"Growing up in Salt Lake as a snowboarder is like growing up in Nashville as a country singer or New Orleans as a jazz player. You’re in it. There’s a trap people growing up like that can fall into, though. They can become a product of their environment, becoming indistinguishable from the myriad of clichés that made the location synonymous with the act in the first place. Noah Peterson avoided that trap. In the world of 21st century snowboarding, Noah stands alone. He’s one of the few not caught up in reposts or contests, but what really puts him apart is his style. Frankly, after seeing what Noah grew up watching, it starts to make sense."
— Norm Schoff
Blake Paul - Snowboard Mag's Foreword (2014)
It is no secret that I was Blake’s super fan when so was younger. Even though I don’t try to get all the same clothes that he wore or buy his board every year at the milo pro sale, not much has changed. This part shaped me, so much of how I look at snowboarding and what I think is cool I learned from this part— and from Blake. I watched it religiously after seeing it for the first time at the premiere in the Milo parking lot. I will always know that his part starts just a few seconds after the 10-minute mark, I know every single word to “So American” by Portugal the Man, and I could tell you what color jacket he is wearing in almost every clip. I can honestly say I would not be in the same place, or the same person, had it not been for this part.
Keegan Valaika - Absinthe Films' Eversince (2015)
This part opened my eyes. Being from Utah and growing up riding at Snowbird, I always knew that being the rail kid or having all the technical ability was never going to be me, and I was always okay with that. But when I watched this part I realized that there is so much more out there than kink rails and pretzels. Keegan showed me you can take whatever approach you want into filming and make it relate and work for one’s self, whether that’s finding spots or in the backcountry. Wall rides, gaps, the best backside 720 that will ever be done, and tricks that may not seem technically hard display so much more character and personality of the person who is riding the snowboard. Keegan will always be the best to ever step on a snowboard to me.
Danimals - Vans Snow's Landline. (2018)
Danimals Part: 11:58
I think Landline. rocked everyone in snowboarding’s world. This part came out the same year that I met everyone in the Dustbox and started to see my path in snowboarding. Seeing a part with so much creativity, out-of-the-box trick selection, and different ways to approach a spot (paired with a hardcore band that I have always enjoyed, Rudimentary Peni) really inspired me to try and create something that not only felt true to myself, but also portrayed all the things that I love. Even if it is just a snowboard part full of spots that I like, tricks that I think are cool, and music that I want to listen to everyday. Danimals also showed me how much fun snowboarding is, and how much joy it can bring. There isn’t a single clip where Dan isn’t smiling, laughing, and seemingly having the time of his life. This has always stuck with me because it is easy to let all the bad thoughts in and take away the joy in snowboarding. So seeing someone you look up to stay happy and positive no matter the situation really reminds me how lucky I am to be doing what I am doing and to just enjoy it.
Danimals - Videograss's Videogracias (2015)
I was trying not to double up on Danimals, but you can’t hide from the truth. I don’t enjoy watching anyone snowboard as much as Danimals. I love the speed and power, but also the calm grace he brings into every spot, whether it’s something big and scary, or small and inviting. I already touched on how much I love Danimals' approach to his spots and the tricks he does, so I won’t divulge again. But all 17 clips have something so special about them that make me love this part so much.
Jake Olson-Elm - Transworld Snowboarding's In Color (2015)
Jakes part: 19:15
Jake OE was my first favorite snowboarder. The first person I watched snowboard and thought “wow, this is fucking cool”. Dyed hair, ripped up pants, colorful sweaters and no gloves. Seemed like he was wearing what he would wear on any given day and he just so happens to be snowboarding. I love the way he opens the box for how you can hit a rail. You can gap just to the flat or pop out early into some little transition. Possibilities are endless and Jake really displayed that.
