Dulling his edges on the small slopes and parks of Ontario, Andrew Skelhorn is currently in the middle of the classic Canadian "east goes west" snowboarding story, seeing where the productive snow communities of BC can take him. Coming off a season with a part in Nuulife's Sixes and Sevens, and cameo appearances in 6 Months 2 Live and other web videos, Skelhorn decided to bring it back east for another season of progression. But no story is complete without some bumps and unexpected turns along the way.

You've got a cross-Canada-road-trip-meets-vehicle-theft story. Feel free to give the Coles notes version, or the fully detailed version.
Let's try the Coles notes ‘cause it's easy to get lost.

- Wanted a change from everything
- Packed up everything I owned
- Planned to drop it off in Ontario, along with Alex Beebe
- Stopped in Winnipeg to skate the plaza with [Jake] Kuzyk for twenty minutes
- Truck got jacked with everything in it
- They tossed some stuff that had my ex-girlfriend's number on it
- Some good Samaritan calls her, saying some of my shit is thrown across her parking lot
- She gets upset, calls a lot of people ("not letting anyone know" blows up in my face)
(Wait, need to catch my breathe...phew)
- Stayed at Kuzyk's (thanks so much for everything Kuzyk family)
- Fly home
- Deal with insurance for past two months

Never stopping in Winnipeg again [laughs].

[note: read Alex Beebe's version here]

Did they get your computer? What does this mean for your blog? I noticed it's still being updated.
My blog went on a 5-month hiatus ‘cause I was going through a lot. They threw my computer out, but it was busted. So for the past couple weeks I've been going to friend's houses; it's like using a library computer, but more personal [laughs].

Did they get your music? You're always rockin' the giant headphones while you're riding. Is there usually something playing, or is it all for the headphone sponsor?
Music wise, they got four iPods, my new iPhone and all my headphones. The headphones are not just aesthetic; I've loved to ride with music ever since I saw the artist-formally-known-as Trza snowboarding with headphones. I'm a multiple-tasker at heart, so when I can knock out two birds with one stone (riding and music), I'm stoked.

What are you listening to? or, sorry, what were you listening to?
Right now I'm listening to a lot of radio. I think FM radio stations only have ten songs and they just rotate. I go to friends from time to time and update my iPhone. I just put Royksopp, Lazee, Artymove, Muse and the new Megadeth on there.

How about a Skelhorn playlist? "Songs to get your truck stolen to", riding music, chilling music, whatever.
My playlist always changes. I tell ya one thing: I refuse to listen to that song by The Weakerthans, "One Great City!".

Let's see, a quick ten: 
"Kingdom Come" by Passion Pit
"Diver" by Strung Out
"Steppin' Out" by Lo Fi Fnk
"Tonight Is A Wonderful Night To Fall In Love" by April Wine
"Have A Drink On Me" by AC/DC
"Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors" by The Editors
"The Voice" by Moody Blues
"Revelations" by Iron Maiden
"Temptation" by New Order

But I figured a song like "One Great City!" with "I hate Winnipeg" as a refrain would be your new personal anthem?
No way...the mere mention of Winnipeg makes me want to huddle in the fetal position [laughs]. Music is supposed to make you feel good; that song would just make me angry.

Skelhorn at the '09 Quiksilver Down Low, Mt. St. Louis Moonstone, Ontario. Forsythe photo.

Now that you're sort of trapped in Ontario, what're your plans for the winter? How are you gonna "get it done" in the east? What are your plans for getting back on top?
Hahaha...back on top...you're too kind sir [laughs]. Well, every year as long as I progress in my riding and have fun I'm stoked. I've got some great friends in Ontario and usually when I'm having fun, I'm happy riding, whether it's taking photos, shooting video or just taking laps...they go hand in hand. Luckily, I have some great friends who help me out.

Last year you had a cameo in the 6 Months 2 Live project. Are those some of the friends you're talking about?
6 Months 2 Live was rad. I grew up riding with some of those guys and I always have a great time with them. I went shooting with them because it was a new opportunity to ride different places with different people. That's what makes snowboarding: a change of venue and new experiences.

Why were you coming back in the first place? What does Ontario have to offer? I know Chuntz and Cartwright are back. Is this going to be the year that the east is on top?
I wanted to come back for the winter to avoid the Olympics. Every year snowboarding opens new doors for innovation and Ontario still has so much. It's going to be refreshing riding with friends I grew up with again.

Is the forecast out west making you antsy?
Of course the forecast makes me a bit anxious [laughs]. But I need to feel anxious for snowboarding ‘cause then I'll appreciate it more in my mind. At least that's what I tell myself. But either way, it's always snowing somewhere and you always want what you can't have [laughs].

You filmed with Nuulife last year. Are you planning on filming in Ontario? Photos?
Filming with Nuulife was awesome. Those guys are dope and they work really hard. I will be shooting photos and video more than I did before. I also plan to do some trips as well.

Any plans to get back out west? Possibly staging a fundraiser of some kind? "Save Skelhorn"?
I'll be heading back out west around April to do some sledding. My sled's still out there, so it will be ready to go. "Save the Skelhorn" would be a good foundation in my opinion, but I don't think it would fly [laughs]. All me friends have been super supportive and have helped me out so much.

Skelhorn rides for Capita Snowboards, Smith Optics, Union Bindings, Quiksilver, Skull Candy, Dakine and Switch Boardshop.

--------------------------
Related:
Adam Chuntz: Making It Happen
Steve Cartwright: Bail Of The Summer
6 Months 2 Live: Webisode 2 (w/Skelhorn)
The '09 Quiksilver Down Low