BSA Action Sports

Who are you? Skateboarder, Snowboarder, or Surfer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 08:45:00 +0000

Mindful...

When you read the word; mindful. What are your immediate feelings and thoughts?

Whatever your answer is:

This is who we are.

This who you are.

Why do we do what we do?

Why do you do what you do?

#MoveMore

Leticia Bufoni

Kazu Kokubo

Kelly Slater

BSA Action Sports

Get Stoked Down Under. This is snowboarding.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 05:01:00 +0000

Look no further if you want or need to watch snowboarding.

This 'Ozzie' section from Shredtopia is guaranteed to get you stoked.

The video does the talking. This is snowboarding. See you on the slopes.

Now & Then Flashback Rider focus: Keegan Valaika Absinthe Eversince.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 12:21:00 +0000

Snowboarders come and go. Into the limelight, then into the shadows.

There are riders that stay true to snowboarding.

Keegan Valaika is one of them.

"Ride my snowboard as much as possible" (Keegan Valaika)

Behind the shot

NOW

Flashback BSA Snowboarding blog post to FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2009:

Then

Keegan Valaika is a rare talent with insane style

Your riding style has been described as being like pro skater Tom Penny. What are your thoughts on this?
That's cool. I think everyone's style is somewhat influenced by the people they looked up to as kids. For me those were mostly skateboarders, and Penny was definitely one of them. I used to watch his part in the ES video Menikmati every day.

Confidence Trickster: Importance of visualization in snowboarding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 23:27:00 +0000

'There is no try only do' (Yoda)

Snowboarding is THE most enjoyable activity you do that's legal. Sometimes it's extremely frustrating, like cracking eggs and each time an annoying bit of shell goes into your scramble-mix. It's a pain in the ass. Ok, moving on to more positive stuff. Think of a trick you'd love to nail. Go! Now imagine yourself doing that specific trick in your head. Ok, cool. I'm imagining a perfectly executed backside lipslide on a downbar. Think specifics...

40 ft smooth metal down rail, 3 inches diameter. It's set up perfectly in your favourite terrain park. It's spring & the weather is just right. Not too warm & not too cold. Every step-of-the-way I'm visualizing my trick. My speed and line into the feature is good. Not too fast and not too slow. Now I set my heel edge ever so slightly by twisting my front toe edge up and heel edge down. Just a little. Good. Ok, so now I spot my landing area onto the rail just over my left shoulder (I'm regular footed). There's the sweet spot. Now is the ideal time to pop the perfect ollie over the lip onto the downbar. Lock it in. It's a touch down landing. I almost didn't hear my board contact the metal. How good does that feel? It's between my bindings. Yes! That's what I wanted. All I do now is eyeball the end of the rail and enjoy the ride. Before I know it I've landed back on snow and riding away clean. Feeling fresh.

Right, now let's go do it. For real.

(Remember confidence is key)

By Adam Bowcutt

Watch LNP do a backlip. He's goofy. Hmmm, now imagine doing it switch!
One Trick with LNP - Backside Lipslide from Rome Snowboards on Vimeo.

Trouble Andrew BSA Interview. 'I dream of shredding all the time'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:10:00 +0000

Trouble Andrew mellowing out

Trouble Andrew is a snowboarder, a rockstar and a Canadian. One word to describe him is cool. Here at BSA we were intrigued to know a bit about this multi-talented dude. So, we asked Trouble a few questions...

Where is your Hometown?

I grew up in a small town called Falmouth Nova Scotia, I dropped out of school in grade 9 and moved out to Whistler to be a pro snowboarder cause thats what my heart told me.

Which artist, band or song could you listen to nonstop, forever?

Anything by 2pac, Sanford Clark, The descendants or Miles Davis

Which snowboarder do you respect the most & why?

Terje was a big influence of mine when I was young, so rad to see him still ripping and pushing the sport.

Apart from a rockstar or pro snowboarder, what else did you want to be?

A pro skateboarder.

What does being creative mean to you?

Dreaming up new ideas and bringing them to life.

How has being a snowboarder shaped your life so far?

It opened many doors for me and showed me the world. It made me a strong competitor and taught me how to pick my own line, on the mtn and in every day life, art and business. Snowboarding has taken me around the world and connected me with all kinds of people, art and culture which has expanded my perspective tremendously.

Canada. What does that word mean to you?

Home

What are you addicted to?

Creating, music, art, sex, love, travel.

Can you still do a switch back 7?

Yeah I'm sure I could, its been a minute though, I dream of shredding all the time and when I get on my board it all seems like just yesterday.

Who are the Trouble Gang?

