Josh Dirksen is a master of the turn. However, it wasn’t until after an illustrious career at the forefront of freestyle progression during the glory days of the Robot Food era, that he really became known for his dominance in edge control. But as Josh grew older his focus changed, and in 2007 he launched the inaugural Dirksen Derby with the goal of giving back to snowboarding and promoting a focus on the turn. That same year, Oregon up-and-comer Tyler Eklund was severely paralyzed in a snowboarding crash.
In response to the crash, Josh turned the inaugural race into a fundraiser on Tyler’s behalf. Ever since the race has become known as not only a world-class snowboard race, but one with a focus that puts fundraising and giving back to the community at its forefront. After a gap year in 2016, Josh brought the Dirksen Derby back to Mt. Bachelor in 2017 for its 10th iteration.
All Photography by Owen Ringwall