Benny Milam, a name synonymous with technical prowess and distinctive style in the snowboarding world, embodies a philosophy that cuts through the noise of competitive pressure and trend cycles: the most exceptional riding emerges when the conscious mind steps aside, allowing pure instinct to take the reins. This isn’t a rejection of preparation but rather an understanding that a critical juncture exists where overthinking becomes the paramount obstacle to true expression, creativity, and progression. For Milam, confidence, style, and innovative riding all converge from a place of profound comfort, where the body’s innate knowledge usurps deliberate calculation.
"I think style is kind of subconscious," Milam observes, articulating a sentiment shared by many elite athletes across various disciplines. "The better you get at something, the easier it becomes, and then the style just comes naturally. You can tell when people are trying too hard to have style; they land and throw in an afterbang or force something." This statement highlights a core truth in action sports: genuine style is an organic byproduct of mastery, not a superficial addition. It’s an elusive quality, difficult to articulate, yet instantly recognizable to any discerning eye—a seamless integration of rider and environment, a testament to a state of complete immersion.
Milam points to the "flow state" as the crucible for this effortless grace. Athletes in flow are characterized by intense focus, a sense of timelessness, and an intrinsic enjoyment of the activity. For snowboarders like Milam, this translates into fluid, uncalculated movements. "The people with the best style are constantly in the flow state. They’ve found a way to tap into it, and they’re just flowing. It looks smooth because they’re not calculating every movement, they’re just riding." This state, often described by psychologists as "being in the zone," is where peak performance meets ultimate enjoyment, fostering an environment where innovation and personal expression can truly flourish.
Unlocking the Flow: Milam’s Seasonal Cycle of Mastery
The pursuit of this elusive flow state is, for Milam, one of the primary drivers behind his enduring passion for snowboarding. He describes a cyclical journey each season, a testament to the dynamic nature of skill acquisition and maintenance. "At the beginning of the season, snowboarding is actually hard. It’s not that fun because you’re relearning everything and thinking about every little movement." This initial struggle is a universal experience for athletes returning to their sport after a break, a period of cognitive recalibration and physical re-engagement.
However, as the winter progresses and repetition accumulates, a transformation occurs. "By the middle of winter, it becomes natural. You stop thinking so much and just let your body do what it knows how to do. That’s when it gets really fun." This transition from conscious effort to unconscious competence is the hallmark of true skill development. The brain, freed from the burden of micromanaging every movement, allows the body to operate on muscle memory and intuitive responses, leading to an elevated sense of enjoyment and performance.
Milam notes the identical pattern in his skateboarding, a complementary discipline that reinforces his core philosophy. "In the spring I struggle getting back into it. I have no pop and I’m thinking too much. By July or August, I’m not really thinking anymore, I’m just doing. It becomes ten times more fun once you reach that point." This consistent observation across two distinct yet related sports underscores a fundamental principle: peak performance and enjoyment in highly technical, dynamic activities are intrinsically linked to the cessation of cognitive interference. The moment a rider ceases to analyze and simply does, the entire experience opens up. "When you’re thinking too much, everything tightens up. You start forcing movements, second-guessing timing, and it just doesn’t work. The moment it clicks and you stop analyzing every little thing, that’s when everything opens up."
Minnesota Roots: The Crucible of Repetition
Milam’s journey into this state of intuitive riding was significantly shaped by his upbringing in Minnesota, specifically the unique environment of its tow rope resorts. Unlike expansive mountain resorts with lengthy chairlift rides, tow rope parks offer an unparalleled opportunity for high-volume repetition. "With rope tows you can get 100 or 200 laps in a day. You’re constantly on your feet, constantly riding. Consistency is everything." This intensive repetition is a powerful accelerator of skill development, particularly for freestyle disciplines. The sheer volume of "reps" allows riders to ingrain movements, develop muscle memory, and refine techniques at an astonishing rate.
This high-frequency practice is crucial for reaching the "flow state" Milam champions. The more a trick is practiced, the less conscious thought is required to execute it. This efficiency then frees up mental bandwidth, allowing for experimentation, creativity, and the development of a natural, unforced style. The tow rope system, often overlooked in favor of more glamorous mountain destinations, proves to be an incubator for raw talent and technical mastery, laying the foundational consistency upon which artistic expression is built.