Trouble Gang runs so deep, it's a world wide crew of creative minds making shit happen by any means necessary. A few of the OG's are Stunnaman, Jofo, Muller St-Cyr, Santigold, Hollywood Holt, Pixote, Masa, Solo, Ckrs Brown, UZI, Doc Mckinney, Douce

When & where did you last go snowboarding?

Whistler a few weeks ago. I was shredding pow with my homies Kale Stephens and Chris Brown, epic day.

What would make this world a better place?

If everyone puffed a lil tree once and a while to mellow out.

What did you eat for breakfast?

NY pizza

Interview by Adam Bowcutt

Mildy associated snowboarder product review. Natural Hero Hot Ginger Muscle Soak

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:55:00 +0000

Put it in your bath.

BSA headquarters are offered many products mildly associated with snowboarding. From new brands of Alcohol (our favorite) to special head sprays to help reduce post beanie-wear itching.

Recently we were sent Natural Hero, with a description of 'hot ginger muscle soak' promising to 'recharge tired muscles' how could we resist. You know the feeling. You've been shredding all day, maybe all week, without a rest. You're having too much fun snowboarding you forget to take a rest day. We've all done it.

The time comes when your legs become so achy that propping yourself up on a bar stool proves a challenge.

So, treat yourself to a long soak in a hot bath?

The packaging suggested one bottle per bath. So, naturally I used two. The steamy scent smelt pretty good and it was very relaxing. But, isn't every long soak in a hot bath?

Natural Hero Hot Ginger Muscle Soak Pros & Cons:

Pros:

Non-Chemical (Ginger, duh!)

Relaxing

Smells good

Cons:

A bit oily feeling (There are 5 essential oils in it!)

So there you are. The pros outweigh the cons, so this product must be good...

PS. As an alternative, it works excellently as a foot bath. Especially straight after taking your stinky snowboard boots off.

Do it.

www.naturalhero.co.uk

Review by Adam Bowcutt

Seb Toots is all about the Frontside 360

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 01:04:00 +0000

Seb Toots lands all his tricks bolts! He stomps so cleanly. How does this French-Canadian slopestyle specialist do it? We asked him some questions...

What's your age & how was your last birthday party?

I'm 20 years old and my last year party with RedBull and Oakley was crazy!

Describe your relationship with snowboarding using 3 words.

Fun, passion, life

What's the most important thing you've learnt during your professional snowboarding career so far?

Following your passion and having a good times always work out better then if you try to do something you hate.

What are your goals for the next five years?

Try to be a better snowboarder every years and enjoy these years as much of possible.

What is your favorite trick and why?

FS 360 cause it's a easy trick and it's fun to do it with all kind of grab.

Which female snowboarder has the best style?

Kjersti Buaas and Jamie Anderson.

Which pro rider do you respect the most ?

Many riders but I guess Travis Rice. He work hard and bring snowboarding to another level on the Backcountry.

How do you keep yourself motivated on your off days? (E.g 'not feeling it')

I do a lot of other sports and sometime taking a brake and hang with the homies make you excited to go shred again.

Who are your sponsors & why do you represent them?

O'Neill, Red Bull, Ride, Oakley, Giro, Empire. They are the reason why I can do what I love as a living and I'm hype on their products.

In your opinion, which snowboard competition is the most fun to ride in?

Probably the Ride Shakedown in Montreal cause the format is really chill and I love to ride in front of a big crowd.

When you land your tricks (double corks etc) you usually stomp them so clean! What's your specific focus & how do you do it?

When I learned a new trick I try to do it as much as possible so it become a easy trick to land everytime.

What makes fellow Canadian slopestyle rider Mark McMorris so good & what do you need to do to consistently beat him?

I need to land my run and I have good chances. No matter what happend i'm always stoked to see him doing good.

What did you eat for breakfast?

I ate a eggs sandwich with a OG .

Any Seb Toots words of wisdom for aspiring snowboarders?

Don't take snowboarding to serious and see you on the hill! Peace

Interview by Adam Bowcutt

JF Pelchat interview. So what's good about NOW bindings then?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 03:07:00 +0000

JF Pelchat looks like he needs a beer & sushi. Photo: Chad Chomlack

So what's all this buzz about NOW bindings?

One way to answer this question is to hear a bit about the man behind the product.

So, we asked JF Pelchat a few questions.

Hometown?

Whistler BC Canada

What's favorite snowboard movie & why?

Dang! There is too many to list. Probably all the Craig Kelly featured movies, the Mack Dawg movies, kingpin movies, TB series. I really like these production and the era they where filmed in because to me this is snowboard R/evolution at it's best, it seems to me that there was so much more distinction in style and personality back then.

