French artist and lifelong shredder Lucas Beaufort has been an artistic staple in the skateboard and snowboard scene for nearly two decades. In that time, the guy has gotten shit done. Before launching his latest project, The Common Line, Beaufort became synonymous with his unique style--where he paints colourful, animated characters onto existing photos and magazine covers. What started as doodling and experimentation turned into international recognition, leading to murals, exhibitions, collaborations with brands like 686, Db and Brixton, among others.
Now, with the first stop of The Common Line fast approaching in Whistler, BC, on December 6th, we caught up with Beaufort to dig into his vision—how his journey shaped this project, why uniting snowboarders matters and what he hopes these conversations will spark across the industry.
The Snowboarder's Journal: Tell us about the inspiration behind the project.
Lucas Beaufort: I’ve been snowboarding since 1994, when I was 13, and I’ve lived through the whole journey from learning how to ride, making friends, designing, connecting with the industry, and eventually, having the chance to travel the world and ride while building strong connections.
At some point I had to ask myself, what’s next for me? Instead of working with one brand, I thought: What if I could bring our culture—the shops, riders, filmers, resorts, media and brands—together? I started reaching out, and everyone was so hyped about the idea. That’s how the project was born.
Beyond the ride day, what can we expect from each stop?
The Common Line is built around nine stops. At each one, we’ll host a roundtable discussion that brings together brands, riders, resorts, and shops to have real conversations about snowboarding , where it’s heading, the challenges, the positives and everything in between.
Each discussion will host a live audience to ask questions, because it’s not just about the industry talking to itself, it’s about opening the conversation to the whole community. The goal of the roundtables is to be honest, open, and connected with what’s truly going on in snowboarding.
Additionally, I’ll be inviting local artists to collaborate with me, painting directly on boards and giving those away back to the community.
Who’s participating at the roundtable events?
The roundtables are open to the whole industry, and the participants will depend on the stop. The idea is to bring in a mix of voices and create a space for everyone—with the media helping to lead to the conversations. For example, the Whistler roundtable will be hosted by Jody Wachniak from Airtime Podcast, and Pat Bridges of Slush Magazine will lead the roundtable in Seattle.
All roundtables will be open to the public. Subscribe here to reserve a spot: thecommonline.org
Why is art an integral aspect of the tour?
For me, snowboarding and art can’t be separated, as I embrace both completely. I could never do a snowboard project without including what I love most: drawing and painting. Bringing the industry together is amazing, but including art makes it whole.
What are your hopes for the first season of The Common Line?
My biggest hope for the first season is to inspire people and make sure everyone feels included. That’s the main goal. I’d love for someone who’s never even touched a snowboard to come to a roundtable and leave thinking, wow, I want to be part of this. You don’t have to be a snowboarder, you can just show up, feel the vibe, meet people and make connections.
At the same time, I want us to gain a clearer understanding of what’s really going on in snowboarding. My hope is that brands and individuals will be open and honest in these conversations. It doesn’t need to stay on the surface, we can go deep. Even if it’s uncomfortable at times, that’s okay, because that’s how we’ll figure out how to make snowboarding more accessible and more meaningful for everyone.
See below for the complete list of The Common Line events:
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB (CANADA) / @ The Circle & evo (December 6/7)
SUMMIT AT SNOQUALMIE (USA) / @ Tactics Seattle (December 12/13)
ASAHIKAWA (JAPAN) / @ Kona Surf (January 23/24)
NANSHAN (CHINA) / @ Cold Mountain (Feb 6/7)
MAYRHOFEN (AUSTRIA) / @ Moreboards (March 21/22)
LAAX (SWITZERLAND) / @ Chopp & Riders Hotel (March 28/29)
AVORIAZ (FRANCE) / @ The Woods & 720 pro shop (April 4/5)
TRYVANN (OSLO) / @ Session (April 10/11)
LEVI (FINLAND) / @ Levi South Park & Colorblind (April 18/19)