Winters come. Winters go. But Jesse Parkinson chases them around the globe.
The 12-year-old was born on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, but you won’t often find him there. In the Australian summer, Jesse typically bases himself out of Japan. Then chases the snow back to Oz when the seasons turn. The endless winter is real.
Here’s his highlight reel from this year’s northern hemisphere winter. Press play and enjoy.
Remember when we introduced you too young Jesse Parkinson a month ago? And we told you his go-to trick was a Cork 720? Good, you'd wanna remember this kid.
Here's Jesse in his Season Edit from Japan, featuring everything from chest deep pow to 50 foot booters. Enjoy!
Above, Jesse already blurring the lines between The Mountain and The Wave. Below, Jesse settles back into life on the Sunny Coast- BYO boardshorts. We’re pretty damn jealous Jesse! Keeping shredding dude!
Born: 28/6/2005
Hometown: Yaroomba, Australia
Been riding for: 3 years
Go-to trick: Cork back 720, switch back 540
New trick: 900s
Park or pow: I love it all!
Rails or jumps: Both, but I love spinning off a huge kicker
Favourites: Mark McMorris, Travis Rice, Scotty James
Not many 11-year-old Australians get to call Japan home for the snow season. But then again, not many 11-year-old Australians can huck 900s off 50-footers.
In other words, Jesse Parkinson is an interesting little fella.
Jesse grew up on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. And while he rips in the water, he spends most of his time in the mountains - which are a solid 16-hour drive from his hometown. Even further, though, is Japan.
‘’My family got a place in Japan about 2 or 3 years ago,’’ Jesse explains. ‘’It's up on the northern island of Hokkaido, in the forest near a place called Higashiyama. We’re at the foot of the mountain and my brother and I go can go for a 15-minute walk up the hill, ride a great little powder run through trees with no one else around. It’s so sick!’’
But...does he miss the ocean? (Thats Jesse 'No'boarding above, which is much like surfing because, well, you ain't strapped in!)
‘’I spend 3-4 months a year in Japan, and I really miss surfing when I'm here. I got to meet and ride with Gerry Lopez once and he said surf is where you find it. A great powder day is really similar to surfing good waves. And that run right by my house is like having a surf at your local with 3-4 foot offshore waves and no one out!’’
3-4 foot waves at your local are fun and all - but experiencing a new culture really opens your eyes. To what’s possible in life. To what exists in the world. And, even in an 11-year-old mind, to the core spirit of boardriding.
‘’I love going into the backcountry here. We have some great Japanese friends who are also the best guides in Niseko. They take my brother and I for walks, show us the best spots and teach us how to be safe in that terrain. They are true snow surfers in every way.’’
Images by @kagephoto
At the humble age of 11, the boy from the sunshine coast - Jesse Parkinson has been turning heads all season on mountain between Victoria and New South Wales.
We introduced Jesse in ‘Radical Times with Mates’ when our global crew; Austin Sweetin, Mat Crepel, Bryan Fox and folks came down under to see what an Aussie road trip was all about. Jesse rolled with some of the best and had a hell time.
Now he is here to show you what he can pull together from a full season, with an extensive bag of tricks, a smooth buttery style and some classic surf influence. This kid is the full package, so keep an eye on him because we can guarantee ya’ll there is plenty more to come.
