Snowboarding is Gay. |
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Posted on September 09 2007 at 12:27pm by bluebird
You remember when skating was going through that period of huge fucking purple Blind jeans and wheels that didnt really roll? Well, this is where snowboarding is at right now. Just take a look at the fashion alone. Like the "all over prints". Then these kids go and get a photo "bomb dropping" off of a 4ft loading dock. Then we got the Girl's jeans. Now this shit actually makes me angry. basically this group is trying to look like Jim Greco, but 5 years ago. but Clancy did have a point the other day. hes like "Well, Willie, if everyone dressed the way you wanted them to dress all you'd see is black pants and red jackets." snowboarding has no respect in the world right now. i mean yeah, your mom is now stoked on snowboarding. And also all the skiers. And maybe your football coach finally gave in. and all the frat boys wearing Burton shit. but to everyone else, snowboarding is a joke. just look through the company ads. the ads are fucking garbage. everything that is coming out is old, played out, stale, and yes, gay. Snowboarding is in a slump right now. It needs a good beat down. Like the kind of beat down you get when you when get caught fucking Tony Montana's wife. Now let me make some things clear, because yes, I am for sure expecting some major backfire from this. I have nothing against "gays". Quite a few of my friends ended up on Brokeback mountain. And i dont mean to disrespect anyone personally. To each his own. Maybe I'm just a bitter fuck that's been around too long. I do think that some people will agree. Snowboarding is officially gay. The actual act of snowboarding will never be gay. As soon as the winter hits. I wont even care. But as Larry says "2 days at the tradeshow and Willie is snapping". |
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I love snowboarding but...
that's some funny shit.
hmmmmm
Im kind of confused where being the RIDER falls into all of this. We are snowboarders, 99.9% of us do it recreationally, and yet we are supposed to take a stand and not wear anything with a plaid pattern on it?
Are you fucking serious?
Here is a though, and something I was writing on a rant the other day. How about all of these grass roots companies (like Volcom and Holden) start dropping their goddamn prices so I dont have to take out a small loan every time I want to get a waterproof jacket...
Im pissed off because people like Willie come here (nothing against you sir, I like your wax) but they are supposed to be the forefathers of grass root business in this industry, and all they call it is gay. Gay, gay, gay. Well gay or not, I can only buy what these fucking companies put out every year. And now I have to worry about some loc' making fun of me because I bought a waterproof jacket with a plaid pattern on it? Cant I just snowboard and enjoy myself.
I dont rock girls clothes. Sure, I like my snowboard pants a little baggy. I too hate the hip-hop image that has taken over snowboarding. I also hate the indie/hipster image that people like Nima Jailia wear. And I hate even more what whiggers like JP Walker and Travis Kennedy have done to the sport.
But you know what, im not going to hate on those guys for trying to make a dollar. It is a business and that is the way it always is. Sure, I wish I could still get a cool looking coat that isnt florescnent with snowcones all over it for under 300 bucks, but these days that isnt really possible.
Sure I wish I could try to look less flashy on the hill, but hey, i tend to like bright colors. Am I a fag? Last time I checked I was not.
If you want to "change" snowboarding, then dont change a bit. Be you, ride what you want, and if someone makes fun of the color of your pants, then kick them in the scroat and move on. Snowboarding is gay because society is more gay. Snowboarding is one of those sports that has become hip. You know why, because it is really fucking fun. Mr. McMillon would probably like if it went back to 1993 when I was riding Mt. Baker as a 6th grader. Well, that isnt going to happen.
Snowboarding has become a reflection of the times. Some people like to express themselves with a gold chain. I like to express myself with a smooth method off a windlip. Either way, it is expression. And in the end, if the industry doesnt change, then it will stay the same. Honestly, as in ANY OTHER INDUSTRY, the consumer's power is often really limited.
ihgfhoihgirhgerf
nice essay buddy. it's pretty gay how you spent three hours writing this and coming up with all those "clever" jokes and analogies. tell me, what do you wear when you go snowboarding? what kind of board do you ride? you can find a reason to hate on anyone if you try hard enough.
LOOK..,
You need to educate yourself on Mr. Mcmillon, he has been involved in the indrustry for a long time. Like all of us he is entitiled to his own opinion - This is the US of A. If anyone can make a judgement call on all this, I feel I have paid my dues, all 28 years of them - SNOWBOARDING TRENDS HAVE GOTTEN GAY.
Best of luck to you this winter, and may you have some fun.
