Profile... James Thorne
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Introduction...
James started riding in 1995 aged 12, while on holiday, when he swapped his skis for a snowboard. Lessons in Norwich with Chris and Andy followed and from then on every spare moment was spent practicing. When James was 14, Andy, the then owner of "Revolutions" Snowboard shop in Norwich, recommend him to Westbeach who were looking to sponsor a new rider.
In 1998 he attended his first Brits in Saas Fee, where as a Junior Man he showed promise achieving 5/14 in the Slalom, 7/9 in the Big Air and 8/12 in the Half Pipe.
Then it was back to Trowse every Monday, Thursday and Saturday, to hone his skills on Dendex. Age 15 James was placed second in the Junior Men’s BSA National Points Series.
Studies overtook the following year, but at 17 he was back at the Brits and ripping it up in Norwich, where he helped formulate the first "Farmer's Jam" in 2000, and establish a Skate Park in nearby Wymondham.
2001 saw James at the Junior World Snowboarding Championships and conquering the Trowse Rainbow Rail. James had always looked on competitions as a way of honing his snowboarding skills and they soon became a pathway to a great social life, forming friendships with the likes of Stu Edwards and Dom Harrington.
From 1999 to 2003 James competed in over 20 Dryslope Competitions accruing a total of 10 wins, 12 seconds and 3 thirds.
After working hard, and getting a bunch of GCSE's and an Art Foundation from Norwich Art School, summer '01 saw James working at "Revolutions" and "Snowfit" in Norwich to get some cash together for a snow season in Serre Che. His time on the snow paid off and results at the Brit Games in Mayrhofen reflected his new skills. First time in Men’s secured 6/13 in Big Air, 9/12 in Half Pipe and the coveted 'Lord of the Rails' title.
Sponsorship from Burton followed, then back to Dry Slope and summer work at an Insurance Brokers to pay for a winter season in Mammoth, CA in 2003. He returned to storm the Brits in Deux Alpes in '03 gaining 2nd in the Pipe and Big Air, Best Trick in the Pipe and joint 1st at the Floodlit Big Air, his dedication rewarded.
In 2003 James began working for the TSA in Castleford. He was a demonstrator at the Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard Show and also took the Aim Series British Indoor Championship Titles in Big Air and Slopestyle. At the Union Awards '03, James came second in the Best Male and Best Rookie categories and Burton took Best UK Team.
James returned to Mammoth for the beginning of the '03/'04 season, intending to train hard for the Euro competitions. He took part in the Burton European Open and registered for the Fabulous Tournament. Unfortunately, whilst riding in Livigno in Feb ‘04, James dropped off a path onto a road and broke his ankle.
James returned to Snowboarding quickly and was soon to be seen ripping up the board tests, coaching at the McNab Snowboard Camps and shooting with Dan Milner. His return to the scene was marked by his successfully defending the Aim Series British Indoor Slopestyle Title and joining the Burton World Tour as part of the National Team, just 7 months after his accident. In October James was invited to the Red Bull Rail Storm in Glasgow, where he won several prizes in the Am Jam.
In December 04, after returning to Mammoth, James came second in an Open Heat of the Volcom Peanut Butter and Rail Jam. When he returned to take part in the finals in 2005, he blew the competition away, and rode off with the title and $2000!
James spent June and July of 2005 at the Board tests and teaching at the Just4Girls and McNab camps. At The Daily Mail Show a nasty fall left James with two fractured ribs. His experience with injury the year before meant that he soon recovered and was an integral part of the UK team at the 2005 Red Bull Rail Storm in Trafalgar Square, London. James also MC'd the Burton Black Metal tour of the UK indoor slopes
James worked hard at filming in 2005, completing a banging section for the first Hungerpain film, and shooting two tricks and commentary for the 2005 Methodology DVD.
In the summer of 2005 James decided to become a full time professional. The Norfolk Ski Club recognised James's achievements and services to the club by awarding him an Honorary Life Membership.
James travelled to Laax once again in March 2006 to take part in the Orange Brits. His streamline/thermal outfit helped him to a respectable fourth place in the Boardercross. But most impressively, James won the Air Time Event that was the climax of the Brits. He jumped an amazing 10 meters from a crane into a 9 meter quarter pipe. It has to be seen to be believed, so check out the video on www.orangebrits.com. It earned him a new European record.
In March James also came second at the Wild Girls On Snow demo night, a charity event in aid of Breast Cancer in Klosters. He was also a member of the Hungerpain Team who came third in the Protest Jib-Vid competition in Tignes. Check out the video at www.jib-vid.com.
James spent the 05/06 season touring Europe in his VW camper. But when he stopped off at the Hungerpain Hotel, he found a new place to rest his hat and made Tyrol his home. His continued involvement with the Hungerpain Crew led to yet another banger of a section in ‘The Playground’, where James discussed his Dryslope roots and produced the immortal line “Dryslope proves you’re a real man”.
James also had a section in “Public Yeahh”, the first 16mm film from Yeahh Productions, establishing himself on the European scene.
