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Thank U Snowboarding

Author: Chris Cracknell

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Welcome to “Thank U Snowboarding,” the podcast that dives deep into the rich history and vibrant culture of UK snowboarding. From the early pioneers handcrafting boards in the Scottish Highlands to today’s Olympic medalists and world champions, we’re uncovering the incredible stories behind an island nation that, despite its lack of towering peaks, has made a monumental impact on the snowboarding world.


Join us as we chat with the trailblazers, innovators, and everyday riders who have shaped, and are shaping, this unique scene, exploring what makes snowboarding not just a sport, but a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or new to the slopes, our mission is to celebrate the passion that fuels our community and inspire the next generation to hit the mountains. So strap in, and let’s carve our way through the history and culture of UK snowboarding together!


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66 Episodes
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I first heard Neils name when some waterproof shirts were quite the accessory, however, with a button phobia, it wasn't something I could go near. Since then, I heard his name quite often, often linked with James Stentifod on backcountry adventures, so I knew he was a rider of some standing.Fast forward a few years, I'm sharing a room with James and Neil at Spriing Break, although our paths didn't really cross, even though we slept in the same room. Upon checking out I found out that Neil, or Wags, as lots of people call him, had settled the bill. That was pretty awesome, and a sign of Wags' generous nature, so when it looked like we'd both be in Tignes at the same time, I jumped at the chance to get him on.He had more to do with the set up of British Instructors being able to teach around the world, is a highly respected coach and guide, and has a deep knowledge and love of snowboarding, so it was a joy to hear his story and we cover a lot of ground in this episode.If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, we have T's and Hoodies in all sizes, hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As far as success after a life in snowboarding goes, Nathan certainly seems like he won. He took his riding skills and combined it with a good eye for an image and became one of the stalwarts of the British scene and capturing it, and took those skills to the wider world and became a very sought after photographer. Indeed, if world famous celebs whom youve worked with are any measure of success then you could say Nathan is very succcesful.Nathan has that rare ability to see things, to really see things, to question things and to think his way round things. Which is what makes this conversation such a wide ranging and interesting one (as far as I'm concerned) because one subject can pull in so many others and tangents are at least as interesting as the orginal subject, and that is something I love. Interesting, wide ranging, funny conversations and Nathan, or Nate, has that in spades.He pulled off some truly funny skits in Lockdown Projects films (on our Youtube channel) can play the piano with some abandon and in fact, its kinda funny he is comfortable behind the lens because he is pretty good in front of it too. If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, we have T's and Hoodies in all sizes, hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their sale is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode features a rider who owns possibly the best turn in snowboarding. I'll caveat that with 'that I've seen in real life' because the general concensus is that Josh Dirksen has the best turn, but I've never ridden with him. I have ridden with Owain however, and I wanted to follow his line and ride like him and I've not felt like that for a long, long time.Owain is a coach and lives in a little village about Bourg Saint Maurice, which is where I used to live, but we met riding with a crew in Tignes whilst out at the Dragon Lodge early season. Whilst sharing a chairlift I found out a little more about him, his work on Jenny Jones' workshops, his involvement in Protect Our Winters (POW) and his life as a local in Tignes, and he just has a warm, low key energy that I really like, as well as some serious skills.We talked a bit about the camp we are running in March and if he'd like to come and spend a day coaching with our clients and then we talked about coming on the podcast to talk about his career in snowboarding, one which is acheivable, should someone listening want to endeavour on a similar path.I'm stoked he is coming on our camp, I can't wait to get some tips myself, and for the whole group to unlock the next level of their riding, as well as all the other cool stuff thats gonna be happening. If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in getting Owain to work on your snowboarding, you can check out his website here: https://www.motionsnowboarding.com/If you want to know more about Protect Our Winters, you can here https://protectourwinters.uk/If you are interested in merch, we have T's and Hoodies in all sizes, hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their sale is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chris Carr is one of those riders whoo, in the 90's, was living for dryslope riding. A regular at Becton and Hillingdon, as well as a face and contender at any give drylope competition, Chris carved himself a nice little niche in snowboarding. Sponsored by Morrow and Special Blend (two holy grail sponsors) he may not have gone the biggest, but had a distinct and solid style honed from countless hours lapping dendex kickers.Fast forward 30 years, Chris has lived and ridden in the USA, Austria and France, has worked in many different positions in the industry, finding ways to keep his dreams of shredding alive. He