Issue Number Fourteen Van Gyn began her snowboarding career at the University of Calgary more than a decade ago. She entered the competitive milieu—big air, rail jams and slopestyle before amassing backcountry experience and certifications that drew her to coach in the Andes and tailguide at Baldface. It was in the backcountry where she felt most at home and where she continues to push her boundaries. Of the Depth Perception crew, Austen Sweetin and Bryan Fox, Rice said Van Gyn was one of the strongest members. “I am not just bringing on a woman,” Rice told Van Gyn, “I am bringing on the right woman.” Still, it was a mental battle for
Van Gyn. Given her crew’s stature, she was “intimidated going into that project, like I had to snowboard better than I ever have.” It is a known scenario for many women who want to prove their worth in a space that has long been dominated by men. In addition to images of strength and resilience in films like Depth Perception and Far Out, Van Gyn is involved in other efforts to empower women. Recently she appeared at REI’s Outessa—a four-day allwomen retreat in Squaw Valley, California, that offered 450 women a supportive atmosphere to cultivate their skills in the outdoors. “That was one of the coolest events I have been to in a long time, just
Robin Van Gyn storming a big line in the Crazy Mountains, Montana.
to see people come out of their shells— mother-daughter duos, university students. It was a great culture to try something you have never done before.” For Van Gyn, part of her progression as a professional snowboarder includes finding meaningful ways to use her platform. Snowboarding, after all, is an individualistic pursuit. It is one fueled by a person’s independent might. But with a life in the public sphere “comes a responsibility to use your voice for something good.” rv Robyn Vincent is the editor of Jackson Hole Snowboarder Magazine. @TheNomadicHeart
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