Back home where the goods are at.

Its no question I've been in this game for awhile now, I've been around the world, endured just about every weather situation and most all types riding. To be honest this year I've struggled to find the goods... As much as I love Colorado and even though we did had the first chair open in the country, our season didn't really start till the end of December. I've had a few solid days in the streets of Denver, and a couple of decent park days but for some reason the weather patterns just haven't worked with my schedule.

Until a trip back home that is, to Southern Oregon's Mt. Ashland to be exact where I found 2 days of riding pow that truly brought that love back. Don't get me wrong I will never stop loving and being passionate about snowboarding but sometimes cloudy, cold park laps just don't cut it... That was far from the case while up at Mt Ashland. Yes we had clouds and cold but we also had fresh perfect knee deep powder, insane tree runs and some really fun jumps. On top of all of that and I think what really made the trip as amazing as it was, was the group of staff, locals and other riders sharing the stoke and positive vibes!

All in all the trip was unreal, thank you to all the locals for letting us help out the media staff with a few early ups with the ski patrol, and thanks to all the staff for the support and help while out there.

Here is to the hidden gem called Mt. Ashland and an amazing rest of the season a head of everyone!

Is it worth it?

Arapahoe Basin, First Chair...... Is it worth it?

To be honest when the opportunity was presented a few weeks ago I really wasn't so sure. With Nate Dogggg retiring after his amazing 20 consecutive streak last year, and a chance to fill his seat on opening chair this year I started weighing the pros and cons. Don't get me wrong I love snowboarding, and am more than pumped to kick off the 2016/17 nice and early. But spending the night in the freezing cold Abasin parking lot, just to grab the coveted title of first chair didn't sound that appealing. It was hard to really see the point until that time came; the crowds piled up, the excitement rose, and the hype finally made sense. This first chair means so much more, it officially kicks off winter; it means the mountains are open, and we can finally do the thing that makes us the most happy again.

 

When you think about it, the idea of the first anything is a pretty cool feeling. I can now say that I rode the first of the entire winter, but what's more I worked for it. I think that's really what makes that first chair so coveted, it's that concept of putting in the effort to make sure you get it. That means hanging out day and night with only your couple homies, taking shifts sleeping in the cold under the chairlift and warding off any drunk stragglers trying to steal your spot in line. If you think about it, there aren't many opportunities to work for it at the resort, so when the chance comes to make something worth it why not. 

As far as the day goes I'd say it was a success.

10:00am Thursday load the car and head up to the mountain

11:30am get to abasin, say what up to the boys who had been there for a whole day already.  

12:30pm head into town to go grab supplies (beer/ snacks)

1:30-4pm shoot the shit, hang out play pinball and snowboard monopoly.

4pm try and sort out season pass.

5:30pm finally send the liability waver to Vail resorts after they decided the one I filled out at Abasin wasnt good enough.

5:30-10 Abasin Photo taking mission

10-12 Setting up the sleeping arrangements for the night, air mattress set up in the back of the Subaru, sleepying pad set up for first chair

12-3 Try to get some sleep in the car

3-5 Try to get some sleep underneath the chair

5-7 Hang in line, get snowboard gear on and do some interviews with the news and get excited for that first chair

7-9 So stoked for first chair and so much excitement behind, definitely as much of a 9am lift party as Ive ever seen

9am countdown to first chair and the inaugural banner rip

9-11am Shred our faces off, enjoy some surprisingly good snow and have a blast sliding sideways

1pm Back in Denver to enjoy some 80 degree fall biking around the city.

GottaBoard Series on RB

New Post in depth about my new project GottaBoard coming soon! in the mean time Check out the three episodes up on RedBull and let me know what you think!

Episode 1, Gotta Work It
The story of what it takes to snowboard backcountry like a boss!

Episode 1, is the first installment of the three part series of GottaBoard, it follows riders such as Nicolas Muller, DBK, and lots of other amazing riders as we explore and take on Switzerland at its best!

http://www.redbull.com/us/en/snow/stories/1331809742033/seth-hill-work-it-episode-1?items=1331809742033%2C1331789017978%2C1331717256305%2C1331758093797

Episode 2: Gotta Create It
A look behind the scenes as Jamie Nicholls, and Nick Hyne do what ever it takes to make it in the world of snowboarding.

