BSA Snowboarding

Pro Snowboarder Johno Verity is Stoked to be British

britishsnowaddictions — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:12:02 +0000

Johno Verity (photo: courtesy of Animal by Dan Milner)

1. Hometown?

Chamonix France for the Winter, North Devon in the summer

2. What does it mean to be British?

Hopefully the ability to take the piss out of yourself. Cucumber sandwiches, lawns, tennis, Pimms. Fish and chips, East enders. Don’t know what they all mean, but I’m stoked to be British.

3. You were caught in an avalanche and made a lucky escape recently. Describe what happened and how you felt.

I have snowboarded and Heli skiied in New Zealand before though not in the the Mt Cook area. We had been sitting in a remote hotel watching it snow for about 3 days waiting for a clear day so that we could fly. We were there filming with a production company that were making a show ironically about avalanches. When the weather cleared up it was pretty much perfect conditions for riding the snow was deep and very light as it had stayed cold.

We were riding down a fairy mellow run about 35 degrees, with nothing too technical down it which is why I thought it would be a good run to follow cam him (this is where one snowboarder rides down next to another one filming. He came in from my right and off a small drop, he landed about level with me, by this time I had a fair bit of speed to keep up with him though was concentrating more on keeping him in shot than what was going on around me, I knocked off some speed and remember being surprised with how much snow my board had kicked up, then I felt a huge force around me and I was swept off my feet as I broke up and started pulling speeding up. I was trying to see if there was any exit and was trying so hard to stand up and ride out but it was traveling too fast to do that so I just swam to stay on the surface. after about 20 seconds loads more snow came from behind which flipped me onto my front and then piled on top of me, I was holding my hand over my face and trying to keep and air pocket as I felt it get heavier and heavier and darker, I remember thinking this is it I’m going to die being buried in an avalanche.

It had all filled into a gully and I was pretty sure I was in the bottom of it. Luckily though the weight of the snow drove it and me down into the gully and as it was going so fast blasted me out over a lip, it took me another 2 or 3 hundred meters down, I had snow jammed into my mouth and throat, so I was hacking that out so try and get some air while I slid down that next face. It left me sitting on top of the snow about 700 meters down from where it started, I checked my camera which was still recording and pointed it at myself to get my reaction. It has made for pretty interesting viewing, couldn’t have turned out any better for the production company.

I was panicking when I realized that i was caught in the slide. At first I was really just trying to work how how big it was. It was pretty difficult to work out. When I started to get buried I was really scared as I knew there was a gully below, these are very dangerous as they act as a terrain trap, if you are caught at the bottom of it and the snow pours in on top of you it can fill up very quickly. there were about 2 football fields of snow coming down on me they slabbed off at about 2-3 feet deep so it is very easy to fill a pit in no time at all. Any more than 2 meters and you are in serious trouble, even if people find you at record breaking speed digging down that far will take a long time.

4. Use 3 words to describe your last snowboarding trip

Powder, jumps, farts.

5. What are your future snowboarding goals?
I’d like to continue doing what I’m doing for a few more years, stay uninjured and land a double backflip bs 180 on film. Dom Harington does them and they look so rad.

6. What would improve snowboarding in general ? (The industry, sport, lifestyle)

More imagination and creativity. Natural lines, less trampoline style jumps.

7. Today Johno Verity is feeling ……..?

A bit hungover with a sore knee that is getting better every day.

8. Who are your sponsors?

Animal, Vans, Adidas Eyewear, Atomic, Bern

9. Any final thoughts or words of wisdom?
If you’re not part of the solution you’re part of the cure.

BSA would like to thank Johno for taking the time to answer these questions

Tim Lloyd is a Talented British Photographer: He Lives & Breathes Snow

britishsnowaddictions — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:35:12 +0000

Billabong Air & Style 2009

Peetu TTR World No.1 going big

Tim Lloyd

Hometown

I’m born and raised in Chester, the northwest of England.

When did you start capturing snowboarding images professionally?

I’m a relatively new guy in the industry having only been taking photos for a couple of seasons now.

