BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Gianna is a 4.0 student and Sofia is currently a 3.75 student and hoping to be a 4.0 next semester.  Both Gianna and Sofia were introduced to wakeboarding through the Conner family.  Gianna and Nataly were cheerleaders together on the Napa Saints football team.  The summer of 2005 was filled with the girls learning how to wakeboard on Lake Berryessa and just enjoying the water.  Both girls have been skiing and snowboarding since the winter of 2003 when G was 6 and Sofa 4.  They love their off-season sport. .

What is your setup?
Gianna(nickname G): Boats:  We have a Supra Launch 22, but we ride behind the Payton’s Nautique, and the Twelker’s Malibu.  I ride the ‘09 CWB Absolute Platinum.  Last year, I rode the Liquid Force Melissa’s boots but haven’t decided for 2009 yet.
Sofia(nickname sofa) : I ride the 09 CWB Bella with the Liquid Force Melissa bindings.  Additionally, I ride behind all the boats that my sister rides behind.

What do you like most about wakeboarding?
G: I like the sense of accomplishment when I do a new trick and don’t kill myself doing it.  I also enjoy the time spent on the water with my family and friends.
Sofa: What I like most about wakeboarding is when I get out there, no matter if I am happy, or sad, wakeboarding cheers me up.  The only exception is if I am working on a new trick, and I cannot seem to land it.  Then, I can become a little frustrated, but doesn’t everyone?

It’s intimidating to learn new tricks.  How do you conquer your fears, and push yourselves to constantly improve your riding?
G: I push myself by thinking and telling myself I can do it. I am motivated by the people I ride with, and they help me know that I can do it.
Sofa: I conquer my fears by watching the Twelker’s and the Payton boys go out and do it.  Then I say to myself, if they can do it, then so can I.

Would you rather...be known for your style, amplitude (how big you go), or technicality?
G: I would rather be known for my style; however, I have been told I go big.  Technique wouldn’t be bad either!
Sofa: I would rather be known for my style just like Alyssa Twelker.

There are more girls getting into wakeboarding now than ever before.  What advice do you have for other girls that want to improve but are intimidated by the boys?
G: Don’t worry about the boys. They are going to be intimidated by you too.  We moved to the Delta thinking there would be girls here that ride but so far we haven’t met anyone.
Sofa: I’d tell them to don’t worry because I used to look at all the pros, and I was intimidated.  But now, I ride with some people who are pro, and I made it out ok!  I have a lot more confidence now too because of them.

A lot more focus is being put on designing girls products lately.  If you were allowed to design your own product line, what would it look like?  
G:  I would design my board with bright blues and green with crazy designs.  Girls don’t always need to have boards that are pink and flowery. 
Sofa: My product line would have a lot of vibrant colors and drops of water hitting water with some cool dimensions.

Your family recently moved to the delta.  Tell us about the move (why did you move, how is it living at the delta...)
We moved to the delta because we never had the time to ride after school. We lived about 40 minutes away from Lake Berryessa, but wouldn’t get home until 10 pm at night after riding.  Now, we can go out and wakeboard almost every day as the launch ramp is less than 2 miles from the house. We didn’t know how we would like living here, but now that we are here, we LOVE it!

Would you rather... Ride like Raquel, Shawna, Amber Wing, Dallas, Nicola, Shelby, or Emily
G:  I can’t pick just one.  I met the Hoffman’s when I first got into wakeboarding, and Shawna introduced me to a CWB Board.  I know all the west coast riders so much more than the others, but I respect them all as great riders.
Sofa:  I love the Hoffman sisters as they are so nice and have been such a huge inspiration to me and my sister.  Also, I really like Shelby even if her kart-wheels need some work – she can ride a wakeboard with style.

Would you rather...Be pro for a year and never be allowed to wakeboard again...or be able to wakeboard for the rest of your life but be limited to only grabs and 180's.
G: I think I would rather wakeboard for the rest of my life with only grabs and 180’s.
Sofa:  I would rather wakeboard for the rest of my life and be limited to grabs and 180’s and enjoy it because I love it!

What are your goals for 2009?
G: My goals are to go to INT nationals again and win 1st place in my division. I would also like to learn some new tricks this year.
Sofa:  My goals would be to learn an invert or a 360 at some point this year, but I also want to do well in INT in Junior Novice – my first year in this division.  Most of all, I just want to have fun this summer!

Would you rather...only be able to spin or only be able to flip?
G: I would rather only be able to flip, because I am better at going upside down than spinning around.
Sofa:  Currently, I don’t know how to do either, but I think flips would be better because you can do spins within flips…

Would you rather...Ride the Delta in January without a wetsuit or try a raley?
G: I would rather try a raley, because it is way too cold to ride without a drysuit in January on the Delta!
Sofa:  Linda Payton says I already have the raley cut – so this is a no brainer – I’d try a raley versus freezing my buns off!

What tricks did you learn last year?
G: I learned a H/S and T/S 180. My first invert (a T/S backroll). I was pretty excited. I also learned a T/S 360 at West Coast Camp.
Sofa:  I learned at West Coast Camps - all my grabs – 6 in total.  I learned a w2w indy, half cab w2w, hs 180 w2w, ollie 180, and ts w2w. 

What tricks would you like to learn this year?
G: I would like to learn how to do a tantrum, H/S 360, and more grab 180’s
Sofa:  I want to learn a ts 180 w2w, all my grabs w2w and ride with confidence and go bigger this year.

Who would you like to thank?
G: I would like to thank my mom and dad. I would also like to that the Payton’s for taking me out to wakeboard everyday after school. I want to thank CM and CWB for supporting me this year.
Sofa:  I would like to thank my parents, the Payton’s, the Twelker families who took me out when I wanted to ride when my parents had to work! CM and CWB Co, plus all of the coaches at West Coast Camps who worked with me (Jake, Trevor, Chris D. You guys rock!)

One more thanks to everyone who puts on the local tournaments and the sponsors who support our sport.  It takes a lot of money to ride, but we love it! 

Accomplishments:
G:
1st day up on a wakeboard was September 20042006 –  INT – Jr. Entro – 3rd Place
2007 – INT – Jr. Novice 1st Place
2007 – WWA – Jr. Entro – 1st Place
2008 – DRA – Novice – 1st Place
2008 – WWA – Novice – 1st Place
2008 – INT - Intermediate – 3rd Place

Sofa
1st day up on a wakeboard was July 4, 2005.  She tried skiing and HATED it!2006 – INT Mini Outlaw 2nd place
2007 – INT - Jr. Entro 2nd Place
2007 – WWA - 9 & Under – 1st Place
2008 – INT – Jr. Entro 1st Place
2008 – WWA – Jr. Novice - 1st Place
2008 – DRA – Entro 1st Place