Growing Up Whistler - Video

Jul 4, 2012
by Goldstein Productions  
You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose. You also can’t pick where you get to grow up. That largely comes down to where your parents chose to settle for work, family ties or in some cases where there are the most face shots.

Views: 189,240    Faves: 3,321    Comments: 203


Riders Ian Morrison and Finn Finestone were the latter, Ian’s dad Paul is a legendary ski photographer who turned his lens on bikes as they evolved on the slopes around him in Whistler during the early nineties. Finestone’s dad arrived in town around that time and worked his way into the envious position of managing the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

photo

The spin off for Ian and Finn is a life of living the dream without necessarily knowing that’s what you’re doing. Ian, “I took it all for granted until I did a bit of traveling and realized Whistler is the Playboy Mansion of the sports world.”

The good thing about growing up in Whistler is you have Whistler as your backyard. Dirt jumps, pumptracks, Airdome, XC trails and WMBP are your playground after school or while procrastinating during exams. The bad thing is, everyone knows who you are, so skipping school to shred means you’re only a phone call away from getting caught by dad. On the other hand dad let’s you skip school for opening day in the Bike Park, so it’s not that bad.

Photo Brian Finestone

These two athletes were given cameo appearances in the Anthill Films “Strength in Numbers” appearing in mega-mo sequences imbedded in Adam Billinghurst’s high speed Bike Park segment. Ian throwing his signature inverted scrub and Finn a whipped spine transfer with style far beyond his eight years.

When asked about what they think of each other’s riding; Finn, “I like how calm Ian is, the bike is moving around and sideways and Ian stays calm” (They call that style little fella). Ian has a tougher time with the question, “Probably the fact he's 9 years and crushing it! Following Finn off the big GLC drop and A-line was a serious eye opener to what the future of mountain biking looks like, and it's rad to be able to watch his progression first hand”.

Having the bike industry at your doorstep and an A-list of pro riders around to shred with may seem like the ultimate dream, but it’s no big deal when it’s all you know. “I ride with Brandon (Semenuk) sometimes, he came and rode at my (9th) birthday this year, that was pretty cool”, name drops Finn with the nonchalance only capable from a kid who doesn’t know how rad that actually is.

Photo Brian Finestone

As for the FMBA world champion, Semenuk recalls growing up Whistler in a similar way, “I would watch bike movies a dozen times before bed and then get to ride with the same guys the next day at the local jumps or in the Bike Park. Kids here get a chance to be a part of it, a small fish in a big pond”.

Ultimately these guys are most lucky because in Whistler, YOU get to choose when and if you ever grow up.

Words by: Lionel Stevenson

Keep up with new projects at: www.facebook.com/goldsteinproductions

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Member since Nov 24, 2008
12 articles

148 Comments
  • 128 0
 So lucky. Wish I grew up there!
  • 19 0
 Yea Finn!! You are one fast bugger down a trail, I have trouble my self keeping up with u and Jackson.
  • 19 0
 this is ridiculously epic!
  • 6 1
 how can you even derive that from the video
  • 6 1
 care to explain ? @AGreen
  • 5 2
 Don't feed the troll.

I was I was as good as the little kid... Frown
  • 24 1
 @mnorris122 - You're an idiot, nobody cares.
@AGreen - Don't like it? Go away.

