I would like to keep my head in a good space. To stay away from the hype and just focus on riding. I started snowboarding because it was fun and the ride was incredible. I don’t want to lose sight of that because all of a sudden there is a big race. Who’s your biggest fan? MOM What would be your advise to our current 9 year old members starting out in USASA/ GS or Slalom? Go out there and compete in all the events. It will make you a better rider. Then as you get older choose what you love the most and go after it 100%. When you win a race invite both of the other guys on the podium to the top step with you for pictures. Shake their hands, look them in the eyes an say congratulations. When you lose a race make sure you shake their hands, look them in the eyes and say congratulations. Focus on the fun and you will never have a bad day. What would be your advice to their parents? Let the kids have fun. Support them but don’t
coach them. When your kid wins shake the parents hands and say congratulations, when your kid loses do the same. Don’t cheer too loud and keep in mind it is not about winning. Far greater lessons are learned from our temporary failures than our victories For parents and kids just starting out in GS/Slalom, where should they begin? Is there an article, book, website, etc, that you feel is the best starting point? How would you advise them on gear, etc.? SG Snowboards makes great boards for kids and young riders. Getting on the right gear can really help. Parents often think that hard boots are the difference maker in winning races. When I started I rode a race board with steep angles and soft boots/ bidings. This helped to develop my feel so that when I did transition to hardboots it was much easier. The best course you’ve races on to-date? I love the national hill at Copper Mountain, its a super fun run. I also love Howelson Hill in Steamboat Springs.
In his youth Justin Reiter went by Justin Goto.
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