This week the Holy Bowly has taken over Park City and brought with it an impressive who’s who of snowboarding for a totally non competitive gathering of creativity and flow. Right now, you gotta be someone to be here, but come Saturday, 50 Park City locals will be lucky enough to ride in this “holy” event. The following has been my experience as a “normal” snowboarder amidst the world’s top riders at the Holy Boly private shoot. I hope it will grant some insight to anyone who was lucky enough to acquire a spot on Saturday.
Blake Paul. Photo: Justin Parkhurst
EVERYONE is there.
I spend a lot of time watching snowboard videos on the Internet and pretty much every name you ever wanted to see ride in person is at this event. Not only that, but they’re showcasing what they are known for, and feeding off each other. The Holy Boly is a snowboard super organism. I would be lying if part of me felt like I didn’t deserve to ride in said super organism, considering the skill of every one else zooming past me, but hell, who passes up a chance to check out the best event ever, with the world’s best riders? Mamma did’t raise no fool. If you must fan out (it’ll happen), do it with tact. Nobody wants to feel awkward.
Pick your lines
The only reasonable plan of attack for a non-pro- plebeian like myself is to slowly move up the board-world food chain. Start out with the lines you know you have, move up to the ones the filmers and other industry people are shredding, and then take tips from the pro lines…preferably ones that don’t involve airing 30+ feet. It’s also wise to know when to bow out. Lord knows I am not going to impress a single one of these dudes with my method grab. So sometimes it’s best to sit back and enjoy the show. Once the A-team has swept through…and B and C, than you can go!
Kazu Kokubo. Photo: Justin Parkhurst
There are Rules.
The Holy Boly is not a contest, it is a gathering, but there are rules. Mainly, no tail blocks (to save the bowl from destruction) and no spraying DJ Matty Mo. Now of course these rules were broken by day one, but still THERE ARE RULES, THIS ISN’T NAM! As far as unwritten rules go, don’t snake people, if someone says “follow me” try not to pussy out and most importantly, if you fall and your edge takes a chunk out of one of the lips…just kill yourself.
Dress appropriately.
The Utah sun in April is hotter than a Mormon chick after a good soak. So you will want to dress appropriately. Wear a hat and cover as much of your skin as possible. Black is a bad choice, but if you must, prepare to sweat. For some more inspiration on selecting the perfect kit, check out what the pros are rocking in the gallery above.
Yasaku Horii. Photo Justin Parkhurst
Bring Beer.
Self explanatory.