Danny
Williams
Interview by Shiela Advincula
Photos by Alan
Ortanez
Name: Danny Williams
Birthday: 11-22-83
Home Mountain: Mt. High!
Board size/Set-up: Burton seven 155, dominant 154, with P1 MD bindings-
want to be comfortable? Get these binders.
Stance: 22" front: 21 degrees back: -6 degrees
Epic Spot: Anywhere with deep powder and a snowmo.
Website: Check Activemailorder.com for some tight gear
Video Game: Rather be out ridin’ than playin’ games
Hero: Bjorn Lienes - check the cover of this month’s Transworld
- enough said!
What got you into snowboarding?
I have been skiing since I was about 2 yrs old and I was always on the
mountain. I skied until the snowboard park opened at Mt. High in 1994,
I think I was 10. All I wanted to do was hit the jumps and back in those
days skiers weren’t allowed in the park (maybe they should bring
back this rule? Just kidding!) So I put on a snowboard and started chillin’ in
the park.
What has snowboarding taught you?
Snowboarding has taught me many things over the years. I have entered
snowboard contests since I was about 12 and I took it seriously. I
wanted to be the best so I became super competitive, I just wanted
to win and I think that my competitive attitude has carried into everything
else that I have been involved in. Right now snowboarding is teaching
me determination because I have set some high goals for myself. You
have to be determined in this sport because it takes a lot to keep
up with all these crazy kids and throwing yourself down some of these
jumps and handrails is no easy task.
How many years had you been riding?
I have been riding for 10 yrs, damn time goes by fast!
Favorite trick?
I don’t have a favorite trick. I just try to push myself to learn
new stuff. I gotta expand my bag so I have a different favorite trick
everyday. Today I was working on switch front sevens, so I think that
is my favorite… until tomorrow!
Top 5 things to do when you're not snowboarding:
1. Working on or rallyin’ my wrx.
2. Hittin’ a pack of bike jumps on my honda 50. Or doing wheelies
through Wrightwood with the 50 gang, there is like 10 of us that mash'em.
3. Bombing some drops on mountain bikes
4. Racing go carts at dromo one in Anaheim. Who wants to get smoked?!
5. Hit the gym, I don’t want to get broke off doing the things
I love so I have to get stronger.
What's harder, thinking of the next trick to perfect or thinking of
place to eat?
I love food. I am a professional eater, so thinking up tricks to do may
just be harder. Anyone know if Wahoos is looking to sponsor a snow shred!!
Ahh, you made me hungry now I am going to have to take a break and eat!
What's your favorite place you've traveled and snowboarded at?
I always look forward to going to Colorado. There are so many cool
mountain towns with amazing resorts. Breckenridge's park is off the hook
and there is always powder to be found near by.
How do you spend your time when you're not snowboarding?
Right now I spend most of time when I’m not snowboarding at Cal
State
Fullerton or doing my school work. College is pretty important to me
and I wanted to at least get some of it started. I am done with this
semester in a few weeks and then I will be living in mammoth training
for my competition schedule coming up this year, so almost all my time
I will be riding!
What kind of music you prefer to listen to?
I love all kinds of music, from rap to punk to classic rock. If you can
sing, rap or play an instrument I give you props because it is hard
I have been working on the guitar for some time now and I want to learn
the drums but for some damn reason God didn’t give me rhythm,
guess he thought I should just stick to the snow.
Do you prefer freestyle
or free ride?
I think freestyle and free ride is basically the same thing. We are doing
what we like to do whether it is hangin’ in the park and hittin’ jibs
or mashing powder lines. No matter what I am riding, park or backcountry
I am always doing some fun tricks.
Blondes, brunette, redheads or punky
spike green?
I am just down for a chick that is into some of the stuff I am into and
if you can make me laugh, it’s definitely a bonus. But if I had
to pick one I'm backin’ the dark hair and dark eyes, so Jessica
Alba if you are reading this hit me up!!
Dream car?
My favorite whip has got to be the Audi S4. There’s nothing like
an all-wheel drive turbo to rip some turns up the mountain.
Best advise for a beginner?
Have the bottle of Motrin ready cuz the first few days are going to feel
like you've been beat with a baseball bat, but its worth it you’ll
get it after the initial beating.
If you can enlighten people who have never
boarded, what would you say?
The mountain scene is getting tight. At least get up there and enjoy
some clean fresh air (it tastes way better than smog!). Pssssstt! I’ve
also seen a lot of hot girls up at Mt. High lately if anything that’s
some motivation to start shredding! See you on the hill- peace!
