An Article and Infographic Posters by:
Chris Neltner - Graphic Designer
Freestyle skiing has a very unique look.
We are a community with a history of being different.
We possess different views, values, and experiences.
We as a community have grown and prospered due to our defining attributes.
One of the defining traits of the freestyle community is our attire choices.
Even within our own community there is great variety.
This variety amongst the community brings flavor to the collective, but variety can also bring prejudice.
One’s abilities and contributions to the community can often be squandered just because of their differing attire choices.
These prejudices can and have led to the segregation of our community.
People want to associate and befriend those who look alike.
These tendencies prevent the community from truly coming together and benefitting from each other’s experience.
The three main styles are categorized here as: Thug, Average, and Hesh.
Thug skiers are categorized as skiers who love wearing baggy clothing.
Their clothes often are sized XL or bigger.
Thug skiers agree their favorite era of freestyle skiing was somewhere around 2007-2011.
During this time period Jon Brogan was holding the spot light of attention.
Average skiers are categorized as skiers who put importance in gear that fits well and functions.
Their clothes are sized appropriately to their body size.
But why do these skiers feel the need for their gear to be as functional as possible?
These skiers seemed to show trends of being all around skiers.
They skied mountain, backcountry, and park.
So a need for gear to amend these possible issues is much more feasible.
Hesh skiers are categorized as skiers who enjoy slim fitting and unique gear.
Just like the thug skiers, let us ask what are their goals and inspirations.
Many hesh skiers said their favorite skiers are Ian Compton and Jossi Wells.
Both of these skiers have a hesh-like style.
But why do these pro’s have such a style?
They could possibly be tired of the baggy trend in gear and be perpetrating a new style.
Their choice could reflect other interests out of skiing.
In the surveys, many hesh skiers admitted to also skateboarding and enjoying skater like styles.
One could argue the skateboarding community has stylistic influence upon this group.
As a community we need to value others' differences.
Without their experience we cannot tell the full story of the freestyle skiing community.
Because at the end of the dayWE SKI.
