Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Who dreams of being a pro for real?

profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
So like most of my time skiing I dreamed of only one thing - being a pro.

Hell, I'll admit it now - but I only gave up on that dream in like maybe 2008? It was way after I'd started to pretend to have given up. Way after starting to work at NS. I actually only took the job at NS because I didnt' know what the fuck to do with my life and needed some money.

However, I dreamed day in and day out that I would be a professional skier. I trained, I competed, I tried to film... and frankly it was fucking awesome.

I never really was actually good enough to make it, and that was the hardest thing to admit. Of course, I always look back on it as the single greatest decision I ever made... I decided to follow my passion.

Of course, I ended up with this job - which is a pretty sweet side effect of following the pro dream if you ask me.

But enough of me lamenting and gushing - what about you? Do you want it?

Dec 19 2012 10:56PM
70 8
profile picture
SkierPT
Posts: 2177 - Karma: 4,720
I wish. I sometimes think that I could of made it if I moved out west when I was in my early teens and trained and got a coach and did homeschooling ext ect but it didn't happen and frankly kids are so talented and daring now itd be impossible for most
Dec 19 2012 11:01PM
0 0
profile picture
UFOsarereal
Posts: 2285 - Karma: 1,132
not really -- only to have their skills... I think it'd kind of suck to 'have' to go ski some specific place, on a specific feature, with specific people, and then some mild to wild degree of pressure.

I really value how free I am when I go skiing.
Dec 19 2012 11:03PM
0 0
profile picture
I.B
Posts: 8137 - Karma: 24,353
I do. I mean it's not that possible, but i'm putting every ounce of training, i worked my dick off this summer for the money to be put on the northstar freestyle team. The coaching is awesome. I've progressed so much. I'm fairly young, and will be competing in some bigger competitions, NFPPO, rev tour, USASA. I put all my time and effort towards this. I don't treat it as something to fuck around with.

Of course i do good in school and will be going to college. But, yes it is a dream.
Dec 19 2012 11:06PM
6 0
profile picture
gr4
Posts: 1499 - Karma: 945
did you know that some pro skiers make almost $20,000 a year? that's my dream
Dec 19 2012 11:06PM
1 3
profile picture
LolklonVolkls
Posts: 228 - Karma: 622
I would love to try. Being 17 years old i have my best years ahead of me, but living in jersey, its a hard dream to realize. I honestly believe that once i move to Colorado or Utah next year, and just work as hard as i can for a few years straight, it could happen...
Dec 19 2012 11:06PM
1 0
profile picture
I.B
Posts: 8137 - Karma: 24,353
It isn't about the money, to me it isn't atleast.

Dec 19 2012 11:09PM
3 0
profile picture
caddyshack
Posts: 706 - Karma: 192
i would kill for that. Mr.Bishop, you are an inspiration!
Dec 19 2012 11:11PM
0 0
profile picture
Paul.Marik
Posts: 1122 - Karma: 1,875
might be doing this too. How old are you?
Dec 19 2012 11:13PM
0 0
profile picture
SorryMrMittens
Posts: 295 - Karma: 769
haha i am a pro!

.. no wait, thats wrong... never mind guys:/
Dec 19 2012 11:13PM
0 0
profile picture
I.B
Posts: 8137 - Karma: 24,353
16


inb4 age jokes
Dec 19 2012 11:13PM
0 0
profile picture
YUNG_milksteAk
Posts: 1437 - Karma: 4,328
Just tryna live the dream, right now sking 5 days a week, competing, filming, and trying my hardest in highschool. Competimg in ussa on nybora freestyle team.
Dec 19 2012 11:15PM
0 0
profile picture
.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7488 - Karma: 11,550
Being a former racer, my dream was always to ski my way into a college, but that ended more or less senior year when I tore my AC joint in my shoulder and hardly skied at 100%.

