A mountain biking accident once put Blair Jones into a wheelchair. But that doesn’t stop him from living an action-packed life. Read about his accident he had while being out skiing with friends.
story and photos by BLAIR JONES
I. Do what makes you happy
Blair Jones was only 17-years-old when he sustained a spinal cord injury that placed him permanently in a wheelchair. You’d think that such an injury would completely alter a person’s life, but Blair made sure to keep living in accordance with his favourite philosophy; “shred hard, live extreme and most of all, do what makes you happy.”
II. Blair’s TSG saved my life story
I had broken the wrist band on one of my outriggers earlier on in the day and had to ski it out the bottom of kicking Horse Mountain. It was a super hard pack kind of day and we hadn’t had any new snow for a few weeks, so i had decided to ski on one of my race skis. While following behind a friend on his snowboard one of his lines ventured into some softer snow not knowing that it was rather deep, my ski literally disappeared beneath me and sent me tumbling head over heels a few times before I stopped. All was good aside from breaking an out rigger and getting a bloody nose.
III. Next one on the ground
After I packed my nose with snow to stop the bleeding we carried on down the mountain taking the cat track because of my broken gear situation. I had stuffed the broken outrigger up the sleeve of my jacket to get a little support from it to limp it out but felt rather sketchy. Nearing the base of the hill we were coming up on a flat spot, so speed was our friend to make it across. As I made my way across the flat spot the broken outrigger caught up on some ice chinks ripping if from my grasp & pulling me sideways.
My helmet had a decent sized dent and a long crack about 6-8 inches in length
IV. The helmet did its job
This unexpected movement caught me off guard and ended up high siding catching my downhill edge. This ended rather quickly with one good smack of my head on the frozen ground. Feeling a little dazed, I shook it off, had a little laugh then carried on to the base of the ski hill. After we got to the bottom and took our gear off only then did I realize what had happened to my helmet. There was a decent sized dent and a long crack about 6-8 inches in length down the left side of the helmet. This surprised me because I did not feel a thing when I hit my head. The helmet really did its job in an outstanding way!!!
Thank you, TSG
Thank you, TSG, for building superior strong helmets!
Jori tested the performance of the TSG Pass helmet pretty gnarly, when he was thrown off his downhill longboard.
story and photos by JORIS ZIMMERMANN
I am a downhill skateboarder for Amersfoort, the Netherlands, and i live in Switzerland.
Recently I was following my brother down a reasonably tame mountain road with my gopro. I was almost at the bottom of the run when I got extreme wobbles on my board.
I was thrown off of my board and fell backwards onto my head.
Thanks to my TSG Pass however i did not sustain any long term injuries, that definitely saved my life.
Check out our Pass and Pass Pro skateboard downhill helmets
Share your TSG saved my life story and receive a 30% discount for a new TSG product.*
read below how to apply
I. Tell us your TSG saved my life story
The driving force of TSG is to provide the best sport-specific protection to athletes of all levels, from kids dropping into the learning curb to professionals cracking codes on new tricks. Leading the charge is our global team of solid rippers.
The harder the team slams the better TSG protection gets
The gear we protect them with is the same as the gear that safeguards our customers. The harder the team slams the better TSG protection gets as their experience and visionary expertise is fed directly back into our design process, completing the circle that unites every core action sports brands – for riders by riders.
II. What we offer
You had a crash but luckily your TSG protective gear saved you from severe injuries? Tell us your story, we will publish it and reward you with a 30% discount voucher for a new equivalent TSG product. *
III. How to apply for TSG saved my life
All you need to do, is to fill out the form below completely with as much details as possible. We are going to tell YOUR story but we haven’t witnessed it, so the more info you can provide, the better the story. Add photos and/or video of you with the TSG product that protected you before, during (if it exists) and after the crash.
