The Billabong Girls Team riders have been hitting podiums all over the world this season. We have a quick catch-up with Austrian shredder Claudia Fliri, who took an impressive fourth at the Nissan X-Trail Nippon Open SuperPipe last week.

How old are you?
27

What have been your greatest achievements so far?
1st in the O´Neill Pro Freestyle 06; 3rd in the European Open 06; 1st at the Intergirlactik contest in 07; 2nd at the New Zealand Open 07; 1st in the Fructis Big Air 07; 3rd in the Roxy European Chicken jam and 2nd in the X-Games this year.

How did you get to where you are?
I have big support from my crew – the KKSurfers. They help me to get my tricks done. My family and friends have also been amazing at supporting me over the last few years. A big respect to all of you, thanks a lot!
I am also incredibly passionate about snowboarding. Nothing compares to the time I spend on the mountain. When I tighten up my boots in the gondola everything else is gone, nothing matters any more.

Why snowboarding?
Because it’s fun, and I love to push myself. There are too many rules in other sports, snowboarding means freedom to me.

Do you still study?
I stopped working and started snowboarding. I had no money in my pocket but the passion showed me the right way. Luckily life is good to me!

What has been your best moment?
I’ve already had a lot of sick moments, one of them was riding sunset pow lines. The snow was pink, that was amazing!

Your worst moment?
Getting hurt.

What are your future projects?
Stomping tricks in the pow.

What do you still want to do?
That’s a good question! I don’t want to think too much about the future, the moment is what counts.

Who is your favorite sportsman/woman?
Jutta Kleinschmidt, she was the first woman to win the 2001 Rally Dakar.

What advice would you give to other girls wanting to become a pro riders?
Ride hard as much as you can and be patient! Ride on!