Rider Question:
What do I need to work on in my freebording to become a freebord pro? What criteria make you “good” at freebording?
Thanks,
Dallas
Do you look this epic when you stare at your phone?
Pro Answer: Mike Hoppe
Hey Dallas, thanks for the question. There’s no specific “criteria” to being pro. The first thing you should do is check out all the team subs from last year. They’re on the team profiles here: www.freebord.com/team
While some of us are more downhill oriented and others are more freestyle oriented, notice that every member of the team is pretty well-rounded and can do both.
Couple of other things that might help you get sponsed:
Get a crew. Riding with friends is way more fun. Get some rides up the hill, film eachother, push eachother, etc.
Find good terrain. Stepping up to bigger, better hills and skate spots is crucial as you’re stepping up you riding game. Keep exploring.
Film a lot. Self-made videos are how every pro first got on the map, so make an effort to improve your filming techniques and editing skills so you can showcase your riding well.
Baby steps. Don’t be stupid. Stay within your limits and live to ride another day. Don’t step to that 10 stair if you can’t do 5, and definitely do not be unsafe on big hills if you’re feeling sketchy. And of course, wear your helmet, every time, no excuses.
Submit early. Even if you don’t feel your riding is at team-status yet, it never hurts to submit for the team at the end of each year. This will get you on Freebord’s radar and the team manager may give you some specific feedback on areas that need improvement.
At the end of the day, I wouldn’t worry too much about “practicing” this stuff. Just ride a lot and have fun doing it and the progression will come. The best reward you’ll ever get out of your bord is the pure thrill of riding it down your favorite hill. That’s still true for me, and it’s something we all share in common, pro or not.
-M
“notice that every member of the team is pretty well-rounded and can do both. ”
thats not necessarily true according to nick in the email he sent me explaining why i didnt make the team this year.
“When we look for pro team riders we’re looking for the best all around riders or guys that just kill it at either freestyle or downhill. “
Your statement does not refute Hoppe’s. One thing is what they might look for in a pro (what could be), another is, and I quote, “that every member of the team is pretty well-rounded and can do both”. In other words, what it IS.
I have not seen a pro rider that kills it in one aspect and sucks in the other, and I don’t think it’s a very likely scenario.
To be a sponsored pro you must be a well rounded rider, as well as being marketable.
They want you to sell the shit your riding. Pros are just a face for there company.
We’ll In My opinion: Skinny pants + Baggie pants = The next degree
bently say what? Tall tee + Skinny Jeans = Next Freebord Pro… (I just unleashed a freebord prophecy)
Yea, you could be a downhill or freestyle “specialist” and still make the team too. In 09 Justin and me weren’t doing much freestyle, while Martin S was almost exclusively park riding.
Like Pol said, I was trying to say you have to do both….just noticing the way that it is now.
I was *not trying to say you have to do both….just noticing the way that it is now.
@ DRC – I think Hoppe left out one more piece of advice. Don’t publicly whine on the FREEBORD forum because you didn’t make the cut. So LAME bro.
you guys are hating haha just take his advice and ride the best you can. I cant wait to send in some videos next year
Please make a ton of money and build a freebord-specific park. Complete with lessons from pros and lifts up smooth pavement roads. That’d be ridiculous.