Describe your relationship with your camera and photography

I weighed my camera bag a couple of days ago – it was 14 kilos that day. The relationship between my camera gear and my body is not always a happy one!

Are you a bit of a snow addict?, if yes, please explain

If I wasn’t then I wouldn’t have chosen this profession! You really have to live and breathe snow….I spent 99 days in the UK last year with the rest being on the road in the mountains.

Describe your latest photoshoot adventure using 3 descriptive words

No worries mate.

How do you think the current global ‘credit crunch’ will affect your industry?

I hate the term ‘credit crunch’ and everything surrounding it. Luckily whilst in the mountains you have the ability to shut yourself off from media outlets back home. Snowboarders are quite a resilient bunch although lately the value of the pound is effecting how comfortably i can live on the road now. The ‘can’t afford to eat’ diet happens occasionally!

Where do you think action sports photography and snowboarding will be in the future?, say in 10 years from now

Shifty shifty back 180’s will win contests as opposed to switch back 12’s. People will realise the value of great photography.

What is your ‘style’ of photography?

I wouldn’t say I have a particular style as such. If i’m on my game and so are the riders i’m working with then cool images will be the outcome. My preference lies in the backcountry though but i’m sure everyone would say that!

What are you future goals? Professionally and personally?

I want to keep myself in the Snow business for many years to come. I want to continue travelling the world meeting new people and visiting new places whilst producing great photos.

Do you have any wise words of wisdom for enthusiastic photographers wanting to carve a successful professional career?

Obvious point first; Get out there and shoot as much as possible. Put yourself in the positions where you are meeting, riding and shooting snowboarders. Then concentrate on nailing the technical aspect of photography keeping the camera controls set to manual and in RAW picture format. Most importantly read every article and forum on www.wheelsandwax.com and learn the business side. This site is run by working photographers and details every aspect of action sport shooting. It will teach you the importance of never giving anything away for free. Please don’t do that.

What place of the world is your favourite to work and play?

I’m in Japan right now and its a place thats always in my heart having spent a few years on and off here. I’m not one to discriminate though, Europe has had an insane season and if its on (less often then most) then New Zealand is sweet.

Do you have a website to check out?

Oh yeah; www.timlloydphoto.com Check out my blog section to see where i’m at right now. Want some answers? just check out my site and drop me an email.

Any final thoughts or famous last words…?

“The world is like a book, if you haven’t travelled then you’ve only read the front cover.”

BSA thanks Tim for his time in answering these questions

Forum Team Rider Jake Welch is Addicted to Snowboarding

britishsnowaddictions — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:52:09 +0000

1. Hometown?

SALT LAKE CITY, UT

2. Here at BSA (British Snow Addictions) we feel that most pro riders are addicted to snowboarding. What are your thoughts on this?

YEAH FOR SURE I WOULD HAVE TO AGREE FOR THE MOST PART… I THINK SOME PEOPLE GET BURNED OUT AND ARE JUST DOING IT CAUSE THEY CAN BUT FOR THE MOST PART I THINK YOU HAVE TO LOVE AND BE OBSESSED WITH IT TO DO IT HOW WE DO YOU KNOW….. IT ISNT JUST ALL FUN THERE ARE DEFENITLY SOME STRESSFUL PARTS ABOUT IT…. LIKE WAKING UP 5 AM, SLEDDING OUT TO THE SPOT, FINDING THINGS TO DO, BUILD IT, HITTING A JUMP AND RAGDOLLING OVER AND OVER AND NEVER THE TRICK YOUR TRYING. BUT WHEN YOU DO IT IS THE SWEETEST FEELING EVER.

3. Describe how you deal with injuries, and the subsequent inability to do what you love…snowboarding

UMM… I TRY TO NOT GET TOO DOWN ON IT BUT ACCEPT IT WHEN IT HAPPENS. IT IS BOUND TO HAPPEN AT TIMES. SO I JUST TAKE IT AND TRY TO GET BACK AND HEALTHY AS QUICK AS I CAN

4. Use 3 words to describe your last snowboarding trip

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

5. What aspects of being in the legendary Forum team do you enjoy the most?

JUST BEING A PART OF A TEAM THAT HAS SUCH A BIG NAME AND PAST AND KNOWING THAT YOU ARE IN THAT SPOT TO TRY TO KEEP IT THAT WAY IS PRETTY AWESOME

6. What are you plans for the near future?

HONESTLY, TO JUST KEEP SNOWBOARDING, AND HAVING FUN AND TRYING TO PROGRESS AS MUCH AS I CAN..