Two riders on opposite sides of the world, show what it takes to make it in this industry, putting in the work and getting create to keep living the dream we call snowboarding.

http://www.redbull.com/us/en/snow/stories/1331810982569/episode-two-of-web-series-gotta-work-it-with-seth-hill?items=1331810982569%2C1331809742033%2C1331811643670%2C1331760049351

Episode 3: Gotta want it
The least glamour-us, hardest working part of the snowboard world, wanting it and getting after it in the streets.

Two Colorado locations, two crews and so many crazy moments, these riders understand what it means to Gotta Board, putting in the time, dedication and dropping everything to make the most out of street snowboarding.

http://www.redbull.com/us/en/snow/stories/1331812804392/seth-hill-gotta-work-it-snowboarding-series-ep-3


If you liked this series please check out my movie which sponed my interest in video production: Really Gotta Wanna, a look at what it takes to make it as a pro snowboarder!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/really-gotta-wanna/id948066450

2015/16 Season going off

Now if you're reading this I imagine you've at least read a few of my others, have a vague idea of who I am or maybe simply met me along my adventures... if not let me break it down for you real quick.

My name is Seth Hill and I am a professional snowboarder, this is my 6th year fully living off snowboarding and living the dream as one could say. For my first 4 years as a pro snowboarder I focused mainly around contests and the contest circuit, competing in the world snowboard tour as well as FIS and the more sanctioned events. At my prime I was ranked 7th in the US and 18th overall in the world.
Splitting the seas to Sochi


After breaking my back and going into surgery July 2nd of 2014 things changed a bit for what I knew of my life. No it did not slow down my snowboarding but made me take a second look at what made me happy. I love the contest world but was definitely not in love with competing.
Full story of breaking my back

Since then I filmed, produced and stared in my own snowboard documentary REALLY GOTTA WANNA which can be purchased HERE and tells the story of what really goes into being a professional snowboarder.
Really Gotta Wanna on Itunes

After taking a year focusing more behind the lens I have decided to spend this year more in front of one and working on filming a video part called "Dont call it comeback" which will be featured on many of the main snowboard media outlets around the world.

Even with all the filming, I do still have a passion to compete when its a contest I want to do. One of those contests is Dew Tour, this year I got a last minute invite to compete in the Street style event in down town Breckenridge and ended up on the podium. Pretty sweet feeling after being just on the bubble for 3 years of this event. Dew Tour Recap

Aside from that I am working closely with my main sponsor Sims Snowboards. I am putting out a monthly edit, as well as helping build the brand back up to what it once was. (If you would like to see those edits please follow to my youtube channel or watch below) SUBSCRIBE
Youtube Channel

One might think that being on the cusp of never walking again would slow me down or even make me revalue if snowboarding is worth it, but it has done none of the sort, it has pushed me to get stronger, work harder and appreciate what a blessing Ive been given and to never give up on my dreams.

I hope you enjoy my blogs, the content I produce and follow my career because as much as I love doing these things for myself, you all are the ones that make it worth it.

Thank you for spending some of your precious time checking in on my career and I would love to hear more of what you would all like to see.

Have a good one, and remember to stay sideways and loving life.

Gotta get back on snow

So if your just tuning in and have not read anything before than I should explain that I broke my back 7 months ago out at Mt Hood trying to take a feature a bit to big. "Full Story here"

Now I never really imagined I'd be where I am already, I mean im not the type to just sit around and hope things look up. but you also dont figuring on being 100% healed from a major broken back in 6 months either. I have to say my Doctor never officially gave me the "go" to snowboard. But he also said my back had completely fused, and it wasn't necessarily any worse off then before the accident. So I took that as a "take it easy"

I was fortunate enough to have a purpose and slow approach back onto the board by hanging and coaching Chris Corning around Colorado for the month of December. I basically just followed him around telling what tricks to try and filming for little edits and review, literally the perfect way to spend some time on the slopes with out too much motivation to try any tricks.