zigged to Austria when most of the UK scene was in France, was in Mammoth when the scene over there started popping off, got sponsored by Bud Ice, which for a snowboarder at the time could have been a nail in the coffin, but he took all these experiences and, started a company to act as the go-between between brands who wanted some of snowboarding and actions sports' shine and the core of the industry.It's quite the journey and one Chris is still on as he takes his (nearly grown up) kids to the mountains and pushes himself to stay ahead of them. Its great to see and after 30 years of knowing Chris to say hi to, a pleasure to actually spend some time with someone who is still frothing for the shred.If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, we have T's and Hoodies in all sizes, hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their sale is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode is a great example of how Snowboarding, possibly unlike other 'sports' can bring people together. I'd never met Hannah before and we sat down as strangers, but by the end of the interview I felt I'd made a new friend. Then we went shredding and had a great day with a solid crew, some up from Bourg and other Tignes locals, all chopping around in the bit of pow we had, laughing on chairlifts and basically, doing what snowboarders do.I wanted to tell stories like Hannah's because doing a season is a joy in itself, and for some, one season turns into a life and a career. I wanted to show that is is possible, no matter where you are from, that you too can carve a life out in the mountains, and that there are people that speak your language, come from where you come from, doing the thing you might want to do.It is totally do-able and hannah is the proof, that as well as snowboarding, she had carved her career doing other things she loves too, it isn't just a subsistance lifestyle of doing whatever to get by (well, it might be early doors) but you can pursue your other passions out in the mountains and live a life that is rewarding in all aspects.You can find out more about Hannah by visiting her instagram @hannah.tadasanayogaIf you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, we have T's and Hoodies in all sizes, hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their sale is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If there had to be one skier who blurs the line between skiing and snowboarding, it is Jim Adlington aka Skier Jim. He doesn't necessarily ski like a skier, and is definitely 'one of us' in terms of personality and outlook. Its quite mad that given the community in Tignes which he would fit right in with, he lives over the mountain in bat shit crazy Val D'Isere, a town which has transformed in many ways since I was last there 31 years ago. In fact Jim lives in the same apartment block that I first lived in for two weeks whilst trying to find a job and life over there when I was 19, which wa a bit of a mind bender.Jim owned and ran Planks, a very succesful clothing brand out of Val and he talks candidly about that story arc, why it closed and what he is up to now. He loves DJing, which we did talk about a lot before and after I pressed record (a bit geeky even for me!) we took a walk round Val, Jim certainly is part of the furniture there, we could barely walk for 50 yards without someone stopping to say hi, and it was great to see someone be as fondly regarded as he is.Jims love for the mountains is infectious, as is his interest in life. We talked a lot about all sorts of things and the podcast is only part fo that, I"m very much looking forward to hanging out with Jim again as soon as possible (he says loading a bag with vinyl in anticipation of the call...)If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, we have T's and Hoodies in all sizes, hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their sale is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If Lewey was hand building snowboards in the Alps, or Japan, no-one would bat an eyelid, but as a guy building boards in the UK, he stands out as different. But Lewey is a prime example of someone being exactly where they want to be in life. Sure, he could be a bit bigger and maybe have an employee or two, but as someone who loved snowboarding, who found someone needing an apprentice to learn how to build snowboards, local to where he lived in the West Country of the UK, whose Dad was working nearby and popped his head it to see they had received his application instantly pushing his CV to the top, is a wild set of circumstances. Or meant to be.I enjoyed making this episode so much, from getting to know Lewey and our conversation, to the time spent building a board and getting hands on in his workshop.Lewey isn't just a snowboard brand, maybe not even a brand, but he is a craftsman. Every board that comes from his factory has felt his hands a hundred times, the only automated process being a C&C machine to router the shape and the inserts, everything else is done by hand, and it is glorious.You can watch the process in a video up on our Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/c2ApXTeo1tMAnd you can find out about DOUK Snowboards by heading to their website here: https://www.douksnow.