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Freeskiing, where the fuck are your priorities?

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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
This year, I got myself more involved in freeskiing culture than ever. Instead of just hanging with friends and lapping the park or secret pow stashes, I had the opportunity to get some photo's, video, meet some professionals and aspiring amateurs and overhear more of what goes on behind the beautiful and extreme face of this sport.

Its a god-damned travesty. X is pissed at Y for screwing them over mostly petty shit, trash talk, huge clashing ego's and "us" vs "them" rivalries. I'm not naming any names, and its not just a few certain people either. Its the general attitude that has been saddening and enraging me over the last few months of the season. The more involved and integrated into the culture of the sport I love, the more I almost long to back out and ski by myself, out of sight from our "core". Through all of it, I have found myself more frequently asking "Where are all the skiers who are just stoked to be skiing?"

Freeskiing is losing touch with its soul I fear. Back in the day (fuck I sound old), you didn't ski to get sponsored. Freestyle wasnt a career, and and you paid to get to ski. You just skied, and pushed your own limits and the sport by itself. Not for money, fame, a contract, a culture.  Theres a difference between skiing for both the thrill and the money, and just skiing because sponsored or not, you love it and would do the same shit regardless. This sport has become more about the industry rather than the actual sport. You have to land that trick and win that contest not to push the sport and yourself, but also to get that contract and get sponsored and famous. Its created a magical barrier separating "Pro" from "You" when there totally shouldnt be.

In this sport, we shouldnt be respecting and ranking people on how they do in contests or the thickness of their trick dictionary. I give my respect to people who are just happy to be skiing, whether they be sponsored, can throw switch misty 9's or are just learning how to get down the bunny hill. Because when I'm skiing, thats all I care about, all I think about, and no matter the weather, what I stomp, or who I ride with, I'm happier clicked in than anywhere else. Somehow, I guess people forget that once freestyle started to see some cash.

Having an industry should be considered a luxurious extravagance to this sport. Not a lynchpin. Its the dominance of this industry over the riders and actual skiing that I fear may be killing what I love about our sport. Past all the drama, deceit, disputes, everyone just needs to realize that we should all be friends. For each of us has that rare quirk that somehow makes them love life no better than when skiing. There neednt to be rivalries except the friendly sort that pushes the sport further. Real life is complicated and difficult as it is, so please, dont turn the one thing so many of us use to escape the madness into the same.

Its in all of ours hands. I hope we realize what our sport should be.

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May 14 2009 2:24AM
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pho[tog]rapher
Posts: 2618 - Karma: 494
I hope summer arrogance doesn't get in the way of people seeing the valid point you are making. Since when did we lose the "you" factor? I agree a certain level of competition is necessary- in any industry- in fuel growth and innovation, but where does it become catty dueling?

I'm interested to see how the users receive this, because so many of us have gotten caught up in our groups, our names, our desire to be number 1 regardless of the cost. Do I ride with my "crew" because of our desire to dominate any other park-riding family we come across? No. I ride with other riders to push myself and to have fun, but of course you can't forget the essence of just you, your skis, and the hill.. which I think is something we don't appreciate enough.

Of course, 'love your crew', but what is your crew without the induviduals. I dunno. No matter what people come away with, I hope they read this line of yours: I'm happier clicked in than anywhere else because I know I am, and that's all that matters to me.
May 14 2009 2:34AM
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WHO_DAT
Posts: 403 - Karma: 24
I completely agree with you. I was a snowboarder for quite a few years until I realized how fun skiing is. I came over to the sport and soon realized how negative and vicious skiers can be... even on this website. Members are vile, and immature, and are so quick to put down anyone they can.

I feel like it's a popularity trend and the trend everyone is following is to be the biggest, baddest dick with the longest skis.

I love skiing, and I appreciate everyone who goes out and skis... whether they're complete n00bs or old timers who have been skiing 20 years longer than I've been alive. If everyone loves skiing as much as they say they do, then they should start showing it.
May 14 2009 2:50AM
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Abc567def
Posts: 8756 - Karma: 801
I totally agree with you,
This realization hit me when i had gotten a media pass to shoot for a comp and someone came up and asked how many lenses I had, So I said that I had (blank number) which they responded by saying "I have more lenses then you so I should have gotten a media pass instead of you". It has evolved into a one-ups-manship community that I have started to get sick of. I used to accept that skiing was a fashion-show, but it is starting to become hard to swallow that it is a ego-show as well....

