To most of us, dad-boarding entails sneaking away for a few early morning laps at the local resort while mom makes the kids breakfast. It may be exhausting and far from glamorous, but hey, it's worth it because you get an hour of riding.
Enter Jordan Phillips. You'd never know it from watching his part, but this Whistler-based ripper has two kids of his own at home as well as a full-time job. Between raising his children and a steady work week, Jordan also found the time and energy to hit the big mountain and film a full part.
We caught up with Jordan to get a better understanding of how he managed to make it all work last winter.
Rome: You have a full time job right? What do you do?
Jordan: I am part of the IATSE film workers union. I work as an electrician on a TW show (The Good Doctor). I work on the prep side of things mainly. We do 12 hour days, building electrical and lighting setups for the shooting crew.
Rome: Its hard enough to balance filming a full part and a fulltime job, but on top of that you have two kids at home. How do you possibly find the time for all of that?
Jordan: Dude, my wife Autumn is a friggen legend. She stepped up for me to be able to have my winter days to shred. All last winter I did a lot of weekend warrior missions to the backcountry and I worked out a bluebird/20cm rule with my boss. If it’s going to be sunny and/or it snowed the night before, I take care of what is expected of me at work and I'm able to take a day or two off to get after it. It’s challenging and extremely fatiguing, but so worth it.
Rome: What is filming a full backcountry part like? Any unforeseen challenges?
Jordan: The biggest challenge I found is the snowmobile. Until you have this thing dialed you’re not getting much accomplished. Not to mention they just break sometimes too. Also the Whistler backcountry is so extensive you can get stuck pretty deep out there if your sled shits the bed. The past two seasons we have had to tow another riders sled out. Basically eating up the day. That's all part of it though.
Also never forget your TP. For some mystical reason whenever the jump is ready to go, your body needs to do its business. No TP can really be a day ruiner.
Rome: What is your Rome setup of choice and how does that help you film in the backcountry?
Jordan: Last year I rode the Ravine Select a lot. I find that the slightly wider nose really helps keep that nose afloat. When I land with a lot of impact on a feature I find that it (the nose) really helps keep me on top of the snow in the coastal pow. It's crazy how much heavier it is than the pow I grew up riding in the Rockies.
The Crewzer and the Stale Fish also rule though. So hard to decide every morning what to bring out there. Some days I just want the Stale Fish when it’s deep and others I want the Crewzer when I want to get mega freestyle with it. The Ravine Select kind of has the best of both worlds though.
I also ride the Katana bindings. These things are unreal. So light weight, adjustable to have zero pressure points and they react when I need them too. Best bindings ever.
Rome: Thanks homie! Anything else you'd like to add?
Jordan: Just want to say thanks to Rome and everyone that has continued to support me through years whether it be gnarly injuries or starting a family. I’ve never stopped loving snowboarding and will do it as long as my body allows it. So stoked to be backed by a company like Rome through it all.
Peace!
Check out Jordan's quiver pieces below.
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Photos by Duncan Sadava