Download the TSG saved my life form and send it to info@ridetsg.com
TSG-saved-my-life_Form
* Offer only valid for customers in the USA and Europe residing in countries we ship to.
stay safe
New
Spring
arrivals
Brand new bike protection for 2018
For the new season TSG brings soft upper body protection, gets inspired by kinesiology tapes and launches new bike gloves. Get now familiar with our new bike protection products for spring 2018
I. DERMIS A: KINESIOLOGY MEETS MOUNTAIN BIKE PROTECTION
Enduro mountain bikers love simple protection that is compact, lightweight and can be quickly put on for downhill action and effortlessly slipped off and stowed away on uphills.
Lycra sleeves with protective foam inserts are especially easy to use and wear but unlike robust neoprene protectors with Velcro closure they can slip easily.
PU Powerband stripes add strength to the lightweight material
This is why we have invented the new Dermis A knee sleeve and elbow sleeve, which have Powerbands for improved stability. Strategically placed PU Powerband stripes, inspired by kinesiology tape, add strength to the lightweight material and significantly reduces movement.
An anti-slip silicone print on the upper inner cuff makes the fit even more secure, while breathable mesh on the back provides superior ventilation.
Light, ventilated and safe, The new Dermis A Knee-Sleeves are great for enduro rides.
We also incorporate an ergonomic Arti-Lage softshell pad with stretch Kevlar cover. Arti-Lage strengthens when hit to absorb significantly amount impact energy and protect joints. The stretch Kevlar cover ensures easy removal and protects the foam.
The Dermis A protectors are perfect for comfortable climbs and fast downhills, providing outstanding protection from scratches and knocks on and off the trails.
II. SOFT PROTECTION FOR TOUGH RIDERS: PROTECTIVE SHIRT TAHOE A
Mountain bikers who ride hard need complete torso protection. We are expanding our protective shirt range with 2 new models this spring. The Protective Shirt Tahoe A will be available in both short and long-sleeved versions.
Wear your elbow protectors with the Tahoe A Shirt short-sleeve version or take the long-sleeve full package with integrated elbow pads
These fitted Lycra base layers house a removable softshell back protector made of Arti-Lage. This soft foam forms naturally to the shape of the body with heat.
When hit the molecules of the foam compact, absorbing most of the shock before it reaches the rider.
The Arti-Lage impact foam is well ventilated, lightweight and perfectly adapts to the shape of your body
Pre-fitted pads made from 3-layer Arti-Lage and EVA mix protect the shoulders. This sandwich construction provides superior stability and fit.
The shirt also features thermo-foamed breast protection and an EVA kidney pad for added safety.
Thermo chest pad and EVA kidney pads for additional protection
The long-sleeve Protective Shirt L/S Tahoe A also has integrated Arti-Lage elbow pads that provide comfortable, reliable protection.
Both shirts are breathable and feature under-arm ventilation to keep a rider fresh on hot days.
III. MATE GLOVE – MADE FOR FRIENDS
We developed a new mountain bike glove in collaboration with TSG team rider Matt Jones.
Matt loves gloves that look simple, are super comfortable and provide a secure grip.
We opted for a vented 4-way stretch Lycra construction, with soft, durable synthetic suede on the palms.
The one-layer grip zone is fitted, perforated and seamless, providing excellent comfort and great sensitivity for superior bike control.
We applied a silicone print to the brake fingers for positive torque, which works even when wet.
Soft but secure grip and great flexibility
Strategically placed reinforcement at the base of the thumb and on the tips of the middle finger and forefinger add durability in these zones of extreme wear. A Velcro wrist strap guarantees a secure fit. From city streets and trails to single track the Mate Glove is a rider’s best friend.
Watch here what team rider Amir Kabbani has to say about the new Mate Gloves
Want to update your gear for this spring? Check out the new products:
TSG Cares
New
Skate School
for Skateistan
Skaters and students celebrate in Cambodia
Skateistan, the award-winning non-profit organization empowering children and youth through skateboarding and education, launched a new Skate School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on end of February. Over 100 children celebrated alongside special guests from around the world, including skaters Sky Brown, Mimi Knoop, Jim Thiebaud and funding partner, The Skateroom.
photos by Jeremy Meek
As soon as the ribbon was cut by students to officially open the Skate School, girls took to the new 500 square meter skatepark to put on a demo for the crowd – dropping in from the highest ramps and showing off new skills they had already learned on the concrete features.