Use 3 words to describe your relationship with snowboarding

Exciting, Challenging and Rewarding

Where do you shred the most?

On Whistler & Blackomb mountain

Within the snowboarding realm, who do you respect & why?

I respect those who work hard and are part of our industry for the right reasons and I also respect the people who are honest and bring joy to our sport.

What have been your highlights as a professional snowboarder?

For me is not about highlights in my career but more about the journey and everything that came with it, I am blessed for all that snowboarding as brought to me and my life.

What challenges do you face as a business owner of NOW & how is it going so far?

The lack of snow every year in part of the globe + market flooded with binding overstock caused by bad winter in the US last year. Canadian pricing VS US pricing, Shops not holding prices, Global economy, Distribution exclusivity at shop level and also how consumer are trained and expect to only buy product at discounted price.

The good news is NOW seems to be somewhat sheltered by most of these problems due to the fact that we offered a new and relevant technology with a different message, specially when the binding industry have been singing the same song for 20+years. The Now bindings are unique, fresh and it is backed by some of the best PRO in the biz so consumer are willing to pay a bit more for it.

Now bindings. Just the one.

What specifically makes your bindings better than the competition?

Our Skate-tech Technology, the NOW binding are better because they are designed to turn a snowboard rather than just holding a boot unto a board, they are more responsive and precise than any other bindings out there which will translate into less foot fatigue and overall more comfortable.

What trick do you most like doing on your snowboard?

Ollie, Euro carve, riding highcups and good old method

JF boosting & tweaking one of his favourite tricks at Camp of Champs. Photo: Chad Chomlack

Where do you see the future of snowboarding in, say, 5 years ? (Tricks & industry)

The return of the accessible 12-14 foot halfpipe at ski resort, We will see more emphasis on the Kids and youth market with more suitable gear and program offered at younger age at ski resorts across the world. We will see more grass root rider driven event/comps. Mandatory helmets everywhere and NOW bindings taking over with their....

What did you eat for dinner?

Since this interview is a work in progress and it was conducted over a few weeks....Sorry there. Let's just say I had a few beer and sushi

Do you have any JF Pelchat words of wisdom?

REthink your ride

Interview by Adam Bowcutt

BSA welcomes Ben Suurallik to the crew

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:49:00 +0000

Hometown ?

Canmore Alberta

Use 3 words to describe what snowboarding means to you

Fun/Bliss/Friends

Where is your favourite place to ride and why?

Anywhere in the Bow Valley. There are so many resorts that all offer something different. Each resort has different terrain, and they all have super fun parks

What trick gives you the most pleasure?

Any trick that my friends stomp gives me the most pleasure! But personally a nice tweaked grab feels the best

What are your future goals within snowboarding?

To keep meeting new friends, keep having fun, and keep progressing while avoiding injury

What, in your opinion, would make the snowboarding world better ?

If there was no hate in the snowboarding community. So many kids sit at their computers and talk smack about things like stances, pants, styles etc. Snowboarding isn't that serious, but some people make it out to be

Today I am feeling…..?

STOKED

Do you have any random words of wisdom?

Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional

Aotearoa Limited Edition BSA Beanie 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Limited Numbers
Built in New Zealand
FREE DELIVERY Globally

Order HERE: Aotearoa Limited Edition BSA Beanie 2012

/// We are addicted.

About BSA Snowboarding. Just in case you forgot...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 04:11:00 +0000

/// We are addicted.

Shades of Grey. BSA riders in NZ

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Shades of Grey from Brook Lester on Vimeo.

BSA Crew Thomo & Brook enjoying a fun & mellow grey day up at The Remarkables NZ.

Land of the long white cloud. New Zealand.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 07:33:00 +0000

Access road to FUN...

New Zealand is Aotearoa.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 May 2012 05:59:00 +0000

Aotearoa is Maori for 'Land of the long white cloud'. If you've never been to NZ you might not understand. If you are a snowboarder,(you probably are, that's why you're here, right?)you owe it to yourself a visit. Just once. It is a beautiful country. We'll be blogging more about Aotearoa soon. We'll be there... Keep in touch. /// We are addicted.

BSA Crew Update: Lauren Staveley

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 02:05:00 +0000

Hey Guys,

I have some good news and bad news.
The good news is my first world cup experience was amazing. Stoneham had a great course, Quebec was a beautiful city and our hotel was awesome.

