Forrest Shearer floats into a Wasatch dreamscape filming with the Powderwhores.
Jones Team Rider Forrest Shearer recently caught up with the fine folks over at Patagonia for an interview. Check out a couple questions here, then head over to The Cleanest Line for the rest of the story…
Patagonia: What is it that inspired you to start really relying on and promoting split boards and human power to access the mountains?
Forrest: With split boarding, I’m using my own two feet to get where I’m going, which is a gratifying feeling. I become more in tune with my surroundings and get closer to nature since it’s just me and the mountains, no disruptions. I also learn what’s going on with the snow pack and the stability. When you’re taking a heli or snowmobile up, you may only have one objective planned and because you’re getting there quickly, you miss out on other stuff along the way. When I’m hiking for a line, I see 10 to 50 options instead of one. I get to read the terrain more and get creative.
Shearer snow testing with the Powderwhores in Utah.
Patagonia: Did your time filming Deeper affect your riding and interests or was your participation the result of an evolution in your riding?
Forrest: I think all of the above, for sure. Before filming for Deeper, I always strived to be a well-rounded snowboarder. Now, after Deeper and moving forward with Further, my interests are evolving to not only to be a well rounded rider but also a well rounded rider and alpinist and integrate that even more into my riding. It’s a constant learning process. Also riding for Jones Snowboards and filming with TGR has had a huge impact on my riding.
Approaches in Argentina call for more than just a splitboard. Photo By Hiroyuki Yamada.
Patagonia: You’ve traveled and ridden everywhere. What is it about Utah that makes it still your favorite place to ride?
Forrest: Utah holds some of the sickest terrain and lightest snow on the planet. Conditions are either snowing or sunny. The constant progression of snowboarding that goes on here and the amount of people that are dedicated to the mountains is crazy. Its an epicenter for sure. Closest comparison would be the North Shore of Hawai’i.
Shearer in the midst of a heavy Wasatch line. Photo By Zach Clanton.
Check out more from Shearer on Patagonia’s Blog – The Cleanest Line.