As the month passed and I got my take it easy from the doc I started working on a few tricks and getting my legs back. For the most part nothing more then a trick every now and then, but enough to know that I was feeling pretty strong. And on that note I thought it would be fun to put together a little Top-to-Bottom. Far from my best work, or best run but definitely a testament to working hard, wanting it, and not letting your fears rule your world.

So here is that video, 1 T-to-B run through Breckenridge's park-lane terrain park.

Thanks for tuning in and please subscribe to my youtube channel to see the most up to date videos and action. SUBSCRIBE 

RGW on iTunes

I have to say it still doesn't quite seem real that my movie "ReallyGottaWanna" is up on iTunes. It was literally just over a year ago that I was contemplating what I should do with my winter. After some guidance from my Coach - Pat A, Team Manager - Marc Vitelli, and Dad we came up with the idea that I would set out to document my winter and attempt to show the stories behind the riding.

Now to say that, that this little movie idea is up on iTunes is a bit surreal. Obviously this project couldn't have happened with the help from my assistant producer Tom Howell (redbull.com/snow), assistant editor Jeremy Dubs, and most importantly Kurt Jenson who transformed my footage into a true story.

Really Gotta Wanna on iTunes

I will forever hold Really Gotta Wanna as a true testament as to what I can accomplish, I couldn't be more proud of what the movie became, and so stoked to have worked with so many great riders and people!

Really Gotta Wanna... RECOVER!

MY FIRST VLOG

Its crazy to think, just a month ago I was getting surgery in Portland Oregon for my broken back (see the last blog post). I was not only insanely fortunate in the accident and how I broke my back, but in the recovery as well. Seeing as the two vertebrae I broke are the two which don't move very much I was released for walking the day after my surgery, and for simple/ moderate activities (stationary biking and swimming) after a week.

Any of you who know me through snowboarding, know that I don't really have a "slow" or "moderate" switch... I pretty much only have a "go" switch, which is full blast. This characteristic; which may haunt me later in life is consistent through exercise and most other activities I partake in. Let's just say that simple stationary biking has already turned into 35 miles in an hour and a half, and casual swimming is full laps and movement for a solid hour. 

On that same note I'd cut out my pain meds two weeks after surgery and have been fully drug free now for a week and am feeling about as mobile as ever. My level of pain is low and consists mainly in my lower back where I most likely blew out some muscles. 

I know many of you have been following my progress through my social media posts and what not, which I can't say how much I appreciate. But wanted to tell everyone how much all the support, well wishes and messages have kept me motivated and having a positive attitude.  I couldn't be doing this with out all of your support, and am so grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life!

Things don't always go the way you plan...

Just over two weeks ago I experienced an accident that if nothing else has opened my eyes. 

For those of you who have not heard I was snowboarding up on Mt. Hood Oregon, and broke my back. Now as human nature has shown our minds immediately imagine the worse; No I'm not paralyzed, and yes I will snowboard again. Neither of these things were a given when the accident happened though, and I am truly blessed to be able to say they are the truth.

Now with that out there I'd like to you to remember no one really knows what's next for our lives. Ive always chose to live with this mentality; the idea that you never know, so live everyday to the fullest. An accident like this makes this mentality a little more of a challenge, but when it comes to being passionate about something we always have to weigh the risks. For me it has always been with more passion tends to come more risk. Like many of you out there I am a thrill seeker, but I've come to seek my thrills through snowboarding. Snowboarding isn't necessarily the riskiest activity out there, but I'm personally not satisfied unless I'm pushing myself; learning a new move, going just a bit faster, or sending a feature a little bigger.