This new space will enable Skateistan to provide skateboarding and educational opportunities to even more children in the local community surrounding the Skate School
students putting on the TSG gear
This was followed by a pro skate demo in which 9-year-old Sky Brown wowed the local children (and her new friends) on the mini ramp. There was also breakdancing, a magic show, interactive wall art and a 360-degree nature experience. It was a magical day celebrating the power of skateboarding and creativity to change the lives of children in Cambodia.
Students and special guest Jim Thiebaud had great fun skating together
Skateistan first began running programs in Phnom Penh in 2011 and recently moved to a new location, to better meet the needs of local children, in particular girls and children living with disabilities. 240 children and youth are currently part of the programs (Outreach, Skate and Create and Youth Leadership) in Phnom Penh, of which 53% are girls.
Girls skated the new park first
This new space will enable Skateistan to provide skateboarding and educational opportunities to even more children in the local community surrounding the Skate School whilst continuing to work with multiple partner organizations in the city.
The facility consists of a skatepark, classroom, library, office and large green space. The skatepark is the first of its kind in Cambodia and, when not in use by Skateistan students, will be open for the public to enjoy.
The 500 sq meter skatepark of the new Skateistan Skate School buzzed during the event
This bright new start for Skateistan in Cambodia sees the non-profit organization further integrating into the community and providing a safe space for local children to play and learn for many years to come.
more than half of Skateistan students in Phnom Penh are girls
Find out more at skateistan.org
or read how we support Skateistan here: ridetsg.com/skateistan
TSG supports Skateistan and these are the products the children can use in the skatepark
Winter Games 2018
Pyeongchang Memories
welcome back TSG athletes
Major props to all of the TSG team riders for competing at the Olympics over the last several weeks. All athletes are back home now with a bagful of memories. Freeskier Elias Ambühl and snowboarder Michael Schärer share their memories with us.
Elias’ photos by Elmar Bossard – Michael’s photos by himself and friends
In total we had 6 freeskiing and snowboard team riders who qualified for the games in Pyeonchang: A great mix of the pro team, national riders like Stefke Vandeweyer from Belgium and TSG ambassadors Patrizia Kummer and Dario Caviezel.
Iouri Podladtchikov, gold winner of the Olympics in Sochi, unfortunately couldn’t start due to his injuries at the XGames in Aspen 2 weeks before the start in South Korea.
Michael Schärer takes home an Olympic diploma with a great 6th place in snowboard slopestyle. Congrats!
Elias Ambühl and Michael Schärer made it to the finals. So we open the stage and hand over the micro to them, so that we can take a glimpse into their personal photo album.
I. Arrival in South Korea
Elias says good by to his family at Zurich Airport and first task after his arrival in Pyeongchang: Take a photo with the rings
Michael Schärer first spends some time with his teammates in Seoul. In Pyeongchang it was time for him to check out the slopestyle course.
The time in Seoul was like a city trip with friends
Selfie time and checking out the huge rails
II. Snowboard Slopestyle
The slopestyle trainings went well and I felt ready for the contest. Then, unfortunately, in the last training run in the morning before the contest, I bailed on a kicker because of a gust of wind and bruised my butt and the wrist joint.
At first I was afraid that I couldn’t start
At first I was afraid that I couldn’t start, but with some physio and exercises that helped me stay warm, it worked more or less. Unfortunately, I’ve messed up both runs.
In the time between slopestyle and big air we turned to other things. I went to watch a hockey match of the Swiss national team, went snowboarding on the local mountain and tried some special local Korean food.
We explored the local mountain and some special korean meat (Hanwoo Beef). It was delicious!
III Freeski Slopestyle
In the meantime Elias Ambühl got ready for freeski slopestyle competition.
