| Dan Pilcic
Reno - Nevada - USA Sponsors:
Extreme speeds are characteristic of Dan Pilcic's snow boarding. Why would it be any different on the dunes? Daniel likes to test the limits of the extreme here as well. Extreme speeds make our hearts race too, encouraged on by the adrenaline. Extreme speed is just a typical day on the slope, sand or snow, for Daniel. Speed is a thrill for sure, but speed is not what made Dan Pilcic one of the most recognized and photographed sandboarders on the planet today. No, not the speed... smooth style, awesome grabs and spectacular "Whaps" are his true trade marks. |
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OK, so what is a whap? "Whap" is the sound your body makes when it smashes fully onto the sand at high speed. Hence, to "whap" is to crash, wipe out, eat it and so forth. Dan made this exact sound for the producers of Cnet Television's "The New Edge" during a video shoot for their Sandboard sports segment. Dan's whap was so complete that Cnet broadcast it in triplicate and slow motion to their entire US/ Canadian audience. Viewer response was phenomenal! Like Daniel, they too were jolted. With one full on "WHAP" Dan grabbed the attention of millions of people and focused it on real sandboarding. |
| Currently living in Reno, Nevada United States, Dan is only a short
trip away from one of the tallest dunes in North America, Sand Mountain.
"Sand Mountain is about 700 ft with steep face so you can reach the speeds you get on snow." Dan has also sandboarded Dumont, Point Mugu, Montana de Oro, Red Rock, Pismo, Glamis, Manhattan Beach and Chachalacas Mexico. "But, my favorite dune is Sand Mountain because it has longer runs and it's closer to home. I also like competing at Dumont Dunes in California". Dan has participated in the "Sand Master Jam" '97 and '98. |
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Dan is currently employed as a computer administrator in Reno and
sees computer programing as his future. He enjoys snow boarding during
season and plays basketball also. Music is another one of Daniel's enjoyments.
"I listen to a variety of music but I prefer alternative rock"
Recently Dan purchased a trampoline to improve his air maneuvers and just to just have fun. The next move will be to sink the frame to ground level so you don't have so far to fall when you miss the bed, (ask him about it)! You may well be aware that Daniel isn't the only "Pilcic" sandboarder. Dan's father is sandboard pioneer Pete Pilcic and Julie Pilcic, Dan's sister, is two time Sand Master Jam champion. At 18 years old Dan's sandboarding career is just in the beginning with many years to reach his maximum potential. We all watch intently each time Dan rides the dune as he seems to improve in leaps. One can't help but wonder that if he is this good at 18 how impressive will he be with each passing year. Dan stays active in sandboarding so you will certainly be seeing much more of him on this site, television and in future competitions. If you are fortunate enough to see him boarding in person be sure to have a camera ready because you're in for a show! |
