Phat and Tweaked at 45
An Interview With Glen Caulkins

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How did you get into snowboarding?
I was working with Pro surfer Matt Archbold on a nutrition and fitness project for MCD (Gotcha) and Town & Country sponsored Matt a couple of demo snowboards. I had never been snowboarding. It was Matt's first session as well. We rented some boots and off to Bear Mountain, straight to the top. I picked it up quick. I got a little thrashed, but no serious injuries. That was 1992 - I've been riding ever since.

Give us a little of your history about your accomplishments as a snowboarder.
I compete mainly in U.S.A.S.A. I've been on the So. California National Team for five years. I ride in the men's legend division. At the U.S.A.S.A. "National Championships" I have won: 3rd over all freestyle in 94 and 95, 1st in Slopestyle 96, 97 and 98. I tied for 1st over all Freestyle 96 and 97. 2nd overall Freestyle in 98. I won 1st in the LA Cellular Series at Bear Mountain in 97.

Who are your sponsors and how did you go about getting them?
I ride for Gotcha, Oxygen Snowboards, CBS California Board Shop, Vector Stomp Pads, Risk Protective Sno-Gear, Back Bay Chiropractic (Dr. Steve Morita), Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, Snow Valley, Mountain High and Boeri Helmets. It is important to compete in a contests regularly. It is not always about winning 1st place; its about being a part of the sport as a whole. By riding a contest circuit you get to know a lot of people on the mountain and in the business. I know a lot of average riders who are sponsored because they ride contests regularly. Personally, I have been riding contests for years, I place regularly and I've got a good portfolio of photos and a resume. I handle myself in a professional manner on and off the slopes. I don't bad mouth anybody, even when I think I rode better than I was scored. It blows it with officials, judges and sponsors. Its important to be sociable and have a positive attitude.

What changes are happening in snowboarding?
There are so many refined technical tricks. I have seen more clean huge, I mean huge, inverts than ever this year. Incredible quarter pipe action. Rodeo flip 540's and 720's switch and regular, and barrel roll 900's. Front and back flips - grabs and layouts. Extreme boarding has gone more extreme. The new 99 technology is hot- directional boards - directional flex - ridden 2" to 4" back. The "Peter Line Thirty-Two" brand air cushioned insole boots, with carbon fiber arch supports... are the boot of the year in my opinion. This years Burton bindings are among the best. The Gotcha Glacier Indoor Snowboard Facility will be an epic addition to the So. Cal snowboard scene. It will attract some of the best riders in the world. It will host snowboard contests year round. Glacier Sports and Forest City Development secured the property with the City of Anaheim in September. When the structure opens in late 1999 or more likely early 2000 riders will be training in perfect conditions year round - we are going to see more refined freestyle and half-pipe riders.

Do you see a lot of injuries that could have been prevented?
I see a lot of riders launching Big Airs that shouldn't be. It takes years of dedication and experience to land clean Big Airs. I see a lot of beginners and intermediate riders get hurt every time I ride. There are so many 10' or 25' technical tricks that should be mastered before you launch a 40' or 60' air - so it isn't sloppy. The idea is to improve gradually... not to get put out for the season or longer by one foolish mistake. I wear Risk Hip & Tail Bone Pads - they have saved me from serious injury more than once.

What do you think about the helmet trend?
Helmets are in. Whether it's pushing 60 mph on the groomed, doing a tree run, launching air, busting a McTwist in the pipe, charging a shoot, riding border-cross or getting hit from behind. I have seen some serious head injuries that could have been prevented. Snowboarding is hard core - I don't see helmets as an option.

You're into a pretty clean lifestyle, how does that relate with today's snowboard generation?
I consider myself an athlete. I train like an athlete. I keep as limber, strong and focused as I can. You don't get to be my age and land big airs by luck; you have to train, pay your dues, live and ride smart. I see a lot of great riders who take their athletic ability for granted. Hopefully, they catch on before it is to late. We won't recover from injuries properly when we are not at optimum health. It's easier for our back, joints and tendons to survive when we are in great physical shape. I wasn't always into being healthy. I used to be spun - like cotton candy. I started taking drugs and drinking in the early seventies; it almost killed me more than once. I went to jail so many times it was insane. I ended up disgusted, choked out, broke, hung-over and weak. After I got clean and sober in 1988, it didn't take long to figure out that I wasn't into just sitting around smoking cigarettes, sucking down coffee and still killing myself. I wanted to live - healthy. It has been a lot of work. It did not happen over night. I've had my share of struggles - but it's so worth it. Health is happening - looking and feeling our best - riding hard.

What other sports are you into? Do you feel they relate to snowboarding?
Cross-training is important to develop, enhance and maintain athletic ability. I surf whenever the waves are good. I ride a 6' 2" squash tail most of the time. I have a 6' 3" fish for small waves and a 6'8" for 8' to 11' waves (faces). I have an 8'6" gun - for when it gets huge. Surfing helps me maintain a fluid snowboarding style. It develops agility and balance. Surfing keeps me aggressive, you really have to hustle to get your share of waves in So. California. I in-line skate at the beach a couple of times a week during the off season. I just got a pair of aggressive skates for riding half pipes. I skateboard and blade on two quarter pipes I have at home. I work out at the gym two or three times a week. My work out always changes. I have developed a unique personal system of stretching... a combination of Yoga and Active Isolated Stretching. I focus on stretching and cardio, but I enjoy hitting the iron. Flexibility and strength help prevent injuries; they also enhance snowboarding ability. Strength adds endurance and power; flexibility lets you tweak and twist. Combined they enhance over all control and precision. I have taken some hard falls, being in shape isn't a guarantee against serious injury, but it definitely helps prevent injuries.

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You're 45 and into the study of aging, what are some things that will help boarders ride into their 60's?
Basically, keep active and cross-train. Eat healthy, stay lean, drink lots of water and take supplements four or five times a week. A good multivitamin, extra calcium, C and E are a good start. Get a good chiropractor. Keep a positive attitude. Don't smoke and stay off drugs. Work hard, be smart - spend your cash wisely - save it to train at Scott Liska's Alaska Summer Snowboarding Camp and Mount Hood.

What's the business side of snowboarding got for you?
I am not really looking to make big money snowboarding, but I would like to help promote the sport as a whole. Snowboarding has helped me to over-come many of my unhealthy fears. I have learned so much about myself on the mountain. I want to share my experiences and be a positive role model for younger generations. I want to see everybody taking care of themselves and reaping the rewards.

So what's in the near future Glen Caulkins?
I just got married August 2, 1998. I am producing educational videos. I'll be producing some combined surf, skate, snow, and health videos. I plan on doing seminars to educate people about life, health and spirituality. I've written three books and I'll be promoting them as well. Now I am working on an auto-biography. I am the president of Glenhaven Sober Living Homes, Inc.. It is a drug, alcohol and homeless shelter for men and women. I have been running it for 8 years. I want to open another facility for people with HIV and AIDS.

— Jonathan Nourok, Mountain Zone Pubster