The Weekender: Jordy Smith is back, Seeking Nirvana goes next-level, more
Every Friday in The Weekender we take a look at the best videos from the week that was—like Koa Rothman charging and an attempt to climb and ski Makalu —and give you a preview of some of the most important events in the world of action and outdoor sports coming up this weekend.
Seeking Nirvana
Yes, it’s finally happened. We now have teasers for web series releases. But this one’s worth it. Seeking Nirvana is a really well-shot and edited web series from Leigh Powis, the brains behind Super Proof. This is a promo for Cabin Fever, Pt. 2. The quality of video production has seriously gone through the roof. We’re now getting both high quality video releases to start the season, and stellar video parts in the middle of winter, which is better for everyone. I love that the promo is set to “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” a song about hobos. These guys are a bunch of ski bums, after all. Check out Part 1, here.
Climbing and Skiing Makalu
Climbing at altitude is a ridiculous feat. Climbing at altitude and then skiing is next-level difficult. Emily Harrington, Adrian Ballinger, Hilaree O’Neill and Jim Morrison attempt to ski and climb Makalu, at 27,825 feet, the fifth highest peak in the world. Without oxygen. This is a really good look at what it feels like to attempt big projects in high-alpine environments. Moral of the story: it doesn’t always work out as planned.
Jordy’s Back?
Jordy Smith had a really tough 2015 campaign: He fought through a heel laceration, a knee injury, then a back injury that basically derailed his season. At one point during rehab last year, he even contemplated life after surfing. But refocused, and healthy, Smith enters 2016 ranked No. 13 and looks to be rejuvenated, as this edit from recent trips to Mozambique and Durban, South Africa can attest to. Regardless, Smith is always a threat on tour so it’ll be interesting to see how this year turns out for the South African native who recently re-located to San Clemente, Calif.
- MORE EDGE: Going to Agoge: The most grueling race yet?
Koa Rothman Can Surf Too
It’s easy to forget about Koa Rothman thanks to the antics of his brother Makua—an accomplished musician and big wave surfer. But Koa carries a big stick, and charges hard, as you can see from this edit. The North Shore native attacks Pipeline with a vengeance, fearlessly charges maxing out Peahi, then lets it all hang out at Waimea during the Eddie contest in this edit that fully highlights the youngest Rothman’s abilities.
Snowmo in the City
Urban snowmobiling? Bet you never thought you’d hear those words together. But Levi LaVallee definitely looks natural shredding the city streets of St. Paul in this Red Bull edit. LaVallee is a Minnesota native and has been pushing the sport’s envelope for years. And as he takes to the streets of the state capital, he definitely helps create one of the most unique edits of the winter season.
- MORE EDGE: BMX in the city, the DIY centriphone, more
What’s On Tap
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast/ Roxy Pro | WorldSurfLeague.com | 3:30 p.m. ET
Yep, it’s on again. The 2016 season got underway yesterday at Snapper Rocks on Australia’s Gold Coast with Round 1 of the men’s competition kicking off the season. Many are wondering if anyone other than a Brazilian has a chance to win the world title.
World Championships of Snowboarding | Epicsport.tv | 12:30 p.m. ET
Yabuli, China will host the World Championships of Snowboarding this week and next. The event will be broadcast on Epicsport.tv and most of the field will be on hand. The women’s halfpipe will again be a good one as Chloe Kim and Kelly Clark will continue their season-long rivalry.
LAAX Freeskiing Open | Europeanfreeskiopen.laax.com | Friday-Sunday
Some of the world’s best freeskiers are in LAAX, Switzerland for the Freeskiing Open this weekend. The event isn’t being broadcast live but you can check in on the action with live scoring.
Monster Energy Supercross | FS1 | Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Supercross athletes head to Toronto, Canada this weekend where Ryan Dungey is literally running away with the season points lead in the 450SX class as he scored his 81st podium last weekend in his 109th start.
World Cup Skiing | NBC Sports Live Extra | Saturday, 4 a.m. ET (and throughout Sunday)
Laura Gut has officially overtaken Lindsey Vonn for the overall lead in World Cup standings. Vonn had to end her season prematurely after a knee injury forced her out of competition for the season. The women’s field is in Lenzerheide, Switzerland this weekend for a super-G event and the men compete in downhill in Kvitfjell, Norway.