7. Where do you think the sport, lifestyle and industry of snowboarding will be in the distant future (ie. 10 years from now)?

WAY MORE CONTESTS, AND WAY LESS VIDEOS…. AND CRAZY TRICKS

8. What, in your opinion, will make the snowboarding world a better place?

I THINK IT FOR THE MOST PART IS A PRETTY GOOD PLACE….. BUT MAYBE IF PEOPLE JUST DIDNT CARE SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING AND WONDERING WHAT IS COOL AND WHAT IS NOT, BUT JUST TO DO WHAT THEY LIKE AND NOT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK

9. Who are your sponsors?

FORUM, FOURSQUARE, ASHBURY, BC SURF AND SPORT, VESTAL

10. Today Jake Welch is feeling….LAZY…. JUST DROVE 11 HOURS AND AND GOT HOME AT 230 AM.

BSA thanks Jake for taking the time to answer these questions

Legendary Pro Photographer Dean ‘Blotto’ Gray is Searching for the Perfect Shot

britishsnowaddictions — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:18:07 +0000

Hometown?

Burlington, Vermont. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, started snowboarding in Flagstaff, Arizona.

2. Describe your relationship with snow and snowboarding?

Since the first time I set my feet in the bindings and the board on the snow, I knew this was the life for me. Snowboarding has brought me to far reaches of the globe, both as a sponsored rider, company owner and photographer…I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As a sponsored rider from Arizona, I quickly realized my snowboarding talent would never measure up to other riders once I moved to Colorado and Utah. It was then I decided to become involved in snowboarding on a different level; that as a company owner first, then photographer after that.

3. How long have you been a professional photographer?

I officially took the title as Burton Principal Photographer in 2003 (alongside Jeff Curtes). I was a Road Manager, Photo Editor and Women’s Global Team Manager for Burton and Analog Marketing Director from 1999 to 2003. I was shooting during these times, but only when I had time.

4. Use 3 words to describe your last snowboarding trip/ photo shoot:

Snow, Wind and Searching.

5. How has ‘moment capturing’ of snowboarding changed over the last decade, in your opinion?

No doubt the biggest change has been from film to digital, an exciting process for sure. In my opinion, when the first professional digital SLR’s were released, they were inefficient in many ways.
I wasn’t comfortable (at that time) trading in my 35mm SLR and film processing techniques for these new cameras that would be outdated within six months time. I held out until the digital SLR bodies could capture the photos as good or better than my previous tools and techniques.
Nowadays I’m really satisfied using the Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon G9 and Leica M8. Of course there are still some improvements these models could use, but for now it’s all good.

6. What has it been like working with some of the world’s best snowboarding athletes?

It’s been very rewarding helping the team riders achieve their goals in snowboarding as a professional. I lend a hand wherever I can with my knowledge of snowboarding and the industry, and of course take the best photos possible of them.

7. We hear you have a new website? Give BSA the www.blottophotto.com lowdown.

I launched my newest website on July 15th, 2008 with many improvements over my previous design. I needed an outlet for my interviews, portfolios, galleries and general information about my photography.

On top of that I added a blog section called ‘The Daily’ which updates my travels six days a week. The Daily also features weekly and monthly columns ranging from Feature Bikes, Picture Wednesday, Flashback Friday, Foto Folios and Scrapbook Sundays.

I’ve been shooting photos for close to ten years now, 5 of those full-time with the Burton squad. It’s been quite the journey that I’ve documented as much as possible through photography and scrapbooking as we traveled, did photo shoots, contests, promo tours, etc. Over this time I’ve built up an extensive library of the life and times of snowboarding and the personalities that make it so special. Flashback Fridays and Scrapbook Sundays are a perfect way to show what went on during these missions and also how I keep track of the million plus airline miles flown.