Jonny B.
so
we should suck his dick because hes in the "industry"?
ive noticed
you either get what im saying...
or you basically just started snowboarding.
completely understand
Willie - This industry has been pinned between an over abundance of large companies with big budgets to pay advertisement agencies to do their print ads; and a select group of core companies that still pretty much know what is going on. Of course the vast majority of the people who snowboard are pigeon holed into buying what they see in the magazines, because as we all know corporate advertising works. I have had this conversation with a few of the riders I see constantly throughout the season, and we have all come to terms with the fact that snowboarding, in the grand scheme of things is gay. people wearing rainbows, plaid prints, and odd color combinations to stand out. Although they don't stand out anymore because everyone else is wearing exactly the same thing that they bought from such core shops as Sport Chalet and other huge retail outlets. The problem there is no way that we can bring the individualized style of the core companies to the masses without breaking that genre of "core". It is a delicate balance, the bright colors and distinct patters make riders stand out against any background, day or night in both still photography and videos, I am not supporting this, because I personally would love to see someone wearing a bright red jacket at night, or on a cloudy day, rather than anything that will relate my work to the corporate side of this industry.
yeah
i hear ya dude.
but i believe the children are our future, we gotta teach them well and let them lead the way. and also show them all the beauty they posses inside. maybe give them a sense of pride, to make it easier.
we should also let the children's laughter, remind us how we used to be.
.
.
the industry is gay.
honestly.. look through the mags.... K2... come on now.. just drop out or hire someone with some creativity.. pathetic that some of these things get cleared to be seen in public.. it's pathetic.. its gay..
i sometimes picture the meetings.. a group of jackasses agreeing? when you decide an idea is complete or an ad is done.. you most likely think or at least want to think "this is the shit.. we're the shit.. finger on the pulse.." no way an idea makes it to the art dept and then out to the media without someone thinking this.. which makes it even more funny..... *sure i will keep this ramble directed towards k2.. just to make an example. take a hike or fire your crew..... if it were easier to find a solid board deal, 3/4 of your team would be gone. because there is no other reason any of them would agree to continue that played out bullshit of a campaign. too think that anyone is paying bills or supporting a family of of shit thinking like that... should make most people want to shoot themselves.. or better yet, show up for a powder day in girl pants. like a fag.
all these piece of shit companies are packed up with surfers or fools who have know knowledge of what they are doing other than a BA..
they wont hire anyone qualified or respected out of either fear of looking stupid once said person comes in with some legit thinking or they just dont want to pay anyone more than a G a month so they can retain their authority..
please... cant we make it sooner that snowboarding is like the skate industry and riders are running the real shit.....
i dont even care that burton is on top... they always will be but at least they have roots.
so.......... yes... snowboarding as an industry is more or less gay.
thanks willie..... although i do like matching on the hill.. gots to look tight to feel tight.
the laughter
I am still young, I am only 21 years old, but I feel that I never let the corporate imagery in this industry corrupt my personal style or the sense of pride I have for being lucky enough to be working my way into a place where I feel that I am getting respected for my photography. I am also lucky enough to work with a group of riders that constantly remind me of how it used to be, a real talented group of kids not in it for the fame or glory, or to prove themselves or whatever, but out there to have fun, be themselves and step up the game so to speak.
Maybe thats what it takes, we have to figure out a way to alleviate the power of corruption that the larger and mainstream companies have created for themselves.
nope not gay
you are fully on point. and the reason for this post was not to upset anyone. not to diss anyone's scene. but to educate. look how many angles were written on this.
this was the point.
when i was growing up, i was fortunate enough to have older dudes schooling me.
teaching me the roots. and i think kids really need this these days.
and you my friend have a solid perspective.
and my friends who know me. they know that snowboarding means more to me than anything in the world. and the way snowboarding was, is, and will be is what i care about the most in this world.
46 genes=how many chromosomes?
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
funny shit!
I hope you all know Willie rides in jeans and a "Huskers" Starter jacket, he's actually from Nebraska.
Everyone should make snowboarding uniforms out of garbage bags and wallpaper, use newspapers for insulation like hobos.
How come no one rides in wetsuits anymore? That was functional! The dreaded industry of dread should bring that back.
Online fights are funny, I spent like 10 minutes reading that shit.
GO HUSKERS!
