David Rouleau's Column

Canada’s Next Top Badass

2008-12-29T16:49:00Z

[BEST OF '08]

I had a conversation last week with a good friend of mine, who I used to shred with back in the day, regarding who I thought was going to be among the next great Canadian snowboarders. I’m talking like future greats, like maybe 10 to15 years down the road. You know: those who will go down in shredstory (that’s “shred history”) as being badass Canadian dudes. I’m talking about Johnson, KY, Warburton, Kearns, Devun, Pelchat, Kale, and the rest of the Wildcats. (And if you need to know their full names, well, then you just don’t understand.)

Like most random conversations go, it came out of a corner in my brain and fluttered about for a bit, and then kind of moseyed off back to the random, manure-stained pasture it came from. Luckily I happened to capture our interesting, half-witted little debate on tape. Let’s listen in, shall we?

ME: You know what I’m saying, right?

FRIEND: Uhm, not really…

ME: You know, the dudes you hear stories about that shredded hard and partied harder? And were just, like, gnarly shreds.

FRIEND: How is that Canadian?

ME: How is that Canadian? Dude! Partying? Being ballsy? That *** is as Canadian as the beaver. We are known as crazy, beer-drinking, fun dudes.

FRIEND: Okay, I feel you. So someone who’s totally a badass shred and a badass dude?

ME: Yeah, I guess. Like someone who maybe gets a bad rap as a partier or a delinquent, but is still so undeniably good at snowboarding that it doesn’t matter.

FRIEND: Okay, I smell what you’re stepping in, but this is a horrible argument you’ve got going here.

ME: Regardless.

FRIEND: So who have you got?

ME: First, for obvious reasons, Andrew Geeves.

FRIEND: Right. I’ve heard of him.

ME: Dude’s gnarly. Sick rookie part in the Sandbox video... And he knows how to party.

FRIEND: Now why is this cool?

ME: Well, you know: “He-don-give-an-eff!” (Said like Chris Tucker in Friday.) Plus he’s young.

FRIEND: Yeah, but he only jibs.

ME: Nope: I’ve seen his *** from this year. He’s got backcountry, man.

FRIEND: Really?

ME: Dude, come on! Look at me, I’m a shred prophet over here…these are educated predictions, allow me to continue. [pause] Second, Kael Hill.

FRIEND: What?

ME: Dude, he’s gnarly! I’ve seen his demo reel from this year and it’s insane. Reg-gy and switch Front Boards through huge kinks, switch backside spins, crazy tech next level rail ***. Plus, he’s like the classic dirt bag shred. I saw him in Calgary this year at the Billabong comp, and he stayed out so late the night before that he ended up sleeping in the lobby of the hotel. Then the next day he shredded harder than most of the dudes out there.

FRIEND: What is it with you and that?

ME: Come on, it’s the classic “screw you” to the man. Plus you’ve gotta be crazy to throw half the stuff he’s throwing.

FRIEND: Wow, this journalism of yours is so on point. [laughs] Okay, so who’s your third?

ME: E-man.

FRIEND: Eman? E-man who?

ME: E-man!

FRIEND: What is he Madonna or something? What’s his last name?

ME: E-man Anderson.

FRIEND: That red-headed kid from Whistler?

ME: Well, he’s from Wakefield.

FRIEND: Where’s that?

ME: It’s like Frenchie-English-ville in Ontario.

FRIEND: Dude, that guy’s kind of...

ME: What?

FRIEND: Okay, how is that good?

ME: Well you know, you’re supposed to be nice to get ahead, but he doesn’t really care about sucking up and all that. Plus he’s pretty cool man; you just don’t know him. And he’s not all like, overly sponsor-hungry. He’s loyal.

FRIEND: What does that mean?

ME: I’m just saying there are a lot of kids out there who will step over anyone to get a sponsor and get ahead. He’s not like that. He’s got, like [pause] old school values.

Summertime chillin' with E-man
(Please visit the site to view this media)

FRIEND: You’re such a nerd. Okay, so what’s he done on a snowboard?

ME: He had those couple shots in the Chi [Stepchild] video.

FRIEND: What video? Dude how old are you? You’ve got to stop watching snowboard videos.

ME: Dude, I‘m a snowboarder! Plus, he had some *** in The Power Normal, last year’s Gnarcore vid.

FRIEND: What’s that?

ME: Gnarcore?!?! Our production company?!?

FRIEND: Oh, you’re still doing that?

ME: Dude!

FRIEND: Joking!

ME: You’re an ass… Anyway, you know he’s on the creep up. Anyway he’s kind of underground right now. He’s been showing up a little on the ‘net here and there, but ask any one in Whistler: he has the best style in the Blackcomb Park by far. Number one, best dude up there.

FRIEND: You’re inflating his ego.

ME: Well dude, I don’t go around saying that… It’s just you and me here. Anyway, he’s coming up… I saw him do a Double Cork 1080, this year.

FRIEND: What on that little shack booter in the Blackcomb Park? [laughs]

ME: No, on this big step-up… And you’re one to talk; I bet you can’t even do a Cab Cork anymore…

FRIEND: So, in conclusion?

ME: Well, I’m just saying… Look out for these dudes, they’re coming up and they’re doing it with style. Trust me man, they’ll be in the books come next decade.

FRIEND: Yeah, if they don’t pull a Bozung… Rremember, the greasier life gets, the harder it is to hold on to the ball. [laughs]

ME: Dude! Nate’s the man… [My friend walks away, leaving me standing alone on the sidewalk, arms slightly raised, dumbfounded.]

Geeves and Kael, opening day at Lake Louise:(Please visit the site to view this media)

The Best Joe Sexton Interview EVER!

2008-12-15T03:00:00Z

Note from Push.ca: David Roleau conducted this interview with Joe Sexton in the summer at the Camp of Champions. Not only did the interview not have a proper introduction (hence this explanatory note), but it was about a rollerblading/Dipset video on Youtube, and Sexton's hypothetical final day of snowboarding. Weird, right? But also oddly entertaining... Or at least we thought so. Read on and judge for yourself.

Tell me about your favorite Youtube video right now.

Joe: Dipset rollerblading.

[laughs] Is that all I have to type in?

Joe: Yeah, I can't believe you haven't seen it before. You walked right into that... I know you been feeling Cam'ron and Dipset lately!

Yeah, I know... [laughs] But it's like, every time I turn around there are a million Youtube videos that someone can't believe I haven't seen. I'm new to the Dipset scene... How long have you been jamming on that shit?

Joe: Cam'ron Dipset?...

Yeah...

Joe: And the rollerblading? [laughs] A couple of years.

