Riders say, “Skiing and surfing is freedom”

Finn Bilous came to Sochi from New Zealand itself. For those who are not very good with geography, it is near Australia, if you want to put it simply, it is very far from Russia. Finn is a rider for the international Quiksilver team with a special and unique style. He has been skiing since childhood and simply lives extreme sports. Pro-rider of Quiksilver Russia team, famous snowboarder Evgeny “Jun” Ivanov, arranged a real interrogation with him. In our material two pros talk about sports, Olympics, love for surfing, skiing and traveling.

Skiing as a lifestyle

Jun: Everyone in your family skis downhill. Tell us how it all started for you?
Finn: I started skiing at the age of two, very early, like everyone in my family, including my father, for whom skiing is a job. My brother skis too, we often race on the slope. As for me, somehow I started jumping, doing tricks… and I guess that’s the reason I’m here now笑).

Joon: Is skiing a hobby or a lifestyle for you?
Finn: For me skiing is my favorite sport, it has shaped me. They bring my whole family together. We all ski and maybe because of that there is a real bond and understanding between us.

Joon: You drive up to the ramp, you jump – you fly, and what do you think about in the air?
Finn: It’s like autopilot. At that time I’m only thinking about the trick I’m about to perform. From the beginning of the climb until I get to the next zone, I’m as concentrated as possible, all my thoughts in my head are about the trick.

Jun: Which is your favorite – jibing, halfpipe or bigair?
Finn: I like the combination of everything that happens during my rolling. The sign of a good skier is that he can execute a jump and a ski off the slope equally well.

Jun: Your father is an avalanche safety instructor. You must be an expert in this field?
Finn: Yeah, I have a lot of background in that. It really helps because no matter who you are or what you’ve accomplished, you can always be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s really important to know how to handle those situations properly, and I’ve had experiences like that.

Joon: Were there any dangerous situations?
Finn: Nothing serious. There have been times when there was a little bit of snow, but nothing risky. My dad had a case where an avalanche completely covered him, but he’s okay, so he’s fine.

Joon: Tell us about the most dangerous case you had on the slope?
Finn: I was lucky, I didn’t have any serious and dangerous injuries. But when I was eight years old, I decided to try to do a jump off a big ski jump. It seemed very big to me at the time, because I was very small and weighed very little. I accelerated, leaning backwards in front of the kicker, and part of my clothes caught on the skis, probably on the bindings. I flew off the ski jump and I couldn’t do anything, because I was attached. The landing left a lot to be desired – it was epic. Good thing I didn’t break any bones.

Joon: If you have tomorrow off and you definitely don’t have to ski, what do you do?
Finn: I like to do all kinds of sports. I really like surfing and mountain biking. I like to be active.

Joon: What do you usually do at home in New Zealand?
Finn: I’m lucky, I live in a great place. I have everything I need: nice mountains, parks and trails. I always do sports in New Zealand and at my home – I have all the conditions for it.

Sticks, skiing, jumping and surfing

Joon: What do you think about ski poles? Do you need them in modern freestyle skiing?
Finn: Most of the time I ski with them, but sometimes without them. You have to go without them from time to time, because there are tricks that are easier to perfect without them. For example, the grab is easier to do without sticks.

Joon: Is it stylish to ride with or without poles?
Finn: I think it depends more on your preference. Some people think it’s classy… for me, comfort and speed come first. When I ride without sticks, it slows me down a lot. I’m more comfortable with poles because they help me a lot in freeride.

Joon: What is the most important thing for you in your jumps?
Finn: To make it beautiful. Beautiful, amplitude and style. So that you think it came really easy to me. When I jump, I’m very focused. Also, of course, I don’t want to fall, so a smooth landing is also one of the important things.

Jun: You said you love surfing, what does it have in common with downhill skiing?
Finn: The freedom you have when you’re doing the sport. No one tells you how to conquer a wave. Just like no one tells you how to ski down a mountain. That’s the creative aspect of it, and that’s what the two sports have in common.

