I really enjoyed the round table and it helped link some topics that at first glance might not have much of a connection.
The themes of responsibility and freedom seemed to stand out and the question, what does it mean to be part of a community as opposed focusing on being an individual?
Then, do we have an action sport community or is it more a shared ethos around the idea of finding some sort of Stoke or being psyched, depending on the sport? Is that a thing? I would argue it is, but that would be a long post, and if it is, what's the relationship to responsibility and freedom? And does it matter to us, the action sports doers? I think it should but as it stands now there are a number of things holding us back including the way we think about the Stoke as an individual thing and the way that has been used in marketing, social media and sport as entertainment/nation building to promote a transactional view of the purpose of sport. This is where strong and ethical leadership that works to promote community values and responsibilities can make a difference.
I think talking about work that has been done collaboratively with a sense of purpose over and above the transactional (even if that is also there) is also important, like the work Lauren talked about for example.
In regards to the WSPL for example, there have been a group of people trying to find the common ground for the last 20 years in order to first of all set the list up and then make sure it continued to run and the focus on individualism on both sides, brands and sport systems has often not helped the process. However, through collaboration with people on all sides, WSF, FIS, and the individuals that either work or volunteer their time behind the scenes the points list is still alive and working. But, like all communal assets it needs some care and attention. The WSPL is more than a ranking list, it is an example of people with different perspectives working together on something that is for the benefit of all competition riders in terms of fairness and accessibility and also safeguards the freedom within snowboarding for independent events to benefit from Olympic focussed investments if they wish by being part of the list used for Olympic spots. It is an attempt to protect both intrinsic and extrinsic goods for the majority of competition focussed snowboarders. A very niche group, but that's not the point. Yes, the list now sits with FIS but it is managed by a collaborative working group that includes WSF, FIS and independent event organisers and judges. Of all the scenarios we might have ended up with this is one with a lot going for it. However, as with the paddle out example, if contest snowboarders and the community connected to them don't feel a responsibility towards putting in the effort to protect the communal asset, it won't continue to exist. Of course, this is far less serious than the damage being done to the sea but they both cover themes of responsibility, freedom and community and they both need people in leadership positions to guide the process in the right way.
'Bearings' (as in getting/finding them , wheel bearings etc) might be a germ of an idea for a title?
Anyhow, a good first stab at a discursive format. Perhaps you + two panel numbers + three experts + the width of the board sports disciplines dilutes the critical analysis, but time and experimentation will tell.
I have an unreconstructed attitude to safety equipment. Wear and use it if you feel it necessary. What other people do is their business alone. I still shudder when reflecting back on how 'responsible adults' tried to destroy skating in the 70's with their concern for the safety of skaters. Lets leave as many rules on shore/out of the park/off the mountain as possible.
Quite like that idea Ben. Ta for checking it out, and for the perfect feedback complisult, been a while since I had a decent one of those, takes me right back to the old days of Looking Sideways. You're right though, it's an experiment and feedback like this really helps. So thanks 🤙
Thanks Matt, enjoyed the format of this and look forward to more...the Christmas jingle bells between each section made me laugh hearing them in July though!
Thanks, not sure...I renewed my sub before starting listening though. Am listening via Substack but on my phone. Looks like it’s just my end though so I’ll try and figure it out!
I did enjoy this, although I did feel a little ashamed, as I’m probably one of the least engaged folk out there. I really hate politics and politicians (I know that they are a necessary evil, but I loathe them). I did do an unofficial paddle out on the SAS day (I didn’t really like their chosen location, so went to my local spot). I have been quite outspoken in my friend groups on issues such as sewage and The Big Sea, so hopefully I am helping in some way.
I understand the leash issue, it’s very similar to the helmet issue. I use a leash when surfing, purely so that I don’t lose my board or have to swim far (selfish I know), but I do also think that the Pro riders influence the trends within the sport and if that is a safety issue, they have some form of responsibility. I also do understand that it could also be an obstacle to their style and creativity. Obviously education is key, which is what you are doing right now.
Lastly personally for me, I love Natural Selection and don’t want it destroyed by FIS.
Yeah, I liked it how it was. It seemed to flow like a group of mates discussing a topic over a pint. I think you should get Christian (DJ BBQ) to join the panel at some point.
It’s definitely a platform to educate folk on topics.
I really enjoyed the round table and it helped link some topics that at first glance might not have much of a connection.
The themes of responsibility and freedom seemed to stand out and the question, what does it mean to be part of a community as opposed focusing on being an individual?
