With the approaching start to the winter action sports season, at least in America, there is a lot of hype over the opening of the lifts. Amateurs and professionals alike are dusting off the gear and taking to the hills. Whenever we talk about sports, it is easy to just talk about the big moments, the competitions. When watching any sport, those are the times we count on as fans. We get to see our team perform and love every minute of it. But I think that is what sets action sports apart from all other sports. These athletes don’t just ride for the events. They don’t have scheduled routines that are mandated by an organization. And for a lot of them, they don’t have an offseason. Action sports athletes find ways to ride, no matter what season it is. They live for their sports. And sure, we could just focus on the Dew Tour or X-Games, but I think a lot of the best moments in action sports comes from the in between times. Therefore, here are some of the amazing moments you won’t see just watching competitions:
What happens when a couple of filmmakers and professional Nike snowboarders get together? The Nike Snowboarding Project, obviously. Beware though, watching these edits will make you want to go out and hit the slopes too.
And any showcase of action sports talent would not be complete without some mention of RedBull. Said to give you wings, if the athletes they sponsor are any sign of it, it’s true! Familiar with Rube Goldburg? Well here is a Rube Goldburg-esq contraption… Just composed of RedBull athletes!
And cool video edits on a PPV streaming platform aren’t the only cool things action sports athletes do…
As their about section states, Bikes Over Baghdad is not just athletes doing cool tricks in remote areas of the world, or at least that is not what it is about. Bikes Over Baghdad is about giving back to those people who selflessly give themselves to serve the greater good everyday. As the brainchild of Christian Schauf and his brother, BOB brings together action sports athletes who go out and ride for the troops, in hopes to make their days a little better.
This fall concluded their seventh tour to the Middle East. To read more about their last tour, check out ESPN and keep a look out for their feature in the December issue of ESPN the Magazine.
Action sports athletes using their sport to give back to the troops? It doesn’t get much cooler than that.
There is no question that athletes competing on the big stage is where history is often made. But to watch athletes just ride without the pressure of competition is when we get to see the best stuff. Those are the moments where we get to watch their incomparable passion for their sport take the foreground. Those are the moments where progression is made. Whether it is putting out a cool video edit of their freeriding or their inspiring journey to give back to the troops, action sports athletes are truly some of the most amazing athletes in the world. These moments are why I am a fan.