Back to my recent injury and the situation leading up to it. I mentioned risks and at no point had I imagined what happened to even be a near possibility. It was a feature myself as well as plenty of people had hit, I was just attempting to jump it a bit differently. As I said before I'm not content unless I'm pushing myself which is exactly what was happening here. The feature in it's most simple state is a mellow hip jump; meaning you go off straight and land going 90 degrees the other direction, or across the slope (see diagram to the right). This feature has been in the same spot and relatively the same shape for the past three years, and I've always had the urge to send it all the way over, like your classic table top. Unfortunately for me this hasn't normally been a possibility, but for some reason this year it just looked "do-able". Now a major reason it's not "do-able" is the cat track that runs wraps along the bottom edge of the landing. With my passion to push the limits I found a way around the cat track and spent my lunch building a little jump from the landing over the flat area (cat track). With this jump in place I had a feeling that it would a cool unique line that hadn't been done yet.

I have to say with out hitting the feature and even if you had it was hard to really see the potential in my newly created feature. For me on the other hand I had actually prepared, calculated and dialed in the chances of the feature working. I had maxed out the hip feature, literally as big as possible with out running into the cat track. And actually hit my "new feature" about 5 times before calling over a filmer and photographer to get the shot. In those 5 previous attempts my speed seemed on point, and trajectory right on mark. I honestly can't say I know or will ever know what wrong, whether I went just a little faster or maybe popped a bit harder, but the next thing I knew I was missing my landing spot and floating over the whole landing (see diagram). 

Let me start by refreshing the idea that I was truly lucky and had it not been for some great medical staff, friends and ski-patrol I'm not sure id be walking today. As I had basically flown 90ft straight to flat I was forced to stay flat and for the next 30 minutes, to do something I had yet to do for my entire life; sit absolutely still. I knew it was crucial but, everything in my body just wanted to jump up and run around. Any ways, once again with the help of my great friends and great ski patrol I made it safely to bottom of timberline and to the care unit there where I was first checked and waited for the ambulance. From there I was transported by ambulance from T-Line to Welches where I would be picked up

by life flight. Back breaks are an interesting/ scary injury, mainly due to the uncertainty. So no lack of precautions we're taken in transport to Portland. The goal was to keep me 100% stationary until X-Ray/MRI just incase there was a spinal issue.

After a quick yet expensive heli ride (27K), I made it to the trauma unit at legacy Emmanuel hospital in Portland where I was taken maculate care of. From there my blur of a night consisted of cutting off my snowboard gear, getting an CAT scan, MRI than patiently waiting an opportunity to go into surgery. About 24 hours later I was in surgery getting my L1/T12 aligned with 4 Titanium skrews and 2 rods. Lucky for me this new titanium armor creates a bit of an internal back brace and allowed me to walk the very next day.

Let me pause here to say for the next 4 days in the hospital I was pleasantly greeted by way more friends than I could have ever imagined! Thanks to the support of all these friends and the multitude of messages I received I never would have been able to stay in such high spirits. AGAIN I can not begin to express my gratitude for all the messages, visits and positivity from everyone!!!!

Recovery... To be Continued...

REALLY GOTTA WANNA

IM MAKING A MOVIE!!!!

Please check it out

http://www.redbull.com/us/en/snow/stories/1331633853314/anything-worth-doing...-you-reallygottawanna

http://reallygottawanna.com/
https://www.facebook.com/reallygottawanna

AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT CHECK OUT MY RALLYME!!!
https://www.rallyme.com/rallies/408/reallygottawanna

Opening weekend at my new home mountain... Keystone!

Last weekend officially set off my winter here in Colorado. Keystone Mountain opened with an amazing early season park, so we got to work trying to get some shots. With the help of my two little brothers Sam Bell, and Sy Murdoch we put together what I like to think is a pretty fun opening weekend edit. Here is the video which was posted on Snowboarder as well as a few other sites. Check it out, enjoy, and let me know what you think

http://www.snowboardermag.com/videos/keystone-opening-day-seth-hill/

and some of photos from the day

http://snowboardmag.com/stories/photos/two-one-opening-day-double-header-copper-keystone

Splitting the Seas to Sochi

Splitting the Seas to Sochi

With the announcement of Slope-Style In the 2014 Olympics; the contest scene, and outlook of athletes took a turn towards something new and exciting.

