When I was 16 years old, I went on one of my first road trips outside of Ontario with my best friend, Jon Roth. When we arrived at the NSIA tradeshow and demo in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, we headed straight to the Option tent to check out the new product, and that's when I first met Rob Dow. Even though he didn't say much, I can still remember how stoked I was to be strapped into his pro model board while sitting beside him on the lift. Roughly 10 years later, we're good friends and I've come to realize that I never actually found out what led him to quit snowboarding.

"When to Call It" is a column about former professionals inside the skate and snow industry who decided to call it quits, and the process that led them to making that decision. So sit back, grab a drink, and get ready to learn the reasons that led Rob Dow to be "over it".

The year was 1993, and a young amateur by the name of Rob Dow turned pro for a company called Never snowboards, in what would turn out to be a glorious seven-year snowboard career that included professional sponsorships from companies such as Option snowboards, Silence snowboards, Rewind clothing, Switch bindings and Vans boots. Back in the day, it was hard for a snowboarder to break amateur status, but for Rob it wasn't long before he was fortunate enough to have his name placed on signature boards, boots, and clothing. Ever heard of a snowboard crew called the Wildcats? (You know: the guys that basically started the whole "crew" vibe inside of snowboarding?) F.Y.I., Rob was one of the founding fathers of the ‘cats along with Devun Walsh, Dave Cashen, JF Pelchat, Dionne Delesalle and others. But enough of this history lesson, lets get into the interview already.

What are some of the differences in the industry these days compared to when you were a professional?
It seems like snowboarding is more of a weekend sport for the most part; pros have less influence on the market unless you're among the elite five or so guys.

Would you say that it's easier now-a-days for professional snowboarders compared to your time?
I don't think so. I feel everyone was getting a payday back then, and today it seems like every kid can do a 1080 or whatever the new trick is. Plus, there is less money for kids with the skills to truly get what they deserve, since pros have less value compared to what it was like back then.

What would you say was the worst decision that you made during your career?
Worst? Hmm... I don't really think I had any. They all led to fun times or great stories.

What would you say was the best decision that you made during your career?
Leaving Whistler after five or so years; I found I worked harder after I left.

What was the stupidest purchase you made as a professional athlete?
Spending over $50,000 dollars on booze over the year while living in North Vancouver at the Chesterfield house. [laughs] I wouldn't ever trade that in!

What's the best memory of your career?
There are tons, and I think that there might be too many to list. But here is little a random one that comes to mind: Devun Walsh and I got sent $100 US and a disposable camera in the mail. It was for a snowboard mag that used to be around called Strength, and it was not really a conventional interview! We basically went out and documented an average night on the town. But really, riding every day at Mount Seymour and going out every night, day after day, those were some good times.

What was your favorite sponsor during your career and why?
Silence Snowboards. I was on a team with Dale Rehberg, Mike Ranquet and Ami Voutulainen. It wasn't because of how great Silence was, but those guys rocked. All the trade shows and traveling with them was great.

What were you able to learn from being a professional snowboarder?
I'm sure it made me manage my money better, and to really think more about all that stuff. Doing my own snowboard and boot design led me into graphics and computers, which is what I'm into now.

What were some of the perks to being a professional athlete?
I was paid to travel the world and I received tons of free stuff! I always got into the best parties fast. Best of all, I was exposed to different cultures and got to meet tons of great people.

What was the process involved in walking away from your career as a professional athlete?
I traded in my boots and board for a computer and desk. It just sucks that I wasn't able to keep ridding so much with all my good friends. That's what I miss the most.

Why did you decide to back away from being a professional athlete?
The sport was changing and I was getting older and jaded from it all. I felt that it was time for a change. Oh yeah, plus my back and knees were worked and still are. [laughs]

Was it hard to back away from being a professional snowboarder?
There wasn't much to look back at and regret. It was actually easy to move forward because when we were starting Wildcats clothing, I basically walked into it with design and video editing experience. I loved snowboarding, but I also liked the design and editing side of things.

Do you have any advice for those people coming up in the industry?
Make sure that you're doing it for the right reasons, which should be for the love of it. If it does become a job, make sure you walk away with something from it.

What are you doing now for work?
I started a company with a friend called Heavywater studios that does motion graphics, editing, and after-effects. In addition to all that, I still work with Endeavor snowboards from time to time on various projects.

Do you get the same satisfaction level with what you're doing now, compared to being a pro snowboarder?
Never, that was a once in a lifetime experience.

Who else could you recommend for a "When to Call It" interview?
Chris Brown, Dave Cashen, Dale Rehberg... Tons of people, really.