You hate on snowboarding. Admit it. You talk shit behind its back like a cheating ex. And you should hate it. It’s this passion that keeps it real. It’s this passion that proves deep down how much you love it. And you should love it.
The scenario is the same at every industry function: tradeshow, contest, industry event. It matters not. Groups of men – we’re not that young anymore – wearing the uniform that promotes whatever brand they’re currently working for or thinks is the next big thing. They grab a drink, slap high fives, and talk briefly about their hangover. And then they gossip. We. We gossip like schoolgirls.
Dude.
Bro.
Can you believe…
He’s back on the bottle. Blowing it.
So and so quit his job.
That brand went corporate.
That Team Manager puts himself into photoshoots. Give up the dream.
That rider sold out for shit brands.
That once cool brand was bought by a non-cool brand to become cool by association. Didn’t work.
That video part re-used a song from a classic skate video.
They’re going strictly vertical retail.
What! They’re coming into Canada as well?
He used to be a legend. Then he got on the ice.
They cut him because he was old.
They cut him because he was injured.
He bought a motorcycle last year and now thinks he’s Max Schaaf.
That photographer is giving away shots.
He writes for free.
That magazine is lying about circulation.
That’s trending hard.
He’s filming for who next year?
What happened to the backside 180?
Back in the day…
He can’t even do a double.
Triples are lame.
She banged her way into that contract.
So did he.
You can tell he doesn’t skate.
That shop doesn’t pay.
He’s been riding too much Blue Park.
Jeffy Anderson is snowboarding. So is Scotty Wittlake.
His stance is too wide.
At least he didn’t jump on the narrow stance bandwagon.
What… he’s gonna be a father?
Rube is not the father.
She has ‘a low center of gravity.’
He wakes and bakes.
That rep hasn’t paid taxes for 7 years. Big Brother’s after him.
That chick hooked up with 3 members of the Forum team.
He’s a sponsor whore.
Might have made out with her last night.
Pretty sure he still wants to beat me up.
Forzani. Zumiez. Winners. W49.
Bali has him now.
Peak Season actors aren’t being paid enough to run their names through mud.
It’s about no gloves and always will be. Not mitts.
He was kicked outta Garf’s for spending too much time in a washroom stall.
Hear whom that brand is selling to now?
He sells his sponsors gear on eBay.
That brand is “the new Volcom.” This brand is “the new RVCA.”
Brands should be scrutinized. Riders should be held to a high standard. Make your money, but do it right. We talk smack because we’re passionate, because we really do care. Without hate you can’t know love.
We take underpaying jobs to enjoy a way of life. The same job in a different industry would net double even triple the salary. It’s not worth it. Our currency is lifestyle. We complain about going to places like Vegas or Europe even though secretly we love it.
“Oh, I HAVE to go to Vegas (aka Denver aka catboarding with clients aka anywhere) again.” Non-industry friends hate us for it.
When we hurt ourselves the first and most painful thought is “Fuck. How long am I going to be off the board for?”
The average person lives without passion. Shocking. We are snowboarders. We are artists. What do they call themselves… normal?
It doesn’t have to be snowboarding, but what purpose would you have without an obsession? Live boring and die with the most chips? We live for a selfish endeavor. But at least we have passion.
Personally, I like like snowboarding. Like more than a friend. Forever, my life revolved around it. Friends, education, relationships, location… every major life decision was influenced by snowboarding. To this day I flip through a magazine and have strong views about something on every page: What this brand is doing wrong. What they’re doing right. How he is saving snowboarding. How that ad could be better. How that’s grabbed wrong. That’s how much I love it.
I’ve slept with a new board in my bed. I’ve woken up in a resort parking lot. I’ve driven across the country multiple times. I’ve wiped my ass with snow. I’ve ruptured my spleen. I’ve spent a winter in a closet. I’ve lived in staff housing (it’s worse). I’ve worn questionable clothing for sponsors. I’ve been to Vegas too many times. I’ve downloaded from Blackcomb glacier with my shoulder hanging out of its socket. I’ve given myself permanent brain damage. I’ve given myself permanent brain damage. I’ve broken my heart. I won’t be getting out of bed pain free when I’m old. I’ve gone heliboarding to do a lifestyle photo shoot on the summit and then had to fly back down without strapping in (forgive me, I have sinned). I’ve been helivac’d. I’ve made one pizza feed me for 3 days. I’ve crab walked out of Sushi Village. I’ve watched too many snowboard movies. I’ve smashed a beer bottle over my head. I’ve gotten better at snowboarding since I quit. I’ve swallowed my pride. I’ve fallen in love. I’ve ruined relationships and lost girlfriends. I’ve probably disappointed my parents.
But these aren’t sacrifices. Snowboarding has given me best friends, dream jobs, and experiences I couldn’t have dreamed of. Snowboarding has given me everything. I love it and because of this, I’ll talk as much shit about it as I want.
http://bneeth.com/2011/12/27/hating-for-the-love-of-the-game-a-love-letter-to-snowboarding/
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