I really don't understand where alot of you get off being so protective over skiing, and keeping it core or whatever. First of all, the only guys who have the right to be claiming that attitude are the scandinavians who invented the sport about a bijillion years ago. they can legitimately claim ownership of skiing in general, as far as I'm concerned. Skiing is a huge sport; it's popular both at competitive and recreational levels. I hope that the segment of skiing in which we all participate will continue to grow and hopefully be considered on par in popularity with a discipline like slalom or downhill racing. I love what we do on twin tip skis; I love the lifestyle, I love the activity, and I don't see any sense in depriving anyone of the opportunity to enjoy it as much as we do.
as for endemic sponsorship, I think it is the best thing that could possibly happen to our little segment of skiing. Having corporate companies involved generates alot of revenue for pro skiers, who in turn, can keep doing things like starting contests and filming great movies. Secondly, when companies such as Target show interest in a sport like this, everyone takes notice, especially tv networks. Target advertises with major american tv stations, and it only seems that logical that if they invest in a guy like Dumont, they will put as much pressure as they can on the networks to televise events and stories related to him. This obviously produces a trickle down effect to other athletes involved in the sport, who can then demand better wages and further compensation for their work. As fun as skiing is, when it comes to the industry itself, take it from me, it's about the bottom line. Companies dont sponsor skiers because they think the particular person is cool or outstanding or whatever, they hire an athlete to wear their gear because they believe it will increase sales of their product. It might come as a shock to alot of younger guys and girls on this website, but pro skiers need to make enough to earn a living; mom and dad aren't always going to loan them money to travel to the us open, and they have to be involved with companies which can compensate them fairly for their efforts in advertising the products that they use. I don't see this as selling out by any means, I only consider it fair remuneration for hard work.
As for Simon himself, i've had the opportunity to spend some time with him on occasion over the last four years. Believe me, i've seen him and his friends fuck up, make mistakes, do dumb things. But I know first hand that alot has changed in his mind, as well as within those around him. He's sitting on a great business opportunity, and he's making decisions which will hopefully give him lifelong revenue and the chance to do some amazing things. While his behaviour may not be up to all of your standards, I can personally attest to the fact that he's grown up alot. Much of his work right now is in legitimizing this type of skiing in the mainstream media, and I think everyone involved in the sport will benefit. More money going into the pockets of pro skiers means more rider-owned brands, more contests like JOI and the North American Open, better films etc.
You can hate on Empire's style (the clothing thus far isn't anything I would personally wear), but you can't hate on Simon's work. The kid knows how to interact with a crowd, loves being the center of attention and signing autographs. Perhaps he's a bit of a jock, maybe not as counter-culture as some of you would like, but I think he's doing a ton to take the sport to the next level, and I only hope he's successful in doing so.
anyways, that's post # 1 of my twice a year rants on ns, hope you enjoyed it.
