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Peter Line: Skiing’s Maverick or Wanton Rebel?
Introduction
Peter Line is a legendary figure in the world of snowboarding, known for his innovative tricks, stylish riding, and independent spirit. He has won numerous medals, films, and titles, including X Games gold, Transworld Snowboarding Rider of the Year, and Snowboarder Magazine Rider of the Decade. He has also co-founded influential snowboard brands such as Forum, Foursquare, and The Program. However, some people see Peter Line not only as a maverick but also as a wanton rebel who defies traditions, rules, and norms. In this blog post, we will explore both views of Peter Line and ask whether he is skiing’s biggest maverick or just a reckless rebel. We will also examine some of his most memorable moments, controversies, and achievements, analyze his impact on snowboarding, and provide some answers to frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
I. Who is Peter Line?
II. Peter Line’s Maverick Side
A. Innovative Tricks
B. Creative Riding
C. Independent Spirit
III. Peter Line’s Wanton Rebel Side
A. Risky Behavior
B. Disrespectful Attitude
C. Rejected Conformity
IV. Peter Line’s Memorable Moments
A. The “Trick of the Year” Controversy
B. The “Forum or Against ‘Em” Revolution
C. The “The Art of Flight” Inspiration
V. Peter Line’s Impact on Snowboarding
A. Inspiration for Future Riders
B. Influence on Snowboard Industry
C. Legacy in Snowboard Culture
VI. Conclusion: Peter Line’s Mixed Legacy
VII. FAQ: Answers to Common Questions
I. Who is Peter Line?
Peter Line was born on September 7, 1974, in Bellevue, Washington. He grew up skiing, skateboarding, and windsurfing but fell in love with snowboarding when he was 14. He started competing in local and regional contests, and in 1991, he won the Washington State Snowboarding Championships. He also appeared in some of the early snowboarding videos, such as “Critical Condition” and “Decade.” However, he became famous in the mid-90s when he joined the influential snowboard brand, Burton, and became one of their star riders. He won several X Games medals, including gold in 1997, and released iconic video parts in the movies “TB3” and “The Resistance.” In 1996, he co-founded Forum Snowboards with some of his friends, which later merged with Foursquare and Special Blend to form the Forum Snowboarding Company. He also started The Program, a think-tank for snowboard innovation, which introduced new ideas, concepts, and designs to the industry.
II. Peter Line’s Maverick Side
Peter Line’s maverick side refers to his ability to break through boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and express his creativity to the fullest. This side of him is often praised by fellow riders, snowboard enthusiasts, and the media.
A. Innovative Tricks
Peter Line is known for inventing and landing some of the most mind-blowing and game-changing tricks in snowboarding history. For example, he was the first person to do a frontside 180 to fakie 360 (later known as the “zero spin”), a cab 1080 (three full rotations), and a backside 180 to switch nosepress (a trick that inspired Shaun White to learn snowboarding at age six). He also combined tricks in innovative ways, such as doing a backflip 360 with a hand-drag, a trick he called “the flipwrap.”
B. Creative Riding
Peter Line’s creativity goes beyond tricks, as he has a distinct style of riding that blends fluidity, spontaneity, and unpredictability. He often chooses unconventional lines, jumps, and features, and improvises his way down the mountain. He also incorporates elements of skateboarding, surfing, and music into his riding, making it more than just a sport but also an art form. In one of his most famous parts, from “The Resistance,” he snowboards to the rhythm of the Beastie Boys’ song “Sabotage,” doing rail slides, wallrides, and handplants with style and grace.
C. Independent Spirit
Peter Line’s maverick side also includes his independent spirit, as he has never been afraid to challenge authority, industry norms, or mainstream values. He often speaks his mind about issues that matter to him, such as environmentalism, politics, or creativity. He also ventures into new territories, such as creating his own snowboard designs, filming his own videos, and experimenting with new media formats, such as VR. He once said in an interview, “It’s not about being the best, but being the most creatively inspired. And if that means being a bit weird or outside of the norm, then so be it.”
III. Peter Line’s Wanton Rebel Side
Peter Line’s wanton rebel side refers to his tendency to push the limits of safety, decorum, and sportsmanship. This side of him is often criticized by some riders, industry leaders, and even his fans.
A. Risky Behavior
Peter Line has been involved in some risky behavior that put himself and others in danger. For example, he once tried to jump over a moving snowcat, which could have resulted in a fatal accident. He also attempted a 1440 (four full rotations) over a 120-foot jump, which he crashed and injured himself. He has been criticized for glorifying danger and not being a good role model for younger riders.
B. Disrespectful Attitude
Peter Line has also shown a disrespectful attitude towards some aspects of snowboarding, such as contests, sponsors, or judges. He has boycotted some contests, such as the Winter X Games, because he believes they are too commercial and corrupt. He has also criticized some sponsors, such as Burton, for being too controlling and conservative. He has even insulted some judges, such as when he threw his medal at them after getting second place in the 1999 US Open.
C. Rejected Conformity
Peter Line has taken a stance against conformity, rules, and traditions, sometimes to the point of being rebellious and destructive. He once created a scandal by submitting a fake trick for the Transworld Snowboarding “Trick of the Year” award, which he won, but then admitted the fraud and returned the prize. He also led a movement called “Forum or Against ‘Em,” which mocked the snowboard industry’s conformity and commercialism, and promoted nonconformity and individuality. He has been criticized for being too self-centered and not respectful of the culture and history of snowboarding.