So I guess you could say my dreams over, but hey, you never know who is watching you when you shred right?
Dec 19 2012 11:22PM
0 0
profile picture
yellav
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 1,217
i am a pro
Dec 19 2012 11:23PM
0 0
profile picture
Paul.Marik
Posts: 1122 - Karma: 1,875
same. well... ill be 17 by the time comps start. maybe see ya out there man!
Dec 19 2012 11:25PM
0 0
profile picture
oil.
Posts: 2255 - Karma: 1,254
bishop back to a redname?
Dec 19 2012 11:25PM
0 0
profile picture
schism
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 389
I gave up trying to be a pro skier when I was 14, after i was in a comp and got my ass handed to me. I was only good at superpipe and the best I ever placed was 4th, and it was the best run I ever did.

I then decided I would rather just become a local at a smaller hill and just try and send it. It's way more fun, and i hope to be one of those locals that everyone knows. In reality I just want to ski pow and have fun.
Dec 19 2012 11:27PM
2 0
profile picture
whoa-dere
Posts: 10596 - Karma: 7,103
i always have!
Dec 19 2012 11:27PM
0 0
profile picture
Jibbin_Ur_Face
Posts: 2536 - Karma: 763
I definitely do. I do online schooling so I can ski 5-6 days a week, and I work my ass of at nights saving for competitions and trips to Hood over the summer. I still plan on going to college and getting an education, but I hope it comes true. If not, it has been the best decision ever. I've met so many awesome people and have had a ton of great experiences. Better to give it a try than to look back with regret.
Dec 19 2012 11:29PM
0 0
profile picture
deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
i do dream about it but its never going to happen. ooo the bitches so many bitches.
Dec 19 2012 11:29PM
0 0
profile picture
Randy_Marsh
Posts: 253 - Karma: 35
I wouldn't say pro skier. I just dream of having a job that allows me to ski as much as i want to... I just haven't figured out what that is realistically. (long term)
Dec 19 2012 11:30PM
0 0
profile picture
1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,248
Pro skier? when I was 8-10 probably. Professional in the industry? The idea has definitely started to take off in my mind over the past few years. And to be honest I'm pretty close to sending it to see what happens.
Dec 19 2012 11:36PM
1 0
profile picture
deleted2
Posts: 958 - Karma: 107
I'm not exactly in the wanting to be a pro skier boat, but one of my career paths would be possibly being a big ski photographer, which isn't very unlikely since I'm only 15 and I've been working hard since 13. I plan on submitting an application to be a photo intern at COC this summer. Now, I have a few other career paths lined up in case this isn't reachable.
Dec 19 2012 11:37PM
1 0
profile picture
scientist
Posts: 6920 - Karma: 348
I am pretty glad im not a pro. think of staying in the game where the levels at these days. its crazy to think of what is overlooked. getting to the level where 4 way Doubles are madatory. and thats just slope. urban game is nutz too. and you have to be out there every day pushing it and risking injury to stay where you are in the sport.

itd be nice to be someone like the nimbus guys or compton or tc crew who are well known and supported for having as much smiley muscle flexing times as possible.
Dec 19 2012 11:41PM
0 0
profile picture
RockNRollNghtClb
Posts: 2013 - Karma: 2,509
im going to be like a cam riley or John Ware, or if people really realize how tight i am maybe like mike hornbeck, but not like a cookie cutter prew
Dec 19 2012 11:51PM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51667 - Karma: 162,594
Not anymore, hasn't been a goal since like 07 08. I still enjoyed competing until around then. Now there's tricks I want to learn but I just ride for fun. If I want to throw the same trick the whole way down the park then I'll do it.


Honestly I like the building aspect as much as riding. My goal really is to eventually work my way up onto a ridiculously legit crew doing the bigger contests. Or be part of a mountain big or small, that has such a good vibe and really cares, that I don't want to to leave.


Honestly would almost want it more at a smaller place. Real good vibe, no politics, and just do my job without bullshit.

That's my goal. Hopefully my body holds up for a long time, when it can't anymore, hopefully I'll still be stoked enough to build with the cat until I'm unable to even do that or am dead.


