Shaun White’s latest project — a brand new airbag at High Cascade/Windells — made its debut this summer with none other than Miles Falcon as the first rider to test it out. Called in last minute to “guinea pig” the setup, Miles found himself in front of cameras, news crews, and a bunch of others to put the bag to the test. 

In this Zoom-In, we asked Miles about what it was like to break in Shaun’s airbag, how it compares to traditional jumps, and whether airbags are just a fun tool — or a true game changer for snowboarding progression. High Cascade is promoting a dry season training camps starting September 19th. 

Is it true you were the guinea pig for Shaun White’s new airbag? How did that happen?
Yeah, it’s true. I was the guinea pig for the new airbag at Y East or High Cascade/Windells camps. It all came together kind of randomly. I had just finished a full day riding and was pretty beat, just kicking back when Bobby Meeks started asking, “Yo, where’s Miles? He’s gonna hit this bag.” Next thing I know, I’m being called over and there’s this whole scene going down — TV cameras, media, the Shawnee crew, Nick Kapper, a bunch of people. I was like, “Oh wow, this is actually a big deal.” Even though I was tired, I was like, alright, let’s go.

How familiar are you with airbags in the sport? Have you hit a bunch? How do they compare to traditional jumps?
That was actually my first time hitting an airbag like this. I’d hit the standard I-Fit airbags in the snow before and one other landing bag, but I’m definitely not an “airbag guy” who does it all the time. So it felt a little techie at first. But I’ve ridden synthetic/fake snow before, so I was comfortable enough to give it a go.

The feeling is definitely adjacent to hitting a real jump — not the same, but close. On the fake snow you can’t really edge the same way, it’s that plastic surface. It makes you think about tricks differently. I stuck to tricks I already knew because I was honestly a little scared to just start chucking new ones. But it’s sick for reps — you get that repetition without the full risk, and then it really translates once you take it to snow.

What was the first trick you landed on the airbag? Did Shaun give you any feedback after your first hit?
I don’t remember the exact first trick, but it was definitely stuff I was already comfortable with — not going for anything too wild. The vibe was more like, let’s just test this thing and feel it out. Shaun and his crew were stoked just to see it getting used.

Have you seen any bodies on the camo airbag?
[Laughs] Oh yeah, people were definitely sending it. That thing caught some wild landings.

What’s your overall take on airbags in snowboarding? Do you see them as game-changers or just a fun tool for progression?
I’d say both. For me personally, it was kind of a game changer. Once you get comfy on that fake snow, it’s all about air awareness and getting those reps. It’s such a good way to progress and push to the next level.

I was up there a lot this summer watching the US junior team ride, and it blew my mind. Kids as young as 17 or 18 are stomping 1800s. When I was their age, nobody was doing that yet. So yeah, I’d definitely call airbags a progression changer and a game changer. They’re a fun tool, but also seriously pushing snowboarding forward.