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April, 2025

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Superunknown disappointments

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J_Christoph
Posts: 2519 - Karma: 8,755
How the hell does Cal Carson get completely overlooked?! Feel free to bring up your own frustrations. Shit is whack.

Just that time of year again
6 years ago
24 2
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SeaUrchin123
Posts: 494 - Karma: 2,262
Perhaps he's too well known already, but then again I don't know what constitutes being "Superunknown"...
6 years ago
5 3
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,673
Murphy802Perhaps he's too well known already, but then again I don't know what constitutes being "Superunknown"...


lol but john brown and carson kerr are less known than cal?

Did cal put an edit out? I havent seen a video from him but i agree i think he should have 100% made it in finals if he put a video in the mix. That kid is the future, his bag of tricks are insane.

Really stoked on kerrensy making it to finals tho stoked to see the content from him
6 years ago
12 2
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-Dan
Posts: 7189 - Karma: 53,452
He probably didn’t enter. Simple as that. I know he’s been focused on filming for the Child Labkr movie this season.
6 years ago
10 9
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Schoess
Posts: 2132 - Karma: 25,537
-DanHe probably didn’t enter. Simple as that. I know he’s been focused on filming for the Child Labkr movie this season.

He did enter, I hit him up about it. He also posted on his story awhile back of him entering. Regardless, it's hard to know what all the criteria of judging means to the actual judges lol
6 years ago
6 0
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tsingtaofanatic
Posts: 3344 - Karma: 4,583
my boi samuel alander :(
6 years ago
2 0
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MiniMeDanny
Posts: 1737 - Karma: 2,312
The level of talent this year was so high it's unreal. If you want to make finals, you've got to be doing some top notch skiing outside the park. It's crazy to think about how many kids had super impressive videos that didn't even make semi-finals, Cal clearly being one of them. With entries like this though, the bar has been set unbelievably high:

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/929802/Blake-Wilson-SuperUnknown-Finalist

Serious advice for anyone looking to make finals next year, challenge yourself to include as few park shots as possible.
6 years ago
6 9
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_____alfredo____
Posts: 1123 - Karma: 2,503
MiniMeDannySerious advice for anyone looking to make finals next year, challenge yourself to include as few park shots as possible.


That doesn't really make sense considering the finals is 100% a park setup
6 years ago
32 0
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MiniMeDanny
Posts: 1737 - Karma: 2,312
darticus_primeThat doesn't really make sense considering the finals is 100% a park setup


Right. But before the park shoots were part of this competition, Level 1 chose one winner based solely on the video entries. The park shoot is a nice add on to this competition but the intention of it isn't to find the best park skier, it's just the easiest way to bring the finalists together and have them ride together in an environment that everyone is familiar with and is classic to freestyle skiing: a terrain park (definitely easier to bring all 11 finalists to a park shoot than on an urban trip or into the backcountry).

I completely agree though that it is a bit weird to have a psycho backcountry skier like Blake Wilson riding alongside someone like Carson Kerr in a park shoot but that's simply the easiest way to do things for a competition like this. With that said, I find it very unlikely that Blake Wilson ends up winning this year's Superunknown based on the spring park shoot, but there's a real good chance that he'll still be filming with Level 1 in the future.

If you're a talented skier and want to have a good shot at finals, I'd still say that your best bet is to film your video out of the park. Any trick that you can do on a park jump or a rail, take it to a natural feature on the mountain, a jump you build, or to the streets... (unless your park skiing is unbelievably progressive and creative like Anton Lindén)
6 years ago
11 3
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bueno
Posts: 721 - Karma: 4,488
Don’t get me wrong I love watching Carson Kerr ski, and his edit was dope, but without a doubt most of the semi finalists went harder than him and I know of my buddies superunknown that went harder than Carson’s edit so it kinda just seems like some weird popularity contest but at the same time you’re suppose to be “unknown”
6 years ago
15 0
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Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
Carson Kerr’s edit was cool, but mad lame that he was using shots from like 5 seasons ago. It’s not supposed to be a highlight reel like that... lame
6 years ago
16 2
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Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
I’m not overly surprised that Cal didn’t advance. I’ve never seen anything from him in the backcountry, and the urban that he posts is most always on small low risk spots (Utah rail gardens).