I want to be a part of it for ever, even if I'm unable to ride parks, even if I can't really throw down, I want to still be involved forever.
Dec 19 2012 11:58PM
1 0
profile picture
YUNG_milksteAk
Posts: 1437 - Karma: 4,328
Willie Borm has been in my division at every ussa comp last year, now he's just too good. Yay.
Dec 20 2012 12:01AM
0 0
profile picture
NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,411
If I could make it to this point, I think I would be almost completely satisfied with my life. As long as that job let me put gas in my car, a roof over my head, and food in my table. Trying a run at it but in a different sort of way... Who knows! Only time will tell.
Dec 20 2012 12:04AM
1 0
profile picture
VT_scratch
Posts: 8786 - Karma: 6,254
when I was younger I did for sure. not really sure what what year I stopped thinking about it though.

bishop... your names red again? damint!
Dec 20 2012 12:07AM
0 0
profile picture
Mitchell.
Posts: 1650 - Karma: 630
theres a handful who make sometimes double that
Dec 20 2012 12:11AM
1 0
profile picture
extravert
Posts: 1112 - Karma: 3,174
thats still pretty terrible compared to other sports
Dec 20 2012 12:20AM
0 0
profile picture
animeallstar
Posts: 835 - Karma: 1,245
Yes. I fucking want that shit.
Dec 20 2012 12:22AM
0 0
profile picture
homestar
Posts: 2124 - Karma: 4,197
Yeah at first but I'm not nearly good enough and pretty much too old to become good enough. Now it's my dream to make ski movies.
Dec 20 2012 12:27AM
0 0
profile picture
DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
This has never been my goal. Not in skiing and not in skateboarding or surfing either. Of course it would be awesome, but I never started doing anything to be pro. Never competed in any of those things either. Although I do enjoy a good competitive match of soccer, the only team/competitive sport I've ever done.

Back to a red name bishop.
Dec 20 2012 12:31AM
0 0
profile picture
Puzzled
Posts: 4267 - Karma: 4,448
Word.


I stopped caring two years ago. Best decision I've ever made. I didn't realize how much I stressed everything and had to improve, compete, film, etc. I layed off the throwdown a bit but still, skiing wasn't as fun as it once was. Then I broke my collarbone and went to the ski hill with booze only to cruise around and do straight airs. It changed me forever. I rediscovered the long lost friend that used to bring me so much joy and here I am today, back with the biggest smile, better than I have ever been.
Dec 20 2012 12:34AM
1 0
profile picture
Noha
Posts: 1281 - Karma: 2,684
Yes, i constantly think about it. I unfortunetly live in a town in alaska witch the only way to get out is by a 3 day ferry, or a plane. atleaset i have fucking ultimate moutains here.
It pisses me off when kids get to be way better then me just beacuse they have the money to fly to windells each summer to shred. I mean i try my best to be the best skier i can be, but it can be hard at times, and fucking scarry. haha
Dec 20 2012 12:40AM
0 0
profile picture
NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,411
Yeah I know that frustrated feeling. I wish I even had a tramp to use. Nope, just diving boards which are waaaay limited compared to tramps.

If your're and AK shredder living right amongst it though, have you thought about meeting up with any local guys and getting yourself a touring setup? That would be a lot of fun man.
Dec 20 2012 12:47AM
0 0
profile picture
Lucas
Posts: 4881 - Karma: 1,575
would mich rather be a ski bum and just film some banger stuff every once in a while. Maybe just ride hippie pow forever.
Dec 20 2012 12:50AM
0 0
profile picture
t_rob
Posts: 6433 - Karma: 11,459
I had a dream last week that I was LJ good at rails. Then I woke up and was kind of disappointed.
Dec 20 2012 12:54AM
1 0
profile picture
Stickity
Posts: 7750 - Karma: 769
i'd like to attain some level of sponsorship at some point. at least be in a vid
Dec 20 2012 1:04AM
0 0
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
Has to be if you want to be pro... definition of a pro is someone that gets paid to ski. :)
Dec 20 2012 1:07AM
0 0
profile picture
_Garagely_
Posts: 1948 - Karma: 3,247
It has always been in the back of my mind but last year I knew it would not happen so not really as of now.
Dec 20 2012 1:10AM
0 0
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,633
Now you're talking.

