Most pro wakeboarders lead a charmed life, and Ricky Gonzales is no exception. But unlike many of the touring pros, Ricky leads an existence more suited to his California upbringing – laid back, on his own time and with a definite dash of Cali’ style. Ricky approaches wakeboarding with a layman’s attitude and a professional’s talent. No dashing through airports week to week, organizing three photo shoots a day, doing pissed-off television interviews after you just chunked your whirlybird and missed the finals, etc. Just a whole lot of riding, hanging out with friends, going to parties with other wakeboarders and eating fast food (LOTS of it). A day in Ricky’s life may not seem that exciting. In fact, it may not be much different than a day in yours or mine … oh yeah, except for that whole riding-a-wakeboard-better-than-you-or-me thing.
7 a.m. – Ricky’s not your average wakeboarder. He actually wakes up before noon (unlike Greg), takes a shower (unlike Chase) and is ready to go before anyone else (unlike Dana.) Gotta have tunes on the way to Carl’s Jr. for a healthy breakfast.
8 a.m. – Always a good idea to stop at the AM/PM for boat drinks.
8:15 a.m. – Like every wakeboarder, Ricky believes in a strict fitness plan. (Yeah, right.) He stops by the Canyon Lake Fitness Center for 20 vigorous minutes on the treadmill, gets bored and gets out.
10:30 a.m. – Boats’ in the water, and Ricky’s finally ready to ride.
12:30 p.m. – After riding, it’s time for some more health food. Where else but the usual Mexican dive for lunch.
2:00 p.m. – A little post-lunch dip with man’s best friend. (The dogs, not the girls.)
4:30 p.m. – Most people’s typical days don’t involve having Scott Byerly over to wakeboard. Ricky’s doesn’t either, so he and Scott ride until dark-30.
8 p.m. – The boat’s been put away, Ricky’s had another shower, and guess what? It’s time to eat again.
10 p.m. – Back to the AM/PM (the local food and beverage vendors have got be doing well off of Ricky alone) for some adult beverages, and after that, well, you know …