Whether or not you are the most core snowboarder or most competitive, the idea of going to the Olympics is a pretty cool idea (at least somewhere in ones head, even if never stated or expressed). Slope-Style in the Olympics not only means more eyes and appreciation for what we love to do, but obviously the possibilities of more monetary support. Now with anything in life there are haters; claiming it's selling out, and that it's not what true snowboarding is. At the end of the day, even with this outlook it's a necessary evil to allow us to continue what we're doing as long as possible.

Now back to before with this announcement, all of us contest riders started looking at any possibility of making it to the Olympics. Changing country of residence if necessary, basically trying to figure out any way possible to make it. Even I started looking at getting dual citizenship to Israel as a second chance in case I didn't get a chance to try out for the US team. With that said through my efforts last year, I qualified in the top 8 of the US from the World Tour.  Which guaranteed me a spot to compete for a chance to ride in the Olympics for America. Now this is no where near an easy opportunity or am I a shoe in to be one of the 4 US team riders invited to compete in the Olympics. What it does mean though, is that I am guaranteed an equal shot with 7-13 other riders to compete at 5 contests between December and January to see whom might be the most fit to represent America. At this point I call it a success and am fully proud of my self for how far I've come. To be recognized as a boarder that could potentially represent the US of A is a huge accomplishment in itself, whatever may happen at this point.

As this 2013/14 season gets underway, trust that I will be giving it everything I have. Starting with a proper diet, off hill training as well as traveling to other countries with snow to get an early start at on hill training. Currently I am in Australia getting an early contest out of the way. And next on the schedule is a trip to Chile to train at legendary resort El Colorado before heading back to the US to get situated for the first contest of the US qualifications; Dew Tour in Breckenridge December 14th.

Thanks everyone who has ever taken time out of their day to follow my progress, cheer me on, or support me in anyway. I have no doubt in my mind that I would never be where I am now with out you all. So with that said please enjoy my travels and let me know what I can do to make my story more interesting and enjoyable.

Summer Snowboarding at High Cascade Snowboard Camp

With any sport practice makes perfect, and repetition promotes consistency so with summer rolling around the choice of what to do comes up.  As far as snowboarding goes, there are multiple options of staying tuned and sliding sideways.

Easier options being Mt.Hood or Whistler both with fairly accessible snowboard camps where a rider can get a job at the camp, or attempt to get sponsor passes where the camps supports get the rider in. Each of these choices have there benefits and weaknesses obviously. With working at a camp such as a coach you have to spend some of your time coaching kids and actually working versus being on a sponsor pass where you have the opportunity to ride and train all day. With this said being a sponsor pass sounds like the more ideal situation, but its much more of a short term situation. With a past in going to High Cascade (HCSC) I've decided to take the coach route, for my third year in a row at this point. I find being a coach not only allows you to spend all summer on your board doing what we all love, but creates a unique opportunity to learn how to coach your self, and starting seeing ones riding from an outsiders perspective.

Now with my route being coaching at HCSC there are also a little less accesable but pretty sweet opportunites to travel to South America, buy a season pass and ride a whole second winter. This is definitely a viable option, but with training and contest driven snowboarding being my priotity Ive decided to save that for future summers.

With my choice being set here at HCSC Ive attempted to make the most of it and try to not only learn new tricks and refine my style, but also get some exposure through various snowboard websites and social media outlooks. Ive included a list of links at the bottom if there is interested in seeing some of my riding and what goes down on a regular basis up here.

Whether you an avid rider, or simply looking for a Snowboarding fix during the summer I highly recommend checking out HighCascadeSnowboardCamp (www.Highcascade.com)or any of the other shedding options listed.