He is a true park rider, and Level 1 has made it clear every single year that they are looking for a lot more than that. So yeah, if he just submitted a video that looks like all of his Instagram posts, I am not at all surprised that Level 1 passed entirely. Why would they waste time filming with someone who’s entire offering of skiing has already been displayed on Instagram via PC edits? He needs to progress outside of Park City edits haha.
6 years ago
11 13
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Yung_Feb
Posts: 122 - Karma: 530
Spend 1 day skiing with Cal and you will understand why he shouldve won this competition years ago
6 years ago
12 3
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Chef.Bayardee
Posts: 109 - Karma: 360
Park_RangerI’m not overly surprised that Cal didn’t advance. I’ve never seen anything from him in the backcountry, and the urban that he posts is most always on small low risk spots (Utah rail gardens).

He is a true park rider, and Level 1 has made it clear every single year that they are looking for a lot more than that. So yeah, if he just submitted a video that looks like all of his Instagram posts, I am not at all surprised that Level 1 passed entirely. Why would they waste time filming with someone who’s entire offering of skiing has already been displayed on Instagram via PC edits? He needs to progress outside of Park City edits haha.


You're a funny guy. Enjoy being a stupid idiot.
6 years ago
6 0
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Chef.Bayardee
Posts: 109 - Karma: 360
Level 1 has lost touch with their fanbase. By making subpar choices for contestants, passing up those who would "blow up", and multiple repeats they have put the nails in their own coffin.
6 years ago
11 4
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Pat.t
Posts: 246 - Karma: 2,023
Park_RangerI’m not overly surprised that Cal didn’t advance. I’ve never seen anything from him in the backcountry, and the urban that he posts is most always on small low risk spots (Utah rail gardens).

He is a true park rider, and Level 1 has made it clear every single year that they are looking for a lot more than that. So yeah, if he just submitted a video that looks like all of his Instagram posts, I am not at all surprised that Level 1 passed entirely. Why would they waste time filming with someone who’s entire offering of skiing has already been displayed on Instagram via PC edits? He needs to progress outside of Park City edits haha.


ur an ignorant wooget. thats it thats all
6 years ago
1 0
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Chef.Bayardee
Posts: 109 - Karma: 360
Chef.BayardeeLevel 1 has lost touch with their fanbase. By making subpar choices for contestants, passing up those who would "blow up", and multiple repeats they have put the nails in their own coffin.


This being said majority of the euro riders are nuts and definitely deserving.
6 years ago
5 0
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J_Christoph
Posts: 2519 - Karma: 8,755
Chef.BayardeeLevel 1 has lost touch with their fanbase. By making subpar choices for contestants, passing up those who would "blow up", and multiple repeats they have put the nails in their own coffin.


Nails in their own coffin is definitely the way to describe not getting more people like Cal into this contest as he would in fact blow up and help give Level 1 the revamp they’re needing
6 years ago
4 1
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GrandThings
Posts: 3293 - Karma: 33,949
I bet if he wanted to, Blake Wilson could put out a banger park edit.

I'd always just assumed that Level 1 picked the people that fit the gaps in their next year lineup the most. Pwhite and CLogan going back on their own? Pull in Blake Wilson (just an example)
6 years ago
3 0
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Phillydog1
Posts: 195 - Karma: 306
None of the Troll guys even made the semis. That's a little crazy to me but I guess they didn't have anything outside of park
6 years ago
2 0
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Park_Ranger
Posts: 3825 - Karma: 8,635
Chef.BayardeeYou're a funny guy. Enjoy being a stupid idiot.


