Opposite day! Photo: Zak Shelhamer

This week Hump Day gives you the inside scoop on snowboarding’s other side. Eric Willet is a competition beast, always finishing up near or on top of the podium with wild and crazy super flips that many of Yobeat’s patrons may consider “uncool.” Regardless of how you feel about his take on snowboarding, there is no denying his incredible snowboarding skill, and marvelous curly locks.

At what point did you decide you wanted to start competing as a professional snowboarder?

I started when I was in highschool but I kinda sucked at it. Then I went to New Zealand when I was 19 and did well at a few comps and from there it just clicked.

Who’s the most intimidating person in the start area at the events you attend?

I’d say the cameramen. They’re always sticking their massive cameras in your face expecting you to do something and most of the time you just feel awkward so you look like an idiot.

Yep, Breck had big ass jumps. Eric approves. Photo: Zak Shelhamer

I’ve seen that you still ride an Omatic snowboard. I was under the impression they were no longer making boards?

Well if you see me riding one then they’re still making them.

Are you going to get your own snowboard like Louie Vito now?

I can never find a cool way to write my initials so until then, no. And I’m still waiting for my invite to that show Dances with Wolves or whatever that was.

Have you noticed any odd strategies or tactics that Scandinavians use to make them so good at everything snowboarding?

They’ve all got Viking tattoos on they’re left butt cheek. Don’t ask how I know that.

Spin (and flip) to win. Photo: Zak Shelhamer

Have you dabbled with the triple yet? Plans to?

There’s a move in Tetris called the T Spin Triple, I’ve got that on lock. But as far as triple corks go, no I haven’t dabbled…yet. But yes I plan on it. It’s what all the cool kids are doing.

Who’s your least favorite type of person in the park?

Texans. No I take that back. It’s funny to watch them try and hit jumps and double eject 5 feet from the knuckle and lay there moaning. I don’t like the 15 person skier trains that snake everyone.

It’s sweet when there’s pow on the side of the park. Photo: Zak Shelhamer

How do you feel about being classified as a jock snowboarder?

I don’t do push ups so I’m not a jock, the nerdy kids could for sure beat me up.

What’s your favorite mellow trick and favorite gnarly trick?

Favorite mellow trick is a switch back 5. And favorite gnarly trick is cab double cork 9.

If big jumps and inverts were outlawed how long would you cry for?

My tears would overflow the grand canyon.

Sponsor props shot. Photo: Zak Shelhamer

How big would a jump have to be to make you pee yourself a little bit before or while hitting it?

I have yet to pee my pants so I don’t know. Over 100 feet is pretty scary.

Is that your natural hair or do you get a perm every other week?

All nat chu ral! But I do have this crap I put in it otherwise it turns into gnarly dreads, but don’t tell anyone.

Who do you think has the best hair in snowboarding?

Chas Guldemond, less is more. And think about it, we’d all have his hair if we buzzed ours.

Who was the most inspirational rider to you growing up? And now?

I loved watching Travis Parker, David Benedek, and Andreas Wiig. And now it’s probably my brother Chris Willett. He keeps the style in snowboarding which I tend to forget how to do sometimes.