JP Walker (right) and a friend at the Zumiez 100K Party on January 9, 2007. © Carl Cannon

JP Walker Takes Charge

Pro Snowboarder Announces Various Projects, Parts Ways with Longtime Sponsors Forum and Special Blend

Pro-Snowboarder and industry icon, JP Walker, is keeping busy these days.  He recently announced his involvement with four new projects including an iTunes video, an MTV Cribs episode, a video called The Two Year Project and a reality show called The Benji Project.  Walker also announced his departure from his long time sponsors Forum Snowboards and Special Blend.

Walker, a pro-snowboarder for over 10 years, is believed to be one of the most innovative and progressive riders ever to step onto a snowboard. Whether during a rail session or launching kickers in the backcountry, Walker’s smooth and confident style is what has set him apart and made him an idol to many.

Carrying the momentum forward, Walker is focusing his energy on many innovative projects this year.  He is working on the beginning stages of an exclusive iTunes JP Walker Video and this summer he will be filming for an upcoming MTV Cribs episode.  Walker has also been traveling internationally filming a reality series titled The Benji Project.  The Benji Project is a show that was developed by professional surfer Benji Weatherly which focuses on a mix of pro surfers and a select few athletes and artists from different backgrounds, all with a shared passion for surfing.  Walker, being the main snowboard crossover athlete, joins an esteemed team of co-stars including Tosh Townend, Tony Hawk, Kalani Robb, Tom Carroll, Rizal Tanjung and Jack Johnson.

Walker’s main focus is on the progression of his own snowboarding and the way that snowboarding as a whole is portrayed to the public.  His recent departure from Forum Snowboards and Special Blend leaves him with many new opportunities.  Walker’s expertise and entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his decision making; Walker would like to partner with a company where he can contribute to the development of a brand as well as the sport of snowboarding.  “I wasn’t able to contribute what I wanted to with my previous sponsors and I didn’t agree with the direction of the brands so I left,” said Walker.  “It has never been about the money for me.”

Adds Walker, “Moving forward, I want to be with a brand that respects rider input and understands the value of what a professional rider brings to the table. I want to be somewhere where I can do more than just snowboard.  I want to help make sick videos and be involved in every aspect of the team and marketing efforts.”

--Press Release