On my first day of training I took a hard knuckle coming down on my hand hard. It had swollen up a fair bit, but I didnt think much of it. By the time contest day came around a snow storm had arrived, but I didnt let that effect me. I ended up winning my heat and took the third highest score for the day! I was straight through to finals. Yet finals day was full of wind and after a difficult practice I wasnt ale to put down the run I wanted. I finished in 6th place which I am really happy with!

The bad news is my hand is now in a splint, I have a fractured ring finger and the doctor suspects I have broken bone in my hand. I got an MRI this morning and am waiting on the results now. I am hoping to be back on snow in the next week to start training for Junior World cup held in Spain this March.

I'll keep you posted with my recovery!
Lauren

www.laurenstaveley.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Staveley/103386206422782

Are you addicted? If so, buy a BSA 2012 beanie...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:35:00 +0000

...at our new BSA online store: Click HERE to have a look

100% certified for the addicted snowboarder

Action sports, SNOWBOARDING & this video clip. It's all visceral

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:49:00 +0000

Sponsored Video Action sports, SNOWBOARDING & this video clip. It's all visceral.

What does visceral mean? Well, it's a feeling. It's a word to help readers attempt to understand a feeling through written form. However, snowboarding & action sports are not to be just understood. They should be felt. To some extent this short video subtly captures this feeling. By tickling your ears & eyes with some 'extreme action sports' the pit of your belly starts to giggle. This giggling is sometimes referred to as 'butterflies'. It's visceral. Now we're talking! But, let's not just talk. Let's do... You'll feel so much better for it.

(*Cough cough: Get off your couch & spread your wings) Just an idea: save your pennies and book a snowboarding trip to Canada or the States. Get stoked. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and strap into your snowboard. Boom! Now you're riding. Now you're feeling. This is living. You'll feel alive. Fully alive. But, be warned snowboarding and action sports, it's all visceral. These feelings can become an addiction. It's like a drug. Believe me you will want to feel like this more and more day by day. Is being addicted to snowboarding a bad thing? I think not. Scratch that, I feel not. Let's make each other giggle...

Get addicted! /// We are addicted.

(*This post was sponsored by Red Bull. We liked the video & wrote about it. That's it that's all) Written by Adam Bowcutt

Red Bull Supernatural Comp & Judge Mel Simmons: BSA Industry Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:54:00 +0000

Travis Rice & friends Gigi & Nico. Winning... Photo: Christian Pondella

"It's a game changer for sure. Bringing in the best of the best to battle it out before a panel of snowboardings' acclaimed legends? Next level". (Mel Simmons, 2012)

Mel Simmons is a cool human being. Read on...

Hometown?

Queenstown, NZ

What 3 things do you love most about snowboarding?

The places, the people, the vibe.

What are the best & worst things about judging snowboarding comps?

The best part is the progression we get to witness, up close & personal. The worst is when the results don't roll the way the coaches/parents/riders want & things get ugly.

Who's your favourite rider & why?

Of all-time? Or here at Supernatural - Gigi Rüff - his riding speaks for itself, he's such a charger & he's one of the loveliest humans you'll ever have the pleasure of hangin' with. My all-time fave rider is my homeslice Will Jackways - for pretty much the same reasons as Gigi…

How did you feel about being invited to judge the inaugural RedBull Supernatural Comp at Baldface BC?

I was FIZZING. Froth factor was off the richter. I seriously thought someone was fucking with me. I got an email from "TOM BURT", introducing himself & asking if I MIGHT be available for the window. I didn't respond at first, then Liam Griffin emailed to confirm & I was all "Oh that shit was legit?!?" needless to say I was for sure going to be available for that window… It was a lottery draw - actually. I was one of a bunch of names in the mix for the role as Assistant Head Judge & I came out trumps. So pumped. It's such a privilege to be here. Moderating a panel of judges that consists of Tom Burt, Andy Hetzel, Temple Cummins, Shin Campos & Bryan Iguchi? The highlight of my career for sure.

What's the atmosphere like there?

Out riding, the atmosphere is pure STOKE. It's so sick. Loungin' at the lodge, the vibe is so chill, for the most almost everyone involved in the event are good buddies, if they weren't beforehand - they are now…

What do you think about this comp concept?

It's a game changer for sure. Bringing in the best of the best to battle it out before a panel of snowboardings' acclaimed legends? Next level. The format itself with the combination of freeride & freestyle elements is something I'd love to see more of in snowboarding competition.

Where do you see snowboarding in 10 years time?

With the way snowboarding is progressing right now? I couldn't begin to try to answer that. I couldn't even take a stab at where it's going to be in 10 months let alone a decade. All I can say is: all eyes on the rookies…

Could a huge tweaked method score higher than a double-cork?