Don't worry Rowen there are still some of us that ski for the love of the sport
May 14 2009 2:59AM
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Alex_G
Posts: 11902 - Karma: 1,019
tr00f
May 14 2009 3:08AM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
Came to pretty much the exact same realization back in 2006, leading to posting a thread containing the rant now in my profile. I don't know if it's likely to change anytime soon. For everyone who wakes up and really grasps that perspective you're advocating, it seems like there's 2 or 3 new kids to take their place and keep up the petty hating and bickering. It's enough to make you pretty jaded after a while. But hey, as long as a few people read what you just said and think "wow that guy is so right", something good will result.
May 14 2009 3:25AM
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papasteeze
Posts: 12055 - Karma: 913
Oh  the irony,  I almost feel like saying silly noob. Those "soul' skiers are still here, stereotypically they just aren't of the nature to argue or rant through posts here. Think about it.

Be it right or wrong, imagine the 6pm news blowing sunshine up our butts, full of great positive events. Would anyone watch? It would get boring quick!

Naaaa..  I think you are just seeing the growth of the sport and the nature of internet message boards being control by a handful of passionate people who don't have much nice to say. I think NS has rcognized the trends you are referring to. Thats why we things like the karma system now.

In some ways while what you say is right, this post is wrong and is typical of the exact thing you complain about. It rants about what is wrong with the world and (apparently from my quick read), didn't  offer solutions.

You got a delete button, use it.



May 14 2009 7:30AM
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nickyp
Posts: 5673 - Karma: 215
I think I'm one of those tbh. In the UK, the freeski scene is so concentrated, it's really not difficult to get sponsorship from Salomon UK, Line UK, Amplid UK, etc
Which is why, not matter how much I progress, I've always promised myself I will never send a single Sponsor Me video in.

Because once it becomes your job, and skiing becomes formalised, the reason we ski: the freedom and the fun, is gone.

And I would rather have to pay for my own gear every year, than forget the reason why I enjoy skiing.
May 14 2009 7:39AM
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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084

i like how you added the switch misty 9 thingy to show how long your in that sport, lol+

still a good point

May 14 2009 7:56AM
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reverendwrong
Posts: 3145 - Karma: 142
the reason i freeski is the same reason i still race, becasue skiing in any form is the greatest thing on the face of this planet. I really dont care what pair of skis im on, or what the conditions are, i find a way to make it fun for me.

At JOs this year they finnaly had a just-for-fun railjam. I was easily the most stoked out of everyone. But everyone from my team was moping around goin "the rails arent that good""its too dark out""we have to hike""noones gonna do it" i got sooo pissed its not even funny. Sure it wasnt the best comp ive ever been in but it was still fun, they would have rather gone back to the hotel and sat on their asses and get drunk/high than to go out and ski, all because it wasnt a formal comp.

thats why i love riding with super groms/noobs, this sponsor me shit hasnt affected them, either cause their too young or not good enough, and we always have more fun, and progress more, and just have a better all around time.

Weather your a park skier, racer, big mountain guy, or a straight n00b, skiing is still skiing and we should keep doing what we love just for the love of it.
May 14 2009 7:58AM
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EMK
Posts: 1632 - Karma: 669
This thread is depressing.
Being or wanting to be sponsored has nothing to do with how much you like skiing, nor does wanting to make them proud. For me it's the sense of achievement that i ski for and there are a lot of ways to do that but when ever i ski as well as know i can i get it. If the only way i could get that feeling was to win or get one up on someone else i'd probably be able to find an easier way and thats what any one who is like that in skiing should do in my opinion cos i agree that that is not what this sport should be about.
May 14 2009 8:20AM
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wh@t
Posts: 6204 - Karma: 51
i cite the recent Boone Skis, Alex "Sugar" Drazikowalzkikoff (i dont know his last name) incident as proof that the industry has become a bickering mess.

thanks Rowen.
May 14 2009 8:25AM
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RtC.
Posts: 1156 - Karma: 28
True story...
It's a joke man. I'm in the same boat. 21 from the Uk, skiing since birth, 6seasons and I think I'm pretty good at what I do. I've been approached by all those companies you mentioned but refuse to get involved in the industry. Certain companies talked about me being based in England, with the majority of my time on drys/indoor and I was like WTF? I ski to ski on snow, to forget my worries, to release any knots of doubt or any fears over money not to be directed where to go. I respect you for having that attitude and glad we share the same view. If you're ever in france hit me up, we'll take a lap or ten.