IV. Peter Line’s Memorable Moments
Peter Line has had many memorable moments in his career, some due to his maverick side, others due to his wanton rebel side. Here are three examples:
A. The “Trick of the Year” Controversy
In 2002, Peter Line won the Transworld Snowboarding “Trick of the Year” award for a trick he called “the glide,” which involved sliding down a rail, spinning 270 degrees, and landing on a quarterpipe. However, he later revealed that the trick was faked, and he actually used a computer-generated image to simulate it. He said that he did it to expose the absurdity of chasing tricks for awards and to highlight the beauty of unquantifiable and unrepeatable moments in snowboarding.
B. The “Forum or Against ‘Em” Revolution
In 2006, Peter Line and the Forum team launched a video called “Forum or Against ‘Em,” which aimed to satirize and challenge the conformity and commercialism of the snowboard industry. The video featured skits, sketches, and interviews that poked fun at everything from sponsor logos to snowboard celebrity culture. It also showcased the team’s unique riding styles and personalities, and encouraged viewers to embrace their own identity and creativity. The video became a cult classic and inspired many riders to join the nonconformist movement.
C. The “The Art of Flight” Inspiration
In 2011, Peter Line appeared in a film called “The Art of Flight,” which redefined the genre of snowboarding movies. The film, directed by Curt Morgan and produced by Red Bull Media House, featured some of the world’s best riders, including Travis Rice, John Jackson, and Nicolas Muller, and took them to some of the most iconic mountains on the planet. The film combined stunning cinematography, epic music, and innovative camera techniques, such as helicopter drones and slow-motion, to create a visual and emotional spectacle. Peter Line played a mentor and a motivator to the younger riders, and his experience and wisdom inspired them to push the limits of what was possible.
V. Peter Line’s Impact on Snowboarding
Peter Line’s impact on snowboarding is undeniable, as he has contributed to the sport, the industry, and the culture in significant ways. Here are three examples:
A. Inspiration for Future Riders
Peter Line’s innovative tricks and creative riding have inspired many younger riders to follow in his footsteps and explore their own style and ideas. His zero spin, for example, has become a staple trick for many park riders, and his flipwrap has inspired new combinations and variations. His influence can be seen in the way snowboarding has evolved to embrace more diversity, creativity, and self-expression.
B. Influence on Snowboard Industry
Peter Line’s entrepreneurial spirit and rejection of conformity have also influenced the snowboard industry in many ways. He co-founded several brands, such as Forum, Foursquare, and The Program, that challenged the status quo and introduced new designs, technologies, and marketing strategies. He also helped to create a distinct snowboard culture that valued uniqueness, authenticity, and creativity, and that differentiated itself from other action sports or mainstream media.
C. Legacy in Snowboard Culture
Peter Line’s legacy in snowboard culture is both positive and controversial, as he represents both the best and worst of snowboarding’s values and beliefs. He has inspired many riders to think outside the box, to express themselves fully, and to be true to their own vision. He has also challenged the industry to be more ethical, sustainable, and diverse, and to embrace different perspectives and voices. However, he has also been criticized for being too reckless, disrespectful, and egotistical, and for not respecting the rules and traditions that define a sport.
VI. Conclusion: Peter Line’s Mixed Legacy
Peter Line is skiing’s biggest maverick and just a wanton rebel, depending on which side of him you focus on. He has shown both incredible talent and creativity, as well as reckless behavior and disrespect. He has made significant contributions to snowboarding, but also challenged some of its core values and norms. He has inspired many riders, but also alienated some industry leaders and fans. His legacy is mixed, and his impact is both positive and controversial. However, one thing is clear: he has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in snowboarding, and has left an indelible mark on the sport, the industry, and the culture.
VII. FAQ: Answers to Common Questions
Q: What is Peter Line doing now?
A: Peter Line is still active in the snowboarding scene, but more as a mentor, coach, and ambassador than as a rider or entrepreneur. He has worked with different brands, such as Nitro, Dragon, and Red Bull, to promote snowboarding and mentor younger riders. He has also participated in some snowboard events, such as the Air&Style in Innsbruck and the The Launch in Bear Mountain. He has also focused on his family, as he has two children and a supportive wife.
Q: What is Peter Line’s net worth?
A: Peter Line’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, mostly from his snowboard career and business ventures. However, he has not disclosed his exact wealth, and some sources suggest that he has spent most of his earnings on his lifestyle, such as custom cars, vacations, and philanthropy.
Q: What is Peter Line’s relationship with other snowboard celebrities?
A: Peter Line has had some famous friends and rivals in snowboarding, such as Travis Rice, Shaun White, and Terje Haakonsen, but also some conflicts and controversies. He has criticized some riders and events, such as when he called the X Games “a corporation that creates yearly revenue for the main producer and athlete owners.” He has also been criticized by some riders, such as Todd Richards, who said that Peter Line was not a role model and that he had a reputation for being “a wild man.”
Q: What is Peter Line’s opinion on the future of snowboarding?
A: Peter Line has expressed some concerns about the future of snowboarding, such as the commodification of the sport, the homogenization of styles, and the corporatization of events. He has also pointed out some opportunities, such as the integration of technology, the expansion of media formats, and the diversification of participants. He has said that he believes in the power of creativity, innovation, and sustainability, and that he hopes the next generation of snowboarders will carry on these values.
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