Zeppelin Zeerip Talks | Looking up after breaking femur, losing dad, + house burning down
Much has been sad about Zeppelin Zeerip’s erotic name, but it’s what’s inside Zepp that is worth sticking on. Snowboarders are stereotypically known as rich, bratty, entitled fun havers for good reason. It’s mostly true. Zeerip though has overcome adversity that would have crushed the average snowboarder. Now he’s pro. And at 6’3″ he is in the tall guy club as well. It’s harder to look stylish when you’re over 6′ but those that can do it look the best. Plus he wrote a book. Buy it.
So listen to his story and realize your own power of choice and personal responsibility.
Here’s a quick sample:
You have a genuine love for the outdoors and a wandering spirit. What tips can you give to those out there who don’t necessarily want to follow the “normal” path of going to school, getting a job, etc. What are some of the biggest challenges you face living the lifestyle you have chosen?
My friends and network of people that I met while in school at Westminster College have been the biggest factor in enabling me to create my own path outside of a standard 9-5. For me the biggest challenges relate back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It’s a list of five stages that is divided into basic and psychological needs (physiological, safety, love, and esteem) and growth needs (self-actualization). Having been through so much stuff growing up, it was and continues to be really difficult for me to look beyond the basic needs and step to the growth stages, but that’s what it takes if you want to make something for yourself. Looking beyond the basic securities and taking a risk to recognize your potential is scary as hell when you don’t have any savings left and your student loans are about to start, but it has all seemed to work out so far. As for advice? I’d say meet and network with everyone and anyone possible even if there isn’t an immediate need and to surround yourself daily with people that motivate you to be a better person in some aspect of your life. Damn, I sound like Tony Robbins.
You’re working on a book and film that is due out soon that chronicles your travels and experiences. What was the inspiration for this book? The inspiration for the book came from a road trip I took after breaking my femur in 2011. At that point I was still trying to ride professionally, and when I broke my leg I really didn’t have a plan B. My house had burned down that fall, so I didn’t have a great place to go home to, and I decided it would be best to take a road trip and clear my mind. I ended up taking five weeks to drive from Colorado to Washington by way of Utah, Nevada, and Oregon. The book is strongly influenced by Ed Abbey, Jon Krakauer, and Jack Kerouac, so hopefully it won’t suck. You can check it out on the crowdfunding page here.
Click over to YOBEAT for the whole Zeppelin Zeerip Hump Day interview.
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