Blair Havenit talks about the charm of "KAMIKAZU" and the snowboarding he seeks

In the main feature of the magazine "FREE RUN" released on December 2018, 12, "Snowboarders Embodying Mountain Freestyle", we focused on Kazuhiro Kokubo's signature movie "KAMIKAZU". We interviewed the cast rider Blair Havenit.However, the response was so hot and strong that I couldn't talk about it in the magazine, so I decided to post a special edition of his interview on this site.I want you to check it together with the magazine.

Photo: Andy Wright
Photo: Andy Wright

Q. What was the most impressive thing about shooting "KAMIKAZU"?
"My part was shot with an Eagle Pass helicopter in Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada.Of course, Kazu is with me.The pilot who steered our helicopter has a great skill, and he descends while spiraling.It feels like a corkscrew, and I head to the landing spot with a pinpoint (laughs).If I hadn't fastened my seat belts, everyone would have stuck in the front window.One day, when I was flying about 900 meters above the helicopter, Taka was flying just below the helicopter.It was a very valuable experience because it's rare to see a hawk with its wings spread and flapping its wings from above.I can't express it in words.It was like the best amusement park attraction ever.It's like seeing the world of National Geographic live.Anyway, riding a helicopter is always exciting.It's like a flying car of the future.But it's a reality. "

Q. What is snowboarding that you wanted to convey in "KAMIKAZU"?
"I'm not going to make any claims to society through snowboarding. Snowboarding is nothing more than snowboarding. You know? I don't want to pretend to be justice, and use snowboarding to be environmentally friendly. I don't sue a caring society, share anger at the current system, I don't do that because everyone is different and that's good. So II hate snowboarding movies that try to send out things other than snowboarding.It looks cheap.Let's fly to a helicopter and be more environmentally friendly?Don't joke.However, there is no such narration in "KAMIKAZU".I was happy.Kazu didn't try to put his ego in the work, nor did he let other riders make compliments on him.I understand that riding tells you everything. "KAMIKAZU" is a real snowboard movie made by a real snowboarder.I think it's the best movie of the last few years. "

Q. What is your favorite part of "KAMIKAZU"?
"I especially like the scene where (Fuse) Tadashi is slipping on a lot of powder at the beginning. I think it represents the whole movie of" KAMIKAZU "well. It's not crazy air, it's not the peak of the movie. No, but I think it's a snowboard. I think it's a soul snowboard ... I think Kazu first brought in Tadashi because he didn't have an ego. It's there for older generations. Respect. And I think it's a love to ski powder with friends. That's the ultimate snowboard. "

Q. I used to draw various lines in "KAMIKAZU", but how did you imagine it and how did you slip?
"I'm choosing a line where I'm challenged, I'm slipping like a stream, and I can see what to do when I'm in danger. I'm always riding in advance. I imagine, but if I can't imagine myself slipping perfectly, I won't drop on that line. I'm sure I can go, and when I drop it, I'll think about the position of the slough and the snow under my feet Just focus. And slip while making sure you're turning as you imagined or close to your image. Of course, I've put in the corner of my head what to do if a happening happens. When I'm actually slipping, I sometimes have to compromise on speed and flow. If I don't compromise, I'll die, so I usually look for another option. I don't want to slip on dangerous lines until I throw away my style and flow. It's not just about sliding down. It's important to be yourself. "

Q. I think I've experienced a lot of snowboarding and started to ski mainly in the backcountry ...
"I think competition has a lot to do with the process of growing up as a human being, and it teaches us not only about ourselves, but also about the behavior patterns of others. What is the pressure? Doing that is part of your life, and it would be great if you could control your emotions under pressure through a snowboarding contest, but even if you could win, that's it. No. You need to be calm and have a sense of companionship. Even if you win a tournament, if you don't appreciate the people around you, you've won only a small part of the game. That is, the game. It's not the overall winner. But I think backcountry is about the whole game. We need a crew of friends and friends who can see the reality and be attentive. Of course, each other Thinking about each other, and helping everyone achieve their goals is essential. Working with your peers towards your goals will deepen your relationship with each other. I want you to get out of the parks and streets and step into the wilderness with your friends. "

Photo: Andy Wright
Photo: Andy Wright

FREERUN December 12th release issueIn addition to Blair, interviews with Tadashi Fuse, Keegan Baraika, Jake Braubert, Gigi Raff, and Kazuhiro Kokubo are also posted, so be sure to read them!