Hailing from Nelson in New Zealand’s South Island, Noddy Gowans hit the UK shores back in 2001 where he earned himself a place on the (UK) LINE Freeski team in 2004. At the tender age of 27, he was laughably considered the veritable grandfather of the team that also had a 15-year-old Paddy Graham and fellow Sheffield ripper, Andy Bennett on its roster.

Since stepping away from the competitive scene, Noddy still appears in photo shoots for various brands but more often is to be found behind the camera these days as the creative talent at Elate Media and SKNG, working with brands such as Land Rover Jaguar, Lotus, Sky and Netflix.

So how did you end up staying in the UK… Tell us it wasn’t as predictable as falling for the charms of an English she-devil? 
Ha ha! Close, she’s a wonderful Irish lass. 

What do you enjoy more, organising the filming side of things or being in front of the camera skiing? 
Skiing for sure. The presenting bit for SKNG is a whole new challenge. 

I know your kit varies with the demands of each shoot, but on average, how much does your pack weigh? 
30kg (ish) but that’s mostly sandwiches! 

How many times have you busted out that Kiwi smile and twinkly eye in an attempt to reduce the excess fee at check-in? 
Nowadays I use the art of distraction and diversion instead.  “Oh look, a cute kitten…” 

Your most memorable moment on the mountain? 
Every one of them. I never take a day in the mountains for granted. 

01: DJI camera drone
02: Rode GO ii radio mics
03: Scott goggles with interchangeable lens
04: Scott Helmet
05: DJI camera drone
06: Völkl Retractable ski poles
07: Evoc ABS Camera bag with air bag
08: Scott Gloves
09: WearColour jacket
10: WearColour trousers
11: Marker Duke free-touring bindings
12: Rossignol Hero ski boots
13: Völkl Kuro freeride skis
14: Avalanche shovel
15: Spare Scott low light goggles
16: Petzl harness (For après ski)
17: Sony FX6 camera
18: Battery adaptor
19: Drone ND filters
20: Shotgun mic
21: Avalanche shovel handle 
22: ZhiYun Crane 3S gimbal
23: Camera batteries
24: Sony A7Siii camera
25: Monitor batteries
26: Drone batteries
27: Atmos Ninja V+ Monitor
28: Insta360 
29: GoPro
30: Avalanche probe
31: Insta360
32: Monitor mount
33: Camera batteries 
34: Drone batteries 
35: Action camera mounts
36: Monitor batteries 
37: Drone batteries 
38: Rode GO ii radio mics
39: USB battery block
40: Camera batteries 
41: Monitor batteries 
42: Drone batteries 
43: Monitor batteries 
44: SDI cables
45: Victorinox knife
46: Rode GO ii radio mics 
47: More cables