By: Marissa Foglia

With the World Cup in full force, DBOT5 thought it’d be fun to hunt down some MLS players who have a thing for golf. So we chatted up one of our favorite lifestyle golfers, the LA Galaxy’s Josh Saunders.

Saunders recently took some time out from cheering on teammate Landon Donovan and the U.S., to hit the impressive course over at Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles. Sure Saunders’ day may have entailed a challenging course, punk music, and a little anger release on the 18th hole, but it remained a luxury golf experience nonetheless. We’d expect nothing less from a Trump course.

“The views of Catalina were amazing,” he said. “I brought along the radio blasting’ a little punk and ska, DJ’d by my golf partner Rory Campbell, lead singer of Just Because.”

And you already know the 29-year-old Galaxy goalkeeper was stylin’ with his DBOT5 clubs as he meandered his way through the 18 holes along Trump’s perfectly-manicured, yet somewhat frustrating course.

“Got out a little frustration on Hole 18,” he said. “Bangin’ a couple balls into the ocean…much to the dismay of the course manager. Nothin’ like a little 7 iron birdies on the par threes. Probably the hardest course ever. Even the pros say it’s enough to make you take a couple Patron shots along the way.”

Hey, at least he’s honest!

“All in all a good great day at the course. Sun, golf, tunes…and a little Patron.”

By: Marissa Foglia

Transworld held its 12th Annual SKATEboarding Awards on Tuesday, June 15, 2010. DBOT5 was on hand and ready to mingle among the invite-only skateboarding crowd!

Photo: Cullen Poythress – Andrew Brophy and Torey Pudwill congratulate Best Transition winner Grant Taylor.

Of course we wanted to be there, since the event was hosted by DBOT5’s athletic supporter and golfer Pat Duffy…which, as expected, made for an entertaining time. Duffy welcomed the few thousand skateboarding guests to the ceremony which was held at Hollywood’s historic Avalon Theater at Hollywood & Vine.

DBOT5’s founder Bryce Hepworth stopped in to the event with hopes to bring on more skateboarders to DBOT5’s current roster of golfing athletic supporters. Hepworth took in the scene while hanging out among the likes of Pat Duffy, Bam Magera and Anthony Manfredi, who was nice enough to hook up DBOT5 at the event.  Many thanks Anthony!

The award winners were determined by polling over 150 professional skateboarders worldwide. The night’s awards went to:

BEST ROOKIE Brandon Westgate

BEST VIDEO PART Grant Taylor – “Debacle”

BEST TEAM Flip

BEST STREET Chris Cole

BEST TRANSITION Grant Taylor

BEST VIDEO Extremely Sorry

TWS READERS’ CHOICE Lizard King

Hepworth also spent some time taking part of a stellar photo shoot with JP Walker over in Carlsbad, CA. Pictures from the shoot of JP swinging some swanky DBOT5 clubs will be surfacing soon! So be sure to keep an eye out.

By: Marissa Foglia

Note* I tried really hard to avoiding using some spider web-related cliche in this intro, as JD’s last name triggered imagery of him casting out a huge web over every surface of water he and his board come in contact with…holding the wake captive, if you would. As you can see, I failed.

That being said, JD Webb’s reign over the world of wakeboarding has given this guy a reputation of exuding merciless attacks on rails, as well as boasting an unmatched and stylish approach to tricks. I was happy to catch up with JD as the waters begin to warm up for the upcoming season, to get the scoop about what he’s been up to, what’s next, and a few things in between.

photo: hyperlite.com

Q: What triggered your interest in wakeboarding and how did you get your start?

A: I started wakeboarding when I was 9 years old. I was on a show ski team and when I saw Zane Shwenk wakeboarding in the ski show, I thought it was the coolest thing ever! After that he started teaching me and it all kinda rolled on from there.

Q: Who do you typically hit the water with when you’re practicing?

A: I normally ride with Andrew Adkison, Kyle Alberts, Derek Grasman, Jeff House, Jimmy Trask and Zane Shwenk.

Q: Tell me about when you jumped the fountain at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. What was going through your head?

A: I don’t think I was really thinking too much. I don’t think I realized how hurt I could get. When I jumped in the water I couldn’t stop shaking. It wasn’t cold, I was just so nervous. I was looking on the shore thinking ‘I can’t back out, there are all these people here to watch’. So I told Murray let’s do it and I cut into the ramp…as soon as I left the top of the ramp I knew I had it and all that pressure was gone.

Q: Summer is around the corner…what’s your plan as far as competitions and events?

A: I’m going to do King of Wake, the World Series and the Pro Tour.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment so far in your career?

A: I have the record for the biggest gap on a wakeboard, it was 71 ft. I also got the key to the city of Orlando and September 30th is JD Webb Day.

