Interview by: Justin Sampson, BlackStrap Team Manager
Name: Randal Seaton Home Mountain: Mt. Bachelor
How long have you been riding for Tactics/ BlackStrap?
I first started riding for Blackstrap at the beginning of last season (2013-2014). I have been riding for Tactics a little over a year now.
What made you want to ride for Tactics and BlackStrap and why?
I was given a Blackstrap tube 5 years ago and I was never able to go back to a traditional fleece mask. I was always a fan of the fleece mask growing up but I never knew that I could have both the warmth and breathability that a Blackstrap facemask supplies. The following year I was given
What are your thoughts on BlackStrap and Tactics growing up in the Northwest?
Because I survived on hand me downs from my two older brothers growing up, I never really bought gear from shops or local companies. Now that I have done my research I realize that I have been missing out on some damn fine goods. Blackstrap has blown me away with their presence in the northwest snowboard scene. Everywhere I look I see a daily hood or a pair of MFG sunglasses. The same goes for Tactics. I can’t ride a chair lift without seeing the Tactics “T” or overhearing someone talk about the deal they got on a new board in their online shop. I guess I am just happy that I have found both of these companies without looking.
Where do you look for inspiration? What’s shaped your riding style?
I grew up snowboarding in the shadow of my brother’s reputation and always tried to emulate his effortless approach to the sport. He was instrumental in getting my style off the ground. I think skateboarding also shaped my riding because it got me thinking of snowboarding tricks on a smaller, lower speed scale. These days I look for inspiration in the most readily available resource. My friends. I am always blown away at the contrast between a solo shred and following a pal through the woods. Because snowboarding is so fast paced and immediate, it is easy to find inspiration in the rider in front of me. Because I am surrounded by so many friends in Central Oregon, I am finding myself inspired in new ways each time I strap in. I love snowboarding.
With such little snow in the Northwest, how have you kept it fun/ interesting this season?
Carving.
Any plans to travel this season?
I am looking forward to traveling with Blackstrap to Brian Head Resort in UT at the end of April.
What’s been your best day/ trip of the season thus far?
Any day that I get to ride behind Forest Devore at Mt. Bachelor is a treat. He has an approach to snowboarding that is unlike anyone that I have ever followed. Forest thinks ahead and plans out speed and approaches well in advance and is a hard man to follow. Sometimes I snowboard like I walk through the woods with my fly rod. Just thinking 9 feet ahead. My best days this year have been with Forest.
What’s your setup this year?
T Rice Pro HP 157, Union Custom House (Kassmaster) Bindings , 32 Lash Chris Bradshaws
Lib Tech Mayhem 157.5 (look this board up), Union Factory Bindings
What is your favorite BlackStrap piece and when does it come in most handy?
The Hood is my go to. Give it to me in black or some kind of camo and I am a happy camper. The Hood comes in handy when I am hiding my face from the wind, buffing out spots on my Smiths from the last white room, or just blending into the crowd as someone other than Coach Randal. I also wrap my goggles in it before shoving them into my Ray’s basket.
We’ve done a few collaborations w/ tactics; what would you like to see in the future for product collaborations?
I think a coaches jacket would be tight.
Any shout outs?
Blackstrap, Tactics, Smith Optics, Lib Technologies, The North Face, Mt. Bachelor, Kiri Seaton is a babe, Thirty Two, Union, Kyle Richner, Justin Sampson, Sterling Cobb, Pete Alport, Ian Macy, Tyler Orton, Will Dennis, Justin Norman, Nate Dogg, and Robin Williams.