SHIT CHEA! In my books hells yeah.

DCP and his own method. Photo: Christian Pondella

Who are you looking forward to see ride at the Supernatural comp? (who's currently killing it?)

All of them. They're all legends. Every one of them. Even the judges could have a shot at winning this - straight up.

What are your thoughts on energy drinks companies & their association within snowboarding?

Being that I'm here on Redbulls' dime? Oh, they're great! Everyone should drink 'em! Yuuuuurr… Seriously though, they've made themselves a place in elite level extreme sports in affording athletes & event organizers alike, the means to get where they want to be & that's great. At this level, it's difficult trying to get that kind of support from other sources & if these companies are keen to bankroll, I have nothing against that. I'm just not into edc's sponsoring rookie events or younger generation riders though. Watching a 10yr old inhale a can of that shit before dropping into a slope run, just ain't cool. I've witnessed this. On multiple occasions. & it blows…

Any Mel Simmons words of wisdom for your fellow snowboarders?

Life's short, make it amazing… fucking SEND IT.

Bonus question: Woukd you have scored Shaun Whites' recent X Games halfpipe run a 100 out of 100 if you were judging ?

Nup. 98 from me. Without a doubt, a SUPER sick run for sure though he lost a lil amplitude on his backDub12 & I saw those hands on the last hit buddy…

John Jackson boosting at Baldface. Photo: Christian Pondella

Interview by Adam Bowcutt

Scotty Arnold would rather see a big 540 into pow: BSA Rider Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Scotty Arnold knows snowboarding

Scotty Arnold has been in the game for quite a while. His experience helps provide a good insight into his views on the past, present & future of snowboarding. Scotty puts strong emphasis on style. We think it's a good thing.

"If you are the sickest rider in the world and can do triple corks to nosepress through a kink but a cocky hater I have no interest in you."

Hometown?

I currently live in Park City, Utah but grew up snowboarding on the east coast in Holderness, Nh.

Use 3 words to describe your relationship to snowboarding.

It's my life

Where will you be riding mostly this winter & what are your plans in the next few years?

I will be riding at Park City Mountain Resort and also travelling to different resorts all over the U.S. Europe and Japan for the Salomon Team Vacation tour (coming to a resort near you).

What's are the most important things you've learnt about the 'snowboard industry' over years?

I've learnt that although it's friends working together, at the end of the day it's still a business and all about the all mighty dollar.

Which rider do you rate most highly & why?

I would have to say Bode Merrill is my highest rated rider right now. I base that opinion on attitude and skill level. If you are the sickest rider in the world and can do triple corks to nosepress through a kink but a cocky hater I have no interest in you. Bode is the all around best snowboarder. Only a couple people can compare to him in the jumping field and those people won't hit a street rail. Bode is sick on jumps rails and is better than a lot of dudes with one foot strapped in ha. But most importantly he is a good dude with a good head on his shoulders. I also have a lot of respect for Marc Frank Montoya on and off the board.

Who's the hottest female rider, in your opinion?

Hmmmmm

Can you do a double-cork & what are your thoughts on progression within snowboarding these last few years?

I've tried one into an airbag hahah. I think these days the progression is pretty obvious. Last year was double corks this year is triple corks next year quad corks?!?!?! My opinion is that's cool and all but I have always been into peoples style and would rather see a big 540 or 720 into some pow where you can actually see the style the dude has. As far as rails go, its cool to see people getting more progressive with spots. It use to be down rail, kink rail, down rail, but now people are getting more creative with the spots and it is helping jibbing stay fresh.

What words of advice do you have for aspiring kids wishing to become a 'professional snowboarder'?

Learn quad corks hahaha Just kidding. I would say if you love snowboarding enough and are obsessed with it, it will happen naturally. Go for your dreams, don't give up, and above all make sure you are having a great time. Also be yourself, there are too many clones out there we need more individuals.

What did you have for dinner?

I had a salad, an English muffin and a jack and lemonade ha

Is Jeremiah Weed for snowboarders?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:51:00 +0000

We got a cheeky surprise at BSA headquarters. A note & a suspicious looking package.

I dubiously tore the wrapping paper to reveal a wooden box emblazoned with the 'Jeremiah Weed' logo & a BSA label beneath.

What's this then? I slid open the plywood to reveal two bottles of Brew; Sour mash & root, glass jar drinking vessel, t shirt, canvas satchel, packet of beef jerky & a harmonica.

Box of stuff

Ok, so why BSA? A note inside the box said Jeremiah Weed Brews liked our snowboarding Blog. Sweet!

