Eddie Wall is one of the hardest-practicing technical experts in professional snowboarding and one of the most fun-loving free spirits. His background demonstrates why these seemingly opposite traits go together.

Born in Pennsylvania, Eddie Wall managed to land in the state's definitely non-Allegheny flat portion. He grew up in the small town of Rome, which he describes as two hours from "the smallest hill imaginable."

Still, he found his way to enough places to gain some skills. His main accomplice and friend was his father, Eddie Wall Sr., who was also into boarding as one of the sport's elder statesmen. Eddie Wall Jr. worked construction with his father from the time he was 13-years-old.

"My dad and I started snowboarding together, which is really cool," says the younger Eddie. "We always used to go up and poach pipes, just hike up the mountain and ride the pipe." On one occasion, at Camelback in the Pocono Mountains, they got busted by ski patrol officers.

Eddie knew what he wanted. Upon graduation, he headed for California and Mt. Nebo, where he supported himself for two years as a dishwasher and night janitor. With gradual practice, he became one of the world's best and best-known snowboarders.

This experience sort of makes Eddie Wall an older scolder, as he observes younger snowboarders who follow an easier path.

"The money and fame that these kids are chasing is taking a lot of the purity out of the sport," he laments. "In a few years, it may be similar to baseball and football, soccer moms yelling at their kids for not landing a 1080 ... Snowboarding was never supposed to be like that."

Eddie Wall says his crib in San Clemente is filled with so many loose surfboards and skateboards that "it's such a ghetto." He lists his favorite places to party as "Europe, L.A., premier tours, Whistler, Quebec, my house, pretty much anywhere."

That covers a lot of ground, but if anyone has earned it, it's Eddie Wall.

Sources:
http://snowboardermag.com/features/snowboarder-vital-20-eddie-wall/
http://fueltv.fuel.tv/FUELTVED/blogs/view/3446?item=25774&type=Blog
http://snowboardermag.com/features/online-exclusives/eddie-wall-interview/
http://www.grindtv.com/athlete/eddie_wall/bio/