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooHJEi3JmLCJw0FYx6sCsKvAdTrRlXQNJATkKQRo7UrBprB_2BeIf you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, then hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stewart blasted into the snowboard industry, missioned with hooking up a team of riders and spreading the Oakley name as far and as wide as possible, and boy, did they choose the right person.Anywhere he went, he would look after his team and associated people, if he saw someone on the mountain struggling with their goggles, bam, he'd hand them a pair. He was generous to a fault, I can only wince if I think how much product Stewart used to give out, but then again, that was his mission, and Oakley make fucking great goggles. In fact, I've pretty much always used them.Stewart took that mentality to other sports too, watching Olympic athletes all wearing Oakley sunnies, that was his doing. His energy for looking after people took him around the world and he has countless outrageous stories to tell, we only scratched the surface in this interview, but he is genuinely one of the most generous individuals to have worked in snowboarding and there are a ton of riders who owe him their careers.Thank U Stewart xIf you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, then hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ash is another one of those people who has an infectious energy for snowboarding. His path has taken in many facets of the lifestyle of snowboarding, from a job in the industry to playing in bands out in the Alps, (probably in the wrong order) and maybe he lost the love for it at points. As a community we are thankful that Ash is still with us. Sadly, the lifestyle of snowboarding can be an easy place to get lost in, and I think this is a conversation that is starting slowly to be had, but one that there are quite a few people who aren't willing to have it.If you are worried about the amount of alcohol you are consuming or worried about a loved one, then you can speak to Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 which is an NHS service, or you can get help and advice from https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now or https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/Luckily, we do still have Ash and his infectious laughter and smile, and I for one, hope to see him on a board soon, and take some laps and hear some more of his stories on a chairlift.If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, then hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Izzi has an infectious love of snowboarding, everytime I"ve seen her, she has a big smile on her face and you can tell she is so stoked on snowboarding. We met at the Spring Break and I'm sure Shannon from the TSA had mentioned her, so we got chattng and I found out she runs meet ups for snowboarders, which, I'd never really thought was a thing. Back in the day, you just went where there was snowboarders and you got chatting. But I guess these days, with higher social anxiety, amongst other problems, people want to feel like they will be safe and putting on social events is a great way to welcome more people into our great world.Through her social events, there is a burgeoning crop of people who just love snowboarding and the people around it and are finding 'their tribe' which is great to see, and The Reason magazine championed that in the latest copy of their magazine.Snowboarding in the UK needs people like Izzi to keep the community alive, we all live such disparate lives, but getting together with fellow snowboarders is always a joy, so if you need companions for the shred, take a look at https://www.instagram.com/snowcone.social/?hl=en-gbIf you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comIf you are interested in merch, then hit us up at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Russ has been quietly shaping and documenting the best of British Snowboarding for as long as I can remember. I didn't really know what Russ did entirely, he was just everywhere, at every event or happening for ever. I assumed he had something to do with organising things, maybe the Brits, maybe dryslope things, then of course, I noticed he started shooting snowboarding as more and more of his photos appeared in magazines. It felt like he worked with Snowboard UK and Document magazine mostly, and certainly whoever was coming off dryslope and turning their attention to bigger things, but I didn't realise just how involved he was in representing British Snowboarding to the wider world.He is well tarvelled because of this, totally grounded and prior to the interview I enjoyed a ride or two dwon from the Kaurnatal glacier, chatting about all sorts of things, including his love of Lambrettas (definitely not Vespas)He is planning to release a book of some of his fine images next year, which we'll keep you updated about. and is still frothing for snowboarding after all this time.Its people like Russ that make the British scene, just regular people, with relatively regular lives, but with a deep love of snowboarding and the people within it.Keep on shredding Russ. xIf you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
James has probably ridden more powder than any other UK rider (except Neil Mcnab probably) and has hard earned his repuatation as one of Europes best freeriders. From his early skate style snowboarding, to the big peaks of Chamonix, his career has taken him around the world to many far flung places, a bug for adventure he still services with his own camps.Eschewing the usual pro snowboarder turned industry bod, which to be fair, he tried for a bit, he realised that actual snowboarding was way better than talking snowboarding, but instead of just persuing a solo pursuit, he shares his love of adventure and powder with his clients, making sure they have a good time, ride epic lines and come away safely to enjoy a beer at the end of the day.If you want to know more about James' camps, you can find his website here: https://www.stentifordsnowboarding.co.uk/If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Martin Drayton is one of UK snowboardings founding fathers. There it is. Simple. A kid from London who found skateboarding and then snowboarding, got himself to the Alps to do seasons, helped set up a frame work for teaching snowboarding, helped set up The Snowboard Asylum, was a pro for Burton back when no-one was pro, raced internationally, was a major part of Chalet Snowboard, even tried to qualify for the Olympics with no support from anyone, then tried again to represent Trinidad.So many of my guests stories go back to Martin, he has quielty and modestly help shape UK