Movement For Good

Are you climbing mountains for the world to see?

Or are you climbing mountains to see the world?

I saw this quote, and it hit me like a brick. It really felt like it encompassed the goal of MFG. How many times have you seen a pretty view, a gorgeous sunset, or experienced a joyful moment with your mates, and the first thing that you did was take out your phone to take a photo? When was the last time you smelled the flowers instead of taking a photo of them? Have you ever run without music blasting into your ears?

For the longest time, I have wanted to create a place like MFG. I remember being a grom, mountain biking in Sticky Forest. Every ride would repeat the same cycle: ride, stop, film a video, post a video. I got sucked straight into this cycle; it was just how I thought it worked. As time went on, I began to realise the cycle occurring—everyone doing the same shit, posting the same videos, wearing the same kit, and copying the same style. I remember getting pissed off with the boys because all that mattered was a ‘sick clip’. When ‘When Does the Trend End’ (shoutout Hunter and Matt) was released, I was sitting at the premiere in Queenstown thinking, damn right, this is the shit people need. A kick up the ass sport culture needs.

There is a constant highlight reel that is pushing people away. Gone are the days of exercising because it’s fun. It seems like people would rather chase a KOM than stop on the track to chat to a mate. The amount of enjoyment people are having seems to be decreasing. I think we are actually losing the ability to have fun.

No wonder kids are stopping playing sports. The internet shapes unrealistic ideas about what sport should be. Influencers promote a polished, often fake image that makes people feel like they’re not good enough or that they can’t do something because they don’t have the best gear or aren’t fit enough. Even in NZ, there is this persona that the outdoors is easy to get into. In many cases, this is true—it’s just around the corner. But for many, it doesn’t seem very accessible, and the internet isn’t doing this issue any favours. Feeling like you don’t know anyone to go with, and worrying that others may judge how you look or your technique, are very real dilemmas people face—issues that can probably be traced back to the silly screen in your hand right now!

I’ve fallen into this trap too, seeing a video on the internet and being like, I am not good enough—I suck at my skiing because I can’t do that trick. Comparison is the thief of joy, so why do we keep putting ourselves in a situation where we compare ourselves to others? Who cares what others think? Everyone is climbing mountains for the world to see, and forgetting to look at the view at the top.

*A classic day in the hills with a good crew. Photo : Sam Currin* ‍ ‍

To be clear, I am NOT against posting videos and photos on the internet. If you are stoked on something, please share it—I am stoked for you too. But the art of originality is being lost; nowadays, people try to stand out by being like everyone else and copying trends, because it seems like the only way to fit in. Be original—EVERYONE can be creative. If you say you’re not creative, you are lying to yourself. Maybe stop scrolling reels and look outside, use your brain, try to notice something you haven’t before—believe me, it helps!

Movement For Good isn’t for the masses. Honestly, I am equally surprised and grateful that you are reading this right now. I hope that what’s written above makes you question your current ideas about sports. You don’t have to agree—that’s not the goal. Think of it as a new perspective, one to promote picking up a paintbrush, taking the slower route because the views are good, laughing more, saying hello to new people, and remembering to have fun.

Tomo :)

Mountain Tops are for looking at the view.