J.P. Walker Web Interview
Plainly put, there are few riders who have impacted our sport as enormously as J.P. Walker. The forefather of the infamous turn of the century jib re-emergence has indeed re-emerged with the release of last year’s Forum team video THAT. A few weeks ago, rumors began circulating that J.P. had left Forum Snowboards, the company that he supported and represented since it’s infancy and up until it’s acceptance in the snowboard industry as a full-on mega-brand powerhouse since it’s acquisition by Burton Snowboards. Rumors were verified, sources checked and questions lingered in the silent air above the snow world. I decided to track down the infamous Mr. Walker to get the straight dope, directly from the one source that truly mattered in this scenario. So please, sit back and enjoy SNOWBOARDER’s exclusive interview with the urban uber-pro and Salt Lake City legend in the making; Mr. J.P. Walker.
SNOWBOARDER: First off, how has your winter been?
JP: It has been a difficult winter. I had to take some time off right in the middle of the year because of a sudden family illness so missed out on a lot. Other than that it was super fun.
SNOWBOARDER:Any highlights?
JP: A trip out to Denver for rails when it was getting pounded was pretty good. I’ve got a couple good tricks that people will trip on for sure.
SNOWBOARDER: Are the rumors about you leaving Forum true?
JP: The rumors are true. I’m quitting actually, leaving makes it sound a bit mellow. To be clear on the situation, it doesn’t have anything to do with the team. I’ve got mad love for the guys that are still there.
SNOWBOARDER: Can you elaborate on your departure?
JP: It's turning into a different company. Everyone that has made it what it is today has been fired or left for something else. I think Burton is taking it over and changing the setup. I’m not really down with the new thought process over there. I have been at Forum since day one and have always put Forum first and now I feel that I have been disrespected by a few of Forum’s senior management. They might tell you it's because I want too much money. I’ll tell you that no amount of money could keep me around. Forum used to be about team input, progressive snowboarding and image, and I don't think they care about that anymore. I'm not comfortable with a lot of decisions the new management has made over there. That’s why I straight up quit without even having any other deals lined up. I want to be somewhere (where) I can do more than just snowboard. I want to help make sick videos and be involved in every aspect of the team and marketing.
SNOWBOARDER: Will we be seeing a J.P. video part this fall?
JP: I’ve got some clips stacked up but at this point I can't really say where they will end up.
SNOWBOARDER: Thanks J.P. We look forward to seeing a lot more of you in the near future.
Forum Snowboards RESPONDS!
Yes it is true; JP Walker has moved on and no longer represents Forum and Special Blend. We are disappointed that we could not reach a mutual agreement with his management agency, and are saddened to see him go.
This is not a brand built on empty promises, as we are realistic in our dreams and growth. We have always put the members of our team first, for it is a collaborative effect, not an outlet for individual agendas. We are
completely dedicated to snowboarding and endorse an elite team of professional athletes; the chosen few that work together towards a common goal, resulting in a positive force on the ever-changing market. According to JP, he just didn¹t seem to be a part of this equation, and unfortunately for him, the brand is bigger than one person.
We wish you luck and hope you find what it is that will motivate you to push the level of snowboarding. We will never forget what you have done for us.
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