Chas Guldemond, the ‘bucking bronco’ is straight killing it on the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour and judging by his appearances at all the southern hemisphere events he’s definitely going to be charging hard for the World Title this year. Chas’ all around terrain park skills have seen him consistently score podium finishes and his ability to throw down strong in Halfpipe, Quarterpipe and Slopestyle is definitely going to come into play this season as he locks his sights on the Swatch TTR Title.

Currently sitting in No. 1 position after a super busy southern hemisphere schedule, Guldemond has been at home in Glenshire training hard for the upcoming winter, ready to bust out and bag every victory he can in his quest for TTR Glory. His campaign for the 08/09 title kicked off strong in the New Zealand and Australian events this year where he was laying down technical tricks with effortless style, slipping into contention with the best of them. The road to the top spot was not all fun and games though, as he suffered a bone crunching put down that saw him knocked unconscious when attempting to pull off a heavy duty cab 1080; but like a true champion he shook off the slam and was back with a bang for the remaining Aussie events.

The 4Star Oakley Stylewars was a jam-format big air contest held over three days and while Chas rolled in a day late, the memory of the crash still fresh in his mind, no one could have guessed he had recently bailed hard. Chas put on a strong performance, locked in 5th place, and secured enough points to hold onto the No. 1 spot in the TTR rankings.
“Heading to Stylewars after the injury, I just wanted to get my feet back underneath me,” said Guldemond. “My head didn’t really mess with me and I made good riding decisions, so it ended up going really well.” Cruising on from the 4Star Stylewars, Guldemond high-tailed it across the outback, arriving in Perisher ready to maintain his momentum and step it up for the 3Star Boost Mobile SnoSho and the 5Star Australian Open.

Again, he did not disappoint and building on his freight train momentum he continued to throw down sick runs and score top 5 results across every event he entered whilst on Australian soil. Chas’ ability to back up performance after performance in Oz saw him boarding the plane to Cali with a smile on his dial, the TTR numero uno position locked under his belt.

Back stateside, amping for TTR Northern Hemisphere events to kick off, Guldemond has been putting in the hours at the gym and the skate park because he knows with the level of riding so high he’s going to have to put in the hours to hold onto the top spot: “Anything can happen. I got 1440s, other guys have double corked tricks. It’s going to be crazy” said Guldemond. “Hopefully I’ll be unstoppable.” With words like this, and the skills to back it up, Chas is definitely going to be one to watch as he chases his first ever Swatch TTR Title this season.

Additional quotes provided by Seth Lightcap.

Interview

Is there a downside to being a pro? Injuries, travel, etc…

There is a downside, most likely you’re going to be as tired as hell when it’s all overwith, after all the contests. Hard falls when you’re trying to learn new tricks will also put a damper on your season. But getting to compete and film in the same season makes it all good.

Explain the addictiveness of snowboarding. Why do you ride?

Pretty much, ever since I was little I’ve just loved to show off, and that’s what I love to do. And snowboarding is a good chance cause I’m pretty decent at it. I get to show off in front of a ton a people, and that’s what I really love, so it’s good to get out there and let people know who you are. I’ve always wanted to be famous. I’m on my way!

What is the best rush for you in snowboarding? Such as winning a competition, slashing powder, stomping a new trick etc.?

Pretty much the most addicting part of snowboarding is winning a contest, there’s no other feeling like that. It’s a permanent memory in your head. I mean I collect my snowboards every time I win, and I hold on to that stuff cause it’s just a moment in time where things are so good. That’s why you want to do well in every contest, for those feelings and those memories that you get back from it. It’s good being with your friends, pushing each other, and it’s good getting the opportunity to do all these crazy things, so I’m going to take full advantage of it. I’ll do my best and have a good time and feel no pressure.

Who’s pushing snowboarding and who influences and pushes you to ride harder? 

Lots of the guys who film, like Devun Walsh, Nicolas Mueller, Chad Otterstrom. Those guys are definitely sick. And then there’s the contest aspect of it all. Antti Autti, Shaun White, Travis Rice, they’re really good competitors. It’s good to be with all those guys and learn what their strategies are and base mine just a little bit different. I dunno, it’s good!

In the tour, how has competing at Mt. Hood and the Southern Hemisphere helped you out?

Definitely stoked to be in the TTR Top 5. It’s definitely going to play a part in what contests I do cause the prize money that’s being thrown out is unbelievable. It’s good to be strategic in what events you do and make sure their mostly TTR cause that’s just an added bonus to the rest of your season for all your hard work. You can come out on top with a big bonus cheque.

Words of wisdom?

Keep your head level and have fun. My friend who passed away recently, he always just did it for fun. He never got his chance to make it big and get paid and that just kind of inspired me. I just try to feel no pressure and have a good time. I’m always helping out other people in the event, always with a positive attitude. Hopefully that will catch on and people will start having each others backs. Just have a good time. That’s what it’s all about.

Who would you like to thank?

I’d like to thank my family, my sponsors, my girlfriend and everyone that’s been there for me and had my back, so that I could do this and especially myself because I work hard and hopefully I’ll be one of the best soon.