Oh yeah, so you'd been jamming them for a bit? Well what happened when...

Joe: I saw it? [laughs] I was heartbroken!

Oh, so it's for real? It's serious?

Joe: Yeah, it's serious... You don't think I'm making it up, do you?

Well, I don't know...

Joe: Okay, see JP [Walker] asked me the same question. We were hanging out, listening to some track and he's, like, "Dude, do you like Cam'ron and those dudes?" And I was like, "Yeah, they're cool." And he said, "You know they're rollerbladers?" [laughs] And I was like, "What do you mean?" But we were somewhere where we couldn't find a computer... [laughs uncontrollably]

So what is it?

Joe: Oh, you really haven't seen it? [laughs]

No!

Joe: It's like a dude rollerblading backwards and then smokes weed. [laughs] He does a back wards crossover and then takes a hit... It's so funny. And Mike Jones is all up in there.

What does Mike Jones have to say?

Joe: Oh, he's all for it. He says it helps him get away from the cops faster.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Sweet. I like that "Wet Wipes" song ‘cause Lizard King used it in the Deathwish promo video. Do you think those guys, the Deathwish guys, know?

Joe: That they rollerblade? Probably not.

But does it really matter?

Joe: No... But I guess it lowers their street cred. [laughs]

Suddenly a kid walks up to Joe and asks to get a photo taken with him.

Kid: Can I get a picture?

Do you want to sit here?

Dave points next to himself, implying that the kid wants his photo taken with Dave, not with Joe.

Kid: Sure. [Sounding shy and confused.]

Joe: Who do you want a picture with?

Do you want a picture with me? ‘Cause I'm only around for a little bit!

Dave moves and lets the kid sit with Joe, and then asks the kid a question.

Hey, if you had one question to ask Joe Sexton, what would it be? Now think about it for a bit...

Kid: Uhm... how did you get your start?

No, that's a stupid question.

Joe: No, that's a good question. Do you want the answer?

Kid: Yeah.

Joe: I got my start by not making a sponsor-me tape, and just snowboarding every day. And then I got noticed at a local contest and that was it.

Dave notices the kid has a friend with him, and asks him a question.

What would your one question be for Joe Sexton?

Kid #2: Uhm, I have no idea... Help me out here, dude. [turns to his friend] Well, I was gonna ask how he got started, but...

Why not ask how he'll get his end?

Kid #2: His end?

Well, he wanted to know how Joe got his start. Why don't you ask him how it's going to end?

Kid #2: All right. When do you think you'll be done snowboarding?

Joe: I'll be done snowboarding never, but I'll probably not be sponsored in the next month.

Kid #2: Really?

Joe: Because I'm gonna get cut... by everybody. [laughs]

Kid #2: Ouch.

Joe: But I'll snowboard forever, man... You can never end snowboarding.

It's kind of a big picture question.

Kid #2: You could die a brutal, horrible death and then you wouldn't be snowboarding any more.

Kid #1: Yeah, you could be dropping some 300 foot cliff that you didn't see. [laughs]

Joe: Yeah, let's go with that. I'll say that. I'll say I was dropping a 300 foot cliff I didn't see. [laughs] Go out in a blaze of glory!

This is currently the best interview ever.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Max Baillargeon Likes Japan

2008-11-18T17:27:00Z

I like French people. I'm not French -- my heritage is -- but I'm as Anglo as they come. French people do piss me off a bit though, ‘cause I can't understand a fucking word they're saying! I mean, it's not their fault. It's mine; I'm just impatient. Max Baillargeon is French. We met a couple years ago up in Whis. He was cool; we didn't talk too much but just kinda shredded around and hit rails, which I liked. Snowboarding's good like that; a common bond. This last summer, after three years without contact, I caught up with Max again and we got a chance to talk. I'd hate to think of this as an "interview." It's more of a "what's up" between a couple of dudes while spinning laps over some broken English and a summer stoke.

Last time I saw you was about three years ago up on the glacier in Whistler. Now I'm seeing you in magazines and all over the place what's happening man? You're blowing up!

I guess...

Well, what's going on? What have you been doing?

I've just been filming for the last three years with Sugar Shack. Last winter I had a pretty good season, even though I got hurt at the end and I guess my last year's video part helped me a lot. After that I started getting more help from Billabong and last year was my first year ridding for Salomon, so that worked out pretty good. I had a good part; they were happy to see that.

How's it going with Salomon? What's it like riding for them?

Yeah, I'm stoked. They treat me really well. Me and Louif [Paradis] got on Salomon at the same time and last year they brought us to Japan for a contest, I think that was the sickest trip I ever had.

What was Japan like?

It was awesome.

Meet any Japanese babes?

Yeah... [laughs] We saw a couple of nice chicks in Tokyo. But seriously, Japan is really nice. The culture is so different. When you get off the plane and go into the streets, everyone is driving the wrong way and everything is written in Japanese and you can't understand anything... they've got all this crazy food. They have 7/11 too, and you can find raw fish and squid and sex... its crazy... [laughs]

What? [laughs] Did you say "sex"?

No! In-sects.

Oh! [laughs] Insects... uh, right. Had you traveled much before that?

No, that was my first time overseas.

What about the snowboarding? How was that?

It was sick, man. You know all those butter spots you see from the Japanese mountains in all the movies where all the trees are really spaced apart?

Yeah.

It's like this -- you can ride really fast in the trees and enjoy all the snow you get.

So was it like a dream for you to see that shit in snowboard videos and then be there riding it?

Exactly. The year before I was watching Future Proof and they had a bunch of shots like this, and when I was riding in the woods I was like, "Eh, man... this is just like in Future Proof."

Did Salomon send a filmer with you guys or what?

No, it was just for a slopestyle contest.... it was a pretty good set-up.

Did you do alright?

Alright? Not really [laughs]... but I had fun!

Tell me about this year. You filmed for Sugar Shack again, their new movie Pleasure Inc. How was that?

We had a lot of changes. The Rome crew was doing their own movie, so Will [Lavigne], Greg [Desjardins] and LNP all left, so we lost those friends. Then after that Nic Sauve started ridding for the Forum movie. But now Matt Dano, Benji Ritchie and Reno B are on the Sugar Shack crew.

Does it feel like it's becoming a bigger movie?

I don't know... It was a really different movie this year. It looks a little bit more professional. It was really sick riding with Reno and Matt [Dano]; they're used to riding the backcountry and this year was my first year. Those guys, they're still young, but they already have a bit of backcountry experience, so I got a lot of tips from them.

Did you ride with any other guys you were stoked on?