Q: What’s your take on “extreme” athletes taking a liking to golf in their spare time?

A: I really enjoy golf.  It really takes your mind off everything. It’s nice to go with some of your friends have a couple beers and play.

Q: Since wakeboarding tends to be such an adrenaline-driven sport…do you have the patience to spend a soothing, calm afternoon on the golf course?

A: It is kind of hard for me. I normally have a lot of energy, so for me to be calm for 18 holes without pissing my friends off is not easy.

Q: DBOT5 loves golf, so we must ask, any advice for Tiger?

A: I don’t think it is any of our business what goes on in his family life. He is the best golfer on the planet and I think he deserves everything that he has worked so hard for. Keep slaying it Tiger (golf that is).

And now, true investigative journalism at its finest…

Q: Big Macs or Whoppers? A: Neither. Double Quarter Pounder

Q: Best album ever made? A: Dr. Dre 2001

Q: Michael Jackson solo or with the Jackson Five? A: Solo

Q: Do you enjoy the nightlife? Any favorite spots?

A: Yeah, I do enjoy going out…sometimes a little too much. My place to go in Orlando is The Other Bar. The guys from Step Up Productions own it, so it’s kinda where the wakeboarders hang out.

Q: If you could change places with any other pro athlete on the planet, who would it be and why?

A: Rob Machado. He gets to surf everyday, no pressure on him to perform in contests, and seems like a good guy.

Q: At the end of the day, what would you hope to be known for?

A: A positive and friendly person that anyone can come up and talk to.

Stevie Bell filming for TWS Trick Tip Video!

Transworld is filming their 4th installment of the 20 Tricks video. For a look at what’s going on behind the scenes, check the link below.

http://snowboarding.transworld.net/1000120817/featuresobf/transworld-20-tricks-2010/

By: Marissa Foglia

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about chatting up World Champion Wakeboarder Andrew Adkison, a.k.a. AA, a.k.a All American. (So many names, so little time.)

Andrew’s always been one of those super neat people that tends to give you the warm fuzzies…I’m just sayin’. So it was nice to see, that since the last time I interviewed him (many moons ago), he remains the same, cool-mannered, humble guy we’ve all grown to love both on and off the water. The only difference now is that he’s gained a few more titles, a lovely wife, as well as even more events posted to an ever-growing schedule of competitions. See what Andrew had to say about 2010, his golf skills, and my subtle guilt trip to get him to teach me to ride this summer.

Photo: wakestock.ae (2010)

Q. What’s in store for 2010?
A. Tons of comps, clinics, and free riding. I’ll be doing around 20 pro tournaments this summer. Seven of those being international. I’m also planning some film/photo trips. This should be a big summer!

Q. Since DBOT5 (clearly) has the dopest golf gear, I must ask, do you golf? If so, are you any good?
A. I do golf occasionally. I used to play all the time. I was actually on my high school’s golf team for one day…picture day. I had a bet going with a friend to see who could get in the most team and club pictures. (I’ll have to find that picture for you!)

Q. Let’s say you’re golfing with Tiger Woods…uncomfortable silences on the green or chat him up for some golf advice?
A. I’d trade him out for some wakeboarding advice.

Q. What do you think of wakeboarders, snowboarders and other “extreme” style sports athletes taking up golf as a pastime?
A. Golf is one of those sports that everyone plays. It doesn’t surprise me at all that action sports athletes are into it. Most people play golf to some extent.

Q. What’s your all-time favorite location to wakeboard?
A. Lucas Lake in Washington County, Fl. and White Western north of Panama City, Fl. Sorry I gave you 2.

Q. I know you’ve gotten married since last we spoke. How does married life match up with your crazy travel schedule?
A. It’s great! My wife is also my business partner. She manages anything that would distract me from riding. She is able to travel with me some as well.

Q. What are three things you cannot live without? (Other than your wife, of course.)
A. iphone, toothbrush, and of course my wakeboard.

Q. What’s on your ipod that most people wouldn’t expect?
A. Ben Folds. I went to his concert in mid March. Just him and a piano. Top 3 favorite concerts I’ve ever been to.

Q. You’ve got a cool looking web site going…did you develop that on your own?
A. I’m quite fluent working in DreamWeaver. Working on my Extensible Markup Language Remote Procedure Call is pretty standard. That was actually a lie. Mark Shonka originally did my site, now it’s headed up by my brother-in-law.

Q. You’re a very accomplished athlete, yet have remained so grounded. Do you think there will ever be a time your ego takes over and you start referring to yourself in the third person during conversations?
A. Absolutely… anytime I play ping pong competitively. Never around wakeboarding. This is my passion that somehow turned into my career…that’s a blessing.