Another set of props
When I met Willie, he was a youngster who didn't have shit other than an absolute love for snowboarding. Growing up in JH with obscene amounts of money being tossed around and rich jack legs complaining about too much powder and too much vertical only made it more ironic. Here was a kid who lived in snowboarding mecca, but had make copper wire out of every penny just to get on the hill, which he could stare at out the school room window. He on the flow list not because he pestered people, not because he was the baddest showboater out there (though he would progress to the badass level very quickly), not because he had a sponsor me video, but because he was down to ride, regardless of weather, equipment, time of the year, anything. And if there was no snow it was time to skate, and if it wasn't time to skate it was time burn and conversate. It was all about fun. If your didn't have money you had duct tape. These were the years that resorts didn't allow snow boarding, skiers spit on you from the chair, no olympics, no Red Bull, no Amex ads and no corporate interest. The folks that came after us take all this shit for granted including the goofy fashion explosion, the growth of "urban" snowboarding and not having people look at you weird when you tell them you don't use poles. Willie is expressing a common feeling among most any one that has been riding for more than 15 years, whether they're in the "industy" or not. The first two generations of snowboarders strived hard to distance themselves from the corporate world of sking and ski fashion over function, because they did'nt give a damn and actually hated us. Now the whole 70's/80's ski type trend of fasion before function is being pushed on the newer riders, 'cause its big business. Try ridding powder( or whatever) in your stretch jeans when its below zero and the wind is blowing sideways on the lift, gong to the bar at the end of the day until your crosseyed, sleeping on your buddies floor in your wet gear and doing all over again the next 5,10, however many days. The fashion part of your outfit starts to not matter pretty quickly.
I left the snow business, but Willie stayed true to his game and has alot good things to show for it. If you can't respect the man, respect his wisdom.
And before folks get the impression I'm a Western mountain snob, I learned to snowboard at Butternut Basin and Bosquet in western Mass. When I was old enough (19), I packed my shit and moved out west and got a job washing dishes/line cooking so I could ride some real mountains. It was that important.
nz
✠™
"you either get what im saying...
or you basically just started snowboarding."
aint that the fucking truth.
you never cease to amaze me.
no, you should suck his @**K because he was dropping man lines in the tetons while you were rocking to green day in your diapers.Part of the reason snowboarding is gay now is because little fags like you from georgia who occasionally get to take a weekend trip to snowboard think they know everything about everything.When the truth is you don't know shit about this sport that most of us have made our lives for the last 10-20 years.no one is asking you to suck anyones D**k, but it would be nice if you'd show a little respect for someone like Mcmillon and companies like bluebird.
I feel better.
Respect
Is what i have for him. But that dosent mean i agree with him on everything. I love how you censor dick with d**k, like people dont know what d**k means. Yeah, your right, driving 9 hours to WV with no money for food, gas, lift tickets and hotels-just to ride for one day is weekend warrier material. Why do you spell out the word "fag" but refuse to spell out "dick"?
ok.You're a Dick.how's that?
ok.You're a Dick.how's that?
Your supposed to hit the spac
Your supposed to hit the space bar after a period and before the start of a new sentence.
you really should stop correcting peoples grammar/spelling, cause that right there is the first full sentence youve gotten more or less right.
does anyone know how to spell cunt-rag? is it two words or one?
stay in school
You + are = You're.
i guess
i guess we were all snowboarding while you were in school learning about periods and computers
p.s. warriOr
p.s.
warriOr
peaches...
...no matter what, you'll never get it. scott, well done amigo...
Just so you know, technically
Just so you know, technically South Carolina is the real Peach state, since they produce more peaches than Georgia.
well son
thanks for the "props" bro.
i usually wear jeans when i ride powder. and a leather jacket. cuz mainly i really want to get my image across.
so by your response, you openly admitted to the public, that you fall into this catagory.
i got a joke for you.
Q:whats the hardest part about wearing girls jeans when you shred?
A:telling your parents you have full blown aids.
Look At All The Love We've Found
Q: What do you call a Jackson Hole kid making jokes about gays, aids and homie's girl jeans?
A: A full blown J-Hole.
ok
im gonna have to assume that YOUR "J-Hole" is fully "blown out".
do we need to move on to jokes about hippy chicks from Grasser?
HA
I'm gonna be straight up honest and say I don't actually know what (or which) a 'J-Hole' is.. durr.. hahaha...
It rhymed with A-hole and you're from Jackson, so I went with it.
However, now it is by far MUCH funnier when I reread it.. haha.. and I've learned another lovely new term from this special[ED] site... I feel so enlightened.
And I'm looking forward to those hip-chick jokes, Sir. I adoore a good laugh.. so bring it.
;)
actually
a "J-Hole" is.. no i wont go there.
when u go to jackson, you'll find out where your "J-Hole" is when u end up at the bar late at night and Mark Carter takes you home.
He actually owns a "J-Hole Locator"
Thanks, But I Urban Dictionaried It..