Snowboard Camps

http://www.highcascade.com/

http://windells.com/snowboard-camp/

https://campofchampions.com/the-camp/snowboarding

http://www.sassglobaltravel.com/

An Article on Summer Camps

http://snowboarding.transworld.net/1000122833/featuresobf/escape-to-summer-snowboard-camp/

Video Posts which I have shots in

http://www.snowboardermag.com/exclusives/snowboarder-video-magazine-episode-1-mt-hood-late-june-2/ 1:25
http://www.snowboardermag.com/exclusives/video-magazine-episode-2-mt-hood-early-july/ 51

http://www.snowboardermag.com/exclusives/the-first-annual-summer-games-triple-jump-video/ 2:15
http://www.yobeat.com/2013/07/08/high-cascade-session-1-2-video/ 54
http://snowboarding.transworld.net/1000205860/videos/high-cascade-session-four-video-recap/ 4:03

Post with photos of me
http://brandonhuttenlocherblog.wordpress.com/

http://gfurey.wordpress.com/

http://www.snowboardermag.com/exclusives/high-cascade-session-1-in-the-books-for-summer-2013/#11548ff9a6

http://snowboarding.transworld.net/1000204320/photos/high-cascade-session-one-recap/?pid=51568#ngtop
http://snowboarding.transworld.net/1000204913/photos/high-cascade-session-two-recap/?pid=51649#ngtop

http://www.snowboardermag.com/exclusives/high-cascade-2013-session-4-photos-and-recap/#7fea0bd487

http://www.snowboardermag.com/exclusives/high-cascade-2013-session-4-photos-and-recap/#df15359985

http://snowboarding.transworld.net/1000205643/photos/high-cascade-session-four-recap/?pid=51935#ngtop

2012/13 Contest Season

The contest season

At this point in snowboarding contests have become a key player in how the world perceives what we do. Contests promote progression as well as help spread word of the talent, and the dedication this "sport" takes. Obviously everyone has their own feeling about contests, but at the end of the day; even if riders don't consider themselves contest riders, there is still a push to do at least a few. If not for the potential monetary earnings, for the push from sponsors and getting the exposure.

With the x-games wrapping up we can see that the level of snowboarding has gotten insane. Even in the street event which incorporates the rebel "I don't give a fuck" attitude, still had some new and amazing rail tricks... With a side of shirtless back flips. Not to say that these tricks might never have been done without contests, rather that contests pushes the progression in a faster pace.

http://xgames.espn.go.com/video/9085495/x-games-snowboard-slopestyle-recap

Any ways for me, contests are definitely a double edged sword. I love the atmosphere, environment and feeling of being at contests; But they definitely don't always go how you want. It's hard to take the thing you spend basically everyday doing, and turn that into two runs. Hence why jam contests really incorporate the snowboard vibe that much better and really show off what snowboarding is. Imagine if a basket ball game only consisted of free-throws, it doesn't matter how good you are, your going to miss one every now and then.

For me, this season started off with a few more misses than lands... Which is obviously part of the game. Each contest is still a learning experience and great opportunity to have some fun and work on new stuff. But as my comfort level rose and I figured out what I would need to do with my boarding, things started turning up. I can't say I had any major podiums but definitely feel like I held my own, and proved my worthiness this season.'

As I said before contests are a double edged sword, even with all the money there is in podiums and the production of events; if your not getting on those podiums it's pretty difficult to make the cost to earnings work out. For instance, for 6th place at the European Open, I only got 600euros which does not come anywhere near the cost of going to Switzerland and competing. So even though I worked my way from 100-6th and risked my body for a week, I still came out in the negatives. Or 7th place at the shakedown in Montreal, which didnt provide any monetary money at all yet I made finals and was part of their tv show. Thats aot of pressure, work and energy going into something that may or may not provide any earnings, yet there is still the potential so we keep doing what we are doing.

With all this said, I absolutely love snowboarding and want to be a part of it and make an impact. And for me I feel that impact will come easier through contests. So I'll keep doing what I can, attempting to prove myself, an make my mark on what so many people, including myself care so much about.

2012 Snowboarder Magazine Super Park Standout

Super Park 16, Super Park Standout

Video filmed by Jeremy Dubs

   A year ago this may marked one of the greatest moments in my snowboarding adventures, and something that will truly stick with me for life. That accomplishment was being awarded with snowboarder magazines, Gatorade "Driven from within Superpark 16 Standout. Kind of a lengthy title but basically stands for; Super Park winner, haha, which isn't quite the case... but gets the point across.

