Drew Danielo is the 6 time World Wake Surfing Champion. He is a professional wake surfer wake skater and skate boarder. Drew was born in Florida in Sarasota County. He started skateboarding when he was in grade 2 with a plastic skateboard from Wal-Mart. He was interested in football and wrestling in elementary school but he learned that team sports were not for him. He continued skateboarding to become a professional skateboarder.
He then started surfing when he was in grade 5. He loved the water and really enjoyed surfing. In high School he started skim boarding. He felt that it came very naturally to him and he caught on quickly. He began participating in skim events and was placing very well at the time. He went pro in skim boarding and finished in the top 10 for 3 years. During that time he met his wife Nicole.
One day, Bob Smetts from Zap skimboards started Phase 5 wake surfers. He came up to Drew and said "Hey Drew there is this wake surf championship thing in California, You wanna go?". In 2003 he went to the wake surf championship and managed to win 1st place in open division. Ever since then, he has been hooked on wake surfing and the perfect wave behind a Centurion Boat.
Since 2003 he has won 6 World Championships wake surfing and wake skated professionally on the Byerly Tom Jam tour. He married his wife Nicole in 2007 and had their first little boy February 2nd, 2010. He has also opened up a Wakeboard, Skateboard and Skimboard shop called Ollie's Wake-Skate-Skim in 2007.
His Winning Run:
This is an interview that I found on the source stated at the bottom:
"Where did you grow up?
Venice, Fl
Siblings?
2 Brothers Nick and Ben
What are 3 things you point out to someone at a boat show to sell Centurion over a competitor’s boat?
The Reverse Shoe box method that fits the top of the boat to the hull. The pro vision Dash. The amazing wave it produces.
What are your goals?
To win at least 1 more WWSC, and to be the best Dad and Husband for my family.
Sponsors:
Centurion, Phase 5, Boardco.com, M&M Watersports, Dunkelvolk, Ollie’s
Most recent results:
3rd At the 2012 WWSC
Biggest accomplishment in your sports:
Won the World Wakesurf Championships 6 times.
Profession:
Co-Owner of Ollie’s Wake-Skate-Skim
Likes?
Spending time with my family, Being on a boat.
Dislikes?
Fish, Sushi, and selfish people
Foods?
Chicken, Mac and Cheese, McDonalds Sweet Tea
Beliefs? Outlooks on life?
Live life to fullest and trust in the lord.
Favorite rider and why?
Anyone who rides to have fun. I love meeting new people
Board:
2013 Phase 5 Danielo Carbon or 2013 Phase 5 Diamond Danielo
What first inspired you to begin wakesurfing?
Was a professional wakesurfer and was introduced to it through my Sponsor Phase 5.
How often do you get to ride?
Since my son was born once every couple weeks atleast. Priorities change.
Who would you like to thank or give props to?
My Wife Nicole for all her support. My son Ty. God for giving me the life I have and the ability to do what I love and teach others how to enjoy it as well.The crew at Phase 5 and Centurion, Troy and all the boys at boardco.com and all my friends and family.
Quotes?
Never Give up, Never Give in."
Bibliography : http://calabogiewakesurf.com/meet-the-pros/drew-danielo
Wow Drew sounds like a true inspiration to many people. It looks like he had a lot of talent at a young age. I find that people that have such a high level of talent at a young age succeed tremulously in their domain. He started wake surfing from skateboarding which turned into a life career . This is a true example of if you love something so much never give it up because there is always a door waiting to be pushed open. My question for you Jenna is; is there any female wake surfing champions? I would love to hear their story !
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like Drew is a true inspiration for anyone to follow! I find that people can be great at playing a sport but if they love doing what they do, it makes their performance amazing! His story shows that if you keep working on something in your life, you are bound to find success. His story was pleasure to read! My question is : Is there any female Wake Surfing Champions? If so I'd love to read about them ! Till next time
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