Atlantic City, NJ
How did you discover your talent? What got you started?
I always played any sport I could as a kid. I started off with “conventional” sports like football, basketball, soccer, baseball, etc. but after seeing my first Xgames i fell in love with the “extreme” side of things as well. After High School a friend asked me to move with him up to the mountains and I fell in love with snowboarding and the life that comes with it!
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I actually wanted to be a Fighter Pilot believe it or not. As I got a bit older I realized the military wasn’t necessarily for me. Life does come full circle however as I’m now taking the necessary steps to become a Firefighter. Serving the community has always been a goal, I just needed the right lane!
Who was your biggest inspiration?
Selema (Sal) Masekela, Marc Frank Montoya, Lucas Magoon, and pretty much everyone who surfed for ...LOST
What makes you keep innovating and pushing your skills to new heights? What’s the intrinsic driver or motivation?
I seek progression in anything that I do. In my opinion without the chance to better yourself, things simply aren't worth doing. It doesn't mean that you have to be ultra competitive or be the best...just your best.
So far, what has been your favourite highlight of your career? An achievement? A specific moment?
I’d say getting to go to Superpark with my crew and just be around the highest level riders in the world and see how they operate on a daily basis.
In regards to your career, where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years?
As far as sports go, I’d say I now hover somewhere inbetween an amatuer and a hobbyist. Getting a job as a Firefighter will allow me to serve my community while still leaving plenty of time for playing in nature as I love to do. My 10 year goal is to take on some of the “pro-level” locations while not being a “pro”. I’d like to Snowboard some big lines in Europe or Alaska that I’ve seen in movies, and Surf Pipeline and Waimea in Hawaii.
In terms of healthy habits, what are your thoughts on the current beverage options out there? (I.e. Energy Drinks, high sugar drinks etc)
I think at this point most people can agree that a huge percentage of people are hooked on the added sugar in their daily beverages. Like a lot of people i know i grew up drinking soft drinks that were loaded with sugar and syrups. As I got older and realized the devastating effects sugar was having on my life and performance, I sought out more and more beverages that could still give me flavor and energy without the rush and crash. Wize fits the bill!
How does Wize fit into your current lifestyle? And why do you choose Wize?
Wize fits right into my diet and general plan for life, which is to get as much done as possible and feel great doing it! I Choose Wize because not only are the flavors great but I know that the company truly cares about its customers and sustainably sources its products. It’s the thought that counts!
What are the next projects coming down the pipeline?
I really want to focus my energy into youtube this year and get a podcast going. I have so many interesting friends with great stories to tell!
What’s your favourite flavour of Wize tea? When do you typically drink it?
I personally love the mango...it’s so refreshing! I typically drink it with my lunch before getting back out on the hill or into the water!
Thanks for the interview! Where can our audience find out more about you?
RighteousJamaal on Instagram/ Youtube