I mean the two best things that ever happened to me were discovering park building and starting work at Newschoolers. I found my place within the industry, and it was the greatest thing ever to happen to me.

Everything on newschoolers is new geared towards the promotion of guys like you wanting to get into the content game. We want to help you get the base level of experience necessary, adn the exposure you need to get the bigtime jobs. Hopefully we can help with gear and bucks along the way too. :)

Dec 20 2012 1:13AM
0 0
profile picture
joshc97
Posts: 193 - Karma: 106
Every damn day. But just be in movies. Competitions have totally taken the 'free' out of 'freeskiing'. I'm only 15 and have a lot of natural talent and I'm not afraid of doing anything no matter how big as long as it's realistic. But it's pretty limiting considering I live in shitty MN
Dec 20 2012 1:14AM
0 0
profile picture
LIL_WAT
Posts: 1900 - Karma: 475
Well put man, freedom is paramount.
Dec 20 2012 1:18AM
0 0
profile picture
Keith_M
Posts: 795 - Karma: 771
I'd say its definitely something I want. I have a passion for skiing, and if I could make it my career, that'd be the greatest thing ever. I already decided to follow that passion and go for it. If I don't make it, well, I'll have had a lot of fun and like you did, I'll have gone for it. To me trying is sometimes even more important than actually succeeding. We'll see what the future holds. I agree with you though, if I don't make it, it will have been awesome anyway, so there's no reason not to try!
Dec 20 2012 1:25AM
0 0
profile picture
Silence
Posts: 16030 - Karma: 150
I feel like i could be a professional marketer in the industry and that's about it

I love skiing more than anything - but having skied for 25 years, I won't be a pro. Just a fan.
Dec 20 2012 1:33AM
0 0
profile picture
TheHuggyBear
Posts: 1762 - Karma: 313
Yea, I did for the longest time and I still do. I was about 14 when I first started freestyle skiing and got hooked fast and just watched the better kids on the mountain and lurked youtube for all videos of tanner hall and simon dumont. Built a backyard set up with some lawn mowing money and worked my ass all day long in my parents backyard. Just always imagining when even a local competition. Although I always dreamed of it I knew it probably would never happen because im from tennessee and ride probably one of the smallest and most southern resorts in the country.

But still worked my ass off. I am 20 now and now considered one of the older kids on the mountain, I got a job on park crew and started running a ski blog in the area. But this year I got a huge opportunity and got picked up by line this summer. Kinda crazy knowing im the first kid at my mountain to get a sponsorship, even if it is the local mountain command. Still I know ill never be Tom Wallisch, I am 20 and have trouble doing some simple amateur tricks. But still to me I reached my goal and im just kind of basking in it and enjoying every minute.

So to the younger kids, no matter what the circumstance you may be in just keep pushing yourself and shit will happen.


Dec 20 2012 1:37AM
0 0
profile picture
panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
I used to for sure, but it really doesn't seem so appealing now. I don't think I'd ever want to be a professional athlete. Thats not to say that I don't enjoy working my ass off to achieve the things I want when I do go skiing, but to me the most important thing is that I'm still hitting jumps when I'm 30, breaking 100 days every season. I love skiing but having my body work 10 years down the road is so much more valuable to me.
(that said I'm not good enough to make it even if I wanted to haha, but lets pretend for the sake of this thread...)

I think the new NS is dope and will start so many great skiing careers, and for that I salute you bishop (and all the other admin/mods/whoever that were involved).
Dec 20 2012 1:37AM
0 0
profile picture
nshap54
Posts: 312 - Karma: 2,736
I have a dream, that one day a skier and snowboarder can ride on the mountain of brotherhood.
Dec 20 2012 1:40AM
0 0
profile picture
klingisking
Posts: 802 - Karma: 925

Yes.

There's my two cents.

Dec 20 2012 1:45AM
1 0
All times are Eastern (-5)