I welcome all emails about photos, my techniques, my equipment or anything else someone may be curious about. Oh yeah, hit me up for free stickers, I’ll send ‘em out to anywhere in the world at no charge.

8. What words of advice would you give to aspiring snowboarding photographers wishing to carve a successful pro photography career?

The absolute best thing to do is get with the local crew of sponsored riders and start shooting them full time. As they push their riding skills, you’ll learn the craft of snowboard photography.
It’s a great way to build life long friendships, get good at capturing photos and learn that hard work and dedication is extremely rewarding. From there you’ll make the connection with magazines, travel more and more to find good snow/terrain and possibly get an assignment here and there.

9. What part of the world is your favourite place to work and play?

Alaska, Washington State and the Swiss Alps.

10. Today, Dean Blotto Gray is feeling….like shooting a photo I haven’t captured before.

Check out http://www.blottophotto.com/

BSA thanks Dean Blotto Gray for taking the time to do this interview

TJ Schneider Feels Less Attitude Will Make The Snowboarding World Better

britishsnowaddictions — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:59:53 +0000

1. Hometown

i was born in red deer alberta and i now live in vancouver but i think i would probably call calgary my home town since thats where i feel at home an all my friends are

2. Try to use just 3 words to describe your relationship with snowboarding , different and fun

3. What do you feel would make the snowboarding world a better place

less competition , not less competitions but less attitude where people see each other as a threat to their own snowboarding , it seems like everyone is competing with everyone all the time

4. What do you have in the pipeline for www.thesnowboardrealms.com

i dont know what the pipe line is , but the realms is all about just snowboarding , having fun and sharing it with people

5. You`re a keen artist…who are your favourite artists

egon schiele is by far my most favorite

6. What is the most challenging aspect of being a professional snowboarder

probably keeping your sponsors stoked and having the energy to do everything

7. What advice would you give to aspiring young riders wanting to be successful snowboarders (Perhaps recreationally or professionally)

watch the snowboard realms , it can help you and give you an idea of what to expect , but other than that id say just have fun , do your thing and try not to stress too much about things

8. Where do you foresee snowboarding, the industry, riding styles, lifestyle of snowboarding in the future (5 to 10 years from now)

i have no idea , i havent even thought about it , im sure shredding will be crazy at a pro level , more travis rice , dan brisse shit , but i think there will still be your soul shredders , i just hope people get a clue and do things like driving less and recycle so we can have snow in the future

9. Who are your sponsors

capita snowboards , union bindings , bond clothing , deeluxe boots , bern helmets , the source , airblaster

10. Today…TJ is feeling……….

stoked because i feel like i can finally ride again after working myself in episode 5

BSA thanks TJ for his time to do this interview. Visit www.thesnowboardrealms.com

British Snowboard Team Athlete Sam Cullum Takes Fun Sky High

britishsnowaddictions — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:39:41 +0000

1. Hometown? Bracknell UK

2. Using 3 words describe what snowboarding means to you. FUN , travel, Tough

3. What are your personal goals for the future? To have as much fun as possible.

4. What are the benefits or drawbacks (if any) of being a British snowboarder?

Not too sure im pretty sure its as tough for everyone to make it to the top however we do have the lack of snow and mountains

5. How do you normally prepare for a snowboarding contest?

Try and act as if its a normal day and try not to think about it too much

6. What is your favourite snowboarding manoeuvre you like to perform? Tailfish

7. Where do you see snowboarding, particularly British snowboarding, in the future (say in 5 years)?

going sky high

8. What words of advice would you give to aspiring young snowboarders wishing to progress in the sport/lifestyle of snowboarding?

It hurts, you fall alot and it takes time but dont give up its so worth all the effort.