Funny tho, that 'j-hole locator' wasn't on urban dictionary.com yet. I can't believe I even searched that term alone- haha.. good stuff. I'll have to pass on Mr. Carters offer as well. Sorry, but that route is NOT and never will be a two way street in TM town.
wow
wow...you are a real pc of work.
nobody 'round here was talking about THAT hole.
you need to watch your language when you're talking on the internet.
Gutter Alley
mmm-kaay....
(ok... now you are making me make myself blush.. durr... nevermind)
try...
...3 minutes.
dr. funny made
another great joke. i've actually never worn tight jeans on the hill in my life "bro". snowboarding isn't communism dip shit. and i'm sure there are tons of "gays with aids" in tight jeans that shred twice as hard and have more fun you do. i know it's cliche as fuck but snowboarding is about having a good time, and if every time you're at the mountain you're throwing a fuckin' fit cus everyones not the same as you then i dont know why you snowboard.
i really dont think you reali
i really dont think you realize who youre talking to, man. the guy is bluebird, as in willie mcmillon and the owner and founder of bluebird wax, one of the last companies that is truly "core", no matter how its defined. and his whole point is that snowboarding is about having fun and shredding with your friends, and yet most kids and most of the snowboarding media focus nearly 100% on how you dress and what fads you buy into.
and i know im being completely judgmental, but from your posts id assume you were one of "those" kids too. but when you assume you make an ass out of you and me, teehee
i think
what you meant was communistic.
snowboarding isn't communistic.
but while everyone is trying suuuuuuuuper hard to be different, they end up just looking like clowns. in clown suits.
and that makes them the same.
which is alot like "communism" to me.
and c'mon
"gays with aids" ....that's no way to talk on the internet.
where are you getting this?
"cliche" are you kidding. Snowboarding is the best thing ever.
Finally...
I couldn't agree with you more. There is a bunch of stuff going on that I can't stand in the industry as well. Maybe after 20+ years in the industry, I am just old and shitty too, but this kind of stuff has to be said.
This is a sad time in snowboarding. Tight jeans, outerwear that makes you dizzy if you look at it too long, kids digging out the park rails on a pow day, etc. I think it has gotten to the point where it is actually embarrassing. Maybe even more so then it was in the late 80's / early 90's when you told someone you were a snowboarder, and then you explained to them what that was for the rest of your flight.
I hope and pray that the industry corrects itself. But only time will tell. Until then, I suppose we are stuck with mag cover shots of guys dropping a set of 25 stairs, or perhaps some tight jeaned kickflip.
By the way, did you see that Think Thank video? Now I was happy with their first release, especially as a rider born and raised in the Northwest. But I have never seen such a long snowboard movie, with so little snowboarding in it. I'm fine with a little filler footage filmed on your local football bleachers or whatever, but please. How much is too much? Too gimmicky. Amazingly talented riders, doing cool/funny stuff. Well, for the first 5 minutes at least. After that...
&
I never seen any kickflips on covers of mags. Not any stair ollies I recall either. Jermey Jones had a sick bomb drop gap at the rail gardens a few years back, but surely its okay if its Jeremy for some reason but not if its some new kid.
Im pretty sure the first jean
Im pretty sure the first jeans made by levi Strauss were nut huggers. If you think Jim Greco started the trend of wearing tight jeans five years ago, than your a dumbass. The 49er miners, the greasers, and rockers and punx have all rocked tight jeans. Do you think they're pusseys? Im pretty sure our parents all rocked tight jeans in the 70s too. But i do agree wearing jeans snowboarding is generally a bad idea. And i also agree with you on the whole snowboarding "industry" thing. me calling snowboarding an "industry" proves your point.
im pretty sure those people wore 'em like that because they didnt have any options and cause thats what worked best for them. who would go mine gold and coal in baggy jeans that would get caught in the machinery? and our parents and his parents grew up in different time periods, brohan. we're 19, 18 for you, hes like... 56, 8'9" and eats thunder and lightening bolts for snacks haha. and no, i dont know him at all, but i respect the shit outta him.
Exactly
The tight jeans worked best for them, just like they work best while skating. Who wants to wear baggy jeans while skating? They just restirct movement. tight stretch jeans, are the best jeans to skate in. Street snowboarders dont want to shred in huge, bulky clothes. When its 45 degrees outside in NC, i dont want wear outerwear that 1)stricts movement, 2)is hot and uncomfortable 3)looks "gay".
but since this debate is about SNOWboarding, it doesnt matter whats best to skate in. bluebird was merely stating that the kids are trying to emulate greco's style, not that greco was wrong for doing it, and that the kids arent being at all as original as they think they are. 19 times outta 20 its absolutely rediculous to ride in jeans, and that one time it is even slightly acceptable, its 75 degrees outside and youre not in danger of getting hypothermia when you get soaked.
and dude, youve only been riding for 4 years and in the south none the less, so dont talk about "street snowboarders", whatever the fuck that is, and what they want.
