At a tender age, Don Eagle purchased his first snowboard — beaten up and barely able to hold an edge. The following season, he was taking first place in local halfpipe competitions. Today, he is a world champion, consultant to the Adventure Sports Café snowboard manufacturing group, and Internet game designer. Read on to get inside the head of this talented, yet humble, superstar of the snowboarding circuit.
How did you get started as a snowboarder?
My brother worked at Wild Boar Resort, and I would head over there after school to ski. I saw some of the older kids trying to snowboard and I figured I could do just as well. One of the kids sold me his old board cheap, and the very next day, I was out on the mountain, trying out the halfpipe.
How old were you when you realized that you would pursue snowboarding professionally?
Believe it or not, I'd say ever since I rode my first board. When I was in sixth grade, our middle school formed a ski club, and a group of us started snowboarding with the club. At the end of that season, I entered a halfpipe contest, and I took first place. That was it. Boarding was in my blood to stay.
Was there anyone in the sport who you tried to imitate?
I'd have to say Kevin Jones. I had the privilege of watching him perform in Tahoe in 1999. He busted some of the most incredible lip tricks I'd ever seen — he was almost inhuman in his ability.
How would you compare yourself today to Kevin Jones?
Kevin and I are buds. I still can't believe it. We are designing an online game that simulates halfpipe competition. It's almost as much fun as railing on the slopes with him. The best part is, I don't have to wait for his stories to come out in print anymore. I can just ask him in person!
How does being an employee of Adventure Sports Café affect your career?
Ever since I started working for ASC, the company has provided me with the best in snowboarding equipment. I've been able to stay ahead of the competition because I have tested prototype boards for ASC and helped to work the kinks out. I'd tell the designers if I was getting too much chatter from a board, that kind of thing. I'd get a redesigned board to try out, and eventually ASC would build a board that responded perfectly for me on the pipe. It's a perfect relationship.
Do you have any desire to start your own snowboard company?
No, I'm happy working for ASC and serving as a spokesperson for the Public Outreach program.
What else do you do for fun?
I enjoy doing benefit work, such as raising money for the kids at Lake Ellen High School. These kids would never have the chance to try the sport if not for ASC's sponsorship. But I suppose you mean, what am I into when I'm not boarding.... Girls, naturally, and playing bass guitar. I just hope when I'm too old to board, I'll still be able to chop and slap the bass.