Yep, Gaetan Chanut.

That guys sick. Remember his part in Stand and Deliver?

Yeah, I remember that real good. His intro was him sitting in a dinner strapped to a bomb.

That got me so stoked. Who else do you ride with that inspires you?

I get inspiration from Alex Cantin ‘cause I've been ridding with him since I was real young and I'm still ridding with him. There's also a couple of young kids from Quebec that are on their way that I had a chance to ride with, like Jason Dubois and P.O. Houde. That brings a lot of motivation; they're young and pumped and primed and that's sick

Did you have your own sled this year?

Yeah, I had Benji's old sled. I'm stoked. I don't now what's gonna happen yet, but one thing is for sure: I want to keep working in the backcountry c'ause I have a lot to learn out there. [laughs] It' so hard.

In closing, is there an easy way to pronounce your name?

Yeah: It's like Max By-are-gin.

By-are-gin?

Yeah.

But how do you say it?

By-are-gin.

No, in French.

By-arrre-gion.

You're not going to change your name and make any dramatic marketing moves on us, now are you?

No, I want to keep my family name on the map.

Right on, brother.

----------------------
Also check out:
Sugar Shack Pleasure Inc. Teaser
Louif Paradis Interview
Rome Team Interview

Louif Paradis: Guilty of Riding Rails

2008-10-16T15:43:00Z

When you see a snowboarder in a video or a magazine that you don't really know in real life, it's natural to create your own image of that person. This was true for me and Louif Paradis. Whenever I'd read Louif's name in print, I'd instantly associate it with a series of photographs and words. It would start with a particular photo of him sitting heavy on a switch nose press that he back one'd into. Then all these names would rush in: Greg Desjardians, LNP, Ben Biloque, Alex Cantin, Will Lavigne and Nic Sauve, followed by the back one switch nose press again, then the Sugar Shack graphic, and lastly a picture of him quietly smiling, wearing a beanie. That's pretty much it. And it would happen in a fraction of a second, of course, because this is how our brains work

This summer I met Louif and hung out with him while he was coaching in Whistler at the Camp of Champions. I got to know him a bit and was able to create a new and improved image of him; one that isn't too far off from my original. He grew up snowboarding with all the above-mentioned names, and was often seen in print and video with them. He's known for his technical style and signature tricks that have branded him as one of Canada's best jibbers. He's quiet, healthy, has a distinguished, well-groomed exterior and seems naturally aware of his surroundings.

This year Louif was one of only two Canadians handpicked to film for Transworld Snowboarding's first video in ages, These Days (the other being Dustin Craven). I spent a day hangin' with him at the beach and chilling at the coach's house in Whistler, eating barbeque and being really, really beat down from the hot glacier sun. Here's a small excerpt from our after-dinner conversation, when I asked him about his winter.

How did you get to work with Transworld?
I think somebody told Joe Carlino [These Days director] that I could be considered as a possible good rider for it, and I received a call in the off-season. I was super happy when Joe called me and told me that they were going to start doing the Transworld videos again - kind of like what they are doing with their skate videos. He just invited me to join the crew, and I said, "yes."

Where you surprised?
Uhm, yeah... Kind of.

How did he know about your riding?
I think some of the guys at Rome had told him about me, and he had watched my part in Sugar Shack.

Was it hard for you to depart from your usual all-French crew and film with this new posse?
It was sad to leave my friends and film with someone else, but at the same time it was super refreshing and maybe a little bit more motivating; especially with the traveling and the new people

Who out of the crew did you click with the most?
Well, I clicked pretty much with everybody. Mostly with the guys I filmed with the most, Nic Dirks and Jonas Michalot and Tim Eddy... and Joe Carlino, too. But yeah, mostly Nic and Jonas ‘cause I filmed with them and spent a lot of time with them and we just ended up being friends.

I know you guys traveled a lot, and you mentioned before the interview that you started out in Quebec at the start of the season. I know you're not the best at English and you're a little shy. How was that for you, opening up the filming in Quebec?
I think that was the best way to start it. You know, to break the ice.

I know a lot of different crews were in Quebec this winter, filming and seeking out new jibs. Did you guys try and differ from the norm and find some new stuff, or did you go back to a lot of the rails you guy killed in Sugar Shack?
We found new stuff for sure. But those guys looked to all the videos that were filmed in Quebec and they knew what rails they wanted to go to. Like, Nic really wanted to go to that big red ledge, and that really wide down-flat ledge. More of the historic spots, if you will...

So they were studying the vids?
Yeah, they were like, "we should go to that place." And I was kinda like, "uhhhh..." [laughs]

It's funny ‘cause I would want to go to places that haven't been hit.
They had just seen a lot of the spots on video and wanted to go there and do gnarlier tricks, or whatever.

Right. So where else did you guys go?
I went to Minnesota and the terrain was a little different. There was maybe, like, 10 times more handrails and street spots than Quebec. So it was crazy... the snow conditions weren't as good, but it was fun stuff.

Were there any noticeable cultural differences? Like people on the street, or the police, reacting to the handrail riding?
People were a bit more severe; I think the laws are little bit more severe in the US.

Did regular people on the street vibe you out at all?
I don't think so... it was kind of the same. You know like, if you're hitting a rail at a hospital, you know it doesn't really fly. I am always surprised by the reaction we get. Some are going to be super stoked and you know, they're going to watch you for half an hour, and some are just going to see you as a criminal.

I know you do a lot of handrails. Is the criminal aspect of it an allure for you?
Am I attracted to it because it's criminal?

Well you know not, criminal, but a little more...covert.
Not really... sometimes I kind of feel bad about it.

Really?
Well, when I was younger I didn't think like that, but now that I'm getting a little bit more mature and older, I like to think a little bit more about what people feel like, and how I'm affecting them.

Wow, that's awesome man. Any thanks?
My family, my friends, and my sponsors.

Disposable Memories

2008-10-08T19:14:00Z

A Photo Essay by David Rouleau

I recently got a hold of a couple disposable cameras one afternoon while in Whistler this summer. It allowed me to have 24 conversations that went exactly like this:

“Hey man can I take your photo?”
“Uhm, sure.”
“Ooookaaaaay…” Click! “Ah, right on! Thanks, man.”
“Hey, can I see it?”
“No, it’s a disposable… See?” (I turn the camera around, revealing the rather anticlimactic black and yellow casing.)
“Oh. Okay… Huh… See you later then.”
“Yeah, more like you’ll see it later! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha…”

Sometimes, something as outdated and as silly as the good ol’ disposable camera can be enough to mix it up,and blow you out of your current technological bubble. Viva yesterday, for today often comes too quickly, I say.

