Alaska, etc.

It's been a crazy last few months. We premiered "Come Find Us" on September 2nd to two sold out crowds in Bozeman, MT. Since then, we've been premiering all over Montana and the Northwestern United States. We've been working on wrapping up premieres and DVD distribution while trying to schedule trips and shoots for the upcoming year. For our next project, we will be making our way out of Montana a bit, while also exploring more of the terrain in our home state. One of our biggest obstacles during the first part of the season was school. The entire TSP crew was attending school full time this past semester, so it was a struggle to find time to shoot while also focusing on our studies. We did what we could with the early season snow, finding time in our schedules to get some urban shooting done. We definitely got some early bangers in the bag, thanks in large part to Shay Lee, Sandy Boville, Zak Steele and Brock Paddock making a weeklong trip up here to shoot in some cities around Bozeman.

The first two weeks of December were insanely busy for me. I booked a flight to Anchorage, AK to shoot with Luke Tanaka on December 14th, but had to focus on getting all my projects, papers and tests finished before that. I ended up running frantically around Bozeman on the morning of my flight trying to get all my gear in order. When I hopped on the plane I was just hoping that I hadn't forgotten anything.

When I got into Anchorage, I was immediately able to relax. I hadn't thought much about the trip beforehand so it ended up being kind of surreal when I found myself in Alaska. We stayed at the Tanaka family cabin in Girdwood, which is a short walk from Alyeska Resort.

We had bluebird weather everyday of the trip, which is great for filming. However, we didn't get any snow, and the temperature was hovering right around zero for most of the time I was there. I also found myself out of ski shape, since I hadn't had any time to ski before I arrived in Alaska. Luke and crew whipped me into shape pretty quick - those guys are billy goats! It was definitely a new experience for me as I had never done much hiking while filming. My camera bag became a burden and the other guys made it up the mountains way quicker than I did. However, we did our best with the conditions we had and ended up filming some pretty nice spine lines. Unfortunately, snow and avalanche conditions got pretty bad towards the end of the trip so we ended up skiing at Alyeska a few more days than we expected. Alyeska was a blast though - doesn't get much better than hot laps during night skiing!

The Alaska lifestyle is different than anything I've ever experienced. It didn't get light until around 11 AM each day, and sunset happened around 3:30 PM. The sun stays really close to the horizon for most of the day, so if you are below the mountains you really don't even see it. Since the sun is so low, the light looks like sunset for most of the day. Once 8 PM rolls around, it's been dark for awhile and it feels like it's way later than it actually is - bed time!

My first trip to Alaska was inspiring and I hope to make it back up there as soon as I can. I flew back into my hometown of Whitefish, MT on December 24th, did the Christmas thing with my family, and am planning on skiing around here for the next couple weeks. There's some snow in the forecast and we're working with Whitefish Mountain Resort to get some filming done. Once the new year rolls around, it's back to Bozeman to organize some trips and get some bangers!

Here's some video content we've released in the last few weeks - stay tuned for TSP Webisode #1!

Rider of the Week - Nate Falconer!

Well the ski seasons over and both the riding and filming have begun to slow down a bit, so it's been a while since we had one of these. Honestly, I kind of thought we were done with the whole "Rider of the Week" business but during our last trip to Cooke one rider stood out that we just couldn't ignore.

His name is Nate Falconer and he hales form Helena, Montana and until this last trip we never really noticed how well the kid could ride. We had seen him at a few comps, killing rails with the best of 'em, so we knew the talent was there but who would have known the kid could jump? Sure enough, hitting his first ever BC pow jump, Nate threw down Front Cork 7 Tail, Back 7 Nose (pictured above), and came inches from stomping Front Dub Cork 10 first try! It didn't stop there, Nate continued to get shots as we moved to the next spot and all but owned the trip as far as riding was concerned. Next BC trip we make, we will definitely be bringing this kid along.

So big ups to Nate Falconer for stepping up and throwing down in Cooke! Next time you're in Bozeman we'll have a case of Monster and a big 'ol TSP tall tee waitin ya dawg. And, since we've got this thing goin again, I kinda wonder who the next rider of the week should be? Any suggestions? Ridings not quite over, Beartooths are still waitin for shred. Guess we'll just have to wait and see if anyone else steps up.

Rider of the Week - Carson Wiser!

So, once again, it's been a few weeks since we had one of these, mostly because no particular riders have really stood out lately that haven't already recieved the honor. But yesterday one stood out for sure and one who I feel has been somewhat overlooked for a wile now. This one particular shredder was none other then Carson Wiser.

Carson, whom I believe first coined the name "Come Find Us," has been killin it for TSP for a wile now and with an evergrowing bag of tricks and some of the best style we've seen this season, Carson has made it know that he's here to slay, both rails and in the air. From his textbook back lips to perfectly poked front 3's, Carson is constantly killing it. Yesterday, he dropped into a HUGE cork 10 first hit off the Tram jump at Big Sky, dropping every jaw on the hill (couldn't quite bring it to his feet but it still looked so good)! He later made up for it with the steeziest and by far the biggest poked front 3 most of us have ever witnessed (pictured).