I'm only two hours from Whistler, it's an amazing place, and if anybody here hasn't been there before you have to go, it's a wonderland.
  • 7 0
 watched it twice...and am gonna watch it again...
  • 2 47
flag Ben-Leach (Jul 4, 2012 at 15:11) (Below Threshold)
 oi njdfanny, im going to have to agree with AGreen here. the technology used is truly exceptional so don't be so gullible in believing this is real
  • 14 1
 Give me one thing that makes you think anything in this video is fake?
  • 5 0
 @Ben-Leach - You must have never been to Whistler, there are talents at so many different age levels its mind boggling. Also, I have ridden (rode?) with a 9 year old named Jhett and the kid shreds so hard, he inspired me to do the A-Line drop and the new Dirt Merchant drop, so don't think that because a kid is young that they cant do anything you can, or cant.
  • 4 0
 I wish we had bikes like that when we were kids. INSANE SCRUB IAN!!!
  • 3 0
 @ben-leach.... ? you don't think this is real? have you ever been to whistler? there are tons of little shredders... this kid is for real! don't hate because he shreds harder then you.. technology or not this kid kills it... what do you think the hired a pro midget mtb rider to stunt double for him?
  • 2 0
 cglasford...I need to look for my Ass because I just laughed it off my body!!!...Thanks Much!!!...This kid kills it for sure..I've been to Whistler a few times in the 80's as a teen to ski and twice to mountain bike, and I will be going for this year as well...It is truly an AMAZING place, and one of the first things that struck me was, the sheer number of incredibly skilled riders-Girls, Kids, teens, etc... One of the few places that instantly makes you happy to be alive!!!
  • 3 2
 Yeah, green screen technology and a turbo trainer can go a long way these days...
  • 5 1
 Wow, I've never had the top comment. Cheers for the props guy's! Beer
  • 2 0
 This is sick.
  • 2 0
 Guys clam down, i rode with Finn while i was in whistler last weekend and he said its summer right now for him so he gets to ride a ton, his dad manages the air dome so he gets in free. So there is no way this is fake, this kid is a go hard.
  • 1 0
 He is such a shredder. But his dad is basically the reason he's good.
  • 76 0
 Finn Finestone: 2020 Crankworx Slopestyle Winner. Or DH World Champ. Or Rampage winner.
  • 2 0
 all three and everyother big comp out there. hes got a great future ahead of him for sure.
  • 17 0
 Why does there need to be an 'Or' with this kid?! He's world famous at 9 and incredibly good
  • 3 0
 2020 - you're giving him 8 years? I think he'll be competing in 4 years, winning in 5 or 6. Assuming he stays injury free, and keeps loving it - I wouldn't want to put too much expectation on a 9 year old.
  • 3 0
 Hwulex, so what you're saying is this kid is not only the next Brandon Semenuk he is potentially the next Shaun White too? Looks like the videos back it! I hope this kid keeps at it in both sports! he has a bright future ahead of him!
  • 25 0
 If I'm a bike company I'd be doing everything I'm my power to sponser this kid. He's not going to make you a ton of money. But supporting him at a young age wouldn't be a bad idea. Having him grow up and evolve into the company would be smart.
  • 3 0
 Red Bull has been doing this for quite a while now. I'm guessing there's a couple of bike companies out there trying to do the same if he hasn't been picked up already... lucky lil bastard, haha.
  • 4 0
 My bet is on Andrew Shandro getting him onto Trek when hes about 14. Maybe a little younger. He picked up Semenuk and McCaul for Trek and this kid is showing potential.
  • 21 0
 He's better than me...
  • 13 0
 fucking hell thats kid can ride better then me lol fair play what a ripper
  • 11 0
 Regardless of age, that is one of the best videos I have seen! The fact he is so young just adds just to the amazement!
  • 9 1
 this video makes me jealous that I am 20 years of age and can't rip as hard as this kid.
  • 5 0
 I thought the same thing... guess i should sell my dh rig and get a roadbike... Frown
  • 4 0
 This kid is sick, It is awesome to see the young talent coming into this sport. After me and my boy watched it we had to go out and ride. INSPIRATION for every one! SHOULD BE VOD!
  • 6 0
 Dunno wether he's inspired me to ride more, or to sell my bike 'cause he's 9 and already better than me!
  • 4 0
 have to say for all of us that have grown up already Frown lol we all wish we could have had the chance to grow up in BC !! and learn to ride like FINN at such a young age. either way finn good luck in the future riding!!
  • 2 0
 i agree with that but would also add how much i wish i had settled in a place like this for my kids to have had the chance too. the crappy concrete excuses for skate parks and dog poo covered bridleways round here really dont work after watching videos on pink bike ,
  • 4 0
 Is there any Jump where Ian Morrision would just jump it? No.

