Born 7th July 1986 in Austria

 

Sponsors: Quiksilver, DC, Habitat Skateboards, x-double skate shop

 

Current residence: Mils Bei Hall in Tirol, Austria

 

Occupation: Professional Skateboarder

 

Family status: In a relationship

 

Favorite spot: Spain

 

Height: 1.77m

 

Weight: 75-78

 

Stance: Regular

 

Accomplishments

 

2006 Best Trick Slam Trick

 

 

The Austrian Manuel has skated every day since the age of 7. "Manu" is new to the world of professional skateboarding, and recently joined the Quiksilver Skate Team, enjoying ever since a "very nice and relaxed relation" with his sponsor.

His sports idols are the legendary skater Danny Way and the unforgettable footballer Pele. If he had to choose between Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell he'd go for Cindy. If he had to choose between a late night party and an early morning ride, he'd choose the night action. Manu's favorite musicians vary from the Bobs (Dylan and Marley), Jimi Hendrix, Steve Ray Vaughn, Jethro Tull, to Dolly Parton (Jolene is his no. 1 song on his stereo at the moment), Ol Dirty Rza and Manu Chao. Some of his favorite movies are Walk the Line, Scareface and The Simpsons. He took part in some shoots for movies like Puzzle, New Pirate, Boardbag Push and was filmed doing some tricks for the new Habitat film.

Besides skating, the young Austrian enjoys nature, fishing, swimming, playing the guitar and spending time with his homies. Another big passion of his is playing poker. Manu's favorite website is 888poker, and something he dreams of is taking part in "a sick poker tournament".

He might be a player, but is not superstitious. He is scared of "George Bush and all the politics and wars out there"; he hates stepping into chewing-gum and prefers Kelly Slater to Andy Irons. Ask him what he wants to do when he grows up, his answer remains humble: be happy and survive.