DC Air + Style: Behind the Scenes with Graham Mueller

The action went way beyond the competition with all the riders and personalities from this year's Air + Style. Here's a sampling of what went on in the lounges and lobbies.

Chas Gouldemond might be certifiable. Chuck beats on himself to get hyped for the comp. He hit himself so hard this time that knuckles on both hands were puffed up like he just got in a fight. He might be a contender for the UFC middleweight belt.

Chas might be nuts in bursts, but there's one guy even he says is nonstop, Daniel Ek. Seriously, those energy drink guys are blowing it by not picking up this one. Daniel was super stoked to be at the competition. So stoked he didn't want to stop after two runs. Get used to hearing this guy's name, he'll be around. He'll also be the one dancing hours before anyone else. To no music.

Speaking of only two runs, what's the deal with that!? Here's an idea for the organizers: give the rookies an extra run. If you need to make time, cut a musical act. I didn't hear anyone say, 'Those rookies were good, but I can't wait to see 30 Seconds to Mars!"

While I'm giving suggestions, what about that bottom section? It was better than last year, to be sure. Guys were getting creative with steezy airs and even a couple tech jibs, which is more than can be said for last year's rainbow. Nicolas Müller even became original with a handplant and Torstein Horgmo earned his five points with some tricky rail combos. Judge Devun Walsh did say that they had to take those points away on falls, of course. He lamented that one rider could fall on a teched out 270 on - 270 off and score lower than one who did a 50-50 with no effort. I asked Torstein why he still brought the switchups and he said, "overall impression." Word. As far as changes to the section, Devun was thinking spine hip. That would offer possibilities of airs to either side, inverts or slashes for maximum crowd stoke-age. Maybe bump it up to 10 points while you're at it...

I caught up to Andy Finch briefly after the show and he said he was stoked on the level of riding. Everyone's riding but his it would seem. His last words as he walked away, "I gotta get it back." Looking forward to the switch back 10, bulldog-style.

Someone who's got it is Eero Ettala. He was just happy his knee held up. How's this for sketch, your first time jumping on a repaired joint and it's THAT gap!? Trained professionals, kids, don't try this at home, etc. He's off to film now for a bit with Mack Dawg and 8 other Fins. Said he's going to have to relearn English when he gets done...

Speaking of not much to say, Danny Davis was stoked into silence by Frend Kevin Pearce's win. "What can I say, his trick was better." Amen. Danny was the first to call Kevin & Mikkel 1-2 that I heard. Not sure anyone could claim the trifecta.

Louie Vito damn near claimed responsibility for the KP victory. Between runs he taught, "Just drop your shoulder. Danny already landed it!" Louie also really wants some Wildcats gear and was doing everything he could to impress Devun. That's all I can say about that.

Mason Aguirre had plenty to say. He was a little bummed at missing the cutoff for the main event (by one TTR ranking), but stoked to compete against the rookies. He gave props to Tim Humphreys and Werner Stock, who, he said killed it. Being a part of the Frends crew is what he's all about. Why not? The guys are owning it out there and show no signs of stopping. Ever. Mase also mentioned how friendly the competition was and I have to agree. Nobody has petty rivalries and no one was hating. What other sport can claim that? The level of progression from the young guns had him amped, too. Think about it: switch backside 9 from Humpy to win the opening event, switch backside 9 from Torstein was good enough for third in the big show. Hell, last year's rookie winner, Mikkel Bang, took second this year by only a handful of points.

Seems like every round was decided by less than 10 points. And talk all you want, but no one wanted to be in the judges' booth for this one. Discussion fuel: was Mikkel's switch back 10 better than Kevin's cab 12? Heikki Sorsa's one-footed 360 or David Benedek's double cork 10? What about Gigi Rüf's style in round 1 against Benedek? The list goes on...

Is there any video out there of Gigi Rüf's round 1? If he could have landed either of his last two tricks (a crazy inverted 360 and double cork 7) my head may have spun around Exorcist-style. They were that rad. I'll ask Sam to find some footage.

As far as originality goes, it turns out our photographer Victor McDerment has a language all his own. At least he's about a dozen words into it. I was all 'what?' glances and hysterical laughter when he was around. Vic also spits mad game at the ladies, including some WAY out of his league. Stay tuned for the Vic-tionary next installment...

I'm out like Heikki's back foot. Peace!