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Rewriting Freeskiing
Seeing Potential in the Urban Landscape
For Isaac Simhon, urban skiing is about more than just hitting rails or ledges—it’s about transforming the environment into a playground. “It can be the background or if it looks like a skate spot,” he explains. “But honestly, I can be interested in anything skiable — it all depends on my mood.” The small details, textures, and nuances of a location often spark his creativity. For Isaac, every spot has unique potential, a blank canvas waiting to be reimagined through the lens of freeskiing.
From Cabo Verde to Freeskiing’s Heights
Isaac’s journey into freeskiing began far from the mountains, on the island of Sal, Cabo Verde. Moving to Switzerland at age four introduced him to the slopes, and a love for skiing took root. A defining moment came with a dramatic overshoot on La Clusaz’s infamous “Saut de la mort” when he was just 12 or 13. “I thought I was gonna die,” he recalls, a moment that tested his resilience and shaped his approach to the sport.
Pivotal experiences like his first session with Buldoz Life at the Maunakea event in Thyon and working with Henrik Harlaut during Salute cemented his place in freeskiing culture. Winning the Swiss Big Air Championship in 2018 - after two years of barely skiing or competing - marked a triumphant return and underscored his passion for progression.
The Art of Style
“Style means everything to me,” Isaac says. For him, it’s not just about landing tricks but doing so in a way that reflects individuality. “Every trick, every movement, should reflect your style.” Staying true to himself while channeling emotion into his skiing is how Isaac maintains authenticity. It’s his way of honoring the culture and carving out his unique identity in the sport.
The Influence of Buldoz Life and Henrik Harlaut
Isaac credits Buldoz Life and Henrik Harlaut with profoundly influencing his skiing and creativity. “Riding with the Buldoz crew made me fall back in love with skiing,” he says. After nearly giving up the sport, a session at the Maunakea event reignited his passion. “They took me into their gang, and it reminded me why I love skiing so much.”
Henrik Harlaut’s mentorship further shaped Isaac’s approach, from finding and shaping street spots to staying present in the moment. “He’s like my big brother, and I owe him everything,” Isaac says, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned and the lasting bond they share.
Balancing Identity and Exploration
Exploring new tricks and terrains is essential for progression, but Isaac always remains true to his skiing identity. For him, confidence is key. “If you’re scared, you’re not the same person,” he explains. Building confidence step by step allows him to fully express himself on the slopes, blending experimentation with authenticity.
Inspiration and Experimentation
In urban and street skiing, the spot often dictates the trick. “The features of the spot dictate what’s possible, and then it’s up to you to use what you already have in your pocket,” Isaac says. His biggest inspiration comes from life itself - the challenges he’s faced and the fears he’s conquered. At the core of it all is a simple goal: “I just want to be happy.”
The K2 Reckoner’s carbon crosshatch construction is a standout feature for freestyle skiers, offering the ideal balance of flex and stability. Soft tips and tails make initiating tail butters effortless, while the carbon reinforcement adds stability and pop for smooth transitions and precise control. Whether buttering over rollers or adding flair to flatland tricks, the Reckoner’s responsive design ensures creativity and confidence. It’s a ski that transforms playful moves into an art form, perfect for skiers who want to push their style to the next level.
When the snow’s gone but the mountains still call, scree skiing takes over. Charging down loose rock slopes in the Alps is raw, untamed, and anything but predictable. It’s not about clean lines - it’s about adapting, staying loose, and letting the mountain guide your ride. For those chasing something different, scree is the ultimate test of skill and style.
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DamnGood MAGAZINE is a celebration of life and artistry, blending the worlds of sport and cinema to capture the raw beauty, creativity, and passion that define both.