Yann Pegaz
Yann Pegaz was dealt a good hand growing up in the French town of Annecy. With a beautifully calm lake on his doorstep and mountains towering up above the town, it's hard to imagine a more idyllic setting for anyone with a taste for action sports. Since completing his studies in Annecy a few years ago, Pegaz has finally been able to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to his passion for wakeboarding - regardless of whether he's towed by boat or cable. As well as competing in contests all over Europe, the Frenchman continues to push the evolution of the sport when riding and filming with MM Production and his friends back home. While a couple of serious knee injuries have cut his recent seasons short, Yann always bounces back stronger, motivated by his goal of achieving 100% fitness so he can charge harder than ever. Beyond his day job, Yann is also a passionate musician and snowboarder, and often hits up the recording studio and mountains for a change of scene.
Q: What has been the biggest highlight of the past 12 months for you?
A: It kind of sucks but I'd have to say the biggest highlight of the past 12 months was probably my knee injury last May! I know, what a nice beginning to an interview! As I'm now completely healed, I can see the impact this unfortunate event had on my life. When all is said and done, I can say the injury made me realize what's important. That realization is what motivated me so hard throughout those long, testing months of rehab!
Q: What's the best thing about riding for a living?
A: Waking up in the morning and doing something you truly love!
Q: Who do you enjoy riding with the most, and why?
A: Being surrounded by great friends is the best way to create a really good riding atmosphere! The vibe that all these "stupid" guys send out is a great help when it comes to trying new moves. It makes facing up to your fears that much easier! And most importantly, you can laugh with them! Hitting up a nasty spot can be so much fun with great buddies, but being all alone at a great spot will only ever be ok - at least for the first hour, anyway!
Q: Other than home, where is your favorite place to ride, and why?
A: Any place that is really different to the spots I'm used to. Testing yourself in a new environment is a good way of understanding what you're really capable of achieving! And I also really enjoy discovering new places!
Q: What are your main goals and plans for the next 12 months?
A: After my knee surgery, I thought long and hard about what I really wanted to do with my life. In addition to wakeboarding for a living, I'm also a musician. I have to admit that this part of my life has become increasingly important to me in recent years. Who knows, I may head off on a new adventure and explore a new world!
Q: How do you see your sport evolving in the next few years?
A: I think wakeboarding and wakskating will become more and more "urban" thanks to the growing use of winches. And I really hope a boat's engine will soon be able to fire up on something other than petrol. It would be cool if they were cleaner and cheaper to run, a bit like cables.
Q: Have you got any plans to film a new video part, and if yes, with which film company?
A: Nothing is planned for the moment, but stay tuned to hear some recordings with my band - check out myspace.com/thebuffalosband for more details!
Q: What do you do for fun when you are not riding?
A: Drumming, drumming, and sometimes when I have a bit more spare time... more drumming!
Q: What achievement are you most proud of so far in your career?
A: I'm proud of the fact that I've been able to question and push myself through my hunger for progression. And I'm also very proud of the fact that I've never taken anything for granted.
Q: If you didn't ride for a living, what would you have liked to be doing now for an occupation?
A: Hmmm, guess what? I'd be a drummer!
Q: What trick do you enjoy the most?
A: Any trick which looks simple and effortless. For me, it's all about injecting tricks with my own sense of style, and not so much about those super technical tricks. Those are the ones that give you the best feelings in the world!