In our latest Mizu Mission we catch up with Mizu Advocate and pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones to chat with him about his recovery from last season’s injury, the famous pre-season training grounds ‘The Spot’ and more. Check it out:
What’s up man, how’s your winter going so far?
It’s good. I mean, the snow has been pretty slim here in Utah, and I am still rehabbing from broken legs this past January. But, I have been getting to the hill, helping my friends film for their video parts, taking some avalanche courses and wrapping my brain around shredding again.
Tell us a bit about your injury last season, how recovery has been, and if/how that accident changed your mindset going into this winter.
My mindset right now is to just get back at it (snowboarding). Ya know, the avalanche I was in, it was intense and a lot happened that could break me mentally and physically. I had so much support from family, friends and fans over the past year to not let that happen though. I have to not only come back to the board for myself, but I feel I need to out of respect, to feel deserving of such insane love and support that has come my way.
For those who don’t already know, what is ‘The Spot’? Tell us a bit about the place and how it came to be the most epic pre-season spot in the country.
Seth Huot, JP Walker, myself and few others back about 14 years ago started setting up pre-season jibs in the woods. We would work the ground clear of rocks in the fall and clean up all the deadfall, have fires and rip rails and features we would create when the tide was low. We couldn’t get in the streets yet cause not enough snow was in the valleys or backcountry to get down on cliffs, jumps and natty features.
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Who puts in all the hard work?
If you’re there then you are grinding. Thats the deal. Nobody gets to ride for free and it’s a lot of work, so kids have dropped off quick after a time or two up there because they hate the work load. Usually it’s myself, JP, Seth and Blair McKinney. This season has been just JP and Blair! I couldn’t make it due to my health and Seth has been hustling for his day job, which has kept him pretty busy.
How has The Spot has influenced your riding?
I think it has made it possible for me to pull off what I have in my career. We practice our tricks and learn new ones, it’s a controlled environment that thrives on progression and friends. I would say it has been my base coat for every season since we started it.
What’s your favorite thing about spending time at The Spot?
Same as above. Good vibes, a crew that I love dearly and feel the best around. We take our computers and work there sometimes and support each other in our work. Film each other, take photos of each other, eat, fire, camp, throw knives and practice survival skills - it’s the perfect grounds for marinating on ideas and testing them.
Craziest thing that’s ever gone down at The Spot?
Many of the industry’s never-been-done’s were practiced and developed at The Spot. I’d say the loop (below) was one of our craziest builds though.
We’ve noticed a lot of killer shots from you on @_Thespot_ Instagram. Is shooting photo and video another passion of yours? Would you say your snowboarding career has taught you a lot about being behind the lens?
Yeah absolutely! Watching the filmer and talking with the photographers throughout my career, we discuss how angles might look and work together to get the shot. You can learn a lot about shooting if you ask, listen, and pay a little attention.
Aside from The Spot, what’s your favorite place to ride on any given day?
Brighton Resort, without question.
What are your plans for the rest of the winter?
Finish this rehab, get back on the board and try to knock out a short later season part at Brighton and in SLC.
Any words of advice for others recovering from an injury right now?
I tell myself every single day many, many times to be patient and don’t stop grinding. That’s all I can say right now. I mean, I’m in it deep and the only way out is to not get hurt before I have fully recovered, and to keep my claws hooked in so I can finish rehab and get back on the board.
Lastly, what Mizu products do you keep on hand at The Spot?
The V10 for my Bengal Spice Tea (official The Spot tea), the V8 holds my water and I have the Cutlery Set on hand at all times as well. We chef the impossible up there over that fire!
Thanks man...
Thank you.
