We make a run at take too much from skateboarding.
We name tricks after theirs, despite ours bearing no relation to their namesakes.
We follow their fashion trends, despite how impractical for mountain life they are.
Park tricks dont count.
That’s why park footage has long since been dismissed as irrelevant in skateboarding.
As skiers we even have more options than they do.
Go film something new and different.
Brands should give back or get out.
Nike SB Shelter in Berlin
3.
The result is core skateboard brands that stand tall alongside the big boys.
Think Emerica, Etnies, Supra, Baker, Girl/Chocolate, Toy Machine and many more.
Were starting to get the idea in skiing but were a long way behind.
Its fine to do triples, just dont make such a fuss about it.
But most pro skaters keep the circus tricks to a minimum.
Therein lies the beauty of skating.
Different ways are found to be technical, be it new spots, rough ground, awkward transitions etc.
Its an attitude that keeps things fresh and crucially, relatable for the general public.
Turn on skateboarding and it looks achievable, so people give it a go.
Sure skiing will always be less accessible, it needs snow and expensive kit to even start.
But if you lose the connection to the everyday punter then the sport dies.
I know it’s cliche, but look at aerials.
Get in a van and go on tour.
Skateboard marketing is dominated by video but the brands have long since realised this alone isnt enough.
Every skate company goes on tour and ski brands should do the same.
The Inspired Demo Tour and Tell a Friend Tour (which incidentally deserved much more support) were amazing.
Line Traveling Circus came to the the UK to ski indoors.
I have so much respect for those guys making the effort but it should be commonplace.