In this photo essay I tip my hat to $10 cameras, the process of waiting for your photos to develop, and the pre-digital age of amateur photography.

Ben Biloque.

Alex Cantin.

Devon Whites’ art work at F as in Frank in Whistler.

Faces on the glacier (left to right, top to bottom): Marie-France Roy, E-MAN, Jed Anderson, Eero Ettala, Logan Short, Sean Genovese.

James Agostinho, hitchhiking.

Louif Paradis and LNP, pre-skate sesh.

Louif Paradis.

Digger, Lucus Ouellette.

Max Baillargeon.

Max Honneger, trying to shoot an annoying crow.

Mikey Rencz and Johnny Lyall.

Mikey’s twisted ankle.

Nic Moore, snack “smorgasboard“ at the Circle skate shop.

Paavo Tikkanen, 8:00 am… still under the influence.

Louif and Jake Kuzyek.

Mark Sollars.

The Dano Portfolio

2008-10-03T16:09:00Z

And a discussion on the future (pun intended) of snowboard magazines.

I fear this particular article may be a bit too, well, geeky for the general public to appreciate. Or perhaps I myself am displaying the same amount of disconnect that this very interview is protesting against. Hmm… I think the latter is bang-on, but it’s a topic that been on my mind a lot lately, and it’s my column, so I’m just going to go for it.

At first I set out to do a retrospective on one of my favorite photographers, Dano Pendygrasse. Dano is known as, “the man who put Whistler on the map with his images.” I always liked that title, even though it sounds a little cheesy. After I interviewed him I realized that we talked about way too much good stuff to not turn this into a piece on industry scrutiny and modern publishing trends in snowboarding.

You see, the thing with Dano isn’t that he’s good at shooting and loves snowboarding – because he is and he does – it’s that he’s been around. He was around when there was only a handful of riders in Whistler, and for a time he probably knew almost everyone that snowboarded in the world. A few years ago Dano was hired to photo edit Future Snowboarding Magazine and left Whistler for California.

I was perplexed by the magazine that wound up coming out of his hands. But as always, Dano and his fellow editors had a larger agenda than my little mind could fathom, and Future was actually doing something beneficial to our sport. This summer, a bomb was dropped when it was announced that Future Snowboarding would be shutting down for good. Dano has since moved back to the west coast of Canada and now lives with his fiancé in Vancouver, BC. I finally got a chance to catch up with him recently, and have a nice little conversation about the magazine, where it was going, and why it failed.

What happened to Future?
I don’t want to talk about it.

I’ve been reading your blog a lot lately, and it would appear that you enjoy taking walks along the seawall with your fiancé and your dog… pretty exciting.
[Both Dave and Dano laugh.]

Why the hell aren’t you living in California anymore? And what happened to Future?
Well, those things aren’t related. My leaving Future happened a year before and it had been planned six months before that. We brought Crispin Cannon in to take over the job as photo editor. It takes a lot of energy to launch a magazine, probably more then I thought, and I didn’t spend any time outside the office in California, and as a result I didn’t really enjoy living in California. It was only in the last few months I had kind of realized that, hey, Encinitas was dope and my house was dope, but it was kind of too late and I had already decided I was leaving. But then Crispin came in and we got him trained and got him going and I went and lived on a beach in Honduras for a summer and Future was trucking along. I was still on retainer as a photographer so, yeah, I lost a pay cheque too when it closed.

So what Happened to Future?
Well, all the Future employees went into a meeting on a Tuesday morning, and typically if something goes down with the magazine, someone will come down from the San Francisco office, which is the head office. It was kind of an unscheduled meeting and they all went in and the hammer got dropped and they closed the whole thing.

And that’s the explanation that every one got, and this is all second-hand ‘cause I wasn’t there. Even though Future Snowboarding itself was doing well, and it had become profitable and the website was doing well and it was gaining advertising, the idea of Future Action Sports had never really lived up to the expectation of the company. So at this point, three or four years in, instead of having several magazines that they could leverage, they only had one. And having one title isn’t enough to justify having all the office space and the staff and everything else that was involved, so instead of investing the money that they were claiming would be around 10 million to actually flush out the idea of a Future Action Sports group, they just folded.

When Future came out, I asked myself, do we really have room for another snowboard magazine? I’d like to get your point of view on that question.
I think that the wheels were in motion to start Future when The Snowboard Mag came out and it was kinda too late to not start it. So even though The Snowboard Mag launched a year before Future, the prep to have Future going was already rolling. To be honest, at that point four was too many and at this point two is too many. The way publishing is going right now, I think that Snowboarder and The Snowboard Mag will be lucky to survive. Transworld will probably manage to hold on and everything else will probably evolve in a different way ‘cause paper publications are just doing horrible.

It’s funny, ‘cause at the time, when Future was coming out, I really expected it to be something more like The Snowboard Mag. And I was very surprised to find out that it was quite the opposite.
One of the things that we set out to do was to provide a voice for all the people that snowboard that don’t obsess about the core. And that’s about 85% of snowboarders. A very small amount of people actually know who any professional snowboarders are beyond, say, Shaun White. Most people know who Craig Kelly was ‘cause he was around when they started, or whoever the big guy was at the time, maybe it was Jaime Lynn, maybe it was Peter Line. But they don’t know who Kevin Pearce is, and they don’t know who Mason Aguirre is and they don’t know who any of the younger faces coming up are. They certainly don’t know who Andrew Geeves is, as much as they probably should.

The point of the matter is that the people spending money in the sport weren’t reading magazines anymore. Future set out to kinda walk that fine line where we were still cool enough for the young kids, but had enough information for the people who were buying products. At the beginning we went way too far one way and then we brought it back to a place were it was working. To be honest, that was the bottom line: bringing in new readers. When the other mags were kinda cannibalizing each other, we were finding a whole new audience. When it closed there were people out there writing blogs about how much they missed Future Snowboarding.

What The Snowboard Mag set out to do was to make a magazine that the core of the industry loved. They did a great job of it, and as a result the industry is totally behind it. However, there’s a total disconnect with the industry and the people who are snowboarding, and the people in the industry couldn’t give a ***… and that’s fine, you know. They’re running things, let ‘em run things. But they are totally alienating most of the people who buy their product. In fact, most for them have no idea who buys their product; they think that everyone who buys their snowboards and their gear is 14 years-old and lives in Salt Lake City and it’s simply not true.