In the south all people have
In the south all people have to ride is street shit. in case you dont know we have pretty big mountains in the south, the biggest mountains east of the mississippi to be exact. Snowshoe, Wv(which is owned by Intrawest)recieves an average of 180 inches of snow a year. Ive meet people from Colorado and Whyoming who've said Snowshoe was one of the funest placest they've ever rode. Yet ignorant people refuse to recignize the snowboard scene in NC, WV, and VA. People just like to stereotype the south as a bunch of rednecks who live on farms and drink alchol made from car radiators(um, yum!). But thats okay, ill countinue to shred on a slushy hill with 500 vertical feet while willie is riding in waist high powder. Because i love snowboarding so much! Everyone immitates different peoples styles. The Rolling Stones were influenced by Muddy Waters and early blues musicians-Jim Greco immitates Keith richards style of dress-Snowboarders immitate Jim Greco-Skiers immitate snowboarders.
actually
well. when i want to go surf, i dont do it in wyoming. well, we surf behind boats in lakes.
but that's besides the point.
but i dont claim surfing. you dont see me rolling around in downtown Jhole wearing Zinc on my nose holding a surfboard, listening to Jack Johnson.
but yeah i love surfing. so i go to places with beaches.
if you want to snowboard, go to the mountains.
if you want to pose, go "smith grind" a rail next to 7-11 on your 142cm.
or do some lien draulas on the trampoline.
snowboarding is to skating
as boogie boarding is to surfing.
It would be nice if we all li
It would be nice if we all lived in WY or BC and rode powder every day for the rest of our lives. Unfortanetly not all of us are as fortunate as you. Isnt snowboating about having fun? What would happend if we all wore the same thing and videos parts featured nothing but clif lines? Do you wear board shorts? If you do your influenced by surfing.
Ego Trippin'
See now, I prefer being a 'poser' by gearing up and hangin down by the bar or in the lodge all day.
Actually, I think being too 'cool' to talk about snowboarding and get stoked on it is an even better way to 'pose'. You know those kids, they have become 'better' than that childish mentality that makes you grin like a silly child when you just think about riding whatever type of line that gets you goin.
And to be better than what, I have no freaken clue. Nothing is better than the childhood mentality in my book. To be confident enough in your self and what you love in life and be able to laugh and get straight stupid over something that rocks you right is something to strive for daily. This also includes having and sharing your opinion on it. And being able to take some heat for it too..
Personally, I am highly entertained by all fashion in any industry- I love personal style, any way its presented. The only thing that really annoys me about it are the 'attitudes' that come with the new fashion trends. Darlin, I love your style, but the only thing thats gonna make you a 'cooler' snowboarder to me is you throwing down on your ride or helping out somebody in need. Or maybe just bein good people. Yeah.. now that would be rad.
I try to judge someone based off their person, rather than their wardrobe- or their riding style. However, it is with out a doubt that fashion trends bring in attitudes- attitudes that were initially respected for defending their style when it was not 'popular', but now only serve to create and promote those exhausting 'So Cal It Hurts' egos.
I say enjoy your style, be different, represent, ride whatever the hell you want... and inspire others by being a good, unique person. That's what I strive to do and those are the kids who inspire me and my personal style the most. Not fashion trends. And definitely not another asshole in a stylish hoodie or bro-brah who's only purpose in life seems to be is to act and look cooler than you do.
As for that wakesurf, I just started this summer and I'm in looooooove with it! Its definitely not as brutal as the ocean (or a wakeboard) and is some good lazy-style ride time on the lake. I'm gonnna start making some waterproof purses now too! Talk about some smookin hot new product- all the 'pretty' kids will be aall over my new style! Thanks for the idea, Wille.. you're one crafty muther. I'll definitely make sure to shout out to ya on my new 2 page ad too- "Another Wild, Wonderful Idea ala Wille!!" (check's in the mail). Even better, would you consider 'posing' with one of my purses for marketing purposes? Oh come on, you would look soo pretttyyy...
ha : )
(.)(.)
fucking WAURD!
I'm going to buy 2X as much wax just based on this post.
dude, i was born and raised in orlando, fl. not very southern culturally, yes, but when youre a 7th generation floridian, youre more or less grandfathered in. im not saying the kids down there arent serious about riding, im just saying that youre winter experiences are very different than the vast majority of the snowboarding world. and stop tellin us how snowshoe is owned by intrawest, that doesnt mean shit.