A Brotherly Push: The Genesis of a Snowboarder
Milam’s introduction to snowboarding was not a solitary discovery but a familial inheritance. "It all started because of my brothers. My oldest brother was really into snowboarding and skateboarding when I was little, and my other brother got into it too. I was probably three or four years old and just wanted to do what they were doing." This early exposure, driven by the innate desire to emulate older siblings, provided a natural and organic entry into action sports.
Some of his earliest memories are vividly imprinted with the thrill and challenge of those nascent years. "I remember getting my first real snowboard for Christmas, building jumps in the backyard, and eventually going to Troll. My brother launched off one of the park jumps, so I tried to do the same thing and absolutely ate shit. I was walking down the hill carrying my snowboard crying." This relatable anecdote captures the raw emotion of early learning—the exhilarating ambition, the inevitable fall, and the resilience required to persevere. Such formative experiences are often the bedrock of a lifelong passion.
Reflecting on his path, Milam is unequivocal about the pivotal role his brothers played. "I definitely wouldn’t have gotten to where I am, or maybe even started snowboarding, without my brothers. If it wasn’t for them, I probably would’ve played baseball and gone more of the jock route. Snowboarding and skateboarding really shaped who I am." This statement underscores the profound impact of early influences, demonstrating how passion can be ignited and directed by close personal connections, steering an individual’s life course in unexpected and transformative ways.
Redefining Progression: Beyond the Numbers Game
For a rider celebrated for his technical acumen and standout style, Milam offers a surprisingly expansive and philosophical definition of progression. He acknowledges the staggering advancements in contemporary snowboarding. "We’re at a point where kids are doing 2340s and pushing things as far as they can go," he notes, referring to rotations that were once unimaginable. "They’re doing stuff that would’ve been unimaginable ten years ago." Indeed, the evolution of aerial tricks, especially in contest settings, has seen a rapid escalation in rotations and inversions, pushing the physical limits of human performance.
However, Milam posits that progression extends far beyond simply increasing the number of spins or flips. "So progression doesn’t always have to mean doing something harder. It can be style. It can be creativity. It can be making something look effortless." This perspective is a vital counterpoint to the often-singular focus on quantifiable difficulty in action sports. It champions the artistic and aesthetic dimensions of snowboarding, suggesting that making a complex maneuver appear simple or executing a trick with unparalleled grace and originality is as significant a form of progression as adding another half-rotation. This broadens the scope of what constitutes "advancement" in the sport, valuing artistic merit alongside athletic feat.
This philosophy also extends to the ephemeral world of trends. "The baggy pants trend is huge right now, but eventually it’s going to get so blown out that people will want something different. It only takes one really cool snowboarder to wear skinny pants and actually make them look good, and then someone else follows, and then another person follows. That’s kind of how style works." Milam’s observation highlights the cyclical nature of fashion and culture within snowboarding, but more importantly, it underscores his belief in the power of individual expression. True originality, he asserts, is the engine of evolving style, far outweighing the transient allure of merely following the crowd. "Originality has always mattered more than following the crowd."
From Contest Podium to Cinematic Canvas: The Shift to Creativity
Milam readily acknowledges the foundational role contests played in his early career. Competing on the junior circuit provided invaluable experience and exposure, particularly rail jams. "They’re a great way to get your name out there," he affirms. "You show up, land a few tricks, and people start paying attention." Contests, with their structured format and immediate visibility, serve as crucial proving grounds for aspiring professionals, allowing them to showcase their skills to judges, sponsors, and a wider audience. The rapid-fire nature of rail jams, in particular, rewards consistency and technical precision in a condensed format.
Yet, as his career matured, Milam’s interests began to diverge. The allure of filming, particularly for video parts, proved to be a stronger pull. "When I got the opportunity to film for the 1817 video, that’s where my interests shifted. Street riding let you show creativity. It wasn’t just about scores or results; it was about making something unique." This transition reflects a common trajectory for many action sports athletes who find the artistic freedom and storytelling potential of video production more fulfilling than the often-restrictive demands of competitive formats. Street riding, with its inherent unpredictability and reliance on urban landscapes as playgrounds, demands a different kind of ingenuity and vision, allowing riders to sculpt their own narratives and showcase a more holistic interpretation of their craft.
