Ketchup: Austin Smith

Austin Smith has been categorized as one of the best all-around snowboarders in the last ten years. He rides everything from AK lines, big park jumps, street rails to backcountry booters. He even has a few trophies to prove his skills - such as the Transworld Rookie of the Year award. We caught up with Austin during Superpark a few weeks ago and squirted some ketchup on his face. 



Hey, Austin. A lot of people are wondering how you're doing and what you're up to. It's been 6 years now since you won the Transworld Rookie of the Year and Video Part of the Year Award, how has your snowboarding and vision of snowboarding changed since then? 

I would say it's all pretty similar. I still like to go fast, hit jumps, slide rails, do tricks and slash powder. I have realized now that there is more to life than snowboarding, but it's one of the best ways to spend your time. Being outside, doing what you enjoy doing, that's my vision of snowboarding. 

How has this season been compared to the previous years? It seems to me like you are riding better than ever, why do you think that is?
This season has been awesome, tons of powder. I was hurt for the last few years so I suppose my snowboarding wasn't too great because of that. After an injury or injuries, it takes time to come back. First physically, gotta make sure your injuries are all healed up and your body is ready for some rag dolls and stair tumbles. Then mentally, snowboarding is all about confidence and that takes time to rebuild after it's been brought down with an injury. Now I'm finally back, physically and mentally.
HEAVY switch nose press in Syracuse. Photo: Bob PlumbWhat projects have you been working on this year?
I filmed mostly for Nike this year. They are making their first snowboard video this year and a documentary about snowboarding. I got to spend a few weeks at Nicolas (Müller's) house in Laax, a week filming in the streets with Justin Bennee and Jed, and a month of filming in AK were some of the more noteworthy trips. Also went on some trips filming for our Nitro Quiver video.
 
Do you have any big plans for this summer?
The regular stuff, snowboarding, skateboarding, sailing, surfing, camping etc...  We, Bryan Fox and myself, have a signature session at High Cascade again, always look forward to that. Help organize the Rat Race again, a snowboard race/fundraiser at Mt. Hood that is put on by Drink Water. The summers usually fly by and all you are left with is a sunburn.
Austin lien airs over Bryan's layback in China. Photo: Knut EliassenDrink Water is turning into its own entity now, are you still as involved and passionate as you were from the beginning? How could people contribute to the Drink Water movement?
Yes, I am still involved and more passionate than ever. Bryan and I started Drink Water to have a way to poke fun at all of our friends who endorse these weird companies, but now I get e-mails from kids saying they quit drinking soda and other crap because of it. If you want to contribute do what we did, draw it on your snowboard or get some stickers and help spread the word.
Blasting out a method in the Whistler backcountry, photo: Oli GagnonAustin with the FS smash and Nils Arvidsson with the assist, photo: Mark Welsh Could you tell us a little about the Austin Smith and Bryan Fox Quiver concept?
There are so many different types of snowboarding, and we enjoy them all. And there is no one snowboard that is perfect for a slushy day at Big Bear, a stormy day at Mt Bachelor and the deepest powder in Japan. So we created the Quiver that would cover all our bases. Now when I pack up for a trip there is no debate over which boards to bring trying to predict the conditions, I just bring my whole Quiver and I'm ready for anything.  
Locked and loaded on the backside nosepress in Minneapolis, photo: Mark Welsh Thanks for your time and I can't wait to see you at the Rat Race!
Thank you and I hope everyone enjoys their summer and make sure to check out the Nitro Quiver boards available next fall.

Cover photo: Oli Gagnon
Interview: Knut Eliassen