Talking of sweet... Both brews were really sweet & easy to drink. Especially the root brew. They could be a refreshing drink after a fun day of spring-time snowboarding. Be warned because if you try to ride after sinking a few of these it could end in tears. The energy from the sweetness & the delayed reactions from the 4% alcohol might cause you some shred trouble.

Tim's pissed again...

Don't drink & ride. It's just not worth it. Trust me. I've learned the hard way. (clue: fractured fibula)

So, yes. Jeremiah Weed could be for thirsty snowboarders with a sweet tooth.

PS. More people should play the harmonica.

PPS. Beef jerky is an awesome high protein snack that could help rebuild your tired snowboarding legs

"Sweet brew bro"

Want to know more? facebook.com/jeremiahweeduk

By Adam Bowcutt

7 ways to deal with not snowboarding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:54:00 +0000

How to deal with not snowboarding

Injuries suck

Something has happened. For some reason you aren’t riding right now and you may not be riding for sometime. Somewhere in your mind there are plans to go somewhere but you don’t know how to make it happen. Cold sweats, nausea and loss of sense of humor follow. Its a pretty hateful state of being. Those of you smugly sitting out in the mountains reading this are welcome to jog on and go enjoy it. There are lots of reasons why we might be here: injury, illness, money, career, visas, responsibilities... For the last four winters I’ve done seasons out in the US and now due to events beyond my control I am at home in windy, rainy England, sucking a lemon. This being the “Holiday Season” has made not snowboarding very difficult. As well as missing the snow and the mountains I’m missing my winter family, PBR (substitute Mützig) and crab and fondue for Christmas.

So here I have compiled some hopefully helpful advice to those of you who may be in a similar situation. Feel free to take or leave any of it:

1. Don’t watch the videos

With every other ripper (and punter) having a Go Pro there are an almost endless supply of short edits out there. Don’t watch them! Its so easy to get yourself worked up into a seething heap of jealous angst by seeing some crew tearing up the park/pow at your favorite mountain. What you don’t know won’t hurt you. You’ll get amped only to look out the window and realize you won’t be able to channel that energy into having fun on your snowboard. Thoughts of where that pent up energy and frustration might go while watching said videos lead me down a disturbing path. Snow porn isn’t actual porn!

If you must watch videos watch the superpros in highly polished videos. Or the X games. They’re doing things which are insane in amazing locations but you won’t feel the need to emulate as much as watching someone do a super fun park run.

2. Don’t check the snow report

You need to get into the habit of not caring if it snows or not where your friends are. Its great for them but it will drive you up the wall. If it dumps six feet (two meters) then you will feel just as bad as if you were there but had to work in a room with one tiny window and could only listen to the yelps of joy floating in from outside. If there is no snow then you will become a smug dick while you lie through grinning teeth, handing out your false sympathy. You are far better off checking something that could make a difference to your life. The lottery numbers for example.

3. You cannot avoid Facebook

Well you can, but what I mean is that if you use it then you will be forced to see what a great time everyone else is having. There is no simple way around this one although I’m sure someone will tell me that I can change my settings and put the blinkers on. The only way to deal with it is to push through with jaw firmly locked into a grimace and *bleep* over the bits you don’t want to see.

4. Do the family thing

Its not often that you’re at home for the holidays so enjoy doing all those trad things you’d forgotten about. See your relatives at Christmas. Eat brussle sprouts and Christmas pud. Enjoy the drunk uncle and talk to your grandparents. Go to the pub with your mates from school who aren’t normally around and drink Yorkshire Tea.

5. Go to a dome

This one is harder if you are injured but otherwise it is well worth it. You don’t even have to go on a freestyle night. An hour on a recreational day when you haven’t ridden for six months feels AMAZING! If you don’t have any money then see if you can convince someone who calls it ‘boarding’ to take you, perhaps in exchange for a lesson? It just gives you the chance to feel the board under your feet, butter about a bit and feel the wind in your face. Like methadone (apparently).

After the dome you will almost certainly let your half formed mushy plans to get somewhere at some point in the winter form into a shiny, snow covered glitter ball of wondrousness. At this point I would stress that I do not recommend getting into debt to finance your trip. If you have rainy day money then this is your rainy day.

6. Don’t Get Hurt!

You have booked your trip! Whether its a weekend in Andorra or bumming the rest of the season do not get overexcited and do yourself damage! I am a clumsy fool and sprained ankles seem to pop up from everywhere. Wrap yourself in cotton wool, lock up your skateboard, don’t punch any bouncers. Try to limit your movements to between your bed and your exercise bike (well, you need to stay in shape right?)

