172: Danny Davis/Travellin' Dan

Danny in Alaska. Photo: Aaron Blatt

If you’re a snowboarder, Danny Davis really needs no introduction. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of all time, and is still going strong two decades into one of the most storied careers in competitive snowboarding.

But there’s more to Danny than this quick thumbnail sketch. Because in a world of ever-increasing progression for its own sake. Danny stands for something. He’s a symbol of the creativity that is supposed to be at the heart of this entire business. As such, he’s one of the most beloved and admired riders on the planet, loved by snowboarders across the world as the personification of the idea that progression is redundant if it isn’t accompanied by style and creativity.

Danny in Saas Fee. Photo: Blotto

When I interview people how occupy such an exalted place in our culture, I’m always curious to see how they wear their reputation. Are they aware of it? Do they reject it? Embrace it? Will they even want to discuss it?

In Danny’s case, as I was delighted to discover, he’s more than happy to discuss it. What follows is, I humbly contend, as revealing an interview with Danny as you’re likely to hear, in which one of the greats dissects his own career, his plans for the future, and the state of snowboarding in general with total honesty and openness. In doing so, he offers us a peerless insight into the mindset you need if you’re going to stay at the top of the game for twenty years.

This one is great. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Watch our full conversation below: