WW: You're one of the oldest riders on the tour. Is that an advantage or a disadvantage.
MB: It all depends on how you look at it. I think it bothered me a bit last year, but this year I feel great yet I am even older than last year. Well aren't we all (laughs)! But, no, I don't think it bothers me anymore. I feel I have so many good things going for me, with awesome sponsors, great riding, a loving family, good friends and a fine husband!
WW: What are your likes and dislikes about traveling on the tour?
MB: I have fun seeing my friends on tour and I enjoy watching the wakeboarding and jumping events. I am not that particularly fond of flying though. I always get a bit apprehensive. I used to hate traveling by myself. Fortunately, Paul is often with me or I try to hook up with Tara or some of the other girls on tour.
WW: The pro women's division has gotten increasingly competitive over the last couple of years. How would you compare it to what it was like when you first started riding professionally?
MB: The girls have really stepped it up. I think they have begun to realize that some of the harder tricks the men were doing were not that impossible after all. Usually, it just takes one of the girls to do a new trick for the others to step it up a notch too.
WW: Who are the girls that are pushing it?
MB: Definitely Dallas Friday. The girl rips and she has her head on her shoulders, for the most part anyway. It was quite hilarious last year the first time I met her. I was there with Paul and she came over to me and said, quite innocently, "Oh Marie, is that your dad?" I don't know whether I was flattered that she thought I was that young or stunned that she would think Paul was my dad. Anyway, we all laughed a lot and since then she is still trying to make it up to Paul! Just kidding.
WW: Who are the women that will surprise everyone this year?
MB: Dallas, Tara because she always will come around strong even though she is starting off her season in a leg cast. And me I hope (laughs)!
WW: Are you happy with the direction of women's wakeboarding?
MB: For the most part I am. I still don't think they get all the credit they deserve. The numbers of competitions women are participating in have decreased last year and this year. On the other hand, I used to think there were too many before. So, as far as I am concerned, I am quite happy with the situation.
WW: Do you think it's in danger of becoming extinct? I believe there used to be eight women's events on the tour and this year there are only four. Is it possible that it could go the way of some of the events on the water ski side?
MB: I hope the decreased number of competition for women's wakeboarding is not a sign of extinction. I really don't think so. In a way it might do us good in that we will give the media and the public a more concentrated and go-for-it performance. We will be more motivated and not worn out from too many events. Also, don't forget that there are quite a few other competitions we will attend such as the Malibu Open, the Malibu Just Ride Series, which should be very exciting for the public, the X-games, the Gravity Games, the Americas Cup, and more.
WW: How about wakeboarding in general?
MB: Wakeboarding in general is doing really good. It's getting more and more popular across the continents. I am, though, a little bit concerned about the increased politics in the sport. For instance, the unsettled differences between the WWA and IWSF resulting in two separate World Championships is, in my opinion, not healthy for the sport. It is affecting, not only the image of the sport, but also some of the riders who are being pressured to take side with one or the other organization. For the most part, riders just want to go out there and have a good time. That's what sports is all about.
|