A significant influence in this creative awakening was Erich Dummer, Milam’s longtime Red Bull team manager and a respected figure in snowboarding. Dummer, an "OG" of the sport, fostered an ethos of unconventional thinking. "One of the biggest things I learned from Dummer was to think outside the box," Milam recalls. "If you’re filming street, you don’t have to follow the same formula as everybody else. Projects like Enchanted Forest really sparked that for me. He taught me to approach snowboarding differently and let creativity lead." Dummer’s guidance exemplifies the importance of mentorship in shaping an athlete’s artistic vision, encouraging them to transcend established norms and forge their own creative paths, much like the innovative projects he championed.
Dummer’s influence, Milam adds, extended beyond the slopes into a broader life philosophy. "He’s got this whole thing where he’ll say if you want to go out and party until 3 a.m., don’t complain when you have to be up at 7. Just deal with it. That kind of mentality sticks with you. No excuses, just handle it." This pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to responsibility and consequence underscores the discipline often required to excel in demanding professional environments, even those built on passion and creativity.
The Digital Dilemma: Social Media’s Impact on Snowboarding Culture
The advent and pervasive influence of social media have introduced a complex dynamic into the creative process of snowboarding, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Milam acknowledges its undeniable role in accelerating technical progression. "I think it’s helped progression because kids can see what’s possible," he states. "Back when I was doing contests, people were doing cab nines and 1080s. Now young kids are throwing triples because they’ve seen someone else do it online and realize it’s possible." Social media platforms have democratized access to high-level riding, instantly disseminating clips of groundbreaking tricks worldwide. This visual inspiration serves as a powerful catalyst, demystifying complex maneuvers and raising the collective bar for what is deemed achievable. The psychological barrier of "impossibility" is shattered when a trick is witnessed, fostering a culture of rapid emulation and advancement.
However, this widespread accessibility comes with a significant tradeoff. "You can spend your whole winter filming a video part, then people just watch the clips on Instagram and never watch the full thing. It oversaturates everything." This observation highlights the tension between short-form, digestible content and the more comprehensive, narrative-driven productions that have historically defined snowboarding culture. The instant gratification of social media clips can diminish the perceived value of meticulously crafted, full-length video parts, which often represent months or even years of dedication, travel, and artistic vision. The constant deluge of content can lead to an oversaturation, where individual efforts struggle to gain lasting attention amidst the digital noise.
Despite this challenge, Milam remains a staunch advocate for full-length snowboard films, considering them "the backbone of snowboarding." He emphasizes their profound personal and cultural significance. "Watching video parts is what inspired me growing up. Guys like Joe Sexton and Danimals shaped the way I ride, the tricks I like, the music I listen to, even the way I edit videos." These films are more than mere compilations of tricks; they are immersive cultural artifacts that weave together athletic feats, soundtracks, aesthetic choices, and narrative arcs to create a cohesive artistic statement.
A great snowboard film, Milam explains, transcends its individual components. "It’s the music, the editing, the pacing; everything together creates a feeling you just can’t replicate by scrolling through your phone." This holistic experience fosters a deeper connection with the sport, inspiring not just imitation but also a profound appreciation for its artistry and ethos. They are time capsules of style, innovation, and personality that continue to influence generations of riders, offering a depth of engagement that short-form digital content often cannot match.
Defining Success: Beyond the Spotlight
Milam’s personal metric for success in the demanding world of professional snowboarding remains refreshingly grounded. "To me, making it has always meant having your name on a snowboard. That’s it. You’re not really a professional until you have your name on a board." This traditional benchmark, the signature pro model, represents a tangible validation of a rider’s status, influence, and marketability within the industry. It signifies not just skill, but also a recognized identity and a lasting contribution to the sport’s equipment and culture. For Milam, achieving his own signature board, like The Benny Milam D.O.A., marks the pinnacle of professional recognition.