Over the summer of 2006 James took part in the Board Test in Solden and the McNab camps in Tignes. He was also an integral part of the highly successful Snowlife Schools tour in June and September, visiting 16 schools across the UK, reaching 10,000 pupils and invited over 1,500 children to free coaching sessions at their local Dryslope.
Returning to Mayrhofen in September, James continued filming with the Hungerpain crew, producing another standout section in ‘Otium’. He also travelled to competitions and Team events in Austria, Switzerland, Norway and Germany. He qualified 10th at the European Open, was part of the highly impressive UK Team at the Jib Battle in Oslo, took part in the DVS team week and achieved a great 3rd place result at the Samsung Totally Snow Big Air in Nassfield, Austria.
Unfortunately James injured his knee on the first day of the 2007 Brits and was unable to compete or defend his 3rd place Jib-Vid result. This did not stop his from judging at Snowbombing ’07 in Mayrhofen or attending the Board Tests and shooting photos for the fashion sections of the UK mags.
In June James was again raising money for Against Breast Cancer by undertaking a month long sponsored cycle across Sweden. His enthusiasm for road and track cycling was awakened.
In July ’07 after a long and successful relationship James parted company with Burton and signed for Capita Snowboards. He was again to be found coaching at the McNab summer camps and fulfilling his role as the spokesperson and main presenter on the Snowlife Schools tour for the second year running, reaching 7,500 pupils and 1250 free lessons.
Late 2007 saw James commentating at various UK events including the Farmer’s Jam, and the AIM series events in Castleford and MK. He also continued his close and continuing relationship with DVS by working at their London offices.
2008 started with James’s operation to reconstruct his ACL and meniscus in Norwich, the result of his knee injury at the Brits 10 months earlier. His recovery has been successful, aided by his dedication to returning to snowboarding and his enthusiasm for cycling that led to his winning the Herne Hill Track Cycling League in August 08.
During his recuperation James stayed in close touch with the snowboarding scene by commentating at high profile events such as the 2008 British Snowboard and Freeski Championships in Laax, Switzerland two months after his operation. He is also still the main presenter on the Snowlife Schools Tour which includes a video show, fashion catwalk, Q&A sessions, equipment displays, trampoline demonstration, product sampling, countless give-aways and 1250 free lessons. – see www.snowlife.org.uk/schools/tour for more details.
In the summer of 2008 James toured the UK with the Animal Relentless Freestyle Bike Tour, commentating at events such as NAAS, The Unleashed Music Festival and the Animal Windfest, as well as demonstrations in locations as varied as Norwich, Portsmouth, Liverpool and Ashford.
James was able to return to skateboarding in August and continued with his velodrome cycling leading to wins at Crystal Palace and Herne Hill.
He was excited to join the Quiksilver UK team in October of 08 as a team rider and MC. James was also the commentator for the British Ski and Snowboard Tour and the Master Of Ceremonies at the Metro Ski and Snowboard Show at London Olympia at the end of October.
In November 08 James MC’d for the Westbeach Freeze in Manchester, marking his return to snowboarding when he hit the slope for the first time. He continued riding at the O2 Arena and Milton Keynes and decided to make a return to full time riding, heading out to Mayrhofen in December. Later that month he was one of the coaches for the Armed Forces Snowboarding Week arranged by Snowsports GB.
2009 began with a three week trip to Mount Baker in America, followed by shooting trips to Morzine, Deffragen and Mayrhofen. In February and March James coached the Junior Olympic Team in Meribel and Laax. He was also the MC for the RedBull British University Snowsports Championship and the Quiksilver Rails and Bales competition.
The 20th Anniversary British Snowboard and Ski Championship in Laax, Switzerland marks James’s 15th year in Snowboarding sees his return as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
James’s magazine coverage and appearances on film, TV and microphone have showcased his unique style both in boarding and in fashion!
Check out these sites for video footage and more pics: www.jamesthorne.eu;
www.myspace.com/jamesthorne; www.facebook.com/jamesthorne (id 777905509).
By Liz Thorne
Snowboarder Questionnaire
How old where you when you first began riding?
12.
What/Who got you into it?
I\'d skateboarded for some time and skied for a couple of weeks on holidays. One year I showed some interest in Boarding, so the bloke in the hire shop told me I could swap my skis for a board. So I did.
What length board do you ride?
146 Jib, 160-164 General.
Do you ride Regular or Goofy?
Goofy.
Stance width?
22 inches.
Stance angles (front and back)?
-15back 18front (ish)
Favourite resort?
Mammoth, CA.
How many seasons have you done?
6.
Where and when did you do your seasons?
Dryslope for 6 years, Serre Che in 2002, Mammoth in 2003 and Mammoth and Europe in 2004, 2005 - 2009 Mayrhofen.
3rd Place Jib-Vid 2006 © SCUK
From James's Lifestyle & Portrait Gallery.
What was your favourite trip and why?
Norway in 2002 with \'Whitelines\'. The sights and scenery were just amazing, good company and meeting the Legend that is Tommen - read the article!
What do you love about snowboarding?