Snowboarding, and there he is, 24 seasons deep in Park City, teaching people of all levels the finer aspects of snowboarding.The word legend gets bandied about a lot (by me, I know) but this guy is one, at 66 stilll going strong, surviving a hit and run on the mountain, back on it, riding as many days as he can.Thank U Martin for everything you've done for us. xHere are some links to articles and whatnot Martin sent over, there will be loads of photos on the Instagram and the Youtube version will have a photo gallery.https://unofficialnetworks.com/2024/03/06/utah-snowboard-instructor-spine-fracture/https://www.skiutah.com/blog/authors/khai/60-the-new-30?brid=OkqpvVvKtAtIHbnAAqWTmQhttps://youtu.be/RYW9TywjzPIhttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/19bWedAQfd/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/17mV19jQUZ/?mibextid=wwXIfrIf you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ian came over to my studio with Jonny Weeks (S3 Ep1) to record their interviews, obviously I had known Jonny for some years although it had been some years, but Ian I'd never met. I knew Ian had started Chalet Snowboard, as far as I'm aware, the first Snowboarder specific chalet holiday company, which, at the time would have seemed like lunacy as the numbers were still quite small, but they hit a sweet spot in the sports growth and enjoyed quite a success, which certainly opened the door to young snowboarders such as myself, to open more places for snowboarders to stay and be unashamably snowboard-centric.He bought along some literature to look at, including old Burton catalogues (CSB was a Burton Test Centre) and a copy of some mens mag where he went on a sandboarding trip, fair enough, he was a handsome fella and still is!Most of all, I loved Ians laid back and considered character, immediatly feeling at ease in his company and like we must have known each other for years.Ian is still shredding having bought a season pass for Western Switzerland which gives unlimited days for over 100 resorts, I hope he gets a good return on his investment, and I hope I get some make some turns with him soon.If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/We'll be back every week for the next 22 weeks with interesting stories from the world of UK snowboarding, so see you then!Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mia is one of the current crop of young UK riders who are blazing a path into the wider European and Worldwide scenes, and its quite incredible to watch. I've talked about how the UK punches above its weight in snowboarding, and I think its amazing to see a rider from humble beginnings, Knockhatch dry slope, which is quite local to me, and tiny and I certainly didn't think there would even be a scene there, let alone a scene which produces world class riders. Mia stood out in the crows at the Spring Break this year, her riding was incredible to watch, and given that Spring Break is mostly populated by balding middle aged dudes, seeing some young blood hanging out in the bar then slaying the mountain reminded me of my early seasons and its great to see snowboarding still has that spirit, that it isn't all gyms and training, because for most, its a fun thing to do, then to sit and talk about it afterwards. She rides for Dragon Europe and Yes Snowboards as well as the TSA, clearly her talent and enthusiasm for the shred is being noticed and with such a level head on her shoulders and strong work ethic, I can't see how she isn't going to go far... If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/We'll be back every week for the next 22 weeks with interesting stories from the world of UK snowboarding, so see you then!Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Its almost a lifetime ago that I last saw Jonny. We spent a few intense periods together whilst he was working for Airwalk and I was helping him out, normally in return for some beer vouchers and some kit.Jonny is a legend in the UK industry, he held things down at Burton for quite a while before running Airwalk, helping them devolop a product line which, for a while, was one of the strongest lines of product in any brand, really innovative, stylish and well priced.He is responsble for so many riders getting free kit to help them live out their dreams, and was always at the centre of all things good in the UK scene. Legend has it his way of choosing who would ride for his brands was pretty much who could keep up on a night out!Aside from the fun nights out though, Jonny knew his way round the industry and had an innate sense of what was good and what was shit, and was one of the few people who made the leap to the big league out in the US.He hasn't changed an ounce in the time I haven't seen him and I hope it isn't that long again before I hear that laugh and hear his stories.If you want to know more about the Thank U Snowboarding Community Camp in March 26, there are details here: https://thankusnowboarding.wixsite.com/spring2026 or you can email us at thankusnowboarding@gmail.comWe are supported by the rad crew at The Snowboard Asylum, and their new website with all this seasons product is online now: https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/We are also looked after by Dan and Lizzie at Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en and Tom at High Days for Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/I'd like to take a moment to introduce FourTwenTea, which is delicious tea embibed with CBD oil, which I have been drinking over this summer, just to help keep my brain from overheating. Its completely natural, Jemma, the owner, is a snowboarder and total legend and I can't recommend this stuff enough, so go check it out: https://fourtwentea.com/We'll be back every week for the next 23 weeks with interesting stories from the world of UK snowboarding, so see you then!Peace x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Not many people can legitimately claim the title GOAT, but Steve is on