JULIE LARSEN
Place of Birth: Madison, Wisconsin
Home Base: Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
Age: 29
Nick Name: Jewels
1st Place 1999 U.S. Extreme Snowboarding Championships
6th Place World Extreme Championships, Valdez AK
|
Helmet Story:
I seem to hit my head
quite a bit, just because I like speed I think but I had a scary experience
just recently that has jarred me, even though I have been wearing a helmet
everyday for about three years now. I had just got back from Alaska and
was doing a photo shoot at Arapahoe Basin. I was jumping off this cliff
band that had a blind approach, and to get enough speed to clear it, I
had to take it the blind way. I came off the cliff with enough speed,
but missed my landing by about two feet to the right and landed on a LARGE
rock below. I catapulted backward and could not even self-arrest, and
went flipping into the trees. I came to a rest when my head slammed into
the tree trunk behind me. I was a bit shaken, but got on my feet and rode
out of the trees to ask the photographer what happened. He was pretty
freaked out, but I felt fine, so we proceeded with the shoot. Later on
that day, I had concussion symptoms and even the next day had a bit of
whiplash, but if I hadnt had my helmet on, I wouldn't have a chance!
My nature is to be
motivated and constantly moving forward. I am known for accomplishing
my dreams and continually coming up with new dreams. A friend told me
once that my nickname should be Jeweler because of my lines on and off
the mountain. I believe that he could be right. Keep cutting it up!!!
What was the sickest moment so far in your career?
When I won the U.S. extremes in Crested Butte in March 1999...the snow conditions really could
have used some help, but I did some exploring and found some halfway decent
snow. It was also the first time that I had my nerves under control and I just rode the line...I
had so much fun and really found some great lines, ones that only a few
of the guys even found!
New Stuff to do:
I love the steep and
scary stuff and am truly entranced with Big Mountain riding. I hope to
spend some time in Europe this season to really get a feel for the goods.
Another thing that I want to do in my snowboard career is stunt work and
filming. Anyone need a stunt rider? :)