Ian has got whip/scrubbing style that I will be chasing for a long time!
  • 5 0
 Thanks for further solidifying that the place I live in sucks. BUTTTT DAAAAAAAAMN!! , that kid rips hard.
  • 5 0
 Danny Hart's little brother has been found! Smile
  • 4 0
 I am officially depriving my children of a proper childhood. As well as my continued childhood. Great riding,
  • 1 0
 This is a pretty awesome story. I just recently have gotten in to some recreational mountain biking. I have actually just saved up to get my own decent mountain bike. www.2wheelbikes.com/ftr-mountain-bike.html

I hope to be getting out on the trails soon.
  • 3 0
 Ive lived up there for 3 months . its beeen awesome ! early october my son is to be born . AND DAMN SURE HE LL GROW UP WHISTLER Big Grin
  • 3 0
 Dude the kids unreal!! He's gonna be the next gwin or Sam for sure! I can't wait to see this kid progress
  • 3 0
 These young riders are gonna be a whole new breed of pro riders once they get older. Props to guys like sam, gwin, and brandon, but I see these little dudes taking the sport to a new level in the near future.
  • 1 0
 Thats if he decides to get into the WC scene. He might stay in FR
  • 2 0
 Superb to see someone so young shred it like he does ! imagine his homework essay '' what i did last summer '' ....... he's a little rocket ... aim for the skies !!!!
  • 3 0
 Amazing. Just amazing. I'm genuinely and immensely happy for that kid. hahaha.
  • 3 0
 This kid has more balls than I do.
  • 3 0
 Little mans got some Big style, clearly a product of his environment.
  • 3 0
 you have no idea how lucky you are to grow up there pal!
  • 1 0
 "What a little ripper!" is what i was shouting all the way through watching that in a not at all manly astonished sounding voice
  • 2 0
 I would whole heartedly pick my friends nose if they asked... No one asked so I never picked their nose.
  • 2 0
 it's unreal how much i envy that little kid. i wish so much i could of had that sort of a childhood.
  • 1 0
 Sick ripping little man, wish I could ride that good. Anyone know what kind of bike he's riding? A full suspension 24" bike? I would need one of those for my kid.
  • 1 0
 he's riding a 20 inch wheel Lil shredder prodigy. check out their fb or web site.
  • 1 0
 Basically the kids gonna win the fmb world tour, EVERYTHING at Crankworx, DH World Cup and World Champs, the olumpics dh ( hopefully its in by thenWink ) and rampage.
  • 2 0
 What a Little pinner! Both riders was sick! Rider behind the little guy was sick at scrubbing
  • 2 1
 All I know is that I would hate to be that little dude's competition in a few years. He freakin rips. That is real, natural talent right there.
  • 3 1
 embarrassing moment when I realize,that he's probably better than me Big Grin sick edit and riding..I smell a legend in future !
  • 3 1
 Lil man's got sweet skills & style! Could watch him ride all day. His dad's got to be proud.
  • 2 0
 great riding, really good feel to the video seeing such a difference in age, little ripper!
  • 1 0
 I'm already trying to get out there for a snowboard trip, now I'll have to do mtb trip out there too! Only wish it was a bit cheaper
  • 2 0
 one of the best videos ive seen on pinkbike
  • 2 1
 Great video. This one got my 4 year old wanting to do tricks on his bike, training wheels and all.
  • 2 0
 This little guy deserves vod.
  • 2 0
 thats sick i wish they had bikes like that when i was that age
  • 1 0
 Allow me to put aside my ego for a moment and ask what exactly IS an inverted scrub?
  • 1 0
 I'm just so full of admiration for that little kid, I'm still smiling typing this :o)
  • 1 0
 This is so friggin cool. And Ian Morrison scrubs absolutely everything.. does the guy ever get any actual airtime??
  • 1 0
 wow this kid is so lucky, lives in the moment everyday.... I wish i dad that opportunity
  • 1 0
 nice riding bud. brilliant video, some super skills destined for great things
  • 1 1
