He has the uttermost respect for the Earth, which everyone on Earth can look up to as well.
Why did you start Panda Poles?
We all used short poles because they work better for mogul skiing (and skiing in general).
However, I could never wrap my head around what it would take to manufacture recycled aluminum poles.
What things separate Panda Poles, not only from other poles, but from other ski companies in general?
But beyond that, what differentiates us from most other winter sports brands is our intention.
What blessings and/or opportunities has Panda Poles brought you?
Tanner:Panda Poles has blessed me in ways I never would’ve thought.
What things are you trying to put out in the future from Panda Poles?
Tanner:We have a massive vision for the future!
All using water to power it!
It sounds like a Sci-fi concept, but just you wait!
Tanner is happy when he’s skiing.
What is your opinion on competitions?
What is your opinion on competitions vs filming?
What is your take on overseas manufacturing?
Tanner:Overseas manufacturing has its place.
There are many products that lend themselves to being made overseas vs. in the US.
This is where there’s a real problem.
However, this isn’t the only issue.
With that being said, we are currently in the process of growing our own bamboo in the USA.
What is your view on progression?
For example, future spins vs style.
Tanner:Hmmm progression…
This is a tricky subject because progression is such a relative term.
I think it’s amazing what people are doing with future spins.
Some of these tricks coming out are mind blowing.
At the same time, I get bored watching future spins after about 2 minutes.
It’s starting to feel a lot like aerials.
I can feel their joy watching them on the screen.
I can feel the reverence they have for the mountain, and the love they have for snow.
How big is the importance of the community in skiing?
Tanner:Community is everything to me.
Without community, there would be no chairlifts, no discussions, no laughter, no sharing.
Humans have a special ability to interact with each other that is so beautiful.
What can we do to improve the sport, if anything?
Tanner:We can improve the sport by remembering why we got into it in the first place…
It wasn’t for money, fame, or glory.
It was for this simple little thing called joy.
Unless we all remember that every time we go skiing, the sport is doomed.
It’s a good thing there’s a lot of people still having fun on snow.
Tanner slicin' through the snow at Snowbird, UT.
The second thing is personality.
Do they seem like they really care about skiing and not just ego pursuits?
And lastly, yet most importantly, do they care for the planet?
What do you like to do?
Tanner:I would ski year round if I had the time/resources to make it happen.
Check out Panda Poles athttp://www.pandapoles.com
Images courtesy of Weston Hall Photography circa 2011 @ Snowbird, UT