Q. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
A. I have some big things in the works, but my first WWA World Champion Title in 2004 really set the pace for several seasons after that.

Q. Dairy Queen or Baskin Robbins?
A. Wow, I didn’t realize your were going to be asking these tough of questions. DQ’s Blizzards are amazing. I mean, a Thin Mint Blizzard. What genius though of that? However, Baskin Robbins’ parfaits are pretty great.

Q. In 100 years from now, when we are long gone, what do you rather be known for…being a good person, or changing the face of wakeboarding?
A. Being a good person.

Q. Lots of wakeboarders spend the winter snowboarding. Are you a member of that club, too?
A. Not this winter, but in 2008 I got 20 plus days.

Q. I’ve heard lots of good stories about when you guys travel to other countries for competitions. Have you ever had to talk yourself out of trouble in a foreign land?
A. Yes…with help. I knocked over an expensive looking vase at a sheek Karaoke Bar in China and pretty much was about to get beat up for it…until Trevor paid them off. I still owe him $30 for that.

Q. If you could form your own “Dream Team” of riders, who would be on your team?
A. Depends on what the team was competing in. For instance, Ping Pong. I’d pick myself, Keith Lidberg, Corey Bradley and French Paul. We’d be an unstoppable force.

Q. Any plans for your birthday next month?
A. Yup, I’m hoping to use those new DBOT5 clubs that mysteriously show up and hit the links with some friends.

Q. Will you teach me to wakeboard properly this summer? I’m tired of saying I don’t know how when people ask me.
A. For sure!

Well, I guess you know where you can find me this summer! Perhaps we will catch up with Andrew on the golf course next time around..surely sporting some DBOT5 gear. Until then, be sure to check out Andrew’s stellar website andrewadkison.com and DBOT5.com for some more good stuff about to drop!

Stevie Bell’s globetrotting continues, as he has been spending some time up at Big Bear recently, shooting for an upcoming episode for Fuel TV’s “Built to Shred”.

Photo snowrev.com

The inventive idea behind “Built to Shred” is to take random, regular, everyday things not meant for shredding…and shred them! Host Jeff King works with the pros to create some insanely ridiculous obstacles.

This typically creates a funhouse for riders and makes for some stellar photos and film footage, too! Check out the link below to get a closer look at the process leading up to the fun!

http://www.snowrev.com/Features/Stories/Built-To-Shred-Big-Bear-Drive-By

Pro Snowboarder Stevie Bell recently returned from a 10-day trip to Japan with the Forum crew. They invaded the northern island of Hokkaido spending plenty of time eating, drinking (Japanese beer), and being merry!

The entourage consisted of Forum team riders Stevie Bell, Jake Welch and Nic Sauve . Team manager Kevin Keller, two filmers, a photographer and some Japanese homies also tagged along. Check the link for more info on the crew’s adventures!

http://www.infamousmanagementinc.com

By: Marissa Foglia

After hopping on board the Pro Tour at the age of 18, the oh-so-lovely Professional Wakeboarder and World Champion Wakeskater Austin Hair has built himself quite an impressive resume. His ever-growing list of championship titles certainly gives him well-earned bragging rights.

This Cali-born rider grew up in South Carolina, and steadily made his way to Orlando, Florida, after high school. He has since stayed busy globetrotting along the waterways of the world, leaving a trail of, for lack of a better word, awesomeness, in his path!

I caught up with this self-proclaimed workaholic after his recent return from the World Series in Abu Dhabi…an apparent favorite playground among many of the riders who made the voyage across the world. Check out what Austin had to say about this, that, and the other.

Photo courtesy of austinhair.net

On The Water

Q. What’s behind your involvement of getting aspiring riders to move to Orlando and helping them find a place on the water? What brought that about? Sounds pretty cool.

A. Well, originally I was put in charge of a house on the water. I was really worried about finding roommates to help with the rent, but I found out that it wasn’t as hard as I thought. As the word got out, more and more kids came to me about a place to live. Now, I’m good friends with people who own a house on Lake Jessamine. So I help them out, and I help out other kids who want to come move to Orlando to follow their dreams. That house goes back up for rent in July, actually.

Q. How did you spend the “winter” months, and what do you have coming up in 2010?

A. I spent part of the winter back home in SC with good friends and family. I spent the other part in the warm climate of Australia, riding and doing a couple of contests. Next, I’ll go to Brazil twice before the tour starts. Once for a demo/film shoot, and another time for a World Series.

Q. Did you experience anything that blew you away when you were in Abu Dhabi?

A. The amount of money over there blew me away. I mean, the average Emirates citizen is worth $4 million USD. I’ve never seen so many porches in my life.

Off The Water

Q. Have you spent time on the golf course? If so, what’s your take on “extreme” pro athletes using golf as a way to kind of unwind and relax in their free time?