9. Where will your next snowboarding trip take you? Italy, Canada and america

10. Who are your sponsors? DC, Oakley, Suso, Arcus, Clast, grenade, The snowboard shop, snozone

For more info check out http://www.samcullum.co.uk/

BSA thanks Sam for his time in answering these questions. (and for supplying the action shot included in article)

British Rider Aimee Fuller on Fun, Progression & 2014 Olympics

britishsnowaddictions — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:49:44 +0000

1. Hometown?

Keston, Kent

2. What will you be doing mostly this winter?

Getting in as much snow time as possible , whilst juggling my A Level studies and competing in a few TTR comps.

3. Describe your relationship with snowboarding ?

I have a great passion for the sport, I love to compete aswell as ride for fun, it gives me a sense of freedom.

4. What are your snowboarding and personal goals for the future?

To progress as much as possible, to ride in the 2014 Olympics, learn a 720.

5. Describe your last snowboarding trip using 3 carefully selected words?

BEO, Sunshine, Experience

6. What words of advice would you give to aspiring young female riders?

Ride with good friends, I know it sounds cheesey… but the more fun you have the more you will progress, keep trying new things, and don’t give up.

7. Who are your sponsors?

Roxy, Vans, Hair apartment, TSA

8. Give BSA an Aimee Fuller WOW (Words of Wisdom)

Work hard , Play hard and it pays off!

check out http://www.aimeefuller.co.uk/

BSA would like to thank Aimee for taking the time to answer these questions. We wish this young British snowboarder great success for the future.

Jed Anderson: Snowboarding = Fun, Friends & Love

britishsnowaddictions — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:43:01 +0000

1. Hometown?

Calgary Alberta, Canada

2. Choose 3 carefully selected words to describe what snowboarding means to you.

fun friends love

3. What are you future aspirations and goals in snowboarding?

i just want to keep learning and keep having fun.

4. Where is your favourite place to ride?

bear mountain, Canada Olympic Park, Golden B.C.

5. Who do you normally ride with?

Any one whos at C.O.P.

6. What is the best feeling trick you like to do on your snowboard?

just air time or long rails……or landing in powder

7. Where do you see snowboarding in the future, say in 10 years time?

wow. ummm. hopefully still involved with the sport. Maybe working for a company or still riding lots? who knows? thats a long ways away!

8. If snowboarding didn’t exist, what would you be doing instead?

Skateboarding

9. Who are your sponsors?

Salomon, Airblaster, The Source, Dakine, CHEESEDICKSCREW, COBRA DOGS,

10. What words of wisdom do you have to share…?

Have fun with whatever it is you do! dont get all serious and cry! Enjoy Life! Keep your friends and family close!

BSA thanks Jed for taking the time to answer these questions

Leanne Pelosi: Pro Rider, Film Producer & Danny Kass Fan

britishsnowaddictions — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:07:12 +0000

1. Hometown?

Calgary Alberta Canada. Living in Vancouver BC. Home Mtn: Whistler BC

2. Use 3 carefully selected words to describe what snowboarding means to you.

WAY OF LIFE

3. What is your involvement in Runway Films?

I produced Runway Films with Jeff Keenan and also rode in it. We both wore many hats from sponsorships, to direction, to organizing shoots, to putting out fires.

4. What, in your opinion, would make snowboarding better ?

ski hills keeping it real and not charging 100 bucks a lift ticket.

5. Where do you see snowboarding, particularly female snowboarding, in say 10 years time?

900s, 1080’s, 720’s into pow, cliff spins, spins onto and off of rails, gaps, packed with soccer moms.

6. Who is/are your favourite rider/s and why?

I really respect Danny Kass because he’s got it dialed. He’s got an amazing snowboard career and also a solid business on the side. I don’t know how he manages to do it all, but he does it very well. He inspires me a lot because he works very hard for what he has and is a little marketing genius when it comes to biz. That and he has a really unique style of snowboarding.

7. Describe THE perfect day…

That would be riding with my best friends, in any condition. I don’t get to ride with my best friends that much anymore, so anytime I get to spend with them is always good because the best way to catch up is on the chairlift.

8. What trick on your snowboard gives you the most pleasure?

Either a method or a frontside 360.

