Simplywakeboarding.com

What is your full name, age, and where are you from?

David Coates, 23, I live in Moneyreagh but spend most of my time on lough erne

How did you get into wakeboarding?

I got into wakeboarding when I was 14 and was changing boats. I had always skied and Jonney Crawford suggested I tried one of his wakeboards and as they say the rest is history

What is the wakeboard scene like in your hometown?

There’s nowhere to ride near where I live except for meteor so I spend my time down in fermanagh riding with loads of different people

What is your current wakeboard setup?

My current ride is a Ronix one 142. My right binding is a Ronix one and my eft is a Hyperlite Murray. Trying o get the best out of both bindings. lol

How many months out of the year do you ride?

I try to ride all year round, whether its on the cables in England or riding on the lakes in Ireland but I generally try to get abroad and do some coaching in warmer climates

What’s the water temp like?

The temp in Ireland is usually quite low around 15C but we make do, it makes going away that much nicer.

Who are some of your favorite wakeboarders?

I think the wakeboarders who inspire me would be the likes of Chad Sharpe, Danny Harf and of course the stylings of Randall Harris.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

I would like to still be riding and competing but probably coaching if old age hasn’t stck me behind a desk by then.

What kind of boat do you have or ride behind usually?

Usually ride behind an amazing campion 535!!! Best boat ever, but when I get the opportunity I ride with Davey O on his 210 or Nico Sweeney also rocking the 210. If not then I’d ride with Garvan Duffy or the Murrys on their X1’s while doing some coaching.

Have you ever been wakeboarding outside of Ireland?

I do a lot of traveling through wakeboarding, I’ve been to Qatar for the worlds, Portugal and SA for EAME and most recently to Korea for the Worlds again. I’ve also coached in South Africa for 6 months at www.boardaign.co.za and will be heading to xtreme gene in spain to coach for a few months early in 2010.

Do you do competitions?

I really enjoy competitions, international and domestic, from nationals to wakestock its just good fun being around a group of god friends doing what we love.

What is it about wakeboarding that you enjoy most?

The best things about it are just getting out on the water with a few mates, throwing down a great line, and then just finishing your set by stomping a new trick that you’ve been trying and throwing the handle away just cuz your so stoked.

What do you do during the winter when you are not wakeboarding?

If I’m not wakeboarding I’m generally keeping active playing some hockey and doing some partying. Catching up with a lil video project here and there possibly.

How long have you been riding?

Way to long, probably since 99 I think. The first year Peter Stewart won nationals with a whirly.

What advice would you give to those just starting out?

Don’t worry about anything, just have some fun and try something different every run, if you need any help with learning any new tricks or want any lessons send us an email at skiandwakecoach@googlemail.com

What are your favorite tricks to do?

My favourite tricks are probably a nose grab crow mobe, a whirly 5, backside 5 or simply a blind 180 into the flats.

What are your goals for this year?

I’m determined this year to spin a little more and learn at least one 7 if not two. I’d also like to podium at wakestock and the EAME championships and also to defend my national title.

Is there anyone that you would like to thank?

I would like to thank wakeMK for helping me out with riding in the uk, alliance magazine for inviting me to their events and all the riders who have helped me and ridden with me this year, cheers guys.