Features

FEBRUARY RIDER OF THE MONTH

DANIELLE BROWN

INTERVIEW BY ILISSA MAIATICO

Danielle Brown is our Rider of the Month of February and it’s no wonder why. Whether she’s killing it in the Ontario contest scene, filming for the fall release of Paint the Town Red or singing along to the Spice Girls, she’s always smiling. Recently I met up with Danielle to find out how her season has been so far.

What has been the highlight of your month?
I know what my highlight for February is going to be. I’m going to see the Spice Girls. It’s going to be amazing. I’m the biggest Spice Girls fan ever. I still listen to them -- I can’t help it.

What is the worst thing that happened this month?
The decision of which Spice Girl to dress up as for the concert. Other than that I’m loving life right now and everything’s awesome.

Who does your shred crew consist of these days?
Nat Gough, Jessica Annabel, Kristen Becker, the Rusks, the Powlings, Brad Gauley, Smolik, the Lakeridge kids of course and the Whistler people that I miss very much.

What is something you’ve learned this month?
I learned to use my new MacBook that I got for Christmas. I’m trying to learn how to skateboard so that’s a good accomplishment. I’ve relearned to ride halfpipe. I stopped riding it for a while and now all of sudden I’m back into it again.

What is your favourite aspect of snowboarding?
I love all aspects of snowboarding but nothing beats a sunny,soft, spring park session with my friends.

Do you have some advice for the mini shreds out there?
Stay focused. Anyone can do whatever they want. Don’t let anyone frustrate you because there are haters out there. Keep a good attitude because that’s very important.

Aside from snowboarding what have you been up to?
Working at a doggy day care and going to lots of concerts.

Which song is on repeat in your iPod right now?
I don’t think I can pick just a song but the new M.I.A. album Kala, Every Time I Die’s The Big Dirty and Biggie Smalls for life.

What is your favourite vacation spot?
I went to Tahoe a couple years ago and it’s pretty nice. It’s always sunny there, it’s incredible.

If you could change something about the world what would it be?
There’s so much stuff that needs to be changed. Nobody ever mentions the animals. We need to stop animal cruelty.

If you could change something about snowboarding what would it be?
People with bad attitudes, people hating on Ontario and smoking in lift lines needs to stop. I hate that.

What do you want to accomplish next?
Powder riding. It’s hard to get good at powder when you live in Ontario. I would like to get a sled and learn how to ride in the backcountry. I think that’s definitely something I want to do in the future. I want to be an all-around rider.

Who, in snowboarding, has influenced you the most?
Jon Kooley and his tight, tight pants. I just love the snowboard boys in their tight pants.

Why is snowboarding not just a hobby for you?
It’s the one thing I can do every single day and I’m never bored. There’s so much to learn. It’s endless the amount of stuff you can learn on a snowboard.

Thanks?
Mom and Dad, my brother, Mikey, Steph at Punk Ass Canucks, Dave Birnie, Taylor Ricci, Stef Cott, Behagg and Beav, Matt Fimio, Richard Roth, Snowboard Canada and Andrew Sayer for feeding my Red Bull addiction.