Jereme Leafe Interview
SurfingDirt recently had the opportunity to have a little chat with nine-year mountainboarding veteran and the winner of the 2009 U.S. Mountainboarding Nationals, MBS Pro -rider Jereme Leafe, who has just recently returned from his mountainboarding road trip across Europe. For most rider’s Jereme Leafe is a quote/unquote “House-hold name” thanks in part to the 2006 release of the MBS PRO12 aka “Jereme Leafe Pro Model” as well for going big in competitions and his appearances in the now legendary Down and Dirty films by Brian Purdy. A big thanks to Jereme for taking the time to type out this his answers with a fractured hand.
SurfingDirt: So Jereme, you just came back from an epic mountainboarding road trip, one that would make most people jealous, in your opinion which country
was the most “prime” for mountainboarding as far as competitions are concerned? Leafe: They were all epic in their own way. France and Belgium were set up perfect to have some sick slopestyle contests. Poland was just nuts for the downhill. Russia has some amazing riders! And they are really good at bringing mountainboarding in front of large crowds.
Jereme
SD: And what about for Free riding?
JL: We didn’t ride in Slovakia, but there were some amazing grass hills that begged to be ridden.
SD: Which country was the most fun just to be a regular guy?
JL: Regular guy? I try to keep it irregular… but our down day in Slovakia we just kicked it and relaxed
SD: I heard you slept on Chad Crow’s couch a few months ago, was it comfortable? Is he as cool as everyone says he is?
Oh let me tell you about his couch! It was bomb! So comfy and his wife is an amazing cook! Chad and I had a great day of riding! It was really because of him that I got motivated to ride again. I never have anyone to ride with up in NH and to just kick it in the park for 3hrs having some beers and sessioning the tree, it gave me this desire to just get out riding again. (Thanks man!)
*click image for more tree riding in Costa Rica
SD: (still blushing) What competitions did you compete in this season and how did you rank against the competition(in your opinion)?JL: Competed in the US Nationals (Kansas event), Beech mtn event, Polish nationals, and Russian Adrenaline Games. I think I did ok, I was surprised with myself, I didn’t expect to do as well as I did this season. I am just glad to be back into it, I missed traveling and partying with everyone.
SD: What has been your biggest mountainboarding accomplishment?
JL: Beating Jason Lee in a race… while having mono and being extremely sick… world championships of slalom 2003. I spit up blood the entire next day.
SD: What is the biggest trick you have ever landed?
JL: A sweet Tindy. I don’t know, maybe a 7, maybe a misty, not sure what’s considered big.
SD: What is the biggest trick you have landed in a competetition?
JL: A backflip 1 footer
SD: And when not competing what is your favorite mountainboarding discipline?
JL: I love to just go freeride long runs, either streets or grassy slopes. However if there were a slopestyle course down the grassy run that would be ideal.
SD: I see you recently injured yourself, how did you manage that?
JL: Being stupid… it was 10:30am on a Sunday… everyone knows not to go mountainboarding before noon on the weekend, but I wanted to get a work out. So 3rd run I went to throw a rodeo 5 on this 8ft quarterpipe and I over rotated and came down on my hand. Fractured the bone inside my hand pretty good. Oh well, they say this cast will only be on for 4 weeks! Much better than 6 months with my wrist…. And the girls at the bar feel bad for me!
SD: What other injuries have you sustained this season?JL: I broke 2 ribs after landing my misty flip in Kansas. Zach’s father in-law has a hard knee.
SD: What about in the past?
JL: Broke and dislocated my wrist 3 years ago and then got knocked unconscious in the UK in 2005 at the world freestyles… or maybe it was 2004.
SD: Pain to pleasure ratio: Is mountainboarding worth it?
JL: Is that a question? I am going riding tomorrow with my cast on.
SD: Did you Learn anything new this year?
JL: Yup… how to say “You are beautiful” in French, polish, and Russian!
SD: what are your Goals for next year?
JL:
Help run Camp Snowmass again.
Ride more.
Ride switch more.
Attend nationals in the US.
Travel to Asia or the south pacific to ride. I would love to get back to New Zealand.
Hopefully make it to Brazil to ride.
And make it back to Russia for some more riding… and to find that girl that wanted to be my wife! Hahaha.
SD: In your opinion What are the biggest changes you have seen in the sport since starting?
JL: A lot more good riders, better boards, and some crazier tricks going down.
SD: If you could go back in time ten years or go twenty years in the future of mountainboarding which would you choose and why?
JL: 20 years ahead… bring on the change! I would love to see how the sport has grown.
SD: In your opinion, where does the soul of mountainboarding lie?
In Jason Lee’s parents mobile home. Or maybe it’s in that moon/face thing in on the Leon Pro Deck.
SD: If you could offer one piece of advice to our members what would it be?
Buy a nice couch! I might need a place to sleep when I travel!
Oh… and just keep riding!
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