Before we get into the Blog make sure you check out BOTH the videos by Aaron Petty below:
This year Australian Mountain boarders were given the opportunity to perform at an event called Vidcon Australia. Vidcon is an American Youtube convention show casing creators from around the world. They provide workshops, meet and greets and engagements for people who are interested in the social media space. Vidcon was the perfect opportunity for mountain boarding not just within Australia, but more so give us the exposure through social media platforms worldwide. We’ve put together this blog and photos to show case our experiences throughout Vidcon.
Our Friday was crazy to say the least, once we finally finished the set-up there was something satisfying looking back at the demo ramps set up in all their glory, ready to ride for the next few days. Dylan and the team put significant amount of hours into the portable demo set up a.k.a mobile mountain mega and its new prestige make over. Not only did the ramps get a completely new face thanks to Callum Warren Art it also came along with new curtains thanks to Michael Dyer from Tango Visuals. Dylan issues with me going off script – most of time, were quickly fixed with having everything I needed to know written on the down ramp… little did he remember that well... I don’t abide by all the rules.
The doors open and the crowd flowed in and we ready for our first show which we were all super psyched for. With a handful, of new and old members I couldn’t wait get this show on the road and to carry on like a pork chop. The first show was great, riding the concrete didn’t seem to be a problem for the guys – it benefited them with the speed they needed. The new addition of the foam roll away after the landing was a great added feature as it gave the guys the security they needed to perform to their best stunts. Along with our usual shenanigans we were well underway. For this show we wanted to give the opportunity to the public of learning to ride nonstop, therefore we opened up the lessons for all day madness – which was a massive hit. It was encouraging to see a wide range of not only kids interested in mountain boarding but the number of adults who were also keen on learning and getting to know the sport we love to demonstrate.
We ran the demo shows as often as possible and the riders delivered above and beyond, surprising us with three consecutive backflips performed by Dylan, Joel and Jason and for the first time leaving me speechless. The event closed a 5pm and after a short break which lead us to crown… we were back at 7pm for the final show. In this time, our team members headed into the crowd to round up 6 eager people for Dylan to perform a stunt over. Our guests sat along the landing as Dylan boosted over them and riding into the artificial sunset. The team then retreated back their 5-star accommodation for spa and well-deserved R&R. Sometimes life on the road gives you lemons… especially when you lose your keys, check out of your hotel and somehow have to ride the waves of disappointment, angst and problem solving of getting thus keys back… looking at our fearless camera man Aaron. This was just the beginning of what lead to be the final day... Sunday…
Yoga and coffee is what fuelled our morning. Workshops continued strongly through Sunday, with a few returning faces that we previously saw Saturday. Eager and ready the kids dropped in to the mobile mountain mini. Over the course of the weekend we saw over 200 kids and adults experience mountain boarding nailing the artificial mountain board slope. Whilst doing our demo’s we had more and more influences come over to our space, interested in what do and wanting to try it themselves. We were able to collaborate with some, have interview with others, some were keen to try mountain boarding themselves – while some loved the idea of being jumped over.
As the guys staggered over the finishing line, this was definitely the longest time the team had ever performed. An astounding 18 hours of riding the boys were glad to see the sight of the finishing line and thrilled for the opportunities that came from this event. For everyone involved from participants, to the team, a massive thank you is due to everyone. It’s events like these where you realise how important team work is to making everything come together and work smoothly.
If you’re reading this blog and you rode with us at Vidcon, MBS is offering a 15% off code which is VIDCON – valid to the 30th of September 2018. Head over to www.mbsaustralia.com.au
For my last final debut, I would like to specially name our team Craig, Aaron, Alan, Blaze, James, Connor, Ava, Jay, Charlie, Joel, Jason, Eddy, Pack-dad, Dylan, Tommy P. Thank you for working the day, running behind the scenes and all things that we were to never think of.
I’m cactus Formo, we’re Australian mountain boarders and you’re very welcome.
Words by: Daniel Foreman
Photos by: Aaron Petty & Eddy Kusdiana
Video by: Aaron Petty
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