P3: Pipes, Parks, and Powder

by Todd Richards, Eric Blehm

One of the most charismatic, popular, and talented snowboarders in the world, Todd Richards, tells the story of his life as a skateboarder–turned–world–class–snowboarder, and of the sport that in less than 10 years has gone from underground to the forefront of the Olympics.

In the late 1980s snowboarders were seen by skiers as skate–punks and 'knuckle–draggers' but in just a few years the sport has rapidly gained popularity in ski areas and resorts. By 1994 snowboarding was an exhibition sport at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer; since then it has become one of the most popular sports in the Olympics. Todd Richards was there through it all and, as he tells his story, he shares the history of his sport.

Todd Richards is one of the biggest names in pro snowboarding. Now his image is on PlayStation games, plastic toys and countless magazines. He's won world championships and X Games medals. Known for his wit, work ethic, and front side 900, Todd has helped bring snowboarding out of obscurity and into the limelight. The sport continues to gain momentum through growing media coverage, and no professional embodies the image and attitude of snowboarding better than Todd Richards.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Arjun Boddu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Super cool to see the inside view of life of a pro snowboards.

[Cade Cullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I read is an autobiography called Pipes, Parks, and Powder (P3) by Todd Richards. It is a story about his life from when he was first born to win he became a dad himself with all the great things he’s accomplished in between. For example he talked about how he learned to love snowboarding as much as he does. Also the journey it took to be remembered as one of the original and best snowboarders ever. He then talks about how he matured and found a home with his wife and had a kid and the journey of being a dad.

I personally loved this book because I too just found my love for snowboarding and could potentially see myself in his shoes which kept me super intrigued into what was the next step for him and how it could relate to me and my life. He talked alot about his work ethic and how nothing came easy for him. This inspired me to keep working at everything in life especially when things get hard. This book has made me grow into a stronger person mentally and physically because reading it makes me want to get outside and be active and continue to push myself. This book showed me Todd Richards and his unbelievable work ethic got him to be exactly where he wanted to be. So I believe that if I continue to work and my dreams that I could one day be where I want to be.

I think that if you are into snowboarding or like to play or watch sports, this book “P3” would be your new favorite. This book is definitely my favorite book I’ve ever read and I would highly recommend it to someone who is looking for a book because it is relatable for almost anyone. I would like to admit that I am not the biggest reader but this book got me hooked. I read this book in my free time and would look forward to reading it which I have never felt before with any other book before.

[Tristan G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into becoming a pro snowboarder in an emerging sport from the 80's.

[Josh Stenslien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read and great glimpse into early professional snowboarding culture. It’s no Barbarian Days but the stories are great and the characters are memorable.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

P3 was a great book about the struggles that teenagers face in high school and how to overcome being different. The book provided a detailed description of Todd Richards life and how he became a professional athlete. No matter how many times he failed he always got back up and kept trying, which was a good lesson that was taught in this book. I would recommend this book to young people who want to follow their dreams and become great people in the world.

[Cameron Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because it describes how Todd Richards was able to become a pro snowboarder. He explains how hard working and persistent you need to be to become a professional and how this is the same way for anything you want to achieve. Another thing I liked about this book is that it explains how snowboarding even came about and how the sport grew to one of the most widely known snow sports in the world.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about snowboard hero of mine, It was interesting to read some parts as a coming of age story from a guy I relate to very much. The end was emotional as when he wrote it it was in a time snowboaridng lost 3 key players and I remember hearing the news about all 3.

[Xander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for snowboarders new to the sport who need to catch up on some history. If you have been around the sport for awhile you will enjoy all the references and memories it will conjure up as you read through.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother

[Thom Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this book. I guess it helps that I'm a diehard snowboarder.