Imagine being strapped into a snowboard, waiting to drop into your first halfpipe at a major competition. Fans screaming loudly, but the only sound is the blood rushing in your ears. Every cell in your body is vibrating with anticipation. At that moment, Jack Mitrani’s childhood dream of becoming a professional snowboarder came true.
Jack took up snowboarding when he was 8 years old, and rode professionally for 12 years, competing in the top events, both nationally and worldwide. In 2008, Jack attempted to break the world record for quarterpipe air, which was 9.8m, at the Billabong Air and Style event. He hit 10.2m (which is nearly 2.5 stories high!), but missed the landing and broke his back.
As if setting world records and bouncing back from a major injury wasn’t enough, during Jack’s snowboarding career he also co-created the Frends Crew (and no, that’s not a typo). “Frends” is based on the concept that you will achieve more with community and “frendship” than on your own – “there’s no I in frends.” The message resonated! What started as a small group of pro riders quickly became a community of people “who share a love for what the culture of snowboarding stands for: good times, freedom, and endless progression on and off the board.”
Just as he did throughout his snowboarding career, Jack continues to promote inclusivity and happiness. “In every project, appearance and piece of content that he creates, Jack strives to infect viewers with positivity and a sense of belonging.”
Jack’s most important role to date is “Dad” to a 3-year-old daughter and a 4-month-old son. When asked what his most challenging accomplishment has been thus far, Jack said, “Fully embracing the roles and responsibilities of being a father. Owning the identity shift and lifestyle change is something that was not easy at first.” Whether their family is out hitting the slopes or finding #adventuresclosetohome, Veer can take the kids (and all of the gear) anywhere! Jack shares his deep love for the outdoors with his kids and provides them with opportunities to create meaningful experiences and find their own adventures.
"do what you love, love what you do."
Q: Tell us a little bit about what you do professionally.
A: Since my days as a professional snowboarder, my profession has always been centered around the idea of, "do what you love, love what you do." I've always loved either holding a camera or being on the other side of it. That has led me to the role of hosting the X Games for the last five years and as of recently doing marketing and content development for an innovative live streaming platform, Caffeine TV.
Q: What does snowboarding represent to you?
A: Represents most, if not all, of my core values. Community, perseverance, resilience, and most importantly, fun! I've been able to apply what I have learned from snowboarding to my daily life whether that be health, wealth, or relationships.
Q: What is the most challenging accomplishment or thing you are most proud of?
A: Fully embracing the roles and responsibilities of being a father. Owning the identity shift and lifestyle change is something that was not easy at first. I have spent the last three years growing as a person in a positive way and I have my wife and kids to thank for that.
Q: Growing up, did you spend much time outdoors?
A: Luckily, I grew up in Vermont. We were always outside. My siblings and I spent the majority of our time snowboarding in the winter and skateboarding in the summer. Even in the dark and bone-chilling Vermont temps we always found a way to have fun outside.
Q: What do you hope your kids will take away from your outdoor experiences together?
A: HAPPY memories and experiences that foster knowledge and become engrained in their DNA, so that when they are older, they feel comfortable and have the tools they need for their own adventures.