Shaun White: Next in Line
The Royal Magazine, Winter 04/05; Issue 4

Let's review the facts: Shaun White is one of the most talented snowboarders in the world, is sponsored by a ton of companies including Burton, Target and Volcom, has just released the best snowboarding video ever made, and owns a mansion. Oh yeah, he's also 17 years-old.

Besides the fact that he's becoming one of the most popular figures in all of action sports, he's been on Cribs. How much more Hollywood can you get?

So what do we talk about with a guy this talented? Fashion tastes, and mortgages, of course.

17 years-old and already a professional? Do you get your own cubicle and all that over at Burton HQ?
I wish. That would be sick. Maybe I could get an intern to help me organize and fax. I have always wanted an intern... every Christmas I asked my parents for one, but Santa never brought me any.

What about a brief case? Mortgage?
Oh, I have a mortgage; it's so much fun.

You're the Bo Jackson of alternative sports: well actually better-- you do three sports. Which one is your favorite?
That's like picking which toe you want to lose. Surfing, skating, and snowboarding are all so much fun. I don't know if I could pick just one.

You've also been sponsored by PlayStation (unlike Bo Jackson). Do they have a Shaun White game in the works? It could be like SSX...but without purple.
No game for me, but I would be stoked to get one. I think it would be awesome to design your own game.

What about Target? Is there a Shaun White line of boxers and soap coming out?
Target is amazing. They are so supportive of everything that I do. I don't see a clothing line coming anytime soon, but they are going to have my movie, "The Shaun White Album," in their stores.

Target sure has an awesome site for you. Speaking of which, art and design are obviously important to you. Are you involved with all of your board graphics?
Definitely. I play a major role in designing my board graphics because I couldn't imagine not being involved with my graphics. If I just had some guy do it, I could end up with a graphic of Danny DeVito made out of pumpkins riding a giant sea horse.

You're part of one of the coolest companies on Earth: Burton. Is there a lot of love over there?
They are the best company in the world. Everyone there has my back and I have theirs. The product is amazing, the people are on it, and it's a great scene.

Where is snowboarding going next?
Snowboarding is constantly evolving, which is nice because it never gets stale. It is cool to see people taking it to new levels, building new styles of jumps, and hitting new rails. I know for me, this was the first year I really hit some handrails. I thought it was so much fun.

Tell us about "The White Album." I didn't know you were into music?
I am so stoked for my movie. I think Dave Seoane (director) and Jamie Heinrich (editor) did such an amazing job. It's cool because it is not your typical snowboard movie. There is so much more that has gone into it. Also, the sound track is sick. Personally, I am happy that we got it finished, especially after all the injuries I had last year.

Let's talk about fashion. Are you more Avril Lavigne or David Beckham?
Normally, I try to bring a new flavor to whatever I do. This year I think I am going to go for the cowboy/Star Wars/police/fresh fruit look. Basically, I am going to rock a banana suit with cowboy boos, a badge, and a light saber all year. Hotness.

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www.ShaunWhite.com

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