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

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.

Last month JP Walker and fellow DBOT team member, Seth Huot judged the Hot Dawgz and Hand Rails “Rise of the Dog” contest at Big Bear. Judges and riders alike got a head start on the season thanks to the Bear staff who brought in 110 tons of ice and built insane street style features for them to ride. In the end JP and the other judges named Scott Vine the winner.

JP and Seth at HDHR

This week was a big week for JP –his full part in the StepchildxThirtytwo video “This Video Sucks” dropped and he made an appearance on Fuel TV’s “The Daily Habit.”

Rumors were flying up until this week when JP’s part in “This Video Sucks” dropped. Word on the street was that it was yet another ‘never before done’ by JP.  If you haven’t had a chance to find out what all the rumors were about go to Stepchild’s site and see JP’s ender part for yourself.

Another NBD by JP

Last night on “The Daily Habit” JP chatted to host Pat Parnell about “This Video Sucks,” and The Donz Dozen contest which is currently going off in honor of the release of JP’s 12th pro model snowboard. He also filled Parnell in on what went down during the New York City Thirtytwo outerwear launch/premier that got shut down by the NYPD.

JP on the set Fuel TV's "The Daily Habit"

JP is currently in Utah getting warmed up for what sure to be another great season.