Brett Eisenhauer has literally exploded onto the contest scene this year, powering into the wakes and going about as big as anyone on the Pro Tour. His giant S-bends and whirlybirds are what the crowds come to see, and he always delivers. While the 21-year-old Aussie’s riding style is pure power, off the water he’s about as easygoing as they come. Here’s the lowdown:
What’s the weird name of that town you’re from: Wugga or something?
Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
How long have you been riding?
Two years.
Do you own a barbi?
Not here in the States.
You strike me as kind of a blue-collar guy. Any truth to that?
I played rugby league football in Australia for four years at a fairly high level. And I did an apprenticeship to become a builder. But right now I’m just into wake-boarding.
Tell me about the new board you tried recently.
I went out for a spin on Shannon’s new board yesterday, and it totally changed my riding style. Lots of guys were giving me s*** because I rode such a short rope, and I wanted to lengthen it, but it never worked out for me. But I got on the new board and I immediately let the rope out, like, 10 feet and stuck a bunch of big 5s, which I had never done before. It’s, like, a whole new thing for me. I’m really excited about it, because I think it’s what the judges want to see on tour this year – variety.
So what are your views on the new tour rules?
In some ways I like them a lot. If the water conditions are bad, you don’t have to throw the trick that you wrote down, which is good. It depends on your mood, really, and keeping a good, clean run.
Who do you think’s gonna win this year?
Darin, I think. But Ryan Siebring can be really good when he gets it all together.
Do you see a day when you win it?
You wouldn’t compete at such a high level unless you aim to be the best, right? I think there’s a chance.