Rowen, it's true, but it's sad. Most users on here are of the teen idol age, I mean two years ago everyone was on Matt Walker, now it's Wallisch. Everyone is aspiring to be the next NS hero or get that sponsorship deal. Everyone should be thankful at how lucky they are, appreciate that we all have this passion and just ride the stoke wave. Find your niche, what gets you feeling good, get stoked on what makes everyone else feel good and enjoy what we all share.

6XL Tall tees with fitted pants or sagged XL Saga with leather jackets and Ashbury goggles; who gives a fuck!

Hate is best left untyped.
May 14 2009 8:35AM
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Pklink04
Posts: 5608 - Karma: 392
I find it ironic that you are calling him a noob here when he has been on this site almost exactly 3 years longer than you, because post counts dont mean shit in the real scheme of things
May 14 2009 9:12AM
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Malcolm
Posts: 15951 - Karma: 9,451
cant we all just get along????
May 14 2009 9:23AM
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followCam
Posts: 1907 - Karma: 446
hmmm.........for some reason i dont like this post. Maybe cause it rags on the UK scene, the scene you're from im guessing? And no offence but you seem pretty full of yourself


Skiing is fun, although, its super super expensive, so why not involve yourself in the industry, get helped out, and why does that stop you enjoying skiing? Being sponsored doesnt mean you STOP enjoying skiing. You just got to ski for yourself, personal achievement/goals, even if our not sponsored.
May 14 2009 9:25AM
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jerad
Posts: 3236 - Karma: 47
I couldn't agree more. Amen.
May 14 2009 9:34AM
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Pklink04
Posts: 5608 - Karma: 392
i see your point here, but i dont know if i would want to be limited to one company, i mean variety is the spice of life, look at all the amazing ski companies are out there, and they all have different stuff to offer, for me I have had skis over the past years from salomon, line, k2, rossignol, and armada, and next year i think i want to try something different you know? i just wouldnt want to limit myself in what skis i could use
May 14 2009 9:35AM
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Pippin
Posts: 4846 - Karma: 661
As sad as it is, in our culture of conmodification of every last part of our world, skiing is becoming a commodity, there is no way around it. That being said there will always be a strong backbone to the freeskiing industry. Those not necessarily blabbing away but just skiing Saturday and Sundays for the whole winter, skiing for the love, in its purist form, and i don't see that audience of the sport ever dissapearing.
May 14 2009 9:40AM
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grams.
Posts: 7406 - Karma: 186
Good point. My threads to read good posts.
May 14 2009 9:41AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
I think we all enjoy things differently. just get what you want from skiing and enjoy yourself. Don't let the normal influence you. Do what you want and respect what others want to do. I'm sick of being told how to enjoy things.
May 14 2009 10:14AM
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papasteeze
Posts: 12055 - Karma: 913

And here is where we have a hint, no, a shining example of the starting of the typical hater atmosphere that is created on here that produced this thread.

I believe the internet has created a whole generation of instant reactionists. Without thinking, push a button and expect something to happen.... So I could one-line, zing you back. Nope, not my style.  Let me explain some more, in the interest of offering a solution to the problem.

"I almost feel like calling you a noob"    Did you read that?  Nope, apparently not because you say "you are calling him a noob " Didn't actually do it,  just stated that I felt like it.  See the difference. SOmething tells me you won't.

Furthemore, my particular use of the word noob refers to what I wrote in my post, more so than who has lowest member number. I was referring to the particular problem about ranting about something with out offering solutions.  It's a noobish mistake that people fall into.  Be part of the solution, not part of the problem - in other words. 

You say post counts don't mean anything, yet a member number does? Is that how you value whether a person is entitled to express an opinion on here? Stop and think about that.   

Solution you ask?   hahahaha  it won't happen, however let me try.  The solution is to think before you post. If you write a rant, why are you writing it?  Are you offering anything back like an idea to fix the problem/complaint?

Philosophical bullshit:  When faced with a crisis, Check to see if it is a sypmtom of a larger problem. If it is a reoccuring problem.  Spend time fixing the problem, so no more crisis develop. Make sense? thought not.

