Where did you grow up skiing?

I first started skiing in Durban, South Africa, at the age of 7. I skied at Hazelmere Dam with my parents on weekends and school holidays until I was 12. We then moved to the UK in Southampton and skied at Thorpe Park in London for a few years. I then did a lot of skiing at Kirtons Farm in Reading with John Battelday for about 10 years. For the last 6 years I have skied at Thorpe park as it is the National training site.

Who are your training partners ?

When I ski in Orlando my training partner is Aaron Larkin, I also ski in Australia a couple months with Ryan and Sarah Green and also in England during the summer.

What is your favorite tournament ?

My two favorite tournaments are the Moomba Masters in Melbourne, Australia just because it is right in the city and you get big crowds. The other is the U.S. Masters for the same reason, as the crowds are right on the pavilion and it is a good weekend away in a beautiful setting.

Have you had any injuries ?

My major injury was fracturing my patella while slaloming. I was coming around 2 buoy at 38 when I hit a couple rollers and my ski stopped and I fell forward hitting my knee cap on the tip of the ski. I had to have surgery to have the patella wired. Recently i split the end of my finger open while slaloming. I caught my fingers between the edge of the ski and the handle. I had to have my finger nail taken off, the nail bed stitched up and then the nail put back on. Ouch!

What is your best placement to date, and where?

My best placement was at the last worlds in China getting 3rd in jump, and backing it up at the last worlds in Austria with another 3rd. I have also got five 3rd place finishes in jump at the US Masters. I have won the European jump title 5 times and the overall title 2 times. 

Is there anyone that has helped you become the skier you are today ?

There are many people who have helped me in my career. In South Africa, where I am from, Avril Tucker and Dolph van der Merva; in England John Battelday and Paul Studd, and over the past years Ray Stokes and Mike Ferraro.

What is your tournament schedule this year ?

It is a busy year for me. I'm starting with the NZ pro-am and the Moomba Masters at the begging of march. I will then be heading to the US to continue my training and competitions. I have the US Masters, Beaver lake jump, LA night jump, and MasterCraft Pro tour in Akron,OH. I will head back over to Europe for the summer, skiing in the Russia world cup and then going back to the US for the Malibu open. I will then be flying back to Europe for the British Nationals in August, followed by the London night jump. I will then be back in the US in september for the US Open and any other tournaments that come up. I think i need a rest after that!

What are your goals for 2008 ?

To win jump and overall at the Europeans, Jump 230ft again and possibly break the European record of 232ft. Also to get my first win on the pro circuit.

Who do you look up to in the skiing world ? Anyone you want to emulate ?

When I was a kid I looked up to Sammy Duvall and Patrice Martin. I would love to emulate Andy Mapple. He has achieved everything there is in the sport. 

What music is on your iPod ?

A bit of everything, but i like dance, chillout, and R&B.

Which is your best event ?

I am an overall skier so I enjoy doing all 3 events, but my best event and the one I enjoy the most is jump.

What is your next interest in life other than skiing ?

I don’t have one particular interest, but I like traveling around to different countries and am up for trying anything. Last year i tried sky diving and loved it, i guess Jim a bit of an adrenaline junky.

Public lakes or private lakes for pro events ?

Obviously skiing on private lakes will produce the best results, but we need to take it to the public like the Moomba masters in Melbourne.

What do you think will help this sport grow the most ?

We need to get it into the public eye, where we can get lots of spectators and have the events televised. I think floodlight events is the way to go, as there has been some good response from the London night jump and the US Open at Disney.

What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you ?

This was something that happened to me quite recently when I came back to Orlando from Australia. I had just got back from the airport at about midnight, and was in the parking lot getting stuff out my truck. A car pulled up behind me and a guy with a rifle pointed it in my face and robbed me. That was pretty scary.

What is the best and worst things about being a pro skier ?

The best things are you get to do what you love doing, travel the world and meet people. The only bad thing is you don’t make much money from it, and always feeling sore.

If you were not a pro skier what would you be doing ?

I would probably be doing some other sport, trying to make money. I don’t think I could handle an office job.