I guess not everyone wants the same mag.
There was just a ton of push-back from the industry because most of them don’t have experience outside their belief system, so that can’t conceive of things they don’t know first-hand. Most of them come from a snowboarding and not a business background, which again is fine, but there are a lot of alienated snowboarders out there who just don’t have anything to do with that, they just don’t buy magazines. They pick up a Transworld once a year, flip through it, think “this sucks” and never buy it again.

Or maybe they’ll pick it up once a year, think, “hmm, this is cool” and never pick it up again.
Sure. Anyways, Transworld has become a much better magazine. One of the first things that happened when we started was the girls from Transworld came up to us at the trade show and were like, “holy ***, what are you guys going to write about? You used like all the ideas we’d write about in a whole year in your first issues.” We took that as a great compliment; they thought it was an insult. They thought we were blowing our load and we were like, “awesome!” That’s the whole thing you know: we are a bunch of really smart people with lots of ideas and we are going to continue to have lots of ideas. But then at the same time, Lee Crane, who’s been in this industry forever and has a pretty long view of things, was like, “Dano, there’s a reason snowboard magazines look the way they look, because that’s how people want them to look,” and I totally disagreed with him and I was all up-in-arms. And you know, he was the first person I talked to after Future closed and I was like, “yeah, you’re right.” The people he was talking about were the snowboard industry and the people I was talking about were the consumers, and they’re just not the same. But I believed that the consumers would win out, but the consumers never win out.

There were a couple covers there that I felt were a bit… iffy… as far as I was concerned. Do you have anything to say about that?
I was forced to choose photos where the action took up, like, 60% of the frame.

Forced?
Well it was the dictated policy of Future ‘cause it worked on the newsstand. And as you know, not very much snowboard photography looks like that. [laughs] We just don’t shoot that way. I would actually submit a photo and it would get pushed in even tighter. Then it just got to the point were we would make so much fun of that. I had mocked up covers were it was just goggles and nose. [laughs] It was just so tight.

The first one I was actually allowed to get looser on was that brightly colored house with Zach Leach. That was the first time I was ever allowed to have some freedom. If you look at everything before that, it was super tight; the guy’s huge in the frame… ‘cause it works well on the newsstand. And it worked! Our newsstand sales were awesome. We even discussed doing split covers with, like, an industry cover and a newsstand cover to appease both sides. I had no latitude with choosing shots. I mean, the worst part of my month was choosing covers! I hated it. It was the worst part of my job.

That just opens up a whole new can of worms that I would just love to talk about for hours…
Well, it’s an interesting mix between wanting to do something that meets all the integrity of your artistic standards, and wanting to do something that’s successful and having to live up to a whole bunch of standards from someone who has no interest in snowboarding, but just has interest in publishing. Future is a successful publishing company: they know how to sell magazines. The first thing they said when we had our big off-site meeting was -- we were talking about “our industry, “our industry” -- and they were like, “well, what’s you industry?” And we were like, “snowboarding!” And they said, “No, its not. Your industry is now publishing. You have to look at publishing as your industry.” And if you look at it from that perspective, it’s true. I wasn’t in the job of selling snowboards; I was in the job of selling magazines. However at some point it’s really frustrating to put something on the newsstand that you think looks really shitty.

Sandbox and Alterna: Part Two

2008-09-24T22:20:00Z

Last week, Push columnist David Rouleau took a thought-provoking look at two of Canada's leading video producers: Sandbox and Alterna. He interviewed Sandbox founder Kevin Sansalone, and vowed to follow up by interviewing Alterna founder Carlo Wein. True to his word, that's exactly what he did.

If you haven't read Part One, read it here.

I love comparing videos and learning the back-story of the production company that created a video, because it allows you to appreciate said video from the backbone up. Alterna kingpin Carlo Wein's early interest in fusing high production filming techniques quality freestyle riding has been a mainstay in the Alterna videos year after year. Each new release gives us a little something more to take back to our Mac Books and obsess over. It's a satisfying way to anticipate a film, making you feel that you're growing with the companies' progression.

Last year's Apples and Oranges was trademark Alterna goodness. With the introduction of Tadashi Fuse-in-training Takaharu Nakai (yes, you can just call him Taka) rounding off the cast of "athletes", Carlo had a good portion of shred talent from over three continents. Throw in the now trademark-Alterna cable cam shots and other high-flying filming gadgets, and round it off with the bright, young talent of filmer Bryant Bell and you have yourself something worth burning out yet another one of those cheap $99 DVD players with.

I contacted Carlo at his office in West Vancouver, and threw a few questions at him. This is what he had to say:

Before The Struggle, what videos did you work on and what role did you play in them?
Before The Struggle I worked on a film called Fathom. Back then I had illusions of being a pro snowboarder, but in the end I found that filmmaking was a better fit for me. The first few films were definitely the most difficult, but also the most fun. I paid for all the 16 mm film and transfers out of my own pocket, so making mistakes filming just meant I needed a few more shifts at Dominoes or at the doughnut shop I worked for up in Whistler. Learning by trial and error has helped me become more efficient in the way we approach filmmaking season after season. My role shifted more to producer when we released Reflection; that was the year that Darcy Wittenburg really took the reigns as the principal cinematographer.

Did you introduce any new filming techniques this year?
Knockout is a true testament to our exploration in filmmaking. I have to say that our Hurley gap session this year was by far our most productive and unique session when it came to capturing captivating footage. We hung a cable 100 feet over both road gaps, easily making it the most dangerous cable shots Darcy has ever accomplished.

What about new forms of media when it comes to the actual video?
We will be releasing a Blue Ray version of Knockout closer to Christmas, and will also be releasing a USB memory stick with the film on it in conjunction with DIVX.

Did you introduce any new riders this year?
Chris Dufficy joined our crew this year. Duff brings tons of personality and amazing talent to our film.

With White Out Films out of the picture, who do you see as your biggest competition in Canada? Or do you look at it that way?
I really don't look at it that way; there are so many films out there that it has become pretty ridiculous. I look up to companies that take snowboard film making to the next level. I think the teaser for Travis Rice's new film, That's It That's All, is sick and is one to watch out for.

Sandbox and Alterna: Part One

2008-09-16T21:55:00Z

I guess it was a couple of months ago now, after I'd just watched the new Sandbox Teaser for All Day Every Day, when the thought floated into my head: "Damn, maybe this is the year that Sandbox steps up to Alterna." I felt compelled to ask myself the curious and mischievous question: who will have the better movie this year? I mean, it's not like it's a competition or anything, I know, I know... But when you're as much of self-proclaimed video nerd as I am, these things run through your head.

