You’ve had a very long and versatile career so far. How do you feel that the snowboard scene has changed from what it was back then to what it is now?
The scene has changed a lot from when I started. There’s a lot less budget for riders these days to get things done, which has really helped make snowboarders / me be more resourceful. Also, social media has been a big change, making riders their own producers and media outlets. Less hard copy videos and magazines mean it’s all instant gratification these days.

“There’s a lot less budget for riders these days to get things done, which has really helped make snowboarders / me be more resourceful”

In a way though, it has really helped people who are just coming into the sport to see freeriding instead of just the mainstream halfpipe and slopestyle side of professional snowboarding, which is great for growing our sport.

You got badly injured some years back. Want to tell us a bit more about what happened, it must have been quite a battle to get back to peak condition?
I’ve had a few big injuries throughout my career. The last one that really affected me was when I fractured my tibial plateau. I was trying to film a video part in between Tour stops on my second season competing. I was leading the Tour that year after three events before it happened. I wasn’t able to finish out the season.

It was a really hard pill to swallow because I had a large lead in the rankings. I had to sit out the rest of the season and ended up 4th overall I believe. Strengthening my mind and visualizing made me focus more on the Tour and my body the following seasons, which seemed to be the key to winning three years straight.

You grew up in Alaska and Tahoe. Do you think growing up in these two different environments has contributed to your success in the FWT?
I believe growing up in Alaska really helped me with my riding and board control. We didn’t have parks or pipes when I was younger so I rode the natural terrain the mountain had to offer.

“I believe growing up in Alaska really helped me with my riding and board control”

Once I moved to Tahoe they had everything I needed to hone in my freestyle skills. Also, the snowpack and the mountains here were very inviting to a newcomer learning backcountry skills. Tahoe is like a big skatepark with plentiful powder all packed into a small area.

What’s the FWT scene like in comparison to competing in slopestyle and halfpipe?
There’s subtle differences between the two but it’s the riders that make the difference – whether it’s pipe/park or freeride contests. We all love riding in our own way and that’s what makes snowboarding so great for me. We all want to do our best but we also want the other riders to do their best and get excited watching amazing runs.

I would say its more of a family vibe on the FWT, not only with our fellow competitors but also the whole staff who’s putting it together for us. We want to compete but I think the experiences, fun, and friendship that comes along with it is why I keep coming back.

You compared the FWT to the Street League in one interview. Would you like to tell us a bit more about this comparison?
I compare the two because they showcase a part of the sport that a lot of people don’t usually see. A more raw side of the sport that gets overlooked. It’s so different in comparison to events like X Games, where experience plays as big of a part as skill.

What’s your best memory from the FWT?
That’s a tough question because I’ve been doing this 8 seasons now, so there are almost too many to count. If I had to narrow it down I would say the Haines, AK stop. The venue was by far the best face I have ridden on tour. We had all-time conditions, and it was like a 10-day family vacation. Down days were spent grilling, playing hackie sack, soccer, disc golf, hiking and doing abundant amounts of karaoke. Also, it’s where I helped secure my first tour title.

What boards do you ride on and off the tour?
I ride for Jones Snowboards. Mainly I like to stick to one specific board for comp day but also free-riding in general. I ride a 160 Jones Ultra Mountain Twin. For me, it’s like a Swiss Army knife. Perfect for steep and deep terrain, but also playful enough for freestyle, and cruising the groomers.

You’ve had plenty of different faces in your career. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned so far?
I learned a lot from competing on various faces. Ide not biting off more than you can, or getting into something over your head. Patience.

Also just being true to your style of riding and not letting others sway your decision making when it comes to picking a line. Everybody is different and that’s what makes the FWT different from the rest. I’ve made lots of good friends for life doing this and I would say a huge part of it is the sportsmanship and respect we all hold for each other. We root for each other and want one another to do their best.