FUEL TV SHOW: Environmentally Challenged

Travis Parker is a mainstay in snowboarding that many kids across the planet look up to both as an snowboarder and a person. His antics and brilliant personality shine through in all he does and his riding has inspired a new generation of riders. We have seen him in several popular snowboard flicks such as Bikecar, DC Mtn. Lab, the Robot Food videos, and many many more. As a founding board member of the Snowdays Foundation, a non-profit organization deigned to "empower the youth through snowboarding," he has turned his attention to the roots and effects of snowboarding as a whole. His latest endevour is his new show titled "Environmentally Challenged" premiering June 23rd on FUEL TV. I caught up with Travis to ask him a few questions about what he's up to and chat about the show. - Ben Classen

FUEL TV: What is your motivation behind doing Environmentally Challenged?
Travis Parker: I'm working with Brian Olliver, the producer of the show. He approached me about it and wanted to do a show that would tackle environmental issues. I meet a ton of different people through the show and am really learning and growing a lot personally, so it really has been an adventure. It's really fun getting research material for the show then learning about it on my own and meeting people who teach me even more beyond that.

FUEL TV: What do you hope to achieve with the show?
TP: Above all I want to make a show to the best of my ability. Over the years I have learned a lot in snowboarding and feel I still have more to share in it so I'm hoping to translate what I have learned along the way into this. I just want to make the best possible show that is art-driven, and kick ass. I also want to educate kids out there to find out the best ways to interact with the environment in their own lives.

FUEL TV: How do you see this reflecting on your own life and snowboarding/travel?
TP: It has been a completely eye opening education for me. Each show is a different journey in a new place thinking and learning about new things.It has definitely changed the way I look at how I travel and affect my surroundings as a snowboarder.

FUEL TV: Was your involvement in Bikecar motivated by the same things?
TP: Both are similar in that we are just trying to be aware of and learn about an issue. That awareness is important. Bikecar was about doing something different and having an adventure in the process. It just so happened that we were doing it in a way that was more environmentally aware, but I feel it's important to always keep the environment in mind when doing anything, we did pump out methane from farting all the time though. A lot fo the people I'm meeting on this show are real activists in their field and I feel like I'm learning more and more every time. I really respect the people I have met thus far. Photographer Jeff Hogan is on the show and meeting him was huge for me. So, really, I’m approaching this both from a life adventure point of view and trying to gain great life awareness.

FUEL TV: Do you seek some similar things in the production and continuation of Airblaster?
TP: Oh, definitely. What I'm doing will naturally filter into Airblaster because that's who I am, as well as my business partners are, at our core. I am hoping that it clearly translates over to what we do and produce as a company.