Practice before the competition was very cool and special because day X was finally here
Fyling during training and 100% focused before the first qualification run
Elias qualified for the finals and ended up 9th in the ranking. Well done!
It was a great experience and I was very grateful that I could have my dad and my wife with me at such a special moment in my career
IV. Snowboard Big Air
The training was anything but rosy, but on the day of the competition everything was all right. In the morning before qualification, I already sticked two triples and was able to prove my skills in the first contest run. Between quali and the finals we headed to the sea to clear our heads.
Olympic rings everywhere, even at the beach. I met the Swiss Federal Counsil at a party and sure went to say Hi
Training on the final day went well. When it was time for the first run, the weather changed and wind came up. I noted that the riders in front of me had too much speed, so I took out some speed. Then I jumped and realised that I hadn’t taken out enough speed. I’ve flown too far and completely overrotated my Cab 12 Tail. I fell on my operated shoulder and had quite a lot of pain and trouble lifting my arm. But I decided to keep competing. Right decision: I managed to stick 2 jumps and ended up with a happy 6th place!
The closing party was also really cool, the walk-in with the crowd cheering to you, very cool!
Want to check out Michael’s and Elias’s favourite TSG gear?
With FISE we share a long love and passion for action sports. There are not many events that give freestyle sport such a big platform. That’s why FISE is the perfect partner for us and we are proud to offer the official FISE collab helmet.
photos by Cedric Derodot
The Festival International Sport Extreme (FISE) was born in Montpellier, France, in 1997. Today, FISE is the 3rd biggest sport event in France, after Tour de France and Vendée Globe. FISE France attracts 600,000 spectators and 2,000 riders from more than 40 countries every year. The festival showcases pro and am competitions in Wakeboard, MTB Slopestyle, Roller Freestyle, Skateboard and BMX Freestyle.
The long-term partnership with TSG is only natural, as all these riders deserve the best gear and helmets for their safety
In 2014, FISE went global with the creation of the FISE WORLD SERIES. This unique global Action Sports tour holds stops all around the world, including France, Hungary, Canada, and China. Recently, international federations such as WORLD SKATE and UCI have joined FISE WORLD SERIES and chose some FISE stops as their official world cup events. TSG loves the spirit of FISE and supports the event as the official helmet supplier.
“FISE and TSG have been actors in action sports since the very first days. The long-term partnership with TSG is only natural, as all these riders deserve the best gear and helmets for their safety! We are proud to have TSG on board and we are looking forward to a long-time future partnership”, said Olivier Pascal, International Development Director.
Learn more about event and tour by visiting FISE Website
We have been supporting the World Rookie Tour for many years now. The tour offers young riders an excellent starting platform and drives the freestyle sport forward.
The World Rookie Tour is the world’s leading youth action sport series, providing under 18s with a schedule of international events, national contests and workshops that create an organic pathway for rookies into the professional sphere of shredding. it started with snowboardoarding, took over free skiing and skateboarding and now also surfing in 2021.
From its conception in 2004 it has crowned a host of current snowboard mega-stars, including the first champ Peetu Piiroinen, Roope Tonteri, Sven Thorgren, Christian Haller and Gjermund Braaten.
We can offer them the best opportunity to grow and provide them with the ideal protective gear
The tour offers young snowboarding, freeskiing and skateboarding talents an excellent starting platform and drives the freestyle sport forward. Together, we can offer them the best opportunity to grow in professional snowboarding, freeskiing or skateboarding and provide them with the ideal protective gear.
WRT Co-Founder Marco Sampaoli was also stoked on the partnership and especially the release in core stores from fall 2018 of the special edition TSG – WRT helmet featuring the WRT yeti: “For us having a quality snowboard product hitting the stores with the Black Yeti logo on is a great recognition and a expression of our commitment to the sport”.
Learn more about the WRT and check the event schedule by visiting worldrookietour.com
Perfectly shaped conditions for the young contest riders at the WRT Snowboard Tour
World Rookie Tour for Freeskiers
And also for skateboarding talents.
speed was our friend to make it across