Then, do we have an action sport community or is it more a shared ethos around the idea of finding some sort of Stoke or being psyched, depending on the sport? Is that a thing? I would argue it is, but that would be a long post, and if it is, what's the relationship to responsibility and freedom? And does it matter to us, the action sports doers? I think it should but as it stands now there are a number of things holding us back including the way we think about the Stoke as an individual thing and the way that has been used in marketing, social media and sport as entertainment/nation building to promote a transactional view of the purpose of sport. This is where strong and ethical leadership that works to promote community values and responsibilities can make a difference.
I think talking about work that has been done collaboratively with a sense of purpose over and above the transactional (even if that is also there) is also important, like the work Lauren talked about for example.
In regards to the WSPL for example, there have been a group of people trying to find the common ground for the last 20 years in order to first of all set the list up and then make sure it continued to run and the focus on individualism on both sides, brands and sport systems has often not helped the process. However, through collaboration with people on all sides, WSF, FIS, and the individuals that either work or volunteer their time behind the scenes the points list is still alive and working. But, like all communal assets it needs some care and attention. The WSPL is more than a ranking list, it is an example of people with different perspectives working together on something that is for the benefit of all competition riders in terms of fairness and accessibility and also safeguards the freedom within snowboarding for independent events to benefit from Olympic focussed investments if they wish by being part of the list used for Olympic spots. It is an attempt to protect both intrinsic and extrinsic goods for the majority of competition focussed snowboarders. A very niche group, but that's not the point. Yes, the list now sits with FIS but it is managed by a collaborative working group that includes WSF, FIS and independent event organisers and judges. Of all the scenarios we might have ended up with this is one with a lot going for it. However, as with the paddle out example, if contest snowboarders and the community connected to them don't feel a responsibility towards putting in the effort to protect the communal asset, it won't continue to exist. Of course, this is far less serious than the damage being done to the sea but they both cover themes of responsibility, freedom and community and they both need people in leadership positions to guide the process in the right way.
'Bearings' (as in getting/finding them , wheel bearings etc) might be a germ of an idea for a title?
Anyhow, a good first stab at a discursive format. Perhaps you + two panel numbers + three experts + the width of the board sports disciplines dilutes the critical analysis, but time and experimentation will tell.
I have an unreconstructed attitude to safety equipment. Wear and use it if you feel it necessary. What other people do is their business alone. I still shudder when reflecting back on how 'responsible adults' tried to destroy skating in the 70's with their concern for the safety of skaters. Lets leave as many rules on shore/out of the park/off the mountain as possible.
Quite like that idea Ben. Ta for checking it out, and for the perfect feedback complisult, been a while since I had a decent one of those, takes me right back to the old days of Looking Sideways. You're right though, it's an experiment and feedback like this really helps. So thanks 🤙
You should always wear safety pads when reading posts.....doh shot in foot.
He he
Thanks Matt, enjoyed the format of this and look forward to more...the Christmas jingle bells between each section made me laugh hearing them in July though!
Ha little callback for the diehards there 🤙
Matt - Just listening now and it cuts out at 52mins51secs, is there an issue with the playback or just me? I can’t seem to play it after that point😕
Hey Steve, it’s working for me. Sounds like it could be an Apple Podcast bug.
I can see you’ve just signed up for a paid sub, have you set up the paid sub podcast feed? That might be it
Thanks, not sure...I renewed my sub before starting listening though. Am listening via Substack but on my phone. Looks like it’s just my end though so I’ll try and figure it out!
...well seems to be working fine now! Sorry about that!
I did enjoy this, although I did feel a little ashamed, as I’m probably one of the least engaged folk out there. I really hate politics and politicians (I know that they are a necessary evil, but I loathe them). I did do an unofficial paddle out on the SAS day (I didn’t really like their chosen location, so went to my local spot). I have been quite outspoken in my friend groups on issues such as sewage and The Big Sea, so hopefully I am helping in some way.
I understand the leash issue, it’s very similar to the helmet issue. I use a leash when surfing, purely so that I don’t lose my board or have to swim far (selfish I know), but I do also think that the Pro riders influence the trends within the sport and if that is a safety issue, they have some form of responsibility. I also do understand that it could also be an obstacle to their style and creativity. Obviously education is key, which is what you are doing right now.
Lastly personally for me, I love Natural Selection and don’t want it destroyed by FIS.
Thanks Simon. What did you think of the format and the idea of is doing this every couple of months or so?
Just realised I used topic twice 🤦♂️
Yeah, I liked it how it was. It seemed to flow like a group of mates discussing a topic over a pint. I think you should get Christian (DJ BBQ) to join the panel at some point.
It’s definitely a platform to educate folk on topics.
Tuning in tomorrow to hear you lot get passionate - love a good debate on important and meaningful stuff!
Ha well if you enjoy hearing me call Ben Mondy 'a Kant' you'll be right at home.
Can’t wait 👌🏼