Joon: Describe your perfect day on the slopes.
Finn: For me, my ideal day is to get up not late and not early, around 7 or 8 in the morning. Then have a good breakfast, nice and hearty – definitely scrambled eggs, bacon and something else. And head straight to the mountains with my friends. I like to ride in the spring – it’s a great time of year.

First time in Russia

Jun: What do you think of Quiksilver New Star Camp?
Finn: It’s really cool here! I ride during the day. The slopes are great, very cool park and lots and lots of snow. In the evening there is always something to do, and at night there are awesome parties. You Russians know how to party.

Jun: Is this your first time in Russia and Sochi? What are your impressions?
Finn: Russia is amazing. I didn’t even know what to expect when I came here. I read the news in different media and I was both nervous and excited before the trip. I had no idea what it was all going to be like. Driving around Sochi along the seashore, flying, traveling through the mountains – it was amazing, I really enjoyed it.

Joon: Do you agree that we have the most beautiful girls?
Finn: They are good. But it’s hard to talk to everyone here because not many people know English well. It’s even a bit funny. You start talking to girls in English and they look at you like you are crazy笑).

Olympics and new goals

Jun: You made it to the Olympics this year, has that always been a dream of yours?
Finn: Yeah, it’s a childhood dream. I saw the Olympics for the first time when I first started skating. Freestyle wasn’t part of the Olympic program then. For the last six years I’ve been dreaming of being there and doing my best, because it’s a very cool event. The Olympics brings sport to everyone’s attention, it’s a big and important thing, so I’m glad to be a part of it.

Jun: Was it hard to get to the Games?
Finn: It came pretty easy for me. I didn’t have to prepare or change myself in any way. I just qualified and went to the Games.

Rong: Unfortunately, you didn’t make it to the finals, to the top 12 at the Olympics. You fell short by less than a point. Were you very upset?
Finn: Yeah, of course, I was crazy upset. I failed on my first attempt – I fell down. On the second attempt I showed a good level, I got almost 85 points, which is usually enough to get to the final. But the level of the other skiers was very high, because it’s the Olympics. I just sat there and watched them push me further and further back after my skate. In the end, the guy from Canada got 12th, and I got past the final. I learn from my mistakes, I get motivated for the next competition. Of course it was tough, but I will use this experience to get stronger.

Jun: Will you go to the next Olympics?
Finn: Absolutely, I have unfinished business there. I want to get revenge(smiles).

RUN: What was the coolest thing you saw in the Olympic Village?
Finn: The park equipment. We went to check out the track and everything was just perfect. The slopes and jumps looked like you were in a video game. It was really hard to believe what we were seeing.

Joon: What else was impressive?
Finn: The whole set-up of the Games: the Olympic Village, the uniforms and the fact that we represented our country was the most important thing for me. I realized that the Olympics are very different from normal competitions, in the Olympics you represent something bigger than yourself.

Jun: The Olympics are over, what is your next goal?
Finn: I want to improve my skills, learn new tricks, I have a few in mind. I want to develop, win competitions and make new videos.

Jun: Will there be any new projects where you can be seen?
Finn: I can’t promise anything yet. I would really like to do a project in New Zealand. To show what local riders are made of, how we ride, how we live and spend our time. In my home country you can shoot a lot of good material, it’s a great way to show what I do, to show my country from the inside. It’s important for me.

Joon: Why is skiing better than snowboarding?
Finn: I think they are very different. I don’t know, I just prefer skiing, it’s what I’ve been doing all my life. Also, I haven’t snowboarded much, so which is cooler is a tough question.

Jun: There are so many different types of skis: water skis, cross-country skis, wheeled skis… Which one would you like to try? Maybe a water ski?
Finn: I would like to try all variations of skis. I’ve done water skiing at my house, which is a lot of fun.

You know the cardinal rule of skiing? Don’t eat yellow snow! Do you use it?
Finn: Yes!笑) Of course we use it.

Joon: What do you want to say to everyone who reads us?
Finn: I just want to say thank you to Russia and all the guys at Quiksilver New Star Camp! I’ll be glad to come back here, I really enjoyed my time with you guys.