Photos Courtesy of Zeal Optics
Big news out of Boulder, Colorado! Zeal Optics has signed Ian Wood as an Ambassador to its growing list of athletes.
Here’s the official news from Zeal:
ZEAL Optics Ambassadors are a breed apart. A merry band of adventure generalists in search of the next, with causes and passion as deep as their skills. When we first met Ian Wood, we knew he belonged in the family.
We caught up with Ian on a trip to South America to hear more about what makes him tick…
Tell us a little about your background.
I grew up in Monroe Washington. A little farm town at the foothills of the Cascades.
Inspirations in life: anyone that is looking to better themselves and the planet, people searching for adventure and living in the moment—Tamo Campos, The Beyond Boarding crew, Shaen Jesmer, Nicolas Muller, MFR, The Hot Lava Crew, and all my friends in the North West. The old cronies Kurt Jensen, Élan Bushell, Tegus, Scheafer, Monty, Stone, Audisio – for showing me age means whatever you want it to mean.
My Favorite career highlight thus far is getting a story published from an adventure to India with one of my best friends, last winter. He took photos and I wrote the story. Was pretty much my purest snowboard adventure to date—no BS, all adventure and powder.
What are you into other than snowboarding? What motivates you?
I spend a lot of time on and off hill with my lady. Skateboarding, Surfing, traveling, reading, writing—pretty much trying to enjoy life in all different ways.
What motivates me is having a positive presence in peoples’ lives. Stoking people out, sharing good times and scaring myself along the way. Trying to better myself and better the world. Oh and deep powder… Always deep powder!
How’d you get into snowboarding and what is it about the sport that continues to get you excited?
I started Snowboarding when I was 12. Going on a ski bus in middle school with friends. It started with skateboarding and shifted to the white stuff.
What keeps me excited is self-progression and adventures. That feeling at the top of a line or a feature when you process what is in front of you, clear your mind and then pull the trigger—that trust you have to have in yourself every time you drop in.
What are your favorite places to ride? People to travel with? Why?
Favorite places to ride are the Northwest, Chile, Alaska, Canada and anywhere with deep stable snow. Favorite people to travel with are Jimbo, Dani, Jordo, and Slug. Good times and great friends!!!! What else could you ask for?
What are some of your other accomplishments that you’re most proud of?
Making it onto the ZEAL program!
What are a few things that most people don’t know about you?
I have Vitiligo, I am OCD about what I put in a trashcan, I am not flexible, I am as far away from cocky as it gets, I stopped snowboarding for a season when I was 21.
What’s next for you as far as trips, goals, etc?
Enjoying Chile this summer, AK again next spring, and hopefully some world travels with the Soul Ryder’s crew.
Most embarrassing moment you’ve ever had on the hill.
Any time a camera is pointed at me and I blow it—worst feeling ever!
Two sentence description of your approach to life.
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die tomorrow.
Why are you down with Zeal?
ZEAL is at the forefront of all companies in my opinion. Sunglasses that are made from biodegradable materials? Game changing! Plus their lenses are as crisp as it gets.
What are your favorite goggles/sunglasses and why?
My favorite goggles are the FARGO and LEVEL mostly for the fit and style. They fit my face very well!
Favorite glasses have to be the ACE. Biodegradable? Come on now that is the future! ZEAL is taking it to the next level with this one. Oh and they also look amazing. This one particular item is really what made me search out this company. Way to save the world guys, one pair of sunglasses at a time!