May 14 2009 11:28AM
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SnowRidgeParks
Posts: 2146 - Karma: 88
This is the most simple post in this thread, yet it makes the most sense. I'm pretty sure doing whatever makes you happy (be it shredding pow, wearing tall-t's, trying to find a sponsor, or competing for a prize) and respecting others is all that needs to be done.
May 14 2009 11:33AM
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jester8589
Posts: 346 - Karma: 15
and here is a shining example of the clashing egos
May 14 2009 11:34AM
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urbanjib
Posts: 1801 - Karma: 255
all of its so true...

Im very limited from skiing, becuase im located in Georgia, but when i get to goto Utah, once a year, for 8 days, im the happiest person alive

Doesnt matter what the conditions are, im constantly skiing...
I skied for 8 days straight, from first chair, to last chair, taking only a break for water, or a bite to eat

People need to get rid of the stereotypes, rid of the attitude, and just ski... I hated skiing, and some kiid looking down on me, just cause i didnt like doing jumps that much (Bad experience the day before)

But seriously, drop the E-hate, and stop calling people out...
Theres no need for me to get on NS, just to read about some disgruntled team rider, and the company

Ski for life, click in, and stay in
May 14 2009 11:38AM
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ILoveOhio
Posts: 1793 - Karma: 253
It seems like he takes offense to this post because he pushes his son to get spancered and get better (from what i see/hear)?  Eiether way...it's summertime soon and everyone is salty.
May 14 2009 11:43AM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
priorities?  having fun and impressing gapers.
May 14 2009 11:46AM
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ILoveOhio
Posts: 1793 - Karma: 253
I too feel sick thinking about people's views on skiing/snowboarding.

I just like going out there and riding....whether its doing a run in a comp. or just doing a honkey donk on a little bump.  Snowboarding is all I think about.  I don't care if it's absolutely shitty on the hill....it usually is here in Ohio.  Anytime I'm on my board I'm actually happy.....I wouldn't trade anything for that.

 I also get angry when I hear kids talking about partying or getting high instead of riding.  What the fuck?  You claim that it's your life, but you'd rather do something pointless that you could do all summer? 

"OMG they only have a flat rail, I'm not going".  Pathetic, anything involving snow and shredding is a good time...if you dissagree then GTFO.
May 14 2009 11:50AM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
LOL.

May 14 2009 11:56AM
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summersover
Posts: 5777 - Karma: 233
I fully agree Rowen
the problem is that the majority of the assholes on the mountain don't give a shit and prefer to keep up their hate on others and bitch and whine about whatever they can wondering why they aren't sponsored yet
May 14 2009 12:00PM
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mackinnon
Posts: 5153 - Karma: 161
that's not really true. there are kids who are sponsored that are out there every day with everyone else hiking, lapping, and trying to get better. just because someone competes and happens to be good, doesn't mean they don't love the sport just as much as everyone else.
May 14 2009 12:03PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
i'm tired of this "once i'm sponsored, skiing becomes work" BS.
maybe one in 20 pros has felt like that, at one point in their career.


May 14 2009 12:07PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
Oh please don't think for a second that there aren't numerous examples of these little events among the NS staff. None of us are blameless.
May 14 2009 12:09PM
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prontocuts.com
Posts: 5244 - Karma: 42
You do understand that this is
1) The internet
2) a forum full of 14 year olds
May 14 2009 12:15PM
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alev
Posts: 7819 - Karma: 410
i have friends who love to ski, but they are also too absorbed in the industry side of skiing, whats cool, cool trends, etc. thats all they care about, because, thats whats cool. they dont get the history, or the richness of the sport, or the SOUL, they just see the new full tilts and new skis. i love getting new skis, i always want some. i myself follow these trends, watch all the videos, see a new trick and wanna try it. im no different, i really dont act different, but ive been watching ski movies for years and even when i first joined NS in 2003 things were real different.

i would love to be able to be 'that cool skier kid', but i live in New England, and i got to school in VT, where everyone is cooler than I, and most people are better skiers than i. i have trouble getting it through my head sometimes, but realistically i dont need to look cool to ski well. i care more about skiing as a sport than anything else.

i try to put my own creative spin on things, but im not creative enough nor am i talented enough.