that short list, in fact he might BE the short list.The influence on UK snowboarding that Steve has had cannot be denied, whilst most people were trying 360's and 540's, Steve was blasting 7's and 9's way over their heads, on dryslope, which is fucking hardcore and not something that most people ever got to.Steve is a cat, I've followed him round Les Arcs enough to see his natural ability to spring over rocks, blast massive and stylish airs, spin like a top and generally rule the mountain, first hand, and it is rare qualities he posseses as not many other riders have that. I think there is a reason why Chris Moran and Steve were friends and riding buddies because Chris has that ability too (when he isn't skiing obvs) but Steve really pushed it. Picked up by Burton and championed round Europe, Steve was at home riding snow, dryslope, even shitty Ski Show quarter pipes where he sent methods more than head height out. Steve is very happy in his own skin and lives life on his terms, sadly we don't see him snowboard much these days, but I'm hoping that changes with a trip to Austria in the calendar. He spends time manning the Snowboard Asylum in Chester and climbs as often as possible in North Wales, he is a man of few words and many cigarettes, and I"m looking forward to seeing himblast a backside air higher than ever soon... As always, we are kindly looked after by The Snowboard Asyum https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/Lizzie and Dan from Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en/home?regionSelector=trueTom from Transform Gloves https://transformgloves.com/en-gbChris from Canoe Inc for Oakley Goggles https://www.oakley.com/en-gbAnd a shout out to Tom from Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In my humble opinion, its guys like Mike who made our culture of snowboarding. Sure, there were plenty of pro riders who shone bright, but, and I"ve said this before, its the guys like Mike, who love the sport with all their hearts and devote their lives to it, not in the pursuit of powder, but to getting people into it, understanding it, living and breathing it, which in turn has turned so many people onto the sport we hold so dear. Making communities that spread far beyond the bricks and mortar of the physical shop, lending boards, teasing the next seasons kit, letting groms watch videos in their shops for hours, going for a pint to talk about the next shred trip. Mike embodies this more than most, his shed is now a homage to his life converting people into snowboarders and I sincerely hope, arthritis withstanding, that his days on a board haven't come to an end and that The Lecht gets a day soon that goes down in living memeory, I think Mike deserves that...As always, we are kindly looked after by The Snowboard Asyum https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/Lizzie and Dan from Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en/home?regionSelector=trueTom from Transform Gloves https://transformgloves.com/en-gbChris from Canoe Inc for Oakley Goggles https://www.oakley.com/en-gbAnd a shout out to Tom from Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Neave, as everyone calls him, hasn't changed much over the years. He still has that mischeivous sense of fun, that infectious laugh and approach to things quite unlike anyone else I've met. Not qualities I needed to find at 4am after a cab ride back to my folks house after a night out in London and that laugh not stopping and waking them up...Elliot shone bright in the UK scene for a while, heavily sponsored by Oakley and supported by Scott Todd, Elliot was a heavy hitter, lived for going big and pushing himself and a drive that was a rarity in snowboarding at that time. Elliot lived his life much the same off the board. The centre of any party or shenanigans, usually with a willing cohort of mates made up of the best riders in the UK, good times indeed.We haven't seen Elliot on a board. much recently, I think some ex pro riders struggle with snowboarding after their career ends, trying to find the balance between fun and drive, but I hope we get to ride togther soon, I think he'll remember how much he loves it...As always, we are kindly looked after by The Snowboard Asyum https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/Lizzie and Dan from Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en/home?regionSelector=trueTom from Transform Gloves https://transformgloves.com/en-gbChris from Canoe Inc for Oakley Goggles https://www.oakley.com/en-gbAnd a shout out to Tom from Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ian has been snowboarding longer than most people on the planet. Not many people can lay claim to that, and the fact that he is from the UK, where no, or at least very little information was available, makes it even crazier. From taking a small picture from a Sims ad in a skateboard magazine, to building their own boards and bindings, to finding taxies to drop them at the top of hills in the Downs, I mean, none of it makes much sense, but something was ignited in ian which he nurtured and eventually used that fire to go on adventures and meet and stoke out other people to light their fires.Its people like Ian who have made the British scene what it is, you can draw a straight line from Ians skate background to Mia Brookes' winning runs at X Games and the Laax Open, following what feels good.We all owe Ian a pint, although I dare say he'd accept the praise, a humble snowboarder, still frothing for snow after all these years...As always, we are kindly looked after by The Snowboard Asyum https://www.snowboard-asylum.com/Lizzie and Dan from Burton https://www.burton.com/gb/en/home?regionSelector=trueTom from Transform Gloves https://transformgloves.com/en-gbChris from Canoe Inc for Oakley Goggles https://www.oakley.com/en-gbAnd a shout out to Tom from Volcom https://highdaysltd.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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