Darin Shapiro Interview Questions
 

It's been 10 years since he's competed on the Pro Tour, but he's back and definitely competing. He's also run into some legal issues the last few years, but has gotten through it and is looking forward. I know you all have lots of questions for Darin, so I'm going to leave it up to you to question him. What would you ask him?

How does it feel to whip up on those young bucks?

When is the Ronix Shapiro board coming out?

How does his training regimen compare now at 40 to when he was 20?

Darin Shapiro Interview Questions
 

How has the wake community received his return after his troubles? In a positive, negative or mixed way? How he feels about the new PWT format? And where does he see wakeboarding as an industry in 5 years?

My question exactly

What inspired him to make a comeback? How does he deal with pain (if any) he may experience from riding now that he's older? (still younger than me dang it!)

hmmm.. could easily be misconstrued.
"-)

Will you, or have you, considered doing a full contest run of raley based tricks?

Lol. Didn't mean it that way but, I guess It could be...

How many tricks are you doing today, that no one else on the planet is doing? And what are they.

How soon until we can see a new edit with a Speedball, I heard that you are still doing them on the regular.

We all heard about the infamous attempts a a triple front, did you get close and is that something that might get attempted again with the size of the new wakes.

When you walked away from the sport, did you still follow what was happening in wakeboard. If not, why not, if so, what do you think of the current state of wake?

If he doesn't have a boat sponsor yet...... What's his all time favorite boat/weight setup?

Would he compete in the old school contest on the old boards behind the old boats and small wakes next year.... I remember when he used to kill it back in the day on directional boards with sandal bindings. And many of today's pros would have a hard time doing much of anything on the equipment that started the industry. As far as I am concerned he will always be one of the GREATS in this sport (regardless of the consequences of his legal issues). Can't wait to see more of his riding.

What are your thoughts on sliders in the boat comps? Do they have their place or do you think they take focus away from the wakeboarding?

Why do you think we haven't seen the rotational progression of raley based tricks as opposed to the other inverts (eg. we're lucky to see a 313 or sbend behind boat but seeing crowmobe 9's)

Do you prefer boots with greater flexibility or stiffness? Why?

Good question that probably won't get answered. Why risk a future potential sponsor?

I really like the training at 40 vs 20 question. And where in the heck is a proper video section of your current riding?

We me at the Utah boat show in 2010. Do you remember me?

To prepare for this interview, did you read the questions submitted on WakeWorld?

How much money would it take to get you and Jeremy Kovak to ride doubles and throw tandem boner flips off the 2up?

I need to apologize to Darin for that original post. I meant to say he "has gotten through it and is looking forward", but I somehow typed "hasn't" instead of "had." Obviously, a very unfortunate typo. Darin has told me he has been finished with the legal issues for some time now and has been completely exonerated. Again, so sorry!

What are your favorite/most exciting/most meaningful moments or memories of your career thus far? (Not counting marriage, kids or friendships)

What have been the biggest surprises to you in the direction wakeboarding has gone?

Will you please compete at the Brostock double up contest next year?

With his longtime experience in the Wake industry, where does he see wake going? What is the next big thing that will push wake to another level?

What did you miss most about your time away from wakeboarding?

Is this a new hobby or are you getting back into the business as a career?

is this interview happening?

Yes, just waiting on a few more answers. Should be here soon.

Been a Shapiro fan for a long time, happy to see you riding and what an great video to show what led up to putting the board back on. With all the attention of the legal issues and how you were portrayed in the news can you elaborate on that situation at all and if so whats the story from your side of things? ( i've seen lots of wake questions but after reading lots of opinions and attacks on his character- that i don't agree with- I think it would be good to hear the flipside.)

What about music? Still composing?

Injury prevention strategy?

Did you follow wake in your absence? If no, were there any unexpected changes to the industry you found upon your return? Did you find them pleasant or unpleasant?
How does the current state of wake differ from what you thought it would be before you stopped competing?

Apparently yes. He has a Soundcloud account and has posted some new stuff. I was just talking to him the other day at OWC about his music. He's got some good stuff up there. A man of many talents. :)

link?