faking it...

Ever wanted to be a sponsored rider? Maybe you have the looks, the personality, but none of the skill??

There is light at the end of the tunnel - over the years Natives has heard of a whole bunch of ways designed to con suppliers and resorts and to scam gear and free tickets. Not that we would recommend it - this are just a few tips we overheard...

1. Conjure up tales of epic adventures and the consequent 'crazy' media coverage to get industry reps to donate free skis, boots and other miscellaneous gear.

2. Alter the credits on magazine photos so that you are suddenly the rider in question pulling that 70 foot drop off an Argentiere cornice or shredding the pow in Fernie. Most industry reps can't read and never check photo credits so you should be fine on this one.

3. Make up the names of a few digital/satellite channels. There are so many that no one knows who they all are. Good examples include PhatTV, The Super Stoked Channel and Rad Media.

4. If you are trying to get team sponsorship, alternate your credits, creating the illusion that you are all world-class riders working with world-class photographers.

5. Pick shots where facial features were never quite discernable. If challenged at any time look outraged and exclaim 'You must be joking!  What do you mean it's not me in the photo? That guy's old lady must've scanned and altered the picture.'

Simple as that really...free gear and lift passes here we come!

[Thanks for Kevin Shah from the CdS for the photo...at least he told us it was him anyway]