Age: 16
From: Kent
How did you get into snowboarding?
I first tried snowboarding when I was 8 years old. I thought it looked so cool, so when I went to visit my cousins in Canada I gave it ago and have loved it ever since. When I moved to the USA in 2003 I got into it properly and have been doing it for 4 years.
When did everything turn serious and you decided to commit yourself to snowboarding full time?
In October 2007, I got sponsored by Roxy and then got on the British Team.
Can you give us a run down of your average day?
In the week I’m at school, I train at Esporta Gym with my personal trainer and spend my time wishing I could be snowboarding! But sadly there is no snowboarding in Northern Ireland! At the weekends I chill with my mates, surf up at Portrush and rollerblade.
And if you could have the perfect day, what would it include?
Definitely riding kickers and learning a new spin.
What’s your favourite spot to ride?
High Cascade Snowboard Camp at Mount Hood.
Why did you decide to move to the States?
My family ended up moving out there and I was lucky enough to have the chance to go along.
How does the US scene compare with the European scene?
At first I felt a bit lost as I knew nobody as I am new to the whole scene, now I’m with the Junior British Team and Roxy, I love it. I’ve made some amazing mates, and it’s great to shred with people from all over Europe. The summer shred in the US is the BEST, amazing parks, rails on every run out west, and an amazing variation of kickers!
You must travel a lot: what are your suitcase essentials?
GHD hair straighteners (a must!), MacBook, Roxy snowboard, outerwear, goggles and my party clothes!
What have been your hardest career setbacks?
Breaking my clavicle in Breckenridge last season was pretty tough.
What have your greatest achievements been?
Getting an awesome sponsor and riding with people of all different levels has really pushed me. My best results so far have been coming 5th at the Burton European Open and a 2nd at the 02 World Rookie Fest.
How do you relax when you get the chance?
I love to spend time chilling with my mates, and I go surfing too.
What’s up next for you?
Snowboarding full-time, spending summers in the Southern Hemisphere and winters in the Northern Hemisphere chasing the snow.
