Wiretap: John “Action” Jackson
Interview: Russel Winfield
Photo: Adam Moran
In the Nineties the separation in snowboarding was between the jock-ish gate bashers and the big pant wearing freestylers. Now times have changed. The scope has narrowed. The freestyler has won. Now the separation is between the gymnastic-ish contest rider and the video part hungry ripper.
Trying to capitalize on everything shred, the X games has decided to try to expand its reign over snowboarding by adding these video guys into the extravaganza. My buddy John "Action" Jackson was in the finals of the backcountry contest with his video.
This kid is real good. He’s for sure one of the best. I got a few minutes to sit down and ask him some simple questions. Here goes…
Russell: So how’s the new Burton thing going for you? Do you like it?
John J: It’s awesome! A lot of the same people I worked with before but a way better opportunity. I'm able to travel more, way bigger budgets! I tripped out when I first went to the factory.
R: Yeah, Burton tech is next level. Even back in the Forties when I rode for them the tech was next level. So, is there going to be a John J collection coming out?
JJ: Well right now I’m just riding a Custom X. We are talking about some stuff. But who knows, we’ll see how everything fits together. I’m still getting used to how much they can do with a board.
R: Lets talk about your Real Snow part. How do you feel about the contest and your segment?
JJ: Not stoked on it. I’m kind of bummed actually. I honestly don’t feel like it’s an honest voting thing. Also, it’s super tough to get a part done that quickly. The weather didn't really cooperate and I was coming back from a knee injury. But we made the best out of what we had; just really kept it in the trees because of the weather. I would love the opportunity to do it again next year.
R: Wow, do you mind if I publish that? I mean, I got your back man and I don’t want to post anything that you don't want me too.
JJ. No man. Go ahead publish it. It’s how I feel!
R: Damn son, you’re the man! So I want to do some word associations with you. 1080 double cork or back one?
JJ: Backside one, super big and all steezed out. Got to be huge though!
R: I’m with you on that one man, all driftin’ backwards! Ok, park or pillow line?
JJ: Pillow line baby! Pillows in my sleep, pillows in the deep!
R: (Laughs) Awesome man, frickin’ awesome. True to form for sure. You ready for the next question?
JJ: Yup.
R: Blond or Brunette?
JJ: Oh Fuck man… I like 'em all.
R: I used to try to fight it but the blonds seem to like me. So in my old age I’m just going with it!
JJ: Yeah I got that same thing going on. I tend to end up with the blonds. I need to go find some Latina spice or something! (Laughs) Switch it up!
R: Audi or Subaru?
JJ: Audi for sure! Those things are so sick.
R: Well you scored 100% with me buddy. I like your style. You are carrying the torch like a champ! So what year did you start shreddin’?
JJ: I was… Well I’m pretty sure it was 95. Damn I’m getting old.
R: You aren’t old. I’m old! You are in your prime man. Ok, this might be the best question I have ever asked. Who was in the posters on your wall growing up?
JJ: Terje [Håkonsen] for sure! It trips me out that I get to ride with that guy now. I used be so stoked on him. Brittany Spears and [Jeff] Brushie. He [Brushie] is doing a huge alley-oop indy in the Snow Summit pipe.
R: Well John, I know you are busy man so I'm going to let you go. I hope you win the real-snow man you deserve it! Have fun the rest of the season.
JJ: Thanks man! It’s always good to talk with you. We need to get our shred on soon.
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