Snowboard Heat

1. How did you first get into snowboarding and where has it taken you?

I first learnt on a family skiing holiday in St. Anton, Austria, thirteen years ago. At the time, my brother had been snowboarding for two years, so he had at least some skills to pass on. I've travelled the world through snowboarding and it's taken me to some quite remote places. I wouldn't change it for anything.

2. You recently became Ride Snowboards' European team manager. How did that come about and what does it entail?

For the past five to six years there hasn't been a European team. This meant there was no stepping-stone for the up and comers who were good riders, but weren't getting the recognition they deserved. We took it upon ourselves to start a team and get the various European countries to compile a listing of regional riders, and from that we can narrow it down to become a European team. Our job is to keep the team with a certain standard, sign new riders and organise team trips and travel plans for the individual riders.

3. What are your plans for the coming winter season?

I moved to Morzine on the Dec 28 and I'll be using this quaint ski resort as my base for six months. I have various competitions lined up including: Xbox Big Day Out, Red Bull Hike&Ride, The British Championships, the Jib Vid, and the Wangl Tangl. On top of this, I'll be shooting for Lockdown Projects the film "Show Offs."

4. Out of the various disciplines in the sport - rails, park and backcountry - which is your favourite and why?

I love backcountry, building kickers and the feeling when you've landed a trick and knowing that it's taken a lot of time and effort to accomplish. But to do laps of the park with your friends is priceless. To me that's snowboarding.

5. What is your opinion on the British snowboard scene? Do you think we are up to the level of the Europeans and Americans?

The scene is growing every year and, with the new snow domes, the standard of riding in Britain can only grow. We have at least five top British snowboarders that are easily at the same standard of some of the top Europeans if not Americans. For such a small country, we have a credible standard of riding. We have a lot to be proud of considering we don't have any mountains.

6. At what point did you start travelling as a rider for a company?

My first season took me to Whistler and I was getting flowed kit. I managed to save up enough money throughout the summer so I wouldn't have to work. It was hard and it took a lot of dedication but it was worth it. This gave me the opportunity to concentrate on my snowboarding and get my skills as a sponsored rider up to a level I was happy with.

7. What is the best part of doing the job you do?

Being able to travel the world through snowboarding and meet new people everywhere you go.

8. What is the worst part?

Being apart form my girlfriend.

9. You've been in various British snowboard films, how tough is it to produce a part each year?

It's very hard as the competition to get the best part is very high. Throughout the five to six month season you're out everyday filming for the next video and your part might only last two and a half minutes. It puts into perspective how much filming you do and how it gets narrowed down. On the other hand, when you've filmed all season and you get the recognition from your sponsors and friends, it makes it all worthwhile.

10. What sort of injuries have you had over the years?

I've been really lucky, as I've only had minor injuries: three broken thumbs, stretched ligaments in my left shoulder and in my ankles, concussion to the head and a few black eyes from street rails.

11. If you weren't doing what you are doing now, what do you think you would be doing?

I'd love to be a chef as I love to cook, but I don't know if I would be any good. I'd give it a try though.

12. What else are you into besides snowboarding?

I love to skateboard in the off-season and during the summer. Catching up with friends from back home is great too.

13. How has snowboarding changed your life?

It's made me independent and I guess more business-minded, as I have to deal with contracts for my different sponsors.

14. Looking at the future, what are your plans?

Stay focused, keep progressing in snowboarding, and get a concrete European team for Ride Snowboards and turn it into something people can aspire to.