Looking into the world of adventure and exploration is like flipping through the pages of history, pursuits like skiing and alpinism have a long celebrated history.
In recent years, extreme sports have been experiencing a form of rebirth with new and exciting hybrid sports like speedriding (a combination of paragliding and skiing) and wingfoiling (a combination of kiting and surfing). But when a duo from Minnesota dreamt up the concept of Tandem Cross-Country skiing, this 5,000 years old sport was turned on its head. That’s where Joe Dubay and Chris Parr come in, stirring things up in the Cross-Country Skiing scene, and we’re totally here for it!
We’ve seen tandem cycling and tandem skydiving, but tandem skiing? That’s a whole new level of coordination. Picture trying to move both arms and legs in sync with a partner without turning every few seconds into a snow-rolling comedy act.
With their shared passion for skiing and a knack for coordination, this duo took their tandem skiing to extraordinary heights.
Meet Joe Dubay and Chris Parr, two snow-loving guys who practically grew up on skis. Their paths crossed at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, where they bonded over their love for cross-country skiing and became the dynamic duo of the Nordic Ski Team.
But here’s where the story takes a wild turn. Joe, fueled by a passion for trying something out of the ordinary, convinced Chris to join him in the prestigious Birkebeiner race – in tandem. Chris, being the voice of reason, points out that skis for two people aren’t a thing. Joe’s comeback? “Right… They used to not make skis for anyone, Chris, and then somebody started making skis.”
Sometimes when you’re trying to do something that no one has ever done before, you just have to go for it.
Thankfully, (for our enjoyment) Joe and Chris did go ahead with pushing the boundaries on this tandem skiing venture and even filmed themselves along the way!
The end product? A film named, ‘Pioneers: Tandem XC Skiing’ where we get to see their hilarious training journey, the innovative process behind creating tandem skis and their combined 40 years of skiing experience on display at the American Birkebeiner race.
Rumour has it that stepping into the pioneer shoes in the sports world involves a mix of passion, dedication, skill-building, innovation, and some good old strategic thinking. Well, guess what? Joe and Chris embody all those qualities to a T, making them the ideal duo to shake things up in the world of Cross-Country skiing.
Joe, having been a 2-time State Champion, had even ventured to Finland to pursue a professional skiing career. He then went on to become the Junior National Champion of Finland, leaving an indelible mark on the international skiing community.
Chris, reflects on those early days, “Joe was a hero of mine. Skiers in America, including myself, believed Joe would someday medal in the Olympics and popularise the sport in America.
Fun Facts about Joe and Chris:
Joe now owns and runs a Nordic Ski company with his brother. Not only do they provide ski lessons, but they also offer training plans, tips on waxing your Nordic Skis, and proudly represent a Nordic Ski brand. His favourite movie? Batman. And when it comes to food, Joe’s all about that beef. Oh, and in college, he was a Psychology major – talk about a mind on the slopes!
Chris is a filmmaker, and he’s not just riding the slopes but also directing and producing films. Currently working on other cinematic endeavours, he’s bringing his creative flair to the snowy landscape.
Together, Joe and Chris are gearing up for the 2025 Swedish Vasaloppet, the largest ski race in the world. Get ready for these two to blaze through the trails and add another thrilling chapter to their snowy saga!
What is the Swedish Vasaloppet?
Adding to their repertoire of adventurous pursuits, the dynamic duo of Joe Dubay and Chris Parr are setting their sights on the 2025 Swedish Vasaloppet. Founded in 1922, this iconic cross-country ski race is a historical tribute to Gustav Vasa’s legendary escape from Danish forces in 1521. Spanning 90 kilometres through diverse terrains, from wooded forests to open fields, the Vasaloppet is renowned for its challenging course and international participation.
With its deep cultural roots and festive atmosphere, the Vasaloppet has become a symbol of Swedish heritage and a magnet for elite athletes and skiing enthusiasts worldwide. Participants, including Joe and Chris, must not only possess physical prowess but also navigate the demanding course with strategic skill. This legendary race is a celebration of endurance, history, and the enduring spirit of cross-country skiing. As Joe and Chris prepare to add their names to the annals of Vasaloppet history, their journey promises to be an exhilarating chapter in the timeless narrative of human adventure.
So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival now to avoid disappointment! They are selling fast!
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