Best of The British: Part 3

2008-12-26 This week we are giving the British number one big mountain skier a chance to shine. Ed Waite is the only Briton on the World Freeride Tour this year and we are honoured to have Ed with us all season writing blogs and recording footage exclusively for Freeride.co.uk. Firstly, an interview with him right here.

Name: Ed Waite
DoB: 31/03/1987
Hometown: London
Freeride.co.uk Username: edwaite
Based in: Verbier, Switzerland
Equipment: STORM Skis, FAIISE clothing (www.faiise.com), Nordica Boots, Dr Zipe Optics, Demon Protection and Gloves and Ortovox Safety Equipment.

Ed Waite
Photo: Camilla Stoddart (www.whiteroompictures.com)

Hello mate, Before jumping off cliffs, when did you start skiing? As soon as I learnt to walk, I was lucky that my parents worked in a ski resort until I was 5!

So a real skibum child! In this insane sport what pushes you to go further? Watching what the best athletes in the world are achieving and being inspired to try to lift your own skills to there levels, also the rush you get after landing something new or the emotions you get after conquering a face you have been eyeing up for ages!

Ed Waite
Photo: Camilla Stoddart (www.whiteroompictures.com)

Any moments when death flashed across your eyes?The first time I skied with Phil Meier, who in my eyes is one of the best skiers in the world and I have looked up to for ages, he took me to his favourite line in Verbier (which he had described as awesome), after the long hike I looked over the top and almost laid one in my pants straight away! I turned and looked at him like he was crazy at which point he said watch where I go, don't fall and I'll see you at the bottom, with that he dropped in and skied this line at mach 10! I had no options and had to follow him into the most exposed line I had ever skied, I'm still here now so ended all good!

Haha, definately got your heart going then. What are your plans for this season? Busy winter this year! Heading back to base myself in Verbier, I am competing in the Freeride World Tour Qualifier series which kicks off at the start of February in Austria. Then I am really looking forward to going out to Japan for the rest of Feb to do some filming and photos with some of the top big mountain Kiwi skiers, including an ex Olympic downhill skier!
Then it's back to Europe to finish the freeride comps, one in Slovakia and one over in Norway! Then a few beers to celebrate come the end of April hopefully and get ready to head over to New Zealand and South America for the southern hemisphere winter!

Ed Waite
Photo: Camilla Stoddart (www.whiteroompictures.com)

Not bad at all. Its alright for some. What would you be doing if you weren't doing this? Hmmmm maybe a mercenary or doing a job where they pay you loads of money to not do much sounds good….

As we know you love a drink or two...ever been arrested?! Well I have never spent a night in a cell, or been read my rights, but I may have been in the back of a police van briefly in handcuffs….. I didn't do anything honestly…!

Ed Waite
Photo: Camilla Stoddart (www.whiteroompictures.com)

Whatever you say Ed! Finally, any shout-outs you want to do? Loads… a massive thanks to Camilla Stoddart and her amazing photography skills, check her website out its amazing www.whiteroompictures.com, Warren Smith and his academy boys for first class coaching, Andy David at Storm Skis, Jay Earls at Lab 15, Gregor Brearley at Nordica, Chris Beavan at FAIISE clothing, Paul Richardson for “hooking me up" all the time, Chris Rigg at Ellis Brigham and last but not least Mum and Dad for not worrying too much! Thanks to all of them for helping me take my skiing further.

Really appreciate you taking time for us and we're all looking forward to your input during the season!

Quickfire round:

Europe or North America: Europe
Jägerbomb or Beer:Jagerbomb
Trees or Big faces: Big Faces
Chairlift or gondola: Gondola (with very attractive chalet girl)
Clubs or bars: Bars
5 Celebs you want to punch in the face: Chritiano Ronaldo, Jeremy Kyle, Any Big Brother contestant, Peaches Geldof and Wayne Rooney (not a United fan by the way..)!

Text: Tord Nilson

Also read: Best of The British: Part 1, Best of The British: Part 2