Tuesday Rider Spotlight - Michael McDaniel

Posted by The Team on 13th May 2014

Tuesday Rider Spotlight - Michael McDaniel

This week we sat down with Ltd. Optics Rep and up-and-coming Snowboarder Michael McDaniel.

Ltd. Optics:

How long have you been riding and what got you started in snowboarding?

Michael McDaniel:

I have been snowboarding for 6 seasons now. My dad really pushed for me to get out on snow at a young age and since then I’ve been addicted!

Ltd. Optics:

You have been competing a lot this year, tell us about your experience and successes.

Michael McDaniel:

Competing this year was so much fun! The opportunity to travel all over to ride with some of the best kids in the country was incredible. My best results this year were: two wins at Tamarack resort in Idaho, I got second in slopestyle in Sun Valley Idaho, and finished third at king of the Wasatch at park city in slopestyle as well.

Ltd. Optics:

Being a young rider in the industry who is someone that you look up to and has helped shape how you ride and where you want to go?

Michael McDaniel:

I look up to quite a few people including Ryan Paul, Jordan Gibson, and Oliver Dixon. They’re all great guys who simply snowboard every day because they love it!

Ltd. Optics:

Are you filming for a video part right now? What is your preferred riding location: street, resort, backcountry?

Michael McDaniel:

I finished mine about 3 weeks back. I love cruising around the resort with my friends and filming whatever looks the most fun!

Ltd. Optics:

How long have you been a “sponsored” rider? What recommendations would you make to those that are trying to get sponsored?

Michael McDaniel:

This past season was my first season as a “sponsored” snowboarder. A great way to get sponsorships is simply by making friends on the mountain. You never really know what might happen from there!

Ltd. Optics:

Tell us about the group that you ride with, do you have a specific crew you like to ride with?

Michael McDaniel:

I rode with park city snowboard team (PCSBT) all season. It’s just a bunch of kids trying to push themselves and each other to become the best we can be! It’s a super positive atmosphere to go and ride every day!

Ltd. Optics:

Where are you trying to take your snowboarding?

Michael McDaniel:

For next season I want to move more into the streets and get better at jumping!

Ltd. Optics:

What you see as the biggest problem in snowboarding right now?

Michael McDaniel:

People being WAY too focused on competing and having their mind set on solely winning. Isn’t snowboarding meant to be fun and relaxing?

Ltd. Optics:

You aren’t originally from Utah, what brought you here? Utah is known for its snow and snowboarding/skiing would you agree that it is the best spot to ride?

Michael McDaniel:

Definitely! The snow is good whether it’s a knee deep powder day or a super sunny, slushy park day!

Ltd. Optics:

Anyone you'd like to thank?

Michael McDaniel:

Shout out to yuki hoods, thanks for everything this season!