Strike Mission
Strike mission. It’s a term used to describe the military strategy for attacking a focused target before a quick getaway. No take over. No conquering. Just strike, extract, and return safely. It’s eerily similar to how Tavo Sadeg attacks his big mountain lines. He identifies the target, sets the launch pattern, and then rips it, usually stomping the landing before riding away lost in the trees.
Strike Mission: Tavo Sadeg attacks his line at Alpine Meadows Resort, California. January 2023. pc @kelseyhughez
Tavo’s missions are stealthy, lethal, and dialed in with precision accuracy. It’s tough to get a glimpse of his action in progress, but the tracks always tell the tale. They leave irrefutable evidence of success, proving beyond all doubt exactly what took place.
Tavo’s no ordinary athlete. Not only is he deeply passionate and supremely dedicated to his sport, but he’s also uber-talented. It’s probably also the reason why he is the current reigning 2022 junior freeride world champion. But Tavo just doesn’t strap up and start hucking huge cliffs. He started with his own progressions many years ago until now when it’s almost second nature. Fortunately, he’s agreed to share some of his best insights on stomping cliffs with success.
Practice & Progressions
So, what does it take to stomp these cliffs? In short, lots of planning and even more practice. Tavo says he carefully plans his serious lines. He works with his coaches and fellow riders to inspect the landing making sure has sufficient snowpack and is free of obstacles. Tavo also looks at both the launch and landing angles as he calculates what speed he will need. He considers if there is an immediate drop-off at the cliff’s edge or if he needs to carry some exposure. He also examines the obstacles and terrain traps beneath the landing and the risks they pose.
Tavo Sadeg scoping out and sending a huge cliff at Alpine Meadows Resort, California. January 2023. pc @kelseyhughez
With practice, Tavo believes you can get good at estimating these cliffs. But when he first started Tavo said he would watch others to see the kind of speed, angles, rotation, and timing that was needed. He slowly learned what was needed for success and then practiced incessantly until he mastered it. Tavo suggests practicing something small and reasonable, then slowly increasing the difficulty. When asked about his secrets to success, Tavo just laughed and said he’s been “working on cliff progressions for years and just trying to get better each season.”
Freeride Junior World Champion Tavo Sadeg stomping the landing, Alpine Meadows Resort, California. January 2023. pc @kelseyhughez
If you think dropping huge cliffs is challenging, then consider what FWT athletes must face when prohibited from riding the course before the event. Athletes have to scope their lines and pick their spots without practicing any of them. It takes years of preparation to be able to pull this off, but that is what is required if you want to compete on today’s FWT. Truly amazing to watch and indicative of the ridiculous level of talent these riders possess.
Mistakes Happen
Obviously, not everyone is perfect. At times, you’ll find riders who make mistakes and misjudge their lines. Although this didn’t happen to Tavo he did have some surprises on his championship run last year in Austria. Halfway down his line and charging like a rockstar he lined up for what was his final cliff. However, as he launched off the edge he suddenly realized it “was bigger than I expected.” So without hesitation, he made the necessary adjustment mid-air to stomp the landing and ride on to victory. It wasn’t what he planned, but with some great decision-making and expert skills he pulled it off in pro fashion.
These are the kinds of decisions (and lines) that make competitive freeriding so exciting to watch! We can’t wait to see how the 2023 FWT/FWQ seasons unfold. Stay tuned! We’re back tomorrow with a preview of the upcoming FWT start at Bacqueira-Beret (recent conditions look terrific!!) and then followed on Wednesday with our ongoing discussion on turning. You won’t want to miss it!
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for all of their help and loyal support!
Tavo Sadeg (left) and Ryan Kime - The Free Soul Skier (right) after an afternoon ride session at Alpine Meadows Resort, California. pc freesoulskier