By time-space continuum researcher Josh W
The fall season brought about numerous changes with the Level 1 crew. In the midst of film tours, indoor big air contests, surfing trips, and extreme walking sessions, l1p athletes and crew members got down to business in securing new sponsorships for the upcoming season. Some disappeared to Mammoth, some to school in the Canadian wilderness, but still others chose to visit the Volkl factory to pick up new gear for the winter. Both Liam Downey and Craig Coker have inked deals with the venerable ski manufacturer in recent weeks, and are equally excited to be on board with a blossoming program that also includes Tim Russel, Scott Hibbert, Sarah Burke, Matt Phillipi, Marc Belliveau, and JP Solberg, among others. Negotiations were especially tense at times, so much so that Coker, expressing his frustration the other day, claimed the following: “ I hate dealing with contracts. I just wanna ski already.” Somewhere, Terrell Owens is nodding approvingly.
While pondering the thought of Terrell and Craig enjoying each other’s company at the Crap Bar in Laax, Switzerland, please enjoy this complimentary interview with Liam Downey.
JW: Why Volkl?
LD: I came to Volkl because I was ready for a change. I like what these guys are doing with their backcountry skis; they are wider and beefier than virtually any other ski on the market. I respect that a company as well established as Volkl would be one of the first to break the mold in creating a twin as versatile and sturdy as the Gotama and Sumo. Marc Andre's unprecedented backcountry stompage on these skis is what first brought them to my attention, and after hanging out with Emil Coty and Dylan Hood a little bit this past winter, I saw firsthand that they were the real deal. Now that I've skied the Gotamas myself, I feel that their stiffness, width, and big tail will help me to bring my own skiing to the next level on off-piste landings.
JW: When did the shit hit the fan with Dynastar?
LD: Shit never hit the fan with Dynastar. I've never had an awkward moment with those guys, and I have nothing but respect and love for the whole team and company. Luckily, that's exactly the same feeling that I get at Volkl, and they value me more as an athlete who is no longer focusing on contests than the people at Dynastar did. My passion for filming and having a good time seems to be reciprocated by guys like MC over at Volkl, who has gone out of his way to support Level 1 Productions and its athletes from day one. The decision to switch was made even easier by fact that my close friend and team manager (Josh Novotony) had just left Dynastar when Technica/ Marker/ Volkl offered to get me on the program. Once I tried out the skis and visited the factory, I was completely sold on the product.
JW: Where am I going to see you this season?
LD: Where are you going to see me this season? Chances are, you probably won't.
I'll be hiking and sledding around in some places where there's lots of pow and skiing down stairs in select urban locations around the lovely Ice Coast. A lot of my time will be spent in Crested Butte, Austria, and of course, Antarctica. I'm looking forward to an herbally medicated, injury-free winter.
Peace, biatches.
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