Absolute-Snow: Hey Eric, thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us, we hope you’ve had a rad summer?

Eric:Stoked to do it! My summer was pretty chill, it kind of just came and went. Lots of Archery and house projects so nothing to exciting

Absolute-Snow: We’d love to hear more about your new film Onsen Fountain, what was the inspiration behind this film, including the movie name?

Eric: Japan is one of my favorite countries and I really wanted to go on a trip with Shin. I hadn’t been back since 2020 so we just started talking and made it happen. There is something special about going to a new area and getting shown around from the local legend. We had a great time. I actually didn’t know it was called Onsen fountain… lol

Absolute-Snow: Awesome! Japan is a bucket list trip for so many people, so it’s amazing to have this movie to give us all a little taste! You’ve been to Japan before, but this was your first time riding in Myoko, how did it compare to other areas in Japan?

Eric: Myoko is a special place and getting the local treatment from Shin was really cool. From Onsens to hit, restaurants to visit and resorts to ride, Shin was on it.

Absolute-Snow: Did the landscapes and culture of Myoko impact your experience and the way you approached the film?

Eric: For sure, aside from the mountains being incredible, Shin took us to all the hidden gems. From local ramen restaurants to incredible temples, we got to see places we otherwise would not have without Shin.

Absolute-Snow:It must have been amazing riding and filming alongside Shin Biyajima, getting inside local knowledge of the area and hitting secret spots. What was one of the most memorable moments from the trip for you?

Eric: We spent a few days in this awesome avalanche barrier zone and really picked it apart. When I think of riding in Japan, I’m always looking for avi barriers to jump off so that was awesome!

Absolute-Snow: Were there any unexpected challenges you faced while filming in Myoko?

Eric: It was definitely a low snow year but it snowed a few feet right when we arrived so we pretty much had good conditions the entire trip

Absolute-Snow: There must have been so many funny moments too, could ya let us into a few?

Eric: I am kind of a rock nerd and I really wanted to go look for Agates on the beach. It took some convincing and everyone was laughing at me, but we found a few and Shin had never seen them before so he was super stoked. It ended up being a cool little section in the film

Absolute-Snow: Congratulations on the release of the Nidecker Kita! What’s unique about these boots, and how do they complement your riding style?

Eric: I love the Kita! It’s a very comfortable, relatively stiff boot that breaks in well but still holds its structure, which is everything I look for in a boot.

Absolute-Snow: The signature camo colourway is RAD by the way! What’s the story behind this design?

Eric: I was riding in this burnt forest in BC and a particular tree stopped me in my tracks. It was this beautiful burnt pattern that I took a photo of and the design team at Nidecker turned it into the pattern for my boot. I really try to keep all my signature designs true to things that inspire me and my new Kita certainly does just that

Absolute-Snow: When you're riding through diverse terrain like those steep faces and gnarly ridge lines in the film, how did the Kita’s design features help you adapt and stay comfortable?

Eric: The boot is built in a way that gives you the necessary support to handle impacts, yet its very responsive and still has enough mobility to maneuver through tight terrain

Absolute-Snow: It must be amazing riding for Nidecker, what’s your favourite thing about the brand, and how does it align with your values as a rider?

Eric: It's an absolute honor to be a part of the Nidecker family and that's just it, it truly is a family run business with deep roots for the love of snowboarding.

Absolute-Snow: Jumping back to the film, your freestyle/freeride riding style perfectly matches the big open landscapes in Japan, what was your favourite filming spot and why? (that ridgeline you guys hiked up to looked insane!)

Eric: Japan has very diverse terrain and it all depends on the weather. A lot of times it's stormy so you stick to the trees. We were fortunate enough to get some sunshine and we did a split board mission up to one of Shin's favorite zones, which was a highlight for sure. We scored a little bit of everything on this trip

Absolute-Snow: You’ve been part of the snowboarding world for a long time now. What continues to drive you to push boundaries in the sport?

Eric: I think it's because I’m still having fun! I love snowboarding so much. It has taught me many things in life and I’m just thankful my body still feels good and I’m able to keep pushing myself

Absolute-Snow: LOVE that! Where was your favourite place to snowboard growing up, and how has it influenced your riding style?

Eric: I grew up riding Mammoth Mountain and the terrain heavily influenced my riding style. From perfect parks to big mountains it really taught me how to ride everything

Absolute-Snow: Where is your ultimate snowboard bucket list location?

Eric: I really want to go to Georgia. The terrain looks so good and it's been my dream for a long time.

Absolute-Snow: We’re all getting absolutely stoked for winter over here, what are your plans for this winter, any exciting trips/films we should look out for?

Eric: As of right now, the only trip I have locked in is my wife and I are going to Japan in January. She has been so supportive of my snowboarding career and rarely gets to come on trips so this will be a special one.

Absolute-Snow: That sounds exciting! What advice would you give to younger riders who look up to you, especially those interested in blending passion with creativity in projects like Onsen Fountain?

Eric: I would say dream big and don’t be afraid to go against the grain. Stay true to who you are and make sure you’re always having fun.

Absolute-Snow: Thank you so much for chatting with us, we can’t wait to see what you get up to this winter. Have an epic season and get some pow turns for us!