We recently caught up with current Queen of Wake champ, Nicola Butler, to see what she’s been up to lately and get her thoughts on the second stop of the series, the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour stop in Fort Worth, Tex, on May 29-31

Alli: So what have you been up to since the first stop of the series, late last month?

Nicola Butler: Well… I didn’t do so hot at Wake Games; I came in fourth-place, so I’ve just been getting ready for Fort Worth. You know, I’ve just go out on the water everyday, practicing and going to the gym. It seems like all the girls have stepped up their riding, so I need to do the same.

So do you spend all of your time on the water?

Sometimes it seems that way, but actually later today, I’m going rock climbing with some friends, so that should be fun. I like being outdoors a lot, so if I’m not on the water riding, I’m still outside doing something fun.

So if you weren’t a pro wakeboarder, would you want a career in the outdoors? A park ranger, perhaps?

[Laughs] No way! If I weren’t a pro wakeboarder, I would still want to be a pro in another sport. Maybe surfing or snowboarding, so I guess I would keep it outdoorsy.

Well as a pro wakeboarder, what are your expectations going into the Fort Worth Tour stop?

I took first-place in Fort Worth last year, so it would cool if I could repeat there. I guess, I’m just going to lay down my run, stay positive, have fun and see what happens. Plus, just chilling in Fort Worth is a lot of fun; there is a ton of stuff to see and do out there, the fans are awesome, and Texas MasterCraft is just a killer place to host the event.

Who do you see as your biggest competition in Fort Worth?

Everyone, really… all the girls have stepped up their riding so much; you can’t count anyone out. Plus, Dallas [Friday] is back from her injury and riding very well. Raimi Merrit has really been throwing down lately too. There is definitely going to be a lot of talent in Fort Worth, trust me.

Any big plans after the Fort Worth Tour stop?

[Laughs] I’m actually staying in the Fort Worth for a few extra days with some of the other Oakley Team riders to do demo out there. It should be fun, hope everyone checks it out, Oakley has a sick wake team put together.

Any sponsor shout-outs?

For sure: MasterCraft, Company wakeboards, Mona Vie, Oakley, Osiris, OWC.

Did we leave anything else out?

Yes! Everyone should checkout the event in Fort Worth and come say hello. Also checkout my new website, www.nicolabutler.com. Hope to see you all in Fort Worth.