JEFF BRUSHIE
FLASHBACK
- - - - - - - - - - - - - ---Respect ya elders, kids! First hit lien air for the adoring masses. P H OTO : T R E VO R G R AV E S
Keep in mind the year is 1992, at the US Open. While Stratton’s pipe was world-renowned, it was hardly the pipes that we see at major events today. It was kinked and good riders knew how to ride the ruts to get the pop needed for their airtime. Brushie was a master at riding these ruts. What really differentiated Jeff from the competition was his style. His style felt smooth yet it had a very sporadic energy. By then Jeff was already no stranger to the podium. When I look at his expression, it’s very calm. He’s in control. The first hit of the pipe always set the momentum and energy for the rest of his run. On a fashion note, this was the first contest postBrushie’s famous dreadlocks. I also remember him starting to be a little more conservative with his outward fashion statements. Jeff was the hometown hero at the US Open events. Snowboarding was starting to be a global sport. The Open was the stage where East Coast battled West Coast and everyone wanted to beat the Europeans and Scandinavians. What I love about still images is that you can make up your own story about what’s going on in the photo. The story that this picture isn’t telling you is how loud the fans were cheering for Brushie at this event! Love ‘em or hate ‘em, people from New Jersey know how to party. Jersey Rulez. Brushie Rulez! - Trevor Graves
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