Well here’s the official Newschoolers guide to urban skiing.
The first step is to scope.
Use the spring, summer and fall to scope spots for the winter.
Travel to neighboring towns and cities and search high and low for hit-able rails.
Also see to it you write down the address and directions for the spots.
Here are the essentials.
Bring more than you think you need.
Urban skiing is also exhausting and you’ll want to stay hydrated.
I suggest bringing a few gallons or even a water cooler bottle.
It is always better to have more than not enough.
Every person in your crew should have a shovel when setting up a spot.
Many hands make light work.
You’ll get set up faster and everything will be easier with more people around.
Photo:Matthew Sklar
DROP IN / BUNGEE.
You’re gonna need speed for some of the features you want to hit.
Not all of them will have a natural slope leading into the rail or drop.
You’re going to want to build a drop in or invest in a bungee.
Pallets are great for making drop ins if you don’t need a ton of speed for the spot.
Although majority of the time you will need a bungee to get enough speed.
I highly suggest investing in one.
http://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/806472/Banshee-Bungee-Clip
www.bansheebungee.com video // level 1
LIGHTS.
The majority of the time you’re going to need lights to be able to see.
Especially if you’re filming.
They’re pretty inexpensive and work absolutely great.
Generators create noise and will draw attention so keep that in mind when using one.
Don’t turn the lights on until you’re absolutely ready to start the session.
Skier: Kellan Baker // Photo: Tanner Sinclair
FILMING.
For filming urban the best case scenario is to have two or more cameras.
You’ll want multiple angles of the shot if you’re taking it seriously.
double-check the spot is well lit so you are able to see everything in the shot.
If police or security bust you be polite and do not get in their face.
In my experience with shooting urban we have never had any serious issues with police busting our spot.
The times they have came they just told us to clean up after ourselves and be careful.
If the cops aren’t that chill about it, just pack up your shit and go.
you could always come back later for the shot.
Skier: Joey Van Der Meer // Photo: Matthew Sklar
MOTIVATION.
Urban skiing is a lot different than park skiing.
For example, Coach Jamal.
Meet people like Coach Jamal.