7. Watch the Videos

You’re going Snowboarding! Get amped! Take point 1. and flip-reverse it! Watch all the videos you have stockpiled in your bookmarks! Re-watch them paying special attention to how you can do that trick better and how you are going to spray all those people with snow and destroy the mountain!

Get back in the game...

By Kenji Lim

Austen Sweetin BSA Interview: 'Just Be You'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:21:00 +0000

"It's hard to pick just one, it's a tie between switch back lip's, front 3's, or back 180 methods"(Austen Sweetin)

Austin Sweetin is probably the most stoked young rider you'll meet. His energetic enthusiasm shines through in his riding. He has this natural ability to stomp everything with style, and at the same time, always with a huge beaming smile.

This is a rider to watch out for.

BSA has a quick Q & A session with Austin Sweetin. Here are his answers:

Hometown?

Seattle, WA

Use 3 words to describe what snowboarding means to you.

I love snowboarding!

What's it like riding & filming for Forum?

It's a dream come true, I always looked up to forum and the people riding for them growing up and now being apart of it is awesome. It's rad being able to spend the winter traveling and filming with a good group of friends instead of standing around at contests all winter.

Which riders do you respect most & why?

Austin Hironaka, because I grew up riding with him my whole life and it's awesome to see him out there hustlin all for the pure love of snowboarding. Peter Line because he has done so much for snowboarding in both the progression of it and business side of it by starting the brand I ride for now.

Who's the hottest female rider in your honest opinion?

That Ellery Hollingsworth shawty is pretty bangin

What are your plans this winter?

Travel with the forum homies and try to film another part, I'm gonna try to divide my time equally into streets, pow, and park to try and have a well rounded part.

What did you eat for lunch ?

Egg scramble with potatoes and sausage in it, along with a few cups of coffee, I ate my breaky at lunch today.

Trick you want to get dialed this year?

Cab 3's on natty backcountry hits along with big park jumps

Your best feeling trick, one you'd choose to do everyday if it had to be just one?

It's hard to pick just one, it's a tie between switch back lip's, front 3's, or back 180 methods

Slopestyle in the Olympics... What are your thoughts?

I think it's cool the Olympics are starting to support snowboarding in other aspects besides half pipe, but I also think its whack that the FIS is running that shit and making all the riders switch up there winters by not making TTR events eligible for qualification.

Any random words of Austen Sweetin wisdom?

Just be you

Interview by Adam Bowcutt

Shaun White, What are you thinking?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:20:00 +0000

Source: fastcompany.com Photo: Martin Schoeller

Shaun White, What Are You Thinking?

I suppose the only place to really start on this is a little bit of Shaun White background. I’m sure you all know about it so I’ll leave the facts short and get onto the wild speculation as fast as I can. Shaun White can claim to be the greatest competition snowboarder of the modern age. Anyone who disagrees with this is wrong. His record speaks for itself and I don’t need to go into it. He is also the most marketable and commercially successful snowboarder/skateboarder/action sports athlete in the world. Yes he is. The proof? Forbes estimates that in 2008 he earned $9 million, almost all of it in endorsements. None of his competitors earned over $1 million. Since then he has won another Olympic gold medal and his commercial value continues to rise.

As a Snowboard Instructor in the US I’ve talked to plenty of kids about snowboarding. Often the conversation goes like this:

“So who is your favorite snowboarder?”
“Shaun White.”
“Cool. Why do you like him”
“I don’t know. Because he’s the best?”
“Sweet. Did you see him in the X Games?”
“No”
“Did you see him in the Olympics?”
“No”
“Have you ever seen him snowboard?”
“Only on my X Box.”

No Joke. This is what we mean when we say that an athlete has transcended their sport. People need have never even seen the sport but still know who the star is. Shaun White is on that level. That is why he makes me despair. The exposure that he brings is great for snowboarding but that interest does not extend further than brand White.

He thinks differently from other pros. Of course he isn’t going to share his private half pipe. He doesn’t want the competition to learn his new trick. He is pushing himself in splendid isolation, not the sport as a whole. I think that was pretty evident when he failed to qualify for the slopestyle final at the last X Games, he’d taken his eye off the competition. His is a focused and individualistic approach to what many see as a communal activity. From the articles I’ve read he appears to be a nice guy. He just has very different priorities from the majority of snowboard pros. He is a lone guy leading from the front, and I’m not going to hate on him for that.

Source: Transworld Business Target Advert

Which makes the TTR Beijing Air and Style a bit confusing and annoying. Here he is “presenting” an event for a tour which he does not even seem to support. He only seemed to be there to pose for photos with various suited guys. He is a bigger name than any of the sponsors, any of the other athletes and even snowboarding itself. His name attached to the event gets people around the world, who may know very little about snowboarding, to watch it. The fact that while this is going on his silence is undermining TTR’s position on Olympic qualifying, and therefore the importance of the tour itself. That annoys me.