Luckily for Alterna (as far as my personal opinion goes), I was equally wowed when I viewed their teaser for Knockout a few weeks later. The two videos looked good and achieved what any good teaser should achieve, which is the reaction of: "Hey, I want to see that flick." So what makes them good? And why am I fascinated with Sandbox and Alterna?

As far as I can remember (and when I say "as far" I mean, like, eight years ago), Alterna Films has always had a strong presence in the Canadian shred scene. Sure, there was Defective and White Out, but they always seemed to have a more international vibe. Anyway, back when I was younger and more impressionable, I met Kevin Sansalone; he was filming with Carlo Wien from Alterna Action Films (as it was called back then) at the time.

Kevin always had his own little movie-making fun on the side, and what started as a raucous crew of skids from Seymour soon turned into Sandbox, a cleverly-branded, fun and clean snowboard video for the hip, young kid on the come-up. So I've watched him go from something small to something that is rivaling, if not partly inspired by, the work of his former producer Carl Wien. With last year's release of Time Well Wasted, it was clear that Sansalone had put his producing skills to work over-time, making a well-produced, tight project that could stand up to most of the vids on the shelf out there. And with the riding of up-and-comers like Andrew Geeves, Mark Sollars and Rusty Ockenden, it was clear they had some of the-excuse the expression-hottest young riders on the Canadian scene.

I contacted Kevin from Sandbox in the final weeks of video production for All Day Every Day, a hectic time to say the least, to ask him a few questions. And next week, I'll do the same with Carlo from Alterna.

Your video must be close to completion. How do you feel about your video this year as apposed to last year's video?
It's looking really good. Almost done now; we're in the home stretch, the hell-zone of no sleep, and it's freakin' sunny out so you just want to be out swimming and skating instead of in the studio.

Can you name one thing that will make your movie different this year?
We follow the same formula pretty much, some new guys and some new spots, but it's similar in feeling to last year. This year we went all HD with only a little Super 16mm film; some people may notice the difference. It has a great look and was really easy to work with.

What was one of the best things about filming this year's video?
We had great snow again here in Whistler. The boys were one year smarter about the backcountry and sledding, so that helped out a lot too.

What was maybe the worst thing that went down filming this year?
We had a lot of snow, but not much sun for shooting those epic bluebird days. We also had a lot of injuries in our crew; some of our main guys were out with injuries. That's the worst thing, having your riders injured or having injuries while out filming... a real bummer.

Did you introduce any new riders to us this year that you're excited about?
We always talk about Ryan Tiene; he was new for us, a relative unknown in North America and he has one of the best parts in the video. He killed it this year and was great to work with.

Did you introduce any new filming techniques that you're excited about?
Nothing too crazy... We used the HD for 99% of the movie compared to last years, which was all shot on film. We got to shoot from the heli this year, and for our first attempt I think we killed it. Whistler Blackcomb built us a killer jump up on Seventh Heaven and the weather and everything worked out perfectly.

Can you think of anybody's part in Alterna Film's Knockout that you look forward to seeing?
[Matt] Belzile, for sure. He is a Whistler local and we have seen him progress every year. I am looking forward to seeing his stuff. [Chris] Dufficy as well; he's a good buddy and we don't get to shred with him too much, so we want to see all of his stuff.

Are snowboard videos getting harder to make, or easier?
I don't think they are getting any easier. It's tougher because we are always trying to do more with our films. Better cameras, better locations, etc. All this with a really tough selling market, and a lot of competition. I would say it's definitely tougher.

Why should audiences go buy and see your film?
They should support the cause. This is a truly entertaining film from a really dedicated group of filmers and snowboarders.

What other film do you look forward to seeing this season?
I like to see them all, from the smallest no-name production, to the big guns in the production world. I'm thinking and hoping that Travis Rice's movie will be the most unique and inspiring film in a while. It has the most potential, as far as budget and crew. It will be really great to see it on a big-ass screen with amazing sound. We really get into the production quality of films, and then the big premieres and big screen showings with the crowd reactions. That's how you want to show off your film-larger than life picture and sound. That's the difference between downloading a film online and watching it in a theatre; there's no comparison.

Runway Highlights

2008-09-05T18:45:00Z

An article on shred fashion

I was going to write an article about why shred fashion is downright ridiculous: All-over gold-printed XXXL over-sized tall T's, pants so tightly tailored that you can barley bend over to tie your boots, and a rainbow of wacky bandanas that would make a rodeo clown blush. And that's just on one guy! But then I decided it would be far more positive to just lay back and bask in the self-expressive, warm blowing breeze that is snowboarding. Shred fashion just keeps getting wilder and wilder with each passing season. Snowboarding's good for that, so let's embrace it like the crazy child it is, even if it may just have gotten into the peanut butter jar and is refusing to put the cat down.

The flannel coat was a big hit this year as a throwback to the raid-your-dad's-work-closet days and a nod to NWA. It's cheap and actually functional. The hoodie and the Carhart res-tip are a nice touch, not to mention the beer in the *** pocket.

The "cheque-in-hand look", although only warn by a rare few, is a smart way to start off your evening, and even if its just a third place finish, can always be worn well into the night and perhaps on a brisk morning walk the next day.

The "experienced guy" look. Not everyone can achieve this one. The guy on the right is "over it", expressing to us that he's been-here, done-that. His look, at first sight, may have appeared to just been "thrown together" but he knew very well what he was doing with that well-groomed beard and non-conflicting plaid ensemble. His buddy, meanwhile, is hopeless. He purchased the Obey coat at a sample sale a week prior after the kid working it informed him it was "a hip brand" and he switched his hat to the backwards position moments before walking in the door. And yes, that look on his face: definitely ogling a girl just out of frame.

The cell phone pinned- to-ear thing did get a little played out in the late ‘90s, but the fresh, brightly colored clothes compliment the "sun burn look" quite nicely, as even skin tone is being taken into consideration these days when it comes to high visibility on photo shoots.

I call this guy Mr. Happy. He eats unicorns for breakfast and poops rainbows. He has an eye-catching outfit, no doubt very Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Snow Pants. I'm feeling it. And if anyone knows his/her number shout it my way; I'd like to have him over for tea with a leprechaun and a garden gnome.

First of all, this guy is in a gang. And the gang is called "every contest I go in, I make a big fun shirt". This proclaims his love and loyalty to his criminal lifestyle and also acts as a personalized coloring board for his homies. Awesome.

Classic greaser. He knows it's probably too cold for those jeans, yet he don't give a ***, which just adds to the whole look. The leather jacket is a nice touch and it really articulates the idea that he could just get up and go into a biker bar at any moment, which is both fashionable and intimidating.