9. Who are your sponsors?

K2 Bonfire, Monster Energy, Dragon, Dakine, 32, etnies, Whistler/Blackcomb

10. What advice do you have for young enthusiastic female snowboarders wanting to make a career out of snowboarding?

Come and join our MGT ACADEMY. We are offering a sponsorship to those who sign up and attend camp. The coaches this year are judging the best campers and they all go against each other in search of a sponsorship which will include a free camp to MGT session at high cascade in summer 09. Put yourself in a position where important people will be able to see your skills. Summer camps are great for that because there are so many pros there, and also contests are good too!

Do you have anything else you want to say? perhaps some Leanne Pelosi (WOW) Words of Wisdom…

You sleep when you’re dead! Take every opportunity you get.

BSA thanks Leanne for taking the time to answer these questions. Bonus fact: Pelosi is originally from Swansea, Wales (So, Leanne is British after all!)

Talented British Snowboarder Nate Kern on 1080′s & Husky’s

britishsnowaddictions — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:59:33 +0000

1. Hometown?

FOREST ROW- EAST SUSSEX

2. Use 3 carefully selected words to describe what snowboarding is to you

FREE, FUN & ADRENALINE

3. Where are you at the moment?

BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO USA!

4. What are you snowboarding and personal goals for the future?

TO KEEP PUSHING MYSELF, RIDING IN THE X-GAMES, TTR EVENTS AND WINNING. ALL FOUR 1080′S.TO BUILD A HOUSE HERE IN COLORADO AND GET ANOTHER HUSKY WITH MY GIRL TANYA. SHARE THE WELLNESS OF NIKKEN WITH HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE.

5. Where do you see snowboarding in say 10 years time?

BEING AT ANOTHER LEVEL WITH RIDING BEING WAY MORE TECHNICAL AND EQUIPMENT BEING INSANE. LIKE PRESS A BUTTON AND YOUR BOOTS ARE READY TO GO. BOARDS BEING MADE OUT OF NEW MATERIALS FOUND ON MARS. TONS OF PEOPLE HAVING PERSONAL PARKS LIKE THE DC MT LAB!!

6. What are the benefits and drawbacks (if any) of being a British snowboarder?

BENEFITS ARE FEW AS FAR AS I CAN THINK… ITS NICE TO BE STAND OUT AND INSPIRE THE YOUNGER GENERATION. DRAWBACKS ARE PLENTIFUL, GOTTA PAY A TON TO BE ON THE BRITISH TEAM AND REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY, UNLIKE NEARLY EVERYWHERE ELSE WHERE THEY PAY YOU. THE SNOW SCENE ISNT MASSIVE SO ISNT TO MUCH MONEY IN IT IN THE UK.

7. If snowboarding didn’t exist, what would you be doing instead?

SKI… HAHA JOKING. SKATEBOARDING IS SUPER FUN AND WOULD BE DOING A LOT MORE OF THAT.

8. Who is your favourite rider, and why? (Choose as many as you wish)

TRAVIS RICE… REMEMBER SEEING HIM IN SNOWBOARDER MAG BACK IN THE DAY DOING A 112 FOOT RODEO AT MAMMOTH SUPER PARK AS AN UNKNOWN GUY AND THINKING HE IS GONNA BE HUGE. LOOK AT HIM NOW!! “THATS IT, THATS ALL” SAYS IT ALL REALLY. HES SICK AND RIDES FOR DC!!

9. Who are you sponsors

DC BOARDS, DC BOOTS, DC OUTERWEAR, SMITH OPTICS, DROP, BAWBAGS, ME.GLAD, BC SURF AND SPORT.
10. Any ‘Nate Kern’ words of wisdom ? (WOW)

IF THIS IS A DREAM, I HOPE I NEVER WAKE UP! YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE. GO RIDE AND HAVE FUN.

THANK YOU TO: MY GIRL TANYA, MUM,DAD, FAMILY FRIENDS AND OF COURSE MY SPONSORS FOR THE SUPPORT, DC, SMITH, DROP, BAWBAGS, ME.GLAD.

British Snow Addictions thanks Nate for taking the time to answer these questions