With all of these threads going on I really wanted to dig deep into the philosophies of everything within the freestyle aspect of our sport. I've been doing a lot of thinking in the off-season, not just about skiboarding, but just the whole freestyle vibe in general. And, in the end it led me back to how I look at skiboarding and altered the frame of mind that I was in last season.
So, for a while now I have thought a lot about progression and change. Is it necessary? It is all based on who you talk to, of course. Those in this realm of our sport look at things very differently. While some opinions may seem similar, the truth of the matter is there are definite areas where great divides with two or more general opinions exist.
I wanted to clarify what I meant the other day about change in style and such. I would like to see change in some manner. What I'm about to say I definitely am guilty of myself, last season being a perfect example as I was submerged in this Colorado New School ski culture and tried to emulate it so much that I was basically a short-ski skier and not a skiboarder.
The sport hasn't really progressed in so long, from what I have gathered while watching videos that you all have presented, both currently and in the past, as well as what others have shown me that no longer ride, and of course my research digging through old videos all about the internet. It has more so followed the path paved by skiing, which is totally the wrong approach based on the idea of there being a reason that we ride different equipment. I wouldn't expect a mountainboarder (big wheels attached to a shock absorbing frame attached to a snowboard-esque body with grip tape) to want to follow the same vibe as a skateboarder. There should be separation, in even the parallel that they both exist in similar context.
I have really looked at what has happened with skiboarding and the trends that have occurred. And, I see it has even caused a split somewhat. Those who followed the paths of skiing typically, but not always the case, ski anywhere from 25%-75% of the time. In several cases we have lost skiboarders to skiing altogether. Those who have tried to stay in the vein of things have some roller background or their mentors/influences in the sport are those in the roller background. I think both approaches can work, but I still think we need something distinct to call our own. What it is I have not quite found yet. But, I am looking for a muse as I stroll through my mind and think, experiment in the off-season, and ultimately make attempts during the season to bring some sort of my unique change to the sport, for at least my end of things.
By change in the sport I don't mean I feel I am some sort of leader that will take us in a direction nor do I feel that for some reason people should follow suit. I do this more for my own way of presenting the sport and it is more intrinsic than anything. It's for myself, but of course like anyone I would love to have some sort of impact.
I truly am curious on all of your thoughts, in-depth please, from skiboarders within the freestyle realm as well as those who watch and have any sort of insight at all. I need openness and would not be offended in any way if your views clashed with mine. I am just looking to create an open-ended discussion.
So, for a while now I have thought a lot about progression and change. Is it necessary? It is all based on who you talk to, of course. Those in this realm of our sport look at things very differently. While some opinions may seem similar, the truth of the matter is there are definite areas where great divides with two or more general opinions exist.
I wanted to clarify what I meant the other day about change in style and such. I would like to see change in some manner. What I'm about to say I definitely am guilty of myself, last season being a perfect example as I was submerged in this Colorado New School ski culture and tried to emulate it so much that I was basically a short-ski skier and not a skiboarder.
The sport hasn't really progressed in so long, from what I have gathered while watching videos that you all have presented, both currently and in the past, as well as what others have shown me that no longer ride, and of course my research digging through old videos all about the internet. It has more so followed the path paved by skiing, which is totally the wrong approach based on the idea of there being a reason that we ride different equipment. I wouldn't expect a mountainboarder (big wheels attached to a shock absorbing frame attached to a snowboard-esque body with grip tape) to want to follow the same vibe as a skateboarder. There should be separation, in even the parallel that they both exist in similar context.
I have really looked at what has happened with skiboarding and the trends that have occurred. And, I see it has even caused a split somewhat. Those who followed the paths of skiing typically, but not always the case, ski anywhere from 25%-75% of the time. In several cases we have lost skiboarders to skiing altogether. Those who have tried to stay in the vein of things have some roller background or their mentors/influences in the sport are those in the roller background. I think both approaches can work, but I still think we need something distinct to call our own. What it is I have not quite found yet. But, I am looking for a muse as I stroll through my mind and think, experiment in the off-season, and ultimately make attempts during the season to bring some sort of my unique change to the sport, for at least my end of things.
By change in the sport I don't mean I feel I am some sort of leader that will take us in a direction nor do I feel that for some reason people should follow suit. I do this more for my own way of presenting the sport and it is more intrinsic than anything. It's for myself, but of course like anyone I would love to have some sort of impact.
I truly am curious on all of your thoughts, in-depth please, from skiboarders within the freestyle realm as well as those who watch and have any sort of insight at all. I need openness and would not be offended in any way if your views clashed with mine. I am just looking to create an open-ended discussion.
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