The people I\'ve met, travelling to places I\'d never have got to go to. Waking up early and being on a mountain with fresh snow and beautiful scenery. Its just fun.
What's your goal within snowboarding?
To progress as far as physically possible within the time I\'m willing to give it. This is obviously with help from sponsors in return for coverage!
What aspect of snowboarding gives you the most satisfaction (powder, kickers, halfpipe, competitions, big air, cliff drops, etc.)?
All aspects of Snowboarding satisfy me as long as there is progression. Bigger Cliffs, Better Comp results, etc. Satisfaction is most evident to me in freestlye riding because day to day you feel the progression through perfecting new tricks.
What style of snowboarding best describes your riding (include a couple if you want)?
Big Kicker and Burly Rails!
What's your favourite trick?
Cab under flip mute. Swizz back 5\'s corked and mute.
What's your scariest snowboarding moment?
Cab under flipping the biggest kicker in Mammoth - so fast, and switch!
What are your top safety tips when riding?
Look up the slope before dropping in. If you feel tired - go home!
What advice have you got?
NEVER say one more. Snowboarding is not a Fashion.
General Questionnaire
Slope Style Championships © Phaze-One.net (Frazer Waller)
From James's Action Gallery.
What are your other interests?
Skateboarding, Music, Arts, Cycling.
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
Somewhere hot with a wife and children.
Realistically, what will you be doing in the future?
Divorced and paying maintainance in England.
Who are your idols?
Tom Penny.
What music are you into?
Too much to mention and no specific genre. If I had to choose, \'Hip Hop\', but none of your commercial Gangsta Rap, more socially conscious Break Beat. Specifically Sage Francis, Soul Williams and Blackalicious.
What's your favourite book?
\'The Celestine Prophecy\'.
What's your favourite film?
\'The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers\'.
Best cocktail, shot or drink?
Milk.
What's your most prized possession?
My Music Collection.
Portrait © James Thorne
From James's Lifestyle & Portrait Gallery.
Thanks to:
Meena Rajput; The Hungerpain Crew; Mathieu and the DVS boys; Robin @ Animal; Stu and Spencer; Fred Royale; Chris Sturgess; Simon Richardson and the rest of the Burton Team; My Sister, Mum and Dad; The closest guys I have to Brothers, Mike, Miles and Jon; The Guys that took these photos; Everyone that's helped me out over the years through encouragement, coverage, food, rides, somewhere to sleep or by just being my friend.
Anything else you want to say?
It can be done!
James's Results/ Achievements...
Year | Event | Discipline | Category | Position |
| 2007 | Samsung Totally Snow | Big Air | Senior Men | 3rd |
| 2007 | Burton European Open Qualifying | Slopestyle | Senior Men | tenth |
| 2006 | Orange Air Time, Laax | 10 Meter Acid Drop | European Record | 1st |
| 2006 | Wild Girls on Snow Charity Event For Breast Cancer, Klosters | Big Air | Charity Event | 2nd |
| 2006 | Protest Jib Vid, Tignes | Video Contest | Hungerpain Team | 3rd |
| 2006 | Orange Brits, Laax | Boarder Cross | Senior Men | 4th |
| 2005 | Volcom PBRJ Championship Finals, Mammoth US | Rails | Open | 1st |
| 2005 | Red Bull Rail Storm, London | Rails | UK Team | Semis |
| 2004 | Red Bull Rail Storm, Glasgow | Overall Trick, Straight and GapDown Rail | Senior Men UK | 1st |
| 2004 | AIM Series British Indoor Championships | Slopestyle | Senior Men | 1st |
| 2004 | Volcom Peanut Butter and Rail Jam, Mammoth US | Rails | Open | 2nd |
| 2003 | XFM Union Snowboard Awards | Orange Best Snowboard Team | Burton | 1st |
| 2003 | AIM Series British Indoor Championships | Big Air | Senior Men | 1st |
| 2003 | AIM Series British Indoor Championships | Slopestyle | Senior Men | 1st |
| 2003 | O'Neill Brits, Les Deux Alpes | Whitelines Best Trick | Half Pipe | 1st . |
| 2003 | O'Neill Brits, Les Deux Alpes | Floodlit Big Air | Senior Men | 1st = |
| 2003 | O'Neill Brits, Les Deux Alpes | Half Pipe | Senior Men | 2nd |
| 2003 | O'Neill Brits, Les Deux Alpes | Big Air | Senior Men | 2nd |
| 2003 | XFM Union Snowboard Awards | Vans Best Rookie Snowboarder | Rookie | 2nd |
| 2003 | XFM Union Snowboard Awards | Thirty Two Best Male | Senior Men | 2nd |
| 2003 | Volcom Peanut Butter and Rail Jam, Mammoth US | Rails | Open | 9th |
| 2002 | Brit Games, Mayrhofen | Lord of the Rails | Senior Men | 1st |
| 2002 | Brit Games, Mayrhofen | Big Air | Senior Men | 6th |
| 2002 | Brit Games, Mayrhofen | Half Pipe | Senior Men | 9th |