i cant offer a solution, but im gonna keep on doing waht im doing and enjoying MY skiing, not his or hers, but MY own skiing. cr johnson and mike douglas were my initial freeskiing idols, then eric pollard, and now, myself. i dont need an idol any more. i look up to pros and respect them and love to see what they do, but i dont have a 'favorite pro' anymore.

i agree with what you say, but its a hard argument. we all follow trends and become absorbed in the image, in the industry. just watching kids claim their shit with a 'bird' or other hand gesture is a great example of following the industry like you said, and not the sport
May 14 2009 12:19PM
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highaltNM
Posts: 552 - Karma: 52
You speak the truth
May 14 2009 12:25PM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
Neither does time on NS.
May 14 2009 12:34PM
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jester8589
Posts: 346 - Karma: 15
Please enlighten us. What is our sport truly about? Could it possibly be different for all of us? Is this thread truly about what skiing is to all of us?
May 14 2009 1:05PM
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NGA
Posts: 1458 - Karma: 186

:(

I love skiing. Its my getaway from the real world, where I can just focus on making/reaching goals, the freedom of going anywhere I like and exploring (except boundries obvz), facing my fears, being with my closest friends, playing in the snow, and then sitting on a chair that takes me back to the start.

I dont like the fashion show, egos, hate, "whos better than who", names, that comes with it...but i just try my best to ignore that.

Probably every skier out there skis for the enjoyment of the sport, they just have an image out there that you may think 'oh they just ski for money or sponsors'. but i dont think theres a single skier out there who starts skiing because they want to make it a career, later on in life they might want to aim for that goal. Some get huge egos once there sponsored and may think there the gods of the mountain, but good for them, later on in life, when they realize that majority of the world deosnt know what freeskiing is, it might hit them that there really just a skier..a person standing on 2 planks, possibly holding 2 sticks in there hands going down a hill and sitting on a chair to go back up it.

Some kids hate on skiers wearing tall ts and throwing gang signs or wearing jeans and smoking cigarettes and say they are ruining the sport. But thats fun for those people, it may look completely retarded to some, but thats what puts a smile on the individuals face so let them be. Some claim they are true skiers because they know how to ski powder. I myself, love powder, the feeling of dropping 4ft drops (im really scared of heights) and inhaling snow every turn...best feeling in the world I agree. However, I live in the park...its just what I enjoy in skiing. I dont think it makes me any less of a skier to be a park rat, maybe it does, but i dont really care. Every person finds there own enjoyment out of skiing.

I think all this comes with every sport though, you can't avoid it, it probably will never change. And if you want everyone to just get along and ski for fun, then you make the effort of getting along with everyone and skiing for the sake of fun and not sponsors or competitions.

i could have possibly not made sense or stayed on topic. because im a horrible writer and i was just writing down my thoughts as they came along in my head.

May 14 2009 1:37PM
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,085
This is what I'm doing about it:

Click for larger image
May 14 2009 1:39PM
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Gnarshred
Posts: 5670 - Karma: 18
I can just picture everyone at home in fromt of their computers geting all red and puffy and hyperventilating.  If it makes you happy, do it.  Period.
May 14 2009 1:46PM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
Yes
May 14 2009 1:46PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,142
Nice skis.
May 14 2009 1:57PM
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PosterBoy
Posts: 92 - Karma: 10
probably. its exactly like every other skiing hate thread on here.
May 14 2009 1:59PM
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papasteeze
Posts: 12055 - Karma: 913
What are you talking about?  Getting your picture taken with water skis, on a cloudy day, atop of some treeless rock?  Is this a good thing?  :P
May 14 2009 2:09PM
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Aaaron.
Posts: 11817 - Karma: 903
SIG'D
bahahaha!
LOL.

May 14 2009 2:36PM
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clueless
Posts: 4 - Karma: 10
so says the girl with the massive goggle sag and droopy drawers
May 14 2009 2:46PM
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NGA
Posts: 1458 - Karma: 186

true

i meant more the fashion show aspect of hating on eachother for what you wear.
my clothes are big because i find it comfortable, my pants sag because they are zipped up to my jacket so i dont need a belt they just hang out. and for the goggle sag part, i get comments on that all the time. i dont sag my goggles, they fit perfectly, they are just big frames.

i am trying to defend myself because i get called out on those two things a lot. but thats the thing. you never know why people are doing the things they do and you just (not saying you in perticular) hate on it.

but thats not the point of this thread.

May 14 2009 3:38PM
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