Video: Surfing Trails in Kamloops with William Robert
Words from ION:
Our fundamental mission remains unchanged: "Surfing elements" unites a global movement of stoke. We all chase the flow and face the elements, enjoying every spectrum of life. Thrill, forces, gravity, confidence, dedication, and passion - all the same. Follow ION athlete William Robert hitting the trails in Kamloops, BC. That truly represents what mountain biking stands for us – SURFING TRAILS.
Words from Damien Vergez // Director:
After 2 weeks shooting in Whistler for Dirt Diaries last August, William Robert and I decided to go north explore the Kamloops surroundings. ION asked us to find trails that represent perfectly the ION slogan "Surfing Trails", with big air, dust, high speed, smooth curves and corners... and I had the feeling we would find we this in Kamloops. And my feeling was right. It was a true paradise, really. Corners after corners it's a huge network of dynamic and beautiful trails that truly represent what mountain biking is for us. The landscapes and wildlife also play a huge role in the riding experience. You feel good in Kamloops.
Looks like we found the mountain bike heaven... Life is better when you ride.
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LOCATION: Kamloops, BC
RIDER: William Robert
DIRECTED BY: Damien Vergez / www.fastfokus.com
MENTIONS: @FASTFOKUS
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48 Comments
@ HaydukeLives is totally right, you can get same feeling when getting the flow on the bike as you do when getting good waves. Surfing is more difficult, for sure (swell direction, period, winds). But riding as good as William on a bike is also difficult. Right ? In the end, what's the most important here, whether it's surfing or biking, we all have the same passion !
I do agree that the vibe is far better on the trail than in the water. Too much competition for limited resources in the water - everyone's stressin'.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGMbXIkye88
@HaydukeLives: nah man....i guess maybe you have a point if you have limited time to surf/MTB. But I too was a surfer first, and even with 6 days a week in the water at some of the best breaks in socal....there simply no comparison relative to how many good days you have versus meh days.
Always fun to get wet, but back when I was obsessed with surfing, I would sit out in the water waiting for sometimes up to 30minutes between sets. I absolutely cherished surfing, but when i got into the business world and was no longer a student, I had to pick one hobby (i'm a guy that gets obsessed with stuff, not enough time working and having two hobbies for me personally)....and the choice was so easy....MTB. Every single ride can be epic, and you have SO MUCH more flexibility on your riding schedule.
When I surfed the waves dictated when I would surf....obviously....and that can become excessively burdensome when you want to surf every day, but can't just suddenly drop everything for a locals' moment or to chase the best waves around at different breaks. Not to mention, that's predicated on there being waves to begin with....which is not always the case. This is also assuming you can surf off hours, because if you surf early AM or PM after work...and there are waves...it will be CROWDED as f*ck. Sure, after you surf a lot, you know how to navigate crowds and get your waves, but still...used to hate that when I was new, so uncomfortable out there for a newer surfer when you don't want to take a wave and peril/f*ck it up haha. That does kind of increase the high of getting a good wave/ride though...and the best days where the surf is firing and consistent, well, those are special f*cking days, and I don't think MTB can compare...unless you're in whistler/on an epic trip.
MTB is always waiting...at least for those of us lucky enough to live near our trails. I even started riding at night with lights when daylight savings goes away so I can still ride after work starting at 6/7p.
I miss surfing...no doubt. So awesome...just couldn't get my fix without being a total degenerate career guy constantly flaking on things to chase swell. Now I can still ride 5-6 days a week if I want, while maintaining 10-12hr work days.
Highly recommend picking up skiing....lol...I used to dread rain because it would f*ck riding and surfing, but now at least there's a silver lining to it...
Robert - Bob
*Billy Bob
"I Give it a 10, and Fn teennn"
"Miss Davis, you go prom wiff me ?"
Surfing is more fun (to me) even when the waves are bad.If you learn how to make a shortboard go in mediocre waves you can have a blast, and when the waves are good it's even better. The issue is the crowd however. I have learned to enjoy beachbreaks and surf alone when I get fed up with surf school graduates.
With the above said, MTB is a very close second. The feeling of flowing singletrack with berms and kickers, with a slammed seat and flat pedals is very similar to surfing. The community/vibe is the same as surfing was back in the day.
The cool thing is that the fitness benefits (which are a small aspect of why I surf and ride) complement each other. Surfing is upper body and low intensity aerobic combined with hard efforts. MTB is lower body with some upper and core as well, and much more aerobic, with some anaerobic also thrown in.
Blessed to have those two sports in my life and to be able to enjoy leisure time when most of the world is just trying to feed their families.
Another banger Damien!
Can’t wait to have back here in Whistler guys
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