     Let me back up a second with a little snowboard industry info... For those of you who don't follow the snowboard world, Snowboarder Magazine is for lack of a better word the coolest and most respected snowboard magazine there is, you have three major ones in the US including Transworld which hosts a bit more of the professional side of the industry, and Snowboard Magazine which I would say the more artsy side, obviously it's not quite that specific but you can catch my drift. Along with those, you have tons of international ones and state wide mags, but basically those are the three people think of when they think about Snowboard magazines. I suggest you all go and check them out to see which fits your own style. With Snowboarder Magazine really exemplifying the snowboarders take and realness of the life we live, hence why an acknowledgment is that much more significant. Now with that said for the past 16 years the magazine throws an event called SUPER PARK,  here they invite 300 of the worlds most elite snowboarders and set them free in literally the worlds best terrain park at that time. They invite the park builders from the country's top resorts and allow them to design and build what ever features they choose. Now these five days, being at mt bachelor this year was all time!!!! With numerous huge jumps and other unique features riders went crazy filming and getting photos taken of their best maneuvers and tricks. At the end of this week Snowboarder Magazine holds a video contest, which all the brands compete to win, as well as awarding a standout. One rider decided by the snowboarder staff that they feel excelled and fully stood out each year. Gatorade than provides them with some money a trophy, a year of Gatorade, and the title of "Driven from Within". Only 15 others can claim this title, including Travis Rice, and Scotty Vine, so definitely means a lot to me. 

     Now with some background on the event, gaining this award was far from easy, and wouldn't have come with out the help of my sponsors providing great equipment, all the other riders pushing the level, and my crew I was working with; including Jeremy Dubs of Wild Card Movies, Ethan Stone the boss of photography, my little brother Sy Murdoch for putting me up and being an amazing host, and obviously Pat Bridges for all the private shoot invitations. Its with out a doubt that I have never worked so hard in my life for five days straight on my snowboard, I put in a 12 hour day, tried tricks 30 times till it was perfect, and hiked my ass off till I was kicked out...Literally. It was all obviously worth it, and it was nice to really see my hard work and dedication pay off. 

Method mag showing some love

                                  Method Magazine Photo of the Week.

The other week I was honored to get a photo of me in the Method magazine "shot of the week." Not only is this an honor due to Method mags presence in the snowboard scene, but as an American to get love by European magazine is a pretty awesome feeling.

I have to say I'm a little surprised it took so long for something to actually happen with the photo. Great photographer and close friend Alba killed it with a completely new and unique photo. A photo different than the amount of overwhelmingly repetitious shots of snowboard photos, all great in there own right but this just seemed new to me. I personally have never seen a shot like it before, it exemplified the lack of snow in Colorado and our desperation to get out and try and make something of it. The photo really takes in the scene and focuses less on the trick, but more on the surroundings and uniqueness of the spot; Which I feel is what makes snowboarding so unique. 

As it says in the post we had scoped the spot a few times, trying to decide if it was really do-able, than one day we just stopped and said screw it, let's make this work. After one time of rolling down the dirt hill, I adjusted to the pitch and stomped the cornice drop. It was by far one of the most interesting and difficult to adjust to feelings I've ever experienced on my snowboard, feeling the dirt grabbing at the base trying to stop me in my tracks, while the sluff of the dirt than tried to push me in its own way at the same time. Either way Some how I made It down the hill still on my feet and all in one piece.

At the end of the day this photo shows how there really is no limit of what we can do on our boards or how outside of the box you can get. Snowboarding isn't all about triple corks, 100 stair rails, and 150 ft jumps. Yes all of those are great, but in my opinion challenging yourself to think of something new, experiment and make the most out any situation is really what makes cool photos and creates a different sense of accomplishment.

Please check out the post on Method Magazine HERE

Thank you for tuning in and sorry about the lack of posts currently, been trying to concentrate more on my snowboarding and less on the outside world, but I'm working to get back on my blog a whole lot more.

