Checking in with Oakley White-Allen, co-founder of Panda Poles

February 21, 20123 min read

It's been a good year for 32-year-old Oakley White-Allen, not only because Oakley (also known as OWA) was awarded a wildcard to compete on the European Freeride World Tour—after his second place run at the combined Freeskiing/Freeride World Tour Revelstoke stop—but also because it's been a good year for business. OWA, who currently resides in Alta/Snowbird, is co-founder of Panda Poles along with Tanner Rosenthal. Panda Poles is an environmentally conscious ski poles brand, which utilizes bamboo to create its products.

Bamboo, as a quick reminder, is biodegradeable and far less harmful to the Earth than man-made poles. Plus they have recycled grips and hemp straps. The manifesto behind the poles is to encourage consumers and manufacturers to "reconsider products as usual." Now in its second year of production, the company is recieving a lot of recognition both for its environmental efforts and quality of product.

This week, we hit up Oakley White-Allen to give you a better idea of the man behind the brand.

BIG MOUNTAIN SKIING is pretty gnarly.

THE EUROPEAN TOUR is a nice contrast to ours, for now.

SNOWBIRD safely opens a lot of terrain after fresh snowfall, and fast.

I LIKE champagne at sunrise.

MY FAVORITE SKI BUDDY is my shadow.

I'D RATHER have a trust fund.

GETTING A WILDCARD AT FREERIDE_WT WAS a blessing, and the product of a life dedicated to skiing.

PANDA POLES are the fastest growing ski poles on the market.

BEFORE DROPPING IN, I LISTEN TO Dangerbee.

I'D RECOMMEND Burning Man to anyone radically self reliant with an open heart and a mind for late nights.

I'D LIKE TO END UP IN A HOT TUB WITH Marilyn Monroe.