A Short Liddle Interview
Newly minted Arbor Pro Mike Liddle sat down for a quick interview for our first issue. He talks being a dad, Impaler, and the Midwest. Give it a read.
Mike, how’s it going? How are you?
I’m doing good. Yea, just got home from work. Just hanging out.
What do you do for work?
I work for a window cleaning company, and we just started installing holiday lights for the season. We set up, like, Christmas light displays, and it works out well because I get to take off most of the winter months after Christmas.
I know you had a kid a little while back, what’s his name? How old is he?
His name is Eli, and he is about to be two in about a week from now, in September.
So, this new part you’re about to put out, is this the first part you’ve filmed fully since having a child?
Yes, this is the first part I’ve filmed since having him. My last video project I worked on was The Impaler Mag, Homie Improvement and during that time, before my son was born, I really wasn’t sure if I would ever film another part just with the… unknown future you know. So, yea I’m just hyped to be here, still doing it.
What made you want to go back and keep filming?
I’ve always wanted to film. I just didn’t know with having a kid and more responsibility if I would have the time and luxury to get out and snowboard like I once was.
I’ve been watching you board, obviously, for a bunch of years and I know you hit some crazy shit. Do you weigh risk versus reward differently now that you’re a father? Has it changed the way you board at all?
Well, I’ve always tried to be pretty calculated when I’m out filming but I would say even more so now. I’ll definitely pass on a spot if I think it’s too risky or I’ll try and make it as safe as possible. But, I think it’s all about waking up the next day and making it to the next spot.
So, tell me a little bit about your new part. Did you intend for it to be a two-year or did that just, kind of happen?
Two seasons ago I was riding for Sessions, and I worked on a part for them. Then they ended up changing up their program and they no longer wanted any of the footage that I filmed. So then we decided just to build on it instead of just dumping it online and I’m glad we did so because we were able to get some other homies in the mix and kind of fill out a more full length video.
Is it HD or SD?
We ended up going HD. We always love SD of course just because of the sound and the feel and just the whole vibe. But we went HD just because of the ease of importing and watching the footage and when you’re uploading to YouTube or Instagram it’s always a hassle with the SD format. So, yea, we went to HD just for ease mainly.
Which one though do you prefer, HD or SD?
Right now, I would say HD, but I always have a special spot in my heart for SD. I’d like to film another SD video someday.
What was it like growing up in the Midwest? You grew up riding Elm Creek yea?
Yea it was cool growing up in the Midwest, being able to snowboard right outside my front door. And all the smaller resorts with tow ropes, it’s like the best place to sharpen your teeth.
Have you seen or noticed any change in the Midwest as you’ve gotten older?
I’d say the biggest change would just be the progression, the youth. The kids nowadays are just so damn good. I think that’s due to the parks getting better as well. When I grew up riding park the rails were so janky, the wood was all chipped, and now you have these perfectly chiseled parks that kids get to learn on.
Would you ever consider moving out of the Midwest or are you just Midwest for life?
I would like to someday move out of the Midwest maybe when I’m done filming street parts. I would love to someday live near the mountains and ride some actual snow instead of shoveling stairs and riding across concrete (chuckles).
In your opinion, most illegal trick?
I’d have to say maybe like a flip on or off a rail. Or like a, 450. Pretty much anything spin-to-win.
Are we going to see a new Impaler video soon?
So, this next video coming out kind of transitioned into a little Impaler flick. But it’s going to be kind of a more Arbor branded video. It would be sweet in the future to get the whole gang back together and do another one.
Speaking of Arbor, how did that begin? You’ve been on Arbor for what, I want to say 12 years?
I actually just did my tenth year with them. So, ten years ago one of my best friends Aaron Becker, he was on a rep program here in Minnesota through Arbor. He was actually hurt when the team came to town to come film. He threw my name out there to come show those guys around and film with them a little bit, and that’s where I met the whole team and the team manager. Ever since then they kind of just put me on.
That’s a crazy long time to be riding for a company. How’s it been?
It’s been pretty mellow. I’m not entirely in the mix all the time. We’ve gone through quite a few changes of team managers and stuff but it’s been pretty smooth since the beginning.
What do you not like about being a snowboarder in 2022?
I would say just people having to… I would say people just dumping footage on Instagram just to post something. I know there’s pressure from brands just to post something, and people probably think you fell off if you’re not posting Instagrams every time you ride. I just really appreciate putting time and energy into something bigger like a full-length project and then hopefully some people remember that.
How do you take your coffee?
Just a little bit of cream, that’s all I need.
Is there anything else you want to add? Anyone you want to thank?
Just want to thank Arbor Snowboards and the homies at The Impaler. Thank you!
Interview by Norm