Early Season Washington Trip part 1

I've been playing around this winter trying to find the best experience to start my 2012/13 season blog, and was having trouble finding the right thing. A bunch of fun days hot lapping the Keystone Area 51 park. A super fun day board testing the new Sims Enduro E-Board technology with at copper, hitting jumps and sending it off moguls, but nothing felt unique enough to really make a whole post about. My Washington trip on the other hand was way to Epic to not share about.

With Colorado popping off with multiple resorts and features open I was a bit hesitant to make my trip to Washington too long. I knew I had to come early to finish up my intro for Wild Card, but didn't want to end up sitting around while people were riding in Colorado. That was not the problem what so ever though. After an amazing world premier of Wild Card Movies; Shred-A-Vision. With a sold-out theater and more friends than I could even talk to, we took a day of rest in Seattle and decided to get to work. I extended my plane ticket and we headed up to Stevens Pass to see what              we could make happen.               

Once up at Steven we Instantly found a unique little spot and started shoveling on the build. It was a little rhythm section over a railing, onto a patio than off the other side. It was super fun and Nick was killing it, popping in BS 180 Egg-planting out. With Dubs behind the lens and Kryn Allen assisting with the second angle we got a few shots and were pretty stoked as the snow continued to fall. With Nick and I each stacking a couple of clips and photos we decided to let a couple locals hit the feature with us. Friend of Wild Card Ryan stomped a sweet Fs miller and I knew it was time to switch it up. I grabbed a picnic table and put it on the backside. We sessioned that till the day turned to night and we called an end to the super fun Stevens mission.

As the snow continued to stack up and word of Mt. Baker opening on Wednesday I decided to extend my trip one more time to get the most out of Washington . So with a short but fun day hiking up baker to get some freshies with Morg and Nick. We got the sleds ready to get a little back country access. Unfortunately things don't always go as planned. Any Bellingham rider knows that 48 degrees is your cut off for it being rain or snow. So with the temperature gauge reading 47 in Nicks truck we loaded the sleds and headed north towards glacier.

As we climbed the gloomy road, rain pouring down we questioned how it might be up at the cabin. A quick chat with fellow Wild Card rider Andy Stern and we know the mission had come to an end without it even starting. Snowboarding and especially is always a gamble when it comes to early season conditions, so with the torrential down pour still raining down we turned around to head back down in to Bellingham..

At the end of the day, at least we made an effort and tried, but boy does it suck not getting to ride because of the rain. A quick night of rest, and a last minute decision to head to Stevens pass for their pre-opening day got our spirits back and excited to board.

Unfortunately once again we were a bit disappointed in our snowboarding experience...yes Stevens Pass started turning its chairs, but with a very wet snowy conditions, and only one real chair lift running our snowboard day was less than amazing. Luckily though this industry is much more than just boarding so a nice afternoon eating some grub and grabbing some beers with all the Stevens locals, and some Wild Card buddies made the day that much better.

Sometimes in my travels and experiences its hard to not take things too seriously, Yes its a job but its a job where I get to have fun, be with great people, and have new and unique experiences all the time. So with that I urge everyone to find the best in things, there is always something that makes any moment the best one yet so take a second figure that out, and put a smile on your face.

10 VIDEOS TO GET YOU STOKED TO SHRED...

As winter is upon us and more and more mountains are opening up, I thought it would be a good time to post a little list of new edits that will stoke you out. So take a gander and feel free to comment with other videos you think people will be stoked on.

In no particular order... and I searched out long and hard to find these 10 videos. Im sure there are tons more, but these are the 10 I decided to post. feel free to add some of your own!

1: WCM: SHRED-A-VISION

2: YES MOVIE: Colin + Madison part

3: FULL PART: Scotty Vine

4: FULL PART: Mark Hoyt

5: NIKE: Snowboarding project, official teaser

6: FULL PART: Alex Andrews

7: IRPC FULL PART: Bode Merrill

8: FULL MOVIE: This Must be the Place

9: FULL PART: Austin Hironaka

10: FULL PART: Dylan Thompson

Hope these stoke you out, and inspire you to strap in and slide sideways