Humility and Connection: The Ethos of a True Pro
Despite his accomplishments, Milam consistently prioritizes human connection and humility over celebrity. "It’s cool to be cool," he states, emphasizing the importance of genuine interaction. "There’s no reason to act like you’re better than somebody else just because you’re good at snowboarding." This mindset, rooted in a fundamental respect for others, has been a guiding principle throughout his career.
He recalls an indelible lesson from his formative years: "There was this shirt I saw at X Games when I was doing an USASA contest that said ‘your ego is not your amigo.’ That kind of stayed with me. It sounds simple, but it’s true. If your ego gets too involved, it kind of takes the fun out of everything." This adage serves as a powerful reminder that arrogance can corrupt the intrinsic joy of any pursuit, particularly one as passion-driven as snowboarding. Milam understands the lasting impact interactions with idols can have on aspiring athletes. "That stuff sticks with kids. If somebody comes up because they’re excited to meet you, just be nice. We’re all the same." This empathetic approach reflects a profound understanding of the fan-athlete dynamic and the responsibility that comes with being a role model.
Milam actively embraces this mentorship role, particularly with younger riders like Nixon who seek his advice. "Nixon asks me questions all the time, and honestly it feels like looking at myself when I was sixteen. It’s cool to help because I know exactly what that stage feels like." This willingness to share his experience and guide the next generation is a testament to his character and his commitment to the broader snowboarding community.
When asked what he hopes younger riders ultimately glean from his example, Milam’s answer eschews technical feats or competitive accolades. "I just hope they see somebody having fun. If you’re getting mad at snowboarding, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. It’s supposed to put a smile on your face." This simple yet profound message cuts to the heart of why many engage in action sports: for the sheer joy, the freedom, and the positive emotional experience it provides. It’s a reminder that at its core, snowboarding is about passion, not pressure.
The Wisdom of Experience: Fear, Instinct, and Longevity
Even after years of pushing boundaries, filming demanding street segments, and navigating competitive landscapes, Milam’s core philosophy—centered on joy—remains his unwavering compass. However, time and experience have subtly reshaped one aspect of his approach: his relationship with fear. "The older I get, the more fearful I become because everything hurts more," he confesses with a wry laugh. This candid admission speaks to the physical toll of extreme sports and the increasing awareness of consequence that often accompanies maturity.
These moments of heightened fear typically manifest during high-stakes street filming, where the repercussions of error can be severe. "You spend all day building a spot, you roll into it a few times, and sometimes you just get this feeling that you shouldn’t do it. You know you probably could, but something in your gut says not today." This visceral reaction, a subtle but insistent warning, highlights the critical role of intuition in high-risk environments.
Learning to trust this instinct, rather than override it, has been one of the most significant lessons of his career. "When I was younger, I would override that feeling more often. Now I pay attention to it. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it just means you’re aware of consequences in a different way. Sometimes walking away is the smartest decision, even if it’s the hardest one after all the work you’ve put in." This wisdom, born from years of calculated risk-taking and inevitable falls, underscores a crucial aspect of longevity in action sports: the ability to discern when to push limits and when to exercise self-preservation. It’s a sophisticated form of self-awareness that balances ambition with practical reality.
A Holistic Philosophy for the Slopes and Beyond
By the end of any conversation with Benny Milam, a remarkably consistent and deeply ingrained philosophy on snowboarding emerges. It’s a pragmatic yet profound approach that champions efficiency, artistry, and personal well-being. His tenets are clear: cultivate enough repetition to allow instinct to take over, prioritize creativity and original style over fleeting trends, maintain humility regardless of achievement, and possess the self-awareness to know when to challenge limits and when to wisely retreat.
Above all, Milam’s message serves as a potent reminder of the sport’s fundamental purpose: to bring joy. "If you’ve got a smile on your face," he concludes, offering a simple yet universally applicable metric, "you’re probably doing it right." This sentiment encapsulates a philosophy that transcends snowboarding, offering a valuable lesson for navigating any passion with authenticity, dedication, and an enduring spirit of enjoyment.