Haaa says the kid who’s entire IG is PC edits. Like Cal, you need to improve your offering and move on from what people mastered 12 years ago.
6 years ago
3 6
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eheath
Posts: 61937 - Karma: 126,481
J_ChristophNails in their own coffin is definitely the way to describe not getting more people like Cal into this contest as he would in fact blow up and help give Level 1 the revamp they’re needing


Please elaborate.
6 years ago
1 0
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Chef.Bayardee
Posts: 109 - Karma: 360
Park_RangerHaaa says the kid who’s entire IG is PC edits. Like Cal, you need to improve your offering and move on from what people mastered 12 years ago.


prove u can kfed dork. or better yet how bout you actually go skiing instead of making another thread you nutbag thread monster.
6 years ago
1 5
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Chef.Bayardee
Posts: 109 - Karma: 360
Park_RangerHaaa says the kid who’s entire IG is PC edits. Like Cal, you need to improve your offering and move on from what people mastered 12 years ago.


seriously your like a person with no fucking arms or legs telling phelps that he doesn't know how to swim. shut the fuck up
6 years ago
1 5
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skierman
Posts: 8597 - Karma: 9,469
Chef.Bayardeeprove u can kfed dork. or better yet how bout you actually go skiing instead of making another thread you nutbag thread monster.


Learn how to ski non-groomed trails, you one-trick pussies.
6 years ago
4 1
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Chef.Bayardee
Posts: 109 - Karma: 360
skiermanLearn how to ski non-groomed trails, you one-trick pussies.


i skied moguls for 3 years before being allowed into the park, thanks.
6 years ago
1 4
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Chef.Bayardee
Posts: 109 - Karma: 360
skiermanLearn how to ski non-groomed trails, you one-trick pussies.


cal did dub 10 first hit on the gnarliest bc jump I've ever seen and stomped it. you guys are invalid
6 years ago
4 3
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skierman
Posts: 8597 - Karma: 9,469
Chef.Bayardeecal did dub 10 first hit on the gnarliest bc jump I've ever seen and stomped it. you guys are invalid


LOL last I checked he didn't dub 10 Chad's soooooo you're wrong.
6 years ago
5 5
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dubmasterskanka
Posts: 828 - Karma: 2,964
skiermanLOL last I checked he didn't dub 10 Chad's soooooo you're wrong.


As if Chads gap is the be all, end all of skiing lmao. I won't be suckered into your degeneracy Skierbro.
6 years ago
3 0
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fredyferl
Posts: 2953 - Karma: 14,929
It is pretty clear by now that Level 1 doesn't like edits that are filled with technical tricks on low risk park rails. If you're mainly good at rails then you need to have some good urban in there if you want to at least make semis. Look at someone like Tucker Fitzsimmons. He would probably not have made semis if his entry was only park, even though he's a really good skier. I feel like the formula if you want to have a chance is either have a unique style/tricks that really stands out, where you can get away with only park shots, or have a solid entry that really showcases your skiing outside of the park with street or BC shots.
6 years ago
5 0
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J_Christoph
Posts: 2519 - Karma: 8,755
eheathPlease elaborate.


For sure. With how the general trend in skiing has gone lately, I think the type of skiing that guys like Cal, Alex Koford, Andrew Wegan and Pete are on is much more relatable to Level 1’s audience than a water feature segment or pump track.

Realski this year was a great example. People were up in arms when Jake didn’t even podium. He won fan favorite as a result. In my opinion, that’s a pretty good indicator of what a huge chunk of the skiing community is wanting to see highlighted in the game right now. Hell, even Jesper Tjader was lowkey track panting in his Slvsh game. I don’t consider myself a “new wave” skier, but I think Level 1 is missing the mark this year when it comes to evolving along with the trends of their target audience.
6 years ago
4 0
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skierman
Posts: 8597 - Karma: 9,469
Grindy_McSliderAs if Chads gap is the be all, end all of skiing lmao. I won't be suckered into your degeneracy Skierbro.


