If you’ve been tuned in to the SBOL community over the past couple years there is no doubt you have seen The Junk Show grow into something skiboarding has never seen before. Not only has The Junk Show played a large role in defining what a high quality skiboarding video looks like, it has also helped define what skiboarding progression really means.
We got together with The Junk Show mastermind, Dave Bloom to gain some insight on The Junk Show Revolts, what to expect in this year’s show, and what he’s been up to in the off season.
The Junk Show Revolt
Skiboard Magazine: This year skiboarding is seeing something different with the release of the RVL*8 Junk Show Revolt (105 cm) skiboards. While pro model boards have been around since the early years, this is the first time we’ve seen a similar concept used for something other than an individual rider. When and where did this idea come about, and what steps did you take to make it a reality?
Dave Bloom: Well, Greco and I had joked about it for a little while and suddenly the jokes turned to planning. Before I knew it him and I were going back and forth about how to approach the idea in the best way possible. I spent a lot of time discussing my ideas with different artists. After all the searching I did Greco and I realized the best man for the job was already apart of the RVL*8 Skiboards design team. Martin Azevedo, who had done the art work for the previous KTPs, had some unbelievable ideas and concepts perfectly matching with what I had floating around in my head. One day I got the final product in my inbox and knew that it was exactly what I wanted down to the finest detail. I can’t thank him enough for doing an unbelievable job.
SBMag: Followers of The Junk Show will pick up on some of the references in the design. Can you explain some of the less obvious inspirations for (or stories behind) the graphics?
DB: The basic idea behind the board itself was the idea of communication. I had sketched a rough design of what my original vision consisted of and thought the main focus should include a satellite because how far across the globe episodes have reached. Mixed in with that were the puzzle pieces that are my scattered thoughts. I really wanted to include the concept of open space because in The Junk Show I really have no idea where it is all headed. Mix in some transmission signals, the show logo, and a new RVL*8 icon and you had the main framework. After that I may have gotten a little carried away with a humorous undertone, which anyone who watches the episodes know always exists. Brandon and I got on this IN-N-Out Burger shtick, so I knew it had to be in there somewhere. That, along with my obsession for ice cream, some chapstick since I am always getting sunburned lips, a camera to symbolize the show, and a random astronaut because everything is always so out there, and you have the tiny pieces of artwork floating in the transmission signal. I wanted to add some flavor and randomness amidst the emotions conveyed in the main focus.
SBMag: Are any of the specs of The Junk Show Revolt model different from the legacy Revolts?
DB: Nope. Not a bit. I love the Revolts, especially with the stiffer, stronger construction that has been added in the FR33DOM and Hiero models. They stand up to anything and feel unbelievably smooth. It’s a perfect match for my riding, so I didn’t want to change anything about it. The artwork is more of a personalization to an already amazing board.
SBMag: These boards are sure to turn heads and make for a great opportunity to tell people about The Junk Show. Do you think this will help the skiing and snowboarding communities recognize that skiboarding is still alive and well?
DB: I would like to think so, but at the same time it’s not really what I’m after. Whenever I’m out riding myself and others are always getting comments, most of which are greatly positive, about our boards and what is capable on them after they see us ride. I see the board more as a tool of assistance rather than the focus itself. Many people out there do know skiboarding is alive and kicking. It would be nice to have the board be a means of letting them know that we not only exist, but we’ve got some style, too. * laughs *
The Junk Show
SBMag: What can we look forward to seeing in this year’s episodes of The Junk Show?
DB: Well, it is always hard to predict what will go on because even I have no idea most of the time. * laughs *
The show has really grown over the past few years. In the same way that I have as a person, rider, and cinematographer. The show has taken twists and turns and gone in a few various directions. The concept itself still stands as something intended for everyone’s enjoyment, but I can’t quite say exactly what should be expected because I myself have no idea what type of riding this season will hold for me as well as anyone who joins in.
A lot of what takes place in the episodes gets planned on or near the days we film. Some days we really plan out each and every shot and other days it all just comes as we film and some ideas really stem mid-session from something that occurred accidentally. It is a really weird process that, while I do try and control, rarely goes as planned. Of course there’s still even a good amount of footage that doesn’t even make the cut until I near the end of post-production. I try to view shots over and over before I make choices on what stays and what goes.
I can say that I do have a set of goals to achieve between now and next summer. Some of the bigger focuses I would like to cover are innovation inside and outside the park in the way of freestyle skiboarding, urban riding, true backcountry hike-to locations, some in-the-action racing on super-cross courses, and spots no one thought to try and use. I guess it all goes back to making sure everyone can enjoy the series and see some unique things within skiboarding that have never been done before.
SBMag: Do you have any set dates and locations for shooting this year?
DB: I’m looking to cover more ground as far as new locations. Some definite spots include the Salt Lake City/Park City area, Montreal, Southern California, and the northeastern United States. Viewers will most likely see some other new locations, but that is what the game plan holds thus far. Like I said before, you never know.
SBMag: How can amateur riders help or participate in The Junk Show?
DB: Show up, throw down, and do something unique. Humor always helps, too. I like to include anyone who is truly dedicated and has something to show. That is how the partnership of Brandon and I came to be originally. He was someone I became friends with and rode more and more with. Before I knew it I was spending 2-3 weekends a month crashing on his couch and riding with him. We all know how the story ended up. Almost two years later we’re still traveling all over together.
Off Season
SBMag: I know you have gotten really into running during this off-season. How has that helped you prepare for the upcoming skiboarding season?
DB: * laughs * Getting back into running after a four-year hiatus was a complete fluke. Summer was approaching and I started to get ready for my annual summer trip back to New York and a few friends asked me to run a big 10K with them. After a day of training I hit the pavement for race time only a few days later and enjoyed it so much I was hooked again. Since that first race I have competed in nine others so far this summer. My schedule includes two more in September before my three half-marathons in October and a full-marathon in December. For the full-marathon I am running on the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America national team and trying to raise $3,700 before December 2. This is a truly great cause and I would be greatly appreciative of any support toward the cause. For more information check out my donation site, the event page, and my team page. Contributions of all sizes are greatly appreciated.
The training both in the gym and on the road I did all summer between races has put my legs in a new place of strength that I never could have imagined. I have such control and precise movement with my legs now and the endurance I possess is ridiculous. I surprise myself every time I hit the pavement for a run. This will be a huge help in a year that I plan to spend a marginal amount of time in the powder. As far as the park goes I know that as I fine-tune my skills the preciseness can only be great for the new trick ideas I have in my head.
SBMag: What else do you do during the off-season to stay ready for winter?
DB: Skating is always a huge part of my off-season as well as during-season active nature. It is really where a lot of my ideas are bred and the influence and skill I get from that always transfers to what I am doing on skiboards.
Something new to me over the past few months is eating all-natural foods. I had always considered myself a healthy eater, other than my obsession for ice cream, but recently I took it to an entirely new level. One of the races I competed over the summer earned me a prize in the form of an organic food store gift certificate. Since then I’ve been totally enjoying the changes I decided to make to my diet. Between that, running, training in the gym, and skating, I feel better than ever.
SBMag: Any last words?
DB: Again, as I always say just before things kick off, I’m really excited to see what new things this upcoming season will bring. You guys keep watching The Junk Show and I’ll keep producing episodes. Thank you for all the love and support. Shred life!
Keep up with Dave and The Junk Show on Facebook.