Champion Aussie snowboarder SCOTTY JAMES talks isolation, and escaping COVID-19 lockdown, plus the release of his new signature Oakley eyewear…
You recently escaped an intense COVID lockdown in your home city of Melbourne. How were you managing those difficult circumstances?
It was certainly an interesting few months being in Australia. Change of pace and not travelling was strange but I actually enjoyed my time at home as it has been a while since I’ve been able to spend time without thinking about the next trip or competition.
Did you at least manage to enjoy your prolonged stay?
I really enjoyed it. I wasn’t able to do much as everything was closed but seeing the family and friends when I could was great. I miss Melbourne when I’m away, so I felt pretty spoilt that I got to be there for so long.
Did you have any iso projects you were working on?
We were working on a few products, which was really awesome, like my Scotty James gloves. But more playing golf inside, training and staying fit for when I can get back on the snow was the main focus.
You’re now basing yourself in Switzerland. What’s your plan of attack from here?
I’m standing by waiting for the snow to fall as we are heading up to the Glacier for the month of October which is going to be great. I love Switzerland, I’m happy to be here in the months leading up to the return of snowboarding.
Tell us about your new signature Oakley goggles.
I always used to wear signature goggles of the pros that inspired me growing up and I would dream of one day having my own. When the opportunity arose it was really special.
What role did you play in developing the Oakley Line Miner Scotty James Signature?
It was overwhelming because I wanted to get it so right! I love the Oakley Line Miner frame, so that was a given, and then with the design, colours, strap, lens… I really wanted it to reflect me. I love the colour red and wanted the goggles to be loud but subtle. We came up with quite a few options before we got the end product.
Besides the red what are your other favourite features?
I love the frame. I always wear a clear frame in my Pitchman R sunglasses and wanted to mimic that to the goggle. It’s a unique look and something different from the rest. I’m hoping anyone and everyone will benefit from these goggles.
Are you working towards any major 2021 goals?
Continue thriving in the competition world as well as working on some more video base content. But it’s been a great few months to recharge the batteries and fire up, so for now I’m feeling great heading into the season and looking forward to competitions commencing again. ■
The Oakley Line Miner Scotty James Signature goggle is a new standard of peripheral vision
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