"gnarliest BC jump I've ever seen"

"Chad's Gap is the gnarliest BC jump anyone has ever seen"

"I WON'T RESPOND TO YOUR FACTS! LET ME EMBELLISH MY FRIEND'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS!"
6 years ago
0 1
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weiler
Posts: 735 - Karma: 654
Seems pretty straight forward. It's a video contest to find someone who can shoot with level 1. Cal is a sick progressive skier but that didn't show in his video. They weren't judging his latest instagram edit. If he put forth the effort to create a well rounded superunknown edit he wold have made finals.
6 years ago
3 0
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abar.
Posts: 1062 - Karma: 6,903
I've never been particularly impressed by cal's skiing. His 4 year edit looked like mostly b roll
6 years ago
4 5
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,673
abar.I've never been particularly impressed by cal's skiing. His 4 year edit looked like mostly b roll


I mean he literally said in the description of that video that he’s saving his A shots for a video part, so they were mostly B shots...
6 years ago
1 0
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abar.
Posts: 1062 - Karma: 6,903
Chubz.I mean he literally said in the description of that video that he’s saving his A shots for a video part, so they were mostly B shots...

That's fair, but why are people mad about su if he said he's only using b roll for it?
6 years ago
1 0
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,673
abar.That's fair, but why are people mad about su if he said he's only using b roll for it?


Could be he doesn’t care about getting in SU, just because people feel like there’s recognition needed to be given to cal doesn’t mean he feels the same way.
6 years ago
1 0
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eheath
Posts: 61937 - Karma: 126,481
Chubz.Could be he doesn’t care about getting in SU, just because people feel like there’s recognition needed to be given to cal doesn’t mean he feels the same way.


I don't think anyone enters superunknown that doesn't care about it, what would be the point?
6 years ago
3 0
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,673
eheathI don't think anyone enters superunknown that doesn't care about it, what would be the point?


I don’t know, I don’t know cal personally so I’m just speculating. Why would you enter SU and not put your absolute best shots in it? Probably because your more worried about making a video part with your boys and saving your A clips for the child labor or Vishnu movie. That makes sense to me, and I get the vibe that those kids/the whole Vishnu team doesn’t circle jerk around level 1 and superunknown like the rest of freeski community does.
6 years ago
2 0
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eheath
Posts: 61937 - Karma: 126,481
Chubz.I don’t know, I don’t know cal personally so I’m just speculating. Why would you enter SU and not put your absolute best shots in it? Probably because your more worried about making a video part with your boys and saving your A clips for the child labor or Vishnu movie. That makes sense to me, and I get the vibe that those kids/the whole Vishnu team doesn’t circle jerk around level 1 and superunknown like the rest of freeski community does.


Yeah maybe Cal can chime in here, I think he wanted to enter but as you said, he wants to save clips, but I think I agree with you that he just shouldn't have entered if it wasn't gonna be his best tricks.
6 years ago
0 0
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cory.iyoob
Posts: 737 - Karma: 5,372
Cal’s street part in the Child Labor movie is about to be game changing. Those who don’t see his potential now will change their minds this fall.
6 years ago
9 0
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GrandThings
Posts: 3293 - Karma: 33,949
Also just throwing it out there, we've talked about Cal more than any of the people that actually made the finals...

No such thing as bad publicity
6 years ago
2 0
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,673
eheathYeah maybe Cal can chime in here, I think he wanted to enter but as you said, he wants to save clips, but I think I agree with you that he just shouldn't have entered if it wasn't gonna be his best tricks.


Im with the rest of the crowd thats saying Cal should have made finals..he should have made semi's at least. He's definitely more than a park rat, he has gnarlier urban tricks in his SU than a lot of people and threw a massive dub 10 on a bc jump. I think he definitely had what it took to be selected in finals, but I'm sure he doesn't see winning Superunknown to be the be all end all of "making it" as a professional skier. Those days are looooonnggg gone and not coming in my eyes. With the rise of social media you can claim your fame with insta edits, which is what he's doing and obviously he has a pretty large fan base. I think Cal will get the exposure he deserves within the next year or so.
6 years ago
4 0
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