Carson has proven that he is perfectly capable of big things and we'll be sure and hold him to it for the remainder of the season. Big ups to Carson Wiser, TSP "Rider of the Week!" Be lookin out for more to come from this kid!

Seriously!?

Okay, so I'm about to rant a bit but seriously Bozeman, this is getting really frickin' old! I don't know how many times we've made an appearance in the reports this season but we're certainly getting sick of showing up for no damn reason. I mean if we were cappin' children or pushing elderly women into the street it would be one thing, but building a "snow ramp" over a fence, on a public softball field, I mean come on! Really, what are we doing that's so wrong? Is it just our appearance? "Oh look at those kids in their too tall t-shirts and saggy britches, they must be up to no good. Probably over there smoking drugs or punching kittens or something!" Seriously, are we that much of a hazard to society!? We're jumping through the air, therefore we can't be defacing public property, and since the property is public, we're not trespassing, so what are we doing wrong? Who are we putting in harms way, a passing pigeon!? Or is it that you're just trying to save us from ourselves? Is what we're doing so recklessly insane that you must call it in as if we were attempting suicide? If so, then I guess we'll take that as a compliment. But that's not the reason. No, the reason, I believe, is simply a cultural misunderstanding, and because of this misunderstanding, we get heroes jogging by a vaccant softball field who feel it their civil duty to report such fence hopping hooligans to the authorities. You know, one of these days, were gonna see you out sledding with your grand kids, just minding your own business, and we just might have to make a phone call. I mean, what if one of those children were to hit a snow ramp and actually get some air time? Well that would be downright dangerous, not to mention a violation of air traffic laws or something. Or maybe we just won't care because we're not bored enough to even give it a second thought! But most Bozemanians are that bored and that's why our police reports are full of this non-sense. I mean, thankfully our little town is pretty safe so the reports aren't filled with horrible things, but does that mean you have to call in every little thing you see? No! Next time, if you have a problem with what were doing, or whatever it is you think were doing, how about you walk up and say something. We're really nice guys and despite the saggy hats and large clothing, we're probably educated enough to answer your questions, maybe even bring you to more of an understanding as to who we are and why we feel the need to jump over, off, and onto things. So if you've got something to say, say it! Otherwise, just let us do our job and mind your own business. We'll keep making "snow ramps" and you just keep jogging on your way. Everybody's happy and no one gets hurt. Rant End.

Cody Perin, breakin outta prison! Photo: Ryan Kirk

Rider of the Week- Cody Perin!

So this is a little late once again but still well deserved on Cody's part. Cody is another one of the TSP young bucks who's comin up quick. The kids only seventeen but has stepped it up 100% this season and is sure to take it to the next level still.

Cody has been filming with TSP from day one and has probably slain more urban shoots than any other rider this season. The kid is committed to the sport and lives to progress. He has also been the crews sole generator provider, or at least his parents have, so big ups to Cody's parents as well for lettin us steal their generator and keep their kid out way past curfew all those urban nights.

So for commitment to the sport, shear shredability, and just bein a super cool kid to work with, Cody Perin has been named TSP "Rider of the Week." Keep reppin TSP, Wulfpac, and blooded tall t's dawg! Oh and as always, keep murkin it!

Rider of the Week- Alex Adams!

So, Alex Adams has been filmin with us for a while now and if there's one thing we've learned about him thus far it's that Alex is a sleeper. He doesn't rock tall tees, or flashy gear, or even talk much really, but he shows up to a spot with a smile on his face and casually kills it! Especially when it comes to rails! We got a taste of this back at WildWood when he made it very aparent that he was here to slay! Ever since then we've been gettin it in small doses at different urban missions and then yesterday he sleeps his way right into first place at the Chamberlin Rail Jam, throwin 2 pretz 2 on every feature! The kid can shred but I don't think he really wants anyone to know it and it's for this reason that Alex Adams has been named TSP "Rider of the Week." Keep on secretly slayin it dawg!

Chamberlin Rail Jam!

Big ups to all the riders that threw down for us this weekend. Rail Jam was sick and the riding level was on point. For anyone who didn't make it out you definitely missed a show.

Taking home the event was snowboarder Kevin Fisher and skier Alex Adams. Definitely didn't see that coming but that's no to say that they didn't slay the comp! Alex was a sleeper, drawing no attention to himself but quietly slaying every feature and taking home a win. Kevin raised the bar for the snowboarders with unmatched textbook style on all the features to put him in first.

Unfortunately, the mic was pulled from Simon before the winners of the comp could be announced. Why you wouldn't have a mic for the climax of an event is beyond me!? So for those of you who didn't hear Simon yelling the winners, the list is as follows

Skiers:

1st: Alex Adams

2nd: Shay Lee

3rd: Pete Arneson

Snowboarders:

1st: Kevin Fischer

2nd: Todd Kirby

3rd: Dan Darling

Congratulations to all the riders! You guys killed it and we got some good shots! Keep it up fellas.

Rider of the Week?

