Quick Interview: Wille Yli-Luoma

crust

June 30 2009
13 comments

Video veteran Wille Yli-Luoma is known for big jumps and clean style. Not one for mini-shreddin’, park laps, or blown out spots, Wille keeps it raw; riding the nooks and crannies of Mount Baker and waiting for the European Alps to get good. He spent last winter filming for People Creative’s forthcoming film, Nice Try. We asked Wille a few questions.

Where did you ride last winter and who was in your crew?

I rode In Canada, Washington, Wyoming, and Europe. My crew was usually Shaun [McKay], Curtis [Ciszek], and Seth [Huot].

Any highlight days from the filming season?

Europe. Stüben with Shaun and Seth—I don’t really remember the days but there where lots of them.

You spend lots of time riding Mount Baker. What makes it such a special place?

I love how quiet it is and how there’s not a snowboard scene there. People don’t care how they look, they just care about the powder and riding. The terrain is all so amazing that I can’t really go to any other resorts after that.

What are you trying to do with your snowboarding these days?

I’m just trying to ride more and more natural stuff and try my tricks off things that look interesting. So, no 1080’s or 1260’s with nasty style.

I hear you’ve gotten into roasting coffee beans.

I just love coffee and never get sick of it. I started drinking those lattes and other coffee drinks but then I wanted to taste the real thing, so I stopped the sugar and cream thing … it was hard to find good coffee so I started to roast myself. I usually drink two double espressos a day, maybe a regular cup of coffee and if we really are going for it, I have an Americano on top of it. So, that equals about 70 grams of ground coffee a day—but if we are cupping new coffee I might go over that and then my day is kind of killed.

Have you been doing anything new with photography?

I have just been shooting pictures for fun lately. I wanted to do it for a profession after riding but I’m kind of giving up on that idea. The whole coffee thing has kind of taken over for me. The last [photo] job I did was for a bike magazine and I think I’m going to leave it at that.

What are your summer plans?

Hang out with my daughter Lilou, ride my bike, float the river, skate, and golf. I’m going to meet some coffee farmers, roast some coffee and open up my own café. Maybe go to Argentina with K2 in August…

Wille’s Sponsors: K2, Volcom, Thirty Two, Etnies, Da Kine, IS Designs photos: 1&3.Volcom, 2. Wellhausen

10 Comments For This Post

wa Says:
June 30th, 2009 at 4:10 pm

quick!

DVG Says:
July 1st, 2009 at 1:35 am

Yeah Wille!

303 for life! Says:
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 pm

WTF? roasting coffee? why do old snowboarder have to be so odd? when I hit 35 I’m gonna get into thai chi and sculpting, and I’ll wear semi tight pants and flannels and move to a crappy mountain! I will be soo arty farty !

Head Honcho Says:
July 4th, 2009 at 2:23 am

I am 35 and I want to know what is up all those new fangled graphics that suck on all the snowboards.

303 never ever Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

im glad you think baker is crappy, itll keep you and all your leg bags out, have fun with your tight pants and 19 layered tall t’s thanks

Erkki's friend Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

I have that board and it is serious fun to ride it I tell you. Who cares about graphics anyways? (I do actually, and I’m glad mine is orange not neon green) Anyways, Wille, if you happen to read this; you’re a true champ, an alpha male and a great role model. Thank you for keeping the (turbo)dream alive and awake.

Nic Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

“..An alpha male” ???? Weird comment man.

A Rob Says:
July 5th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

Wille IS one of the Alpha males of the “sport” right now, and for the past who knows how long. He has beautifully smooth style, a unique eye and has been going HUGE for years!! But he knows to keep on eye on guys like Curtis, he’s taking over!! Amazing SNOWBOARDER, not just a jibber, or jumper, a snowboarder!!