This is a guy serving drinks at a homemade bar at an after-party with what might look like a babies bib, but it's actually a well thought out t-shirt saver for when he's getting it on with his lady friend near the end of the night.

This guy's just a regular good ol' boy taking in a local contest. He knew that both rival gangs, the Bloods and Crips, would be on the hill that day, so he choose a neutral purple as his go-to colour for the bandana. A smart move in the end. The letterman coat is also a nice touch, just to let the ladies know he's the sporting type.

So this guy knows a guy who knows a guy who has a razor, which is awesome. He also probably smuggled a six-er of Pabst onto the bus, which is also awesome. Note the flannel again. Triple awesome: this guy's partying.

If you're paying attention you'll notice this is the same guy that was sporting the DIY "thug life" tall T in one of the earlier pics. But here we see him in his relaxed summer state. I like this guy; it's a good look. Fashion conscious, yet not trying too hard. You don't know whether you want to ask him for directions to the squash court, or watch and see which shred honey he scores for his afternoon breeze through the rail garden.

This guy's awesome; I kind of want him to only know, like, three English words and be an Israeli tourist who just got back from Hawaii, but is planning a dance party somewhere that I know about.

Where's Winter?

2008-08-27T20:32:00Z

No-brainer summer activities for the die-hard shredder

Where’s winter? I mean, where’s winter when you really need it? When the beach has lost its buzz and it’s so hot out that what was once beautiful and green about summer is now brown and sticky and dried out and dirty. Well, my friend, I feel your pain: For we are snowboarders at heart and we need our winter. But I assure you, it’s out there. Somewhere in the southern hemisphere, creeping, waiting to resurface when the calendar is right. It’s out there, full of powder and carving and hot tea at après with that girl you met in the blue park the day you were “taking it easy”. You can always spot a snowboarder in the summer and I’m not taking about the fact that we might still be wearing toques on the 1^st of July. It’s the summer activities that are done with a snowboard in mind. So that being said, I’ve tallied up what I think are the seven best ways to keep a shredder sane through the summer and fall.

1. Biking

Seriously! Now I’m not taking about how it’s a great work out and good for your knees and all that… ‘cause it is. It’s great. And don’t go getting all close-minded on me, kid. I’ve been there at the skatepark looking at those bikers going, pffft biking sucks, but I’m extremely objective now that I’m in my late ‘20s, so follow me on this one. Have you ever ripped your bike full tilt down a busy street during rush-hour traffic? It’s like shredding, man! You’re dodging cars, almost hitting stop signs. It’s like ripping down from the terrain park at the end of the day and trying not to get caught by speed patrol or hit an old guy (or both), only this time you’re trying not to get hit by a bus or run over hypodermic needles… its good fun. Mountain biking is probably really awesome too, I just never do it.

2. Cliff jumping

This category can also include high dive boards at swimming pools and rope swings at the cottage. Cliff jumping is one of the sickest things you can do in the summer. It’s adventurous and you get to jump off of really high places and not die. Plus it feels really cool when you get some serious hang time. And the fact the water hurts like a *** when you hit it wrong really ups the ante. Go ahead--get upside down. Just make sure you land feet-first.

3. Building a mini-ramp and skating it

OK, I’m just going to say this: I think everyone who snowboards should skate... at least once in a while. Building a mini- ramp, or any sort of skate obstacle, in the summer is a must. It’s great time to bond with your male (or female) friends and get that satisfying feeling of shredding the fruits of your labor. Wait, I take that back… the “fruits of your labor” thing sounds kind of fruity. Well anyway, you know what I’m saying. I kind of feel it’s like the summer equivalent of jump building, plus it can do wonders for your morale.

4. Bungee jumping

Seriously! I bungee jump as much as I can. It feels unreal. And sometimes I just pretend I’m going to kill myself to feel what that would be like. (Is that messed up?) Like, you’ve gotta jump off that ***, both hands grasping for wind, and go, “see-ya!” You know, just really feel it. It also helps with just generally making you ballsier and desensitizing you to heights, which equals bigger cliffs in the winter.

5. Trampoline and trampoline boarding

This one’s probably been around for as long snowboarding itself has. I’ve seen games of HORSE go down, plus multiple tramps, and people pushing the tramp up against the house to bust off some transfer wallride type-things. Obviously great for air awareness, and just a good spot to take a babe when it’s dark and the stars are out. Tape up the edges of an old snowboard (so your dad doesn’t get pissed that you’re tearing the trampoline fabric) and, well… you get the picture.

6. Traveling

Traveling is all about awakening your senses and putting you outside of your comfort zone. It builds the mind and enlightens the soul--some real hippie healing ***. Travelling is good, even if you just do it locally. Heck, I traveled down the street today and found a rail I want to slide this winter. True story!

7. Carpet boarding.

The Japanese have been onto this *** for years. Get an old skate deck out and front board your way into next season. You can also just strap into you board and bust tail blocks ‘till your mom tells you to “take that thing off or you’re never snowboarding again in your life.”

That being said, there’s a lot more you can do in the summer than just these things. I trip across more and more fun-ass things every year to keep my mind off snowboarding. It all comes down to keeping your muscles moving and seeking adventure. But whatever you do, don’t watch snowboard videos. That’s the worst. Don’t bust videos out until at least half a month before premier season. Damn, son! What are you, new or something?

The 2008 Quicksilver Showdown Over The City

2008-07-22T20:20:00Z

Greasey greasers: Griffen, E-Man and Gnarcore filmer Dave Brocklebank.

I can’t really think of a better contest west of the Shakedown than the Quicksilver Showdown Over The City, which goes down once a year on Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC. The organizers always take rider input into heavy consideration, yet still know how to tread the line between something fun and something gnarly enough to get proper press coverage.

There’s something about attending a big contest at a small mountain like Grouse that just makes everything feel cozy. The cool thing about Grouse is that you have to take a tram to get up the mountain before you can even strap in. I always get the feeling that I’m in a snow globe when I’m up there. There’s this huge city down below, but high above it is a little winter wonderland. If it’s raining in Vancouver, many people get discouraged and won’t make the effort to head up the mountain, which is exactly what happened on the Friday before the contest. The beauty of it all, was that it had snowed/rained/sleeted (depending where you were) so much the night before the contest, that we found ourselves smack-dab in the middle of an epic city pow day, and we had what seemed like the whole mountain to ourselves. The mountain is small, but when packed full of fresh powder and loaded with a few close friends, it can be one of the best places you’ll ever ride.