So we're a few days late on rider of the week again due to the fact that I'm not really sure who should get it. I have a few riders in mind but no one particular stands out above another. So if anyone has any idea as to who it should be let us know. As for you riders, step it up and make this a little easier on us.

The Illest Crew Around!

Big thanks to everyone for coming out for the crew meeting. It was good to get everyone together and see just how many people are involved. Also, big thanks to Reid for always takin sick photo's. Crew photo is sick and I can't wait to get another once this things all said and done. Riders keep shreddin and filmers keep gettin sick shots, we'll go national with this thing! Make em all - Come Find Us!

Rider of the Week! - Brock Paddock

So this is a few days late but I figured we better keep this thing goin; and who better to do so than our very own Brock Paddock. Brock is just 16 years old and sooo hood! In a good way though, I mean we all know the kid throws!

Since the release of the teaser Brock has made a reputation for himself as "kid in the G-suit" but more notably,"the kid that flips off everthing." And it's true what they say, the kid can flip off anything and make it look so hood! A few weeks ago Brock took a shot at his first Dub Flat 9 and brought it to his feet first try in competition, nearly stompin out a win had his ski not popped off in the landing. Just this weekend Brock showed us that he can hold his own with the pros at the PBP shoot, throwing huge rodeos through the 7th st. pillars. The kid is comin up fast and he just learned to drive!

So for the love of wall flips, tree flips, barrel flips, pillar flips, Kang flips, and every other kind of flippy imaginable, Brock Paddock has been named TSP "Rider of the Week." Keep on flippin dawg!

Oh and did I mention that he kills it on rails too? Soo hood!

Poor Boyz filming with TSP in Bozeman?

So after several shoots at the 7th Street Underpass, we found ourselves there yet again last night. Why? Well, as it turns out Poor Boyz Productions and some of their riders got a look at some of our spots in the "Come Find Us" teaser and must have thought they had some potential. Over the last few days PBP has been in Helena shooting some of the rails we hit and yesterday made their way to Bozeman to find the Underpass hit. We had the opportunity to show them the spot and have a collab shoot, so we took it.

The shoot went well and although the shots we got yesterday are nothing in comparison to the flaming train shots from before, we did get so more media for the film. In particular was Brock Paddock's rodeo through the pillars which in our opinion, took trick of the night, even up againt the likes of professional riders, Matt Walker, Charles Gagnier, and Alexis Godbout. But that's certainly not to say that those riders didn't kill it. After last night the spot has officially been slain!

So be lookin out for shots of the Underpass, Lindley, some Helena rails, and possibly other Montana spots, not only in "Come Find Us" but in the upcoming Poor Boyz film as well. We'll keep gettin the hype up and see if we can't get Montana more of the recognition it deserves. It'll be interesting to see who will "Come Find Us" next.

Rider of the Week! - Shay Lee

Shay Lee has been comin up for some time now but its quickly becoming aparent that this year, he may go all the way. After taking 1st in the Wildwood Rail Jam back in November, Shay returned to Helena yesterday to take home 1st in the H-town Shootout slopestyle comp. He has also been slaying urban in Bozeman, most recently destroying the Bogert pavillion and laying Lindley park to rest, slidding across the top and pushing through the elbow to k-fed the down. For all this and more Shay Lee has been named TSP "Rider of the Week." Yeah Shay!

H-Town Shootout 2010

For those of you who didn't make it up to great divide yesterday, you missed one hell of a show. The comp was goin off and most of us witnessed some of the best riding we have ever seen in Montana. Riders from all over the state were killing it! Both T.J. Andrews and Brock Paddock were throwin' dubs wile countless other riders were taking Montana freestyle to the next level.

Open Class Results:

Skiers:

1st - Shay Lee

2nd - Brock Paddock

3rd - Daniel Jensen

Snowboarders:

1st - T.J. Andrews

2nd - Carson Weiser

3rd - Michael Douche

Best Trick - T.J Andrew - off axis front 10

Rider of the Week! - Todd Kirby

Todd Kirby is slowly making a habit of sweeping rail jam comps across Montana, starting with Wildwood and then killing Volcom PBRJ yesterday. He also recently became the first person we know of to throw urban dubs, makin for some of the best footage we've got all season! It is because of these recent accomplishments and his overall shredability that Todd has been named TSP "Rider of the Week." Big ups to the soon to be famous, Todd Kirby!

Rider of the Week! - Dan Darling

Congratulations to Dan Darling, Toy Soldier Productions "Rider of the Week." Dan Darling is the graphic artist behind all of TSP's logos and is always down to throw himself down some stairs for footage. He recently broke his hand pushin a front board through a Livingston kinker and it is for all this and more that Dan Darling has earned this honor. Heal up quick and keep shreddin' Dan!

Urban Double Back

On Monday night, TSP was lucky enough to film what we believe to be the first ever urban double. Big ups to Todd Kirby for throwin down. Big thanks to Banshee Bungee for making such a thing possible.


photos: Steven Doyle
Rider: Todd Kirby

DROPPING

It's up on Vimeo for now. Check it ouT!