming into the company so early its cool because i get to make shots and decide on things and help with the progression.

ME: What board are you riding in 09?
NB:I am riding the Severence right now but i am working on my own pro model

ME: Can you describe the board for us?
NB:Its a 3 stage rocker and its super quick on the water. I stiffened my board up a little bit so it really locks in on landings and cutting into the wake. I've never ridden a flex board and it definitely took some getting used to but the landings are so soft its unbelievable!

ME: You've got a solid team at Company. How stoked are you to be riding with the boys on Company?
NB:Yeah its an awesome team right now and its cool cause i think we are covering every aspect of the sport like freestyle, contest, etc. And its a huge honor to be teammates with Randall!!

ME: What can we expect to see from you in 09? Anything up your sleeve for next season?
NB:You will have to wait and see! ;)

We will be waiting and stoked for the 09 season!