The jib jam went down on Friday night and it was a beautiful mess. The park staff and contest organizers had constructed a two-feature box set-up that shared one thing: a death gap. There was one box-to-gap, and one gap-to-box. God knows, every contest I’ve ever been to, all the riders want is something nice and safe they can get tech on. Well folks, if you haven’t taken Contest 101, safe and tech won’t fill the box seats. What do the fans want to see? Stunts! Am I wrong? I didn’t think so. So anyway, add a half-foot of fresh to make sure no one had speed and the set-up was taking names all day long. Those who could hang (or hang in there) cashed in. When it was said and done, my boy E-Man Anderson qualified first and ended up coming in second overall (and also won Rider’s Choice). His roommate Kevin Griffin came in third and Matt Munn took the whole cake.

Saturday was jump day and although it was raining all through the lower mainland, we showed up early to yet another pow day. Throw in some tree riding and the sound of guys murmuring “forget the contest, let’s just ride all day” could be heard echoing off the chairlifts all morning. The park staff did a good job with the jump, though. It was your classic style step-down table op but it was long and high. Don’t ask for specs; lets just say it was legit and then some. Maybe a little too legit, the jump made boys out of a lot of the competitors and some heavy hitters took serious beats. After Dave Fortin guinea pigged the thing with a hefty FS 9 it was on, and with a blur of spinning, hucking, flipping and chucking, the contest ripped through the day until it was all but a memory. Kevin Griffin took first for his consistent, smooth display of talent and style. He did some of the most styley 5s 7s and 9s I’ve ever seen in a contest, and he even threw a big stinky-ass Back One Melon in there just to keep it greasy. Then there was Seb Toot’s Backside 1080, which I think we are calling a Double Cork. Anyway its sick, and it earned him the Riders Choice award. Matt Belzile came in second and Charles Reed was third.

Now the only thing I can *** about is that, when you throw an after party, you better put the dudes who won on the guest list. And not just before 11; who goes out that early? ‘Cause those stupid-ass bouncers just won’t believe it when two dirtbags and one underage kid show up claiming, “Yo, man let us in! We won that ***!” So anyway, for next year, make sure the winners go on the list… Plus me, of course.

Hands down the best girl at the comp, Teri Dreger. She won both days.

This was on the jump deck, probably the funniest place to be during the contest what with all the cheeky one liners and heckling from media men, pros, and bros. Left to right: Chris Rasman, Matt Beardmore, Keith Martin and Eric Greene.

Canada’s next Kale, Kale Hill.

MTV Canada was there and their filmer was dressed like Joey Ramone. Then on the opposite side of the spectrum, looking like he just got back from an NWA concert, is Dave Brocklebank.

Push.ca’s video guy Lenny looking all cold.

Jon Cartwright from Westbeach got a dozen or so three-man sling shots custom made. They proved to be quite entertaining. (Right) Westbeach am Wiley Tesseo and his homie Beau Bishop make sure the crowd is well stoked with bandanas, snowballs and various other random objects.

Matt Munn, getting his lurk on. That’s Eric Greene behind him.

E-man, Griffen and myself couldn’t get in to the party.

Matt Beaudry’s house in North Vancouver.

Travis Williams tobogganing the landing on his way to the snack tent.

Lukas Huffman and ir77

2008-07-22T20:17:00Z

Lukas Huffman will go down in snowboard history as someone who stretched the boundaries of what it means to be a “professional” snowboarder. A little dramatic sounding, perhaps? Good. In a sport that’s still growing before our very eyes, we have the privilege of witnessing, in our lifetime, those who’ve helped to not only create but shape, twist, stretch and mold “snowboarding” into the very existence that it is now and will be in the future. Part of this is the birth of new ideas and the raising of creative bars.

In 2004 Lucas produced a snowboard video that was slightly different then your average trick flick. Encompassed with a 120-page soft cover “coffee table book” of sorts, ir77 the book and movie, stood alone as an audio visual shred masterpiece.

Designed and published by Huffman himself, the ir77 book “offers the opportunity to reflect on the beauty of being in the mountains and the exertion it takes to get there.” Documenting the personal, deep and often emotional side of snowboarding, the book (and video) explores five major themes: Anticipation, exhilaration, pain, stories and dedication. Crafted to be a sophisticated piece of print media, ir77 does not fall short. Reminiscent of Burton’s Blower project which came out back in ’01, Huffman’s ir77 calls on contributions from over 40 of snowboarding’s most talented photographers, writers and designers.

While ir77 was stunning, it was also subtle in its’ impression on the scene. If you walk know what you’re talking about? Perhaps, but perhaps not. This book was essentially designed for the older snowboarder and the small few with an eye for style and design-- the kind of person who would run their hands over the foil stamps and glossy ink and instantly want to own a copy. It’s an expression of time and thought, and it’s powerful in its existence.

This year Huffman released a limited edition hardcover copy of the book and it won a print award in the Canadian design magazine Applied Arts. I recently caught up with Lucas to ask him about the book and his current relationship with snowboarding.

What did you hope to achieve with this project?

The main goal was to create a snowboard media project that had some emotional depth. That was something I felt was missing from my involvement with snowboard media projects. Basically it’s like an emotional inventory of my, and hopefully others, love affair with snowboarding.

How do you feel design or good design plays a role in our lives?

I am not religious about design, but I appreciate aesthetically- pleasing things. It’s more like personal preference for me. Things like the NYC subway map is an example of good design playing a major role in a lot of people’s lives. So, it plays a role for me, but not too major as far as I am concerned.

Is it important to you to affect people aesthetically?

Aesthetics are a penetration point for deeper values, like emotional and philosophical. So, I just see aesthetics as a way to affect people emotionally. That’s more important, regardless of what you do.

I feel this movie/book was overdue in snowboarding. What brought it about?

As I mentioned before, I felt as a snowboarder, that I would like something that was more mentally challenging. I know my friends did as well, so it seemed like there might actually be an audience. It was a departure from just action-packed, “snowboard porn” projects.

How did it originally get released?

I published a lot of copies.That means I got them printed, then dealt with distribution. We have distributors into the snowboard video market, and distributors into the book market.

What's up with the limited edition, hardcover that came out this winter? How many copies got made?

We made 250. It’s the same book, but with a hardcover. It has a huge die-cut; it looks bad ass… I was like, if I make a book, I have to make a hardcover version. It’s like a book nerd thing. There are still a few left. They available only on our website: www.ir77book.com

You’re obviously away from the shred game now. Where are you now with your life?

I am going to school in NYC, at Columbia University. I am a film student. So, I read and write a lot about film. I’m working on a short script to shoot in Romania this upcoming summer. I am pretty excited! The big idea is to make super smart action movies with foreign babes.