The idea behind Living Legends is a simple one, we want to honor and document the careers of professional skateboarders and snowboarders that have made a significant impact on their sports but remain in the game.

Living Legend: Chris Dufficy

[ words by Pete Andersen]

“I always knew he was going to come back. It’s not even a come back, I think he just took a year off to let everyone else catch up. Duff’s the king.” – Sean Kearns

Duff is the king, no question. They don’t come much better than him, period. A grin from ear to ear is permanently attached to his face and the personality, outlook and attitude that goes along with it is entrenched in his being, it’s just his nature. His laugh and positive attitude have saved many a crew on overcast days in the backcountry from spiraling out of control into bitterness. Not only can he see the positive in everything and everyone, he has an uncanny ability to see lines, jumps and angles to shoot from that made him an absolute favorite for any photographer or filmer to work with.

Born and raised on the mean streets of Kamloops, BC, Chris linked his first turns at the local shred haven, Todd Mountain, soon to become Sun Peaks. Soon after he met Sean Johnson and at the tender age of 15, Chris would spend many a winter snowboard trip with him in North Vancouver. In the midst of the Whiskey madness, Chris kept his focus and positivity squarely set on snowboarding and soon he was turning heads in the industry. After being named to the legendary ‘Forum 8′ squad, it was obvious a successful pro career was on the horizon and with Chris’ work ethic, attitude, and raw talent, it seemed nothing was going to stand in his way.

In 1999, after a couple knee surgeries – rather common speed bumps on any pro snowboarder’s career path these days – Chris was back on track and as healthy as ever. Then that spring Chris found himself in a struggle for his life after hitting the back of his head and neck on a tree at Mount Seymour in North Vancouver. After being unconscious for three days he awoke to an empty hospital room and the realization that something was very, very wrong. “You will never ride again,” the doctor’s words reverberated through him like an earthquake. For a year and a half Chris worked in and around the snowboard industry and, against the wishes of his doctors, could only snowboard recreationally, all the while never losing his trademark smile, laugh and spark. At the beginning of the 2001 season Chris felt great and had no symptoms of his previous concussions so he went to his neurologist to get the low down. After numerous tests he was given the green light to snowboard again with a helmet and mouth guard at all times. In true Duff fashion, back on snow with the Forum crew that never left his side, Chris filmed his best snowboard part to date for True Life.

Chris continued to snowboard and produce groundbreaking video parts for a decade or so before turning his attention to the next chapter in his life. Now, stronger than ever with the determination and positivity to back it up, Chris is doing everything he can to become a firefighter. Knowing Chris and his penchant for life, I can’t think of a better next step for the eternally smiling ‘Duffman’ that has done so much for snowboarding and it’s community. Chris Dufficy is indeed, a Living Legend.