This is Ganksta Skiz.
Ganksta Skiz (originally the United Ski Clubs of Alaska) was established in response to a lack of healthy camaraderie among the Nordic Ski community in Alaska at the junior level. At the time, team rivalries were so fierce in the state problems arose with hate-groups and an assumed hierarchy of ski clubs and training programs.
In 2008, a small core of five High School boys with different Nordic backgrounds decided to change this image of club skiing, and made it their mission to promote teamwork, athleticism, sportsmanship, and a positive outlook on life both inside and outside the realm of ski racing and training regardless of affiliation. It was understood among the ‘founding five’ that there are many ways to measure success in a sport like skiing, and there are multiple ways to achieve that success. With this attitude towards skiing, it is our belief that skiing is too cool to have any negative connotations, no matter what goals one has for the sport, whether it be the Olympics or just being able to stay up on two boards.
With these goals as a framework, we started this web-blog. The site has done a lot of things over the years, but early on it came clear that Ganksta Skiz wasn’t about the website, but rather it was about the lifestyle. We decided that we would reach more people if we provided something material. We had patches, stickers, and singlets made to promote Ganksta Skiz, and also because they were awesome.
Those who choose to wear our patches are declaring themselves a model athlete. Our message means different things to different people, but what is most important is that our core values are implied by the attitude and actions of those who choose to proudly wear our patches or support us in any manner.
Since Ganksta Skiz’s creation, there has been a positive shift in the camaraderie among all Nordic athletes, especially on the junior level. We like to think we’ve played a small part in that.
Our name, no matter how bizzare (honestly, Ganksta Skiz? Who’s going to take a name like that seriously?) has expanded from Alaska alone, and now is becoming known across the nation. Our profits off merchandise (once we get an amount worthy of donation) are donated to Nordic Skiing non-profit organizations in order to further the sport we love. We encourage everyone to donate to their local ski organization as well.
See how far we’ve come as a Nordic family since 2008.
