Axtion

Erik Roner is not your average per son. Overcoming fear and pushing the limits have elevated him to an exclusive category occupied by pioneers, heroes and legends. Just this year alone he has toured with the Nitro Circus LIve Show, filmed segments for an upcoming Teton Gravity Research film and made an appearance in the much anticipated Jackass 3D movie. We were fortunate enough to catch up with Erik as he took a rare break at his home in Lake Tahoe.

Axtion: At one time you were known as a skier. You have branched out (to say the least). What category would you say applies to you now?

Erik:That’s a good question. I am still asking professionally and putting together segments for the Teton Gravity Research annual ski and snowboard film. It can be difficult to have a foot in both doors. I have missed some training and certain trips while doing Nitro Circus stuff but skiing is my first love and I will always be a skier. I love being in the mountains and making critical decision. There is a freedom there I have never experienced anywhere else.

Axtion: The Nitro Circus Live Show has been wildly successful, thus far. 11 Sold Out shows with as many as 15,000 screaming fans. What do you attribute that to?

Erik: I think the MTV show reached a lot of people especially in Australia. Our Live show has a star studded cast along with the cast of the Nitro Circus. Australia has a better grasp of action sports and a respect for the Nitro stuff we do. They knew all about us and we put on a kick ass show!

Axtion: I know you are passionate about BASE-jumping. In fact you helped pioneer ski BASE-jumping. What is the next evolution of your sport?

Erik: BASE-jumping is like any other sport and the limits keep getting pushed. The thing about BASE-jumping is when you push the limits you don’t break a bone, or get a concussion…you die. I look at BASE-jumping as irrational. I can put on a special pack and become like a super hero. I run off cliffs, buildings, antennas, and bridges and literally fly through the air. Its just like the dreams almost everyone has about flying…you can actually fly. I try to keep jumping in perspective as I’ve lost many friends and seen a lot of bad things in BASE- jumping. I try to make good decisions and listen to my instincts.

Axtion: Can you talk about the New Teton Gravity Research film entitled "Light The Wick"?

Erik: I have filmed segments with TGR for the last 8 years. Light the Wick is the most recent film due out this fall. The film was shot all over the world and captures the progression of our sport. TGR has a tight family of athletes who push what is possible both in the big mountains and in the park. It’s an awesome crew to be a part of and we thrive on exploring and stepping into untapped mountains. I skied a few first descent ski BASE-jumps for the film this year. Light the wick should be crazy so look for it this fall.

Axtion: I know you recently were asked to "play" with the Jackass cast while they filmed Jackass 3D. Any stories that you can share or a maybe a preview as to what we can expect?

Erik: Shooting with the Jackass guys was super fun. They came to my hometown in Tahoe this winter and I was worried about getting crapped on or a penis thrown at me. Luckily none of that happened and we kept the 3D filming more Nitro. I did some fat guy skiing and flew a wingsuit in a very unusual place. That’s all I can say for now. You’ll have to check out the movie to see what I’m talking about.

Axtion: I’ve heard you speak of risk vs. reward, first descents and the adrenaline rush. Is the need for these ever satisfied?

Erik: I find that every few years my desires and adrenaline needs shift. At first it was just for the pure exhilaration. Now it’s a little different for me. Whether it’s a first descent, a new BASE jump or learning to flip a big wheel, I have come to love the process that goes into accomplishing these things. Coming up with the ideas, the planning, overcoming the fear, the execution, and the reward. That entire process keeps me trying to push things and step into new worlds I don’t have much experience in.