Shandro's Freeride Skills Camp

Andrew Shandro, the one-man freeride wrecking crew. Photo by Sterling Lorence

Andrew Shandro is turning into a regular one-man freeride wrecking crew these days. The ex-pro downhiller has not only forged a reputation for his riding, but is working with both Trek and Shimano to develop freeride bikes and components, and his involvement with Sombrio—a progressive North Vancouver based clothing company—would be enough to keep any three people busy. Adding to that already impressive roster is Shandro’s annual freeride skills camp he holds in conjunction with Whistler Mountain. We caught up with Andrew to get the 411.

Bike: What motivated you to start a freeride camp?

Shandro:  Well first of all I felt the timing was right to offer a weeklong camp. Whistler has built this incredible park that people from all over the world want to ride. I wanted to be the first to offer a weeklong freeride camp. With my experience in racing and freeriding I wanted to start passing my knowledge on to others. I feel very fortunate to have been involved with the freeride scene from the start. We have people from all over North America coming to the Gravity Camps. I would be super stoked to see people from overseas attend the Camp. I know without a doubt they would be blown away with the park and the level of coaching that we offer.

Bike:  What goals do you have for the camp?

Shandro: Our main goal for the people who attend the camp is to have a great time and to improve their skills. We offer video analysis so everyone gets to check out their riding and watch the improvement throughout the week.

Whistler Mountain hosts Shandro's Annual Freeride Skills Camp. Photo by Sterling Lorence

Bike: Who are some of the other celebrity instructors at the camp and what unique things, besides their obvious skill, do they have to offer?

Shandro: We have the best coaches hands down. Wades Simmons, Dave Watson, Thomas Vanderham, myself and newcomer Darren Berrecloth. We have experience in every aspect of riding, i.e. dirt jumping, freeride comps, DH racing, biker X, slalom, X Games and of course filming for numerous different movies. We offer very hands on instruction—five campers for every coach. These guys are the ones who are pushing the sport right now, but they have as much fun at the camp as the campers do.

Bike: There is no shortage of “freeride” camps out there now. What is the main benefit of yours?

Shandro: The campers stay at the base of the mountain only two minutes from the park. We start riding every morning by 9:30 and stop at 4:30. I guarantee everyone will improve their skills. The atmosphere is laid-back. We have a killer wrap up barbecue on the last night. All the coaches have posters to sign and swag to give away; everyone will walk away with something cool. Our sponsors are awesome and totally support the camps.

Bike:  Is there anything else you would like to ad?

Shandro:  Thanks to the sponsors: Manitou, Trek, Shimano, Mavic, FSA, Sombrio, Smith, IRC, Etnies, Clif Bar, Bean Around the World Coffee, SDG and MRP.