I used to compete in snowboarding, just on a national level and mainly in the competitive university leagues and competitions. I was pretty average but it was always great to be part of the team, especially when I was competing against and alongside some extremely talented riders. One of my favourite snowboarders to watch in action is Gareth Vogan who has taken his passion for snowboarding to the next level in his career too.
At only 25, Gareth is now a freestyle snowboarding judge and coach. He’s snowboarded for over a decade, competing up to a national level before turning to coaching, judging and snowsports marketing. He now coaches up & coming athletes as part of the Snowsport England Park & Pipe Academy, and is a snowboard judge at some of the biggest competitions in the UK, including the Brits and the BUCS Snowsports Series.
Photo: Jack Tompkins / Kingdom Visual
What do you do at Snowsport England?
My full-time role at Snowsport England is the Head of Communications – I manage the social media channels, website, email marketing, and coverage of our events. This involves designing and implementing a short & long term communications strategy. I also work with the Park & Pipe Academy, coaching up & coming athletes and helping them reach their potential.
How is the UK Ski & Snowboard Scene looking at the moment?
It’s looking really strong! At the top level, British athletes are getting World Cup podiums left-right and centre, meaning we’re in an awesome position heading into the Winter Olympics next year in Pyeongchang. Further down the pathway, we’ve got a tonne of brilliant athletes across all the disciplines with the right attitude and potential to bring us more international and top-level success over the next decade.
Photo: Jack Tompkins/ Kingdom Visual
Favourite place to snowboard?
Mountain-wise – I love Laax: It’s an incredible resort with one hell of a park. But nothing beats the atmosphere that you get at a UK dome or dryslope freestyle night. One of the best things about the UK scene is being able to ride with your friends week in week out, push each other and have a great time.
Who are your top picks for the future of UK skiing & snowboarding?
Keep your eyes on the likes of Tom Greenway, Justin Taylor-Tipton, Liam Tynan, Gabe Adams, Scott Walsh, Maisie Hill, Thea Fenwick, Cerys Allen to name just a few. We’re in such a fortunate position that we’ve got a mass of young rippers constantly pushing each other to up the game that over the next few years we’re gonna see a rising number of UK riders competing internationally.
Maisie Hill
Who is your snowboarding hero and why?
Scott Stevens – he’s got such a unique and creative style of snowboarding that every time he puts out a new video part it just blows people’s minds. On the competition circuit – Sven Thorgren & Stale Sandbech are among my favourites, they’ve got that Scandinavian flair and add their own style to the same tricks that everyone else is throwing.
One piece of advice for anyone looking to start competing in the UK?
Don’t hesitate and don’t take it too seriously – the sooner you join in, the more friends you’re going to make, the more fun you’re going to have and the quicker you’re going to progress. Try and make it to as many of the smaller, local UK contests that you can and try enjoy it – don’t worry about results, focus on your own riding, learning new tricks and remember – it’s just snowboarding, it’s designed to be fun!
Photo: Jack Tompkins / Kingdom Visual