A. I think its awesome. Danny Harf is pretty amazing at golf. I love to play as well. I took lessons all throughout elementary and middle school, before I got into wakeboarding. Now, I love to go smack some balls.

Randoms (a.k.a. Me Being Nosey)

Q. What’s on your ipod right now that people wouldn’t expect?
A. A lot of motivational tapes and educational series…haha. I’m a bit of a nerd, too.

Q. Notorious B.I.G. or Tupac?
A. Tupac fo’ sho.

Q. List 3 things that you simply cannot live without.
A. Food, water, air. But seriously, adrenaline rushes, my faith, and great relationships with people.

Q. Star Trek or Star Wars?
A. Star Wars. Never really got into Star Trek.

Q. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
A. Mostly really healthy food, low sodium turkey slices, soy milk, strawberries, yogurt…I’m a bit of a health nut when I’m not traveling.

Q. If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
A. Superman for sure. You can’t beat him. He’s invisible, handsome, tall dark features, and he flies.

And surely the most important question of all…

Q. If you find a spider in your house, do you kill it or let it wander on?
A. I usually try and get it to bite me, hoping that he’s radioactive, and in turn my DNA will combine with its, allowing me to gain spider-like powers.

At least he has his priorities straight. Now that’s a good guy!

Check out Austin’s website www.austinhair.net and be sure to stay locked into www.dbot5.com for more fun interviews with some of the planet’s most entertaining athletes!

Ask any snowboarder what’s better than a bluebird day with lots of snow and friends and they’ll just sit there shaking their head. Last week Stevie Bell and friends hit up Brighton (a week after it officially opened) for a dose of sun, snow and good times.

Brighton, Utah

Yes Stevie and Erin Comstock both ride for Park City but it wasn’t set to open for a few more days and these 2 were hungry for some snow. Plus Brighton had their park dialed with some super fun jibs, and as always the pair were down for a mini shred session.

Bell, Comstock and friend

Even solo riding is fun when you have some good tunes to jam too. Stevie is stoked  to throw on a brand new pair of Skullcandy headphones and listen to the likes of Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Chamillionaire while riding by himself.

Solo Mission

A couple of days after shredding Brighton, Stevie and Erin got to hit up the park at Park City the day before the mountain opened to make sure it was ready to go for the enclave of young shreds coming its way. There’s nothing like VIP access to an untouched park.

The snow is still falling in Utah and Stevie is getting warmed up for another season of filming with the Forum team.

What’s better than a dozen donughts? 12 of Dakine’s latest goods to add to your kit.

To help you keep your eye on the Donz Dozen prize Infamous will be dropping bi-weekly sneak peeks of the prize packs you could win. That’s right Dakine, along with 6 of JP Walker’s other sponsors want to hook you up with a dozen fresh pieces of gear in order to celebrate JP’s 12th pro model snowboard.

The first sneak peek prize pack is brought to you courtesy of DAKINE:

1. Mission backpack
2. Cobra Abma
3. Slope Kit
4. Nitrous all temp wax
5. Tallboy
6. Lester
7. Ace hat
8. Havoc crew
9. Havoc pant
10. High Octane rub on wax
11. goggle case
12. Freeride socks

For all of the Donz Dozen contest details and updates follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DonzDozen

Winners of the prize packs and Donz Dozen grand prize will be announced Tuesday December 1, 2009.

About the Donz Dozen:
On November 2, 2009 Infamous announced that JP Walker’s sponsors: Nixon, Stepchild,Thirtytwo, Etnies, Oakley and Dakine along with Camp of Champions teamed up to bring you the Donz Dozen. The contest is being held in honor of the release of Walker’s 12th pro model board that hit stores this season. After purchasing one of JP’s 2010 Stepchild snowboards go to: http://www.stepchildsnowboards.com/ for your chance to win one of the amazing prize packages or better yet the grand prize. Prize Pack : Win a prize pack with fresh gear from Nixon, Thirtytwo, Etnies, Oakley or Dakine. Grand Prize: An all-expenses paid trip to “Send It With Stepchild” week at Camp of Champions next summer courtesy of Stepchild and Camp of Champions. The winner will have the chance to destroy the COC park with JP and his pro model board at their side.
How to Win:

1. Proof of purchase for JP’s Stepchild Pro Model (receipt, date of purchase, store or online dealer)
2. Go to http://www.stepchildsnowboards.com/ on December 1, 2009 to find the winning serial numbers

If your serial number matches one of the posted serial numbers on the site email: info@stepchildsnowboards.com with your serial number and proof of purchase to find out what you’ve won. It could be a dope prize pack or it could be a snowboard camp experience of a lifetime.