After writing female snowboarding history at the X Games last week, we caught up with Volcom rider Elena Hight for a quick chat on tricks, progression and the Olympics before she went on to set another record…

Interview by Anna Langer

Hey Elena, big congrats for the first ever double back rodeo 9 in a contest! How did it feel to land this one?
I was so excited to land that double at X Games. This has been my goal since the end of last season so to finally accomplish it feels amazing.

We’re you sad it didn’t score you the victory?
I go into every competition wanting to win so of course I was a little disappointed but I accomplished what I set out to do so I was happy about that.

How long did it take you to learn it and can you tell us how you did it? 
I learned that double last spring. It took me about two weeks total to learn. I spent a few days learning it on the trampolines and into the foam pits at the US Team training center. Then I took it to the snow where I did it into an airbag. Once I did it into the airbag for a few days I tried it on the pipe.

Last year Cheryl Maas and Kimmy Fasani landed the first double backflips in the backcountry, now you pulled this insane double rodeo a year later… It seems like there’s a sudden spike of progression – would you agree?
I think that the girls are really starting to step it up. It is really great to see everyone pushing the progression so much.

Where do you think that comes from now?
I think that with the Olympics coming next season there is a huge push in progression. Everyone wants to be riding the best that they can for the Olympics.

What do you think is needed to spike even more progression among the females?
I think that as more and more females get into snowboarding it will continue to progress the sport more rapidly.

Or do you think the female scene needs something else to push it further?
No I think that it is progressing naturally and it is great!

What do you wish someone had told you at the beginning of your career?
Just to always put fun first. It is easy to loose the fun factor if you aren’t careful, but I always ride so much better when I am having fun so that is the most important thing.

And where’s your journey gonna lead you now?
I am going to spend the rest of this season competing and riding, and hopefully getting some pow days in!

Elena riders for Volcom, Nixon, Rockstar, Toyota, Northstar, the US Team, and Sprint. Follow her on blog.elenahight.com