He hasn’t said anything about the IOC telling TTR to sling their hook at all. When I can find a quote from Sebastien Toutant but not from Shaun White, Double Olympic Gold medal winner, something is wrong. Has nobody asked him? Surely someone has asked the face of action sports what he thinks about the whole dirty, stinking mess? There hasn’t been anything posted on the News section of his official website since July shaunwhite.com I read lots of articles about this subject too, even The Economist has written about it. They all come out in favor of TTR. Nobody (except the IOC) think that FIS should be running the qualification process, not even at least one of their own. So why so quiet? Well I actually don’t think that it has anything to do with sponsors or big business telling him to keep his mouth shut. I think that if he cared he would speak up. My conclusion is that he doesn’t care. As one of the few guys who do both halfpipe and slopestyle he has been through the whole process before and has toed the line. Why should it be any different this time? He changed his schedule to fit in with the Olympic qualifying season and so it would be pretty hypocritical of him to object to the whole process now.

He is not the snowboarder’s snowboarder. He is the kid’s snowboarder, the granny’s snowboarder, the CEO’s snowboarder and the marketing manager’s snowboarder. He gives the world everything they want in an athlete in a neat little package. He doesn’t care who runs the competition, just that he wins it.

Written by Kenji Lim
(Guest blogger)

Source: wired.com

More mainstream press articles on Shaun White: fastcompany.com

More on Olympic Snowboarding Slopestyle:
Whitelines
bnqt.com
http://whitelines.mpora
snowboardermag.com
onboard.mpora.com
&
transworld.net
snowboardersunite.com

Does snowboarding make you happy? The Zen snowboarder

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:09:00 +0000

Does snowboarding make you happy? The Zen snowboarder

The answer appears obvious. However, let's go deeper. I'll use a theme of Zen snowboarding to do this. Ok, before you think here we go, just another hippy shredder getting all spiritual. Let's just open our minds, and think objectively for a moment.

You are a snowboarder That's why you're here. Right? When you strap on your snowboard and just ride, it's fun. No doubt about it. Now add the idea of Zen to the mix and what's created is an awareness of snowboarding.

Zen is about being in the moment. The word literally translates to 'meditation'. So what's meditation got to do with snowboarding? Well, an example is this.

You're about to drop-in to a jump. It's bigger than you're comfortable with. Your heart races, as does your mind. What if you don't hit it with enough speed and bounce off the knuckle? What if you hit it with too much speed, over-shoot and explode on impact. Just thinking of the 'what ifs' and the consequences affects you.

Intentionally or not It's precisely at this moment that you become a Zen snowboarder. There is no past or future, you are in the moment. You're meditating because you are purely focused on perfectly conquering that jump.

You're in the air. Boom! How did that happen. Bliss! You've landed. Now, you are euphoric. You've internalized all these feelings in that one beautiful moment. This is snowboarding at its best. Only now you're ready to share your happiness with your shred friends. High-fives and smiles. You're part of a community of snowboarders collectively spreading the joy. Yessss!

Let's explore an alternative situation. You are sat at your desk within a four-walled office. You're trying to hide the fact you're chatting away on Facebook to numb this monotonous existence. All you can think about is snowboarding. It hurts. You're in pain and unhappy. It's as if you're trapped with no means of escape. Mr 9 to 5 firmly has you in his claws. Nooooo!!!

Just an idea. Perhaps become zen and escape, although metaphorically, just for a moment. In other words it's focused shred-dreaming. You're free, but just for that moment. Enjoy it before your boss catches you!

Or, you can go snowboarding and do it literally, for real. The choice is yours.

So there you have it. Snowboarding does, albeit with a Zen spin, make you happy. It's your choice how you make that moment happen.

Written by Adam Bowcutt

Do you ride regular or goofy? Origin of goofy footed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 03:46:00 +0000

Where did the term goofy come from?
orward before the 1950′s"

This is a clip from Hawaiian Holiday by Disney circa 1937

Check out 43 seconds in...
...Goofy riding, well.. Goofy footed.

Maybe this shreds some light on the origin of goofy footed. Perhaps more riders rode regular-footed (natural) and the remaining right-foot forward surfers were nicknamed goofy. This term progressed to skateboarding, then snowboarding.

Thank you Goofy, You're a good character!

PS. Eero Ettala rides goofy and he can tweak a pretty mean method.

/// We are addicted