 reminds me of these kids dan and del from the uk last time i seen them they were like 9 or 10 and doing flairs flip whips and tuck no handers out the vert wall at motion.
  • 1 0
 They neglected to show the parents collecting beer cans and living off ramen noodles so the kids can live the life.
  • 1 0
 a 9 year old doing a back flip (in a foam pit) WTF !!!! watch out anthony messere this guy kicks ass !!
  • 1 1
 My name is Gavin Hewitt I think you are the best kid biker. I'm 8 years old. I live in Fernie, BC. I was wondering if you would like to come ride the trails here with me.
  • 1 0
 Wish we have the same park in South Korea. Want to whistle for 100 years with that kid.
  • 1 0
 The chances of this kid having to do a 9-5 are as great as the Universe just popping out of existence. Awesome!
  • 2 0
 That kid shreds like a boss & Ian Morrison's scrubs/whips are amazing.
  • 1 0
 finns got a bright future ahead of him
  • 1 0
 wow, that kid can shred.....
  • 1 0
 I wish i could grow up in Whistler......
  • 1 0
 Skillz and tons of style! hands up 4 Finn & Ian!
  • 1 0
 Sick Video, we have so much fun shredding with this Finn!
  • 1 0
 Woooow... seeing all this stuff from whistler makes me want to emigrate!
  • 1 0
 what an awesome vid! keep ripping it you guys.
  • 1 1
 I'm 15 and this kid can shred harder than me! If it has to do with where you live, I'll ride my bike to Whistler!
  • 1 0
 In the last pic, Semenuk looks soo jealous Smile
  • 1 0
 He will own the joyride in few years
  • 1 0
 what bike does that kid have?
  • 2 0
 Its a Lil Shredder Prodigy, check them out at www.lilshredder.com or FaceBook at Lil Shredder Bikes
  • 1 0
 Way to shred little dude mad props to you.
  • 1 0
 Future World Cup rider in the making!
  • 1 0
 wowwww!!i wish this kid could train me!!lol
  • 2 0
 wish i grew up there Frown
  • 1 0
 That little guy is amazing, wish i could ride like that :L
  • 1 0
 what a lil ripper! i hope i can give my kid such a playground..
  • 1 0
 that was sick! this kid shreds for being so young its awesome!
  • 1 0
 One of the best videos i have seen in my life!
  • 1 0
 that kid has way more steeze than i will ever get... loved the video Smile
  • 1 0
 are you fucking kidding me!! how does that kid that young shred so well
  • 1 0
 next Brandon seminuk? i think yes!
  • 1 0
 Proud to be growing up here, WHISTLER REPRESENT!
  • 1 0
 i think this kid is gunna have a very easy/fun career in his future!
  • 1 0
 a word commonly used to discribe this video is VOD
  • 1 0
 im famous now... 00:20 to 00:23 frick ya!
  • 1 0
 what frame the kid got ??
  • 1 0
 Wow keep it up bro ur goin places!!!
  • 1 0
 Amazing!!!! You`re living every kid`s dream... VOD
  • 1 0
 A backflip at 9?
f*ck me I suck Razz
  • 1 0
 vai se fuder!!! isso é um anão! criança porra nenhuma!!!
  • 1 0
 the young guy will be amazing in 10 years!!
  • 1 0
 and there goes your typical canadian 9 year old
  • 1 0
 This is just plain awesome
  • 1 0
 wow that kid is amazing ,dam,,,,, props
  • 1 0
 So young and already so fast ... GG little boy !
  • 1 0
 Kid's so little he barely made a dent in the foam pit.
  • 1 0
 No doubt, he just about bounced. Rad video! Props little rippers!!
  • 1 0
 When I grow up,I want to be like him !
  • 1 0
 im just stoked to live here
  • 1 0
 this kid is going places.
  • 1 0
 What a little steezer
  • 1 0
 SICK!
  • 1 0
 Kids a beast!
  • 1 0
 Das Kind ließ mich kurz
  • 1 0
 Awesome!
  • 1 0
 i give up
  • 1 0
 that last pic is baddas
  • 1 0
 VOD
  • 1 0
 VOD!!!!
  • 1 0
 Saw him go huge today!
  • 1 0
 9? Wtf
  • 1 1
 as long as these kids get a good education too
  • 1 0
 Thats it I give up
  • 1 0
 he fucking rules
  • 1 0
 VOD for sure love it
  • 1 0
 amazing
  • 1 0
 Little Kid Rips!!!
  • 1 0
 the best way to grow up!
  • 1 0
 VOY candidate..
  • 1 0
 They're unreal
  • 1 0
 HE GOT Talent Smile
  • 1 0
 MOST BOSS KID EVERE!!!
  • 1 0
 EVER*
  • 10 12
 'MERICA!
  • 11 2
 from a canadian on the 4th?
  • 8 2
 shush now, only dreams.







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