Sara Mikkelsen works at Coastal Riders in Surrey, BC. Known as Tall Sara, a nickname given to her by Timebomb’s Dave Birnie, she can be seen riding up at Seymour when she’s not at work.

What advice do you give girls coming in to buy their first set up? “Don’t go for the ‘pretty’ board. Go for the board that actually fits your height and weight and style of riding. You’re going to look better making it down the mountain with a set up that works for you.”

What are three items in store right now that you love? “Dinosaurs Will Die boards (www.dinosaurswilldie.com) because they’re not dead yet. Jeff and Sean that run DWD are awesome friends that ride for Coastal and I think everyone should support them! PartySnake Tees (www.thepartysnake.com) because if you know, you know, if you don’t, check them out! Shwood sunglasses (www.shwoodshop.com) that we will be getting, they are handmade out of wood—and my boyfriend helps make them.” 

How often do you get up riding and where do you like to go? “Mount Seymour! I normally like to get four or five days of riding a week but this year has been a little different with the weather but I’m always down to go up in a poncho and do some rain riding.”

What's your set up this year? “Burton was nice enough to put me on a shop girl program and hooked me up almost head to toe. I’m riding the Blender with Molotov bindings, Hail boots, POW Gloves (always helping me out) and Dragon goggles.”

What's the greatest thing about working at Coastal Riders? “My Godfather Damon Pyett. And if your lucky to meet him— Damone.”

Any funny stories from working in a snowboard shop? “It’s Coastal Riders—funny stuff is going on all the time. Anything from the people, parties, trips, customers, team, the dolphin, Nelson out back—there’s always something going on to keep you laughing.

Cynthia Constantino works at Axis Boutiques in Mont Tremblant and Mont Saint-Sauveur, Quebec. Working at two shops she meets riders at all levels, and we love her taste in gear—especially watches.

What advice do you give girls coming in to buy their first set up? "If you want to enjoy your first experience and makes it easier, you should buy a technical board that’s a little shorter and don’t buy it because of the board’s look or because it matches your outfit! The type of riding you plan to do should be the biggest influence on the type of board you purchase. It also has to be your set up so we make sure everything you get properly fits. Don’t take someone’s board, boots or bindings to complete your set up, it has to be perfectly set for you. Have the perfect boot size and then make the perfect stance on the board which is a combination of footedness, stance width, offset centered and binding angle so your body will be in the perfect position to keep you balanced on the board. After that, go ride a few hours and then start tweaking! All you need is a screwdriver and some love!"

What are three items in store right now that you love? "That’s It, That’s All and the Nixon Vega—I have a collection! And Nikita clothing."

How often do you get up riding and where do you like to go? "This is the first year I have riden since a bad accident in December 2006—I still have pain every single day. So I go slowly, but surely, maybe once a week. I went on a snowboard trip to Quebec City with my girls few weeks ago... I went to the Massif for my first time ever and wow! Nicest trip of my life! I also like to ride at Mont Tremblant, where I’m from—not in the peak season, though! And Mont Saint-Sauveur is still my favourite little place."

What's your set up this year? "As I haven’t rocked the mountain in the last 3 years, I still ride my little Forum with Burton Freestyle junior bindings (I wear size 4-5) But I’m looking forward to gettin the Burton Feelgood. I’ve 32 boots and I am never without my Shaun White socks. I got the gold B by Burton Lana jacket with the black B by Burton Novak pants. I just got the Hi-Fi Red helmet in black and gold and the Anon Majestic goggle. I’ve got pink Grenade pipe gloves and for those cold days I’ve my duck-down Nikita mitts! I’ve a thousand toques but my favourite ones are Burton; and of course, I’m never without my boyfriend’s DC polyester long-T!"

What's the greatest thing about working at Axis? "The team! I drive over 200km back and forth to go work at the shop (part time), even if I’ve a bachelor in Kinesiology, I still want to keep my place in the family : Dan, Bil, Max, Vince and my love at first sight Laurie, guys you rock! I also work at Axis Saint-Sauveur part time and girls and boys you’re awesome!"

Any funny stories from working in a snowboard shop? "When people ask us if we have snowshoes, golf clubs, jock straps, swimming caps or Empire stickers!"

Check out Axis Boutique at axisboutique.com

Alex Kimble works at Fathom Boardshop in Collingwood, Ontario. She's just one of the many cool girls who make sure you're sent out onto the mountain in the gear that will help you ride better and have fun.

What advice do you give girls coming in to buy their first set up? 
"The advice I would give to girls buying their first set up would be to get properly fitted. Some girls tend to be riding larger boards and don't need to be. Be honest about you height, weight, and shoe size because it will truly make all the difference. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Lastly go to your LOCAL shop!!"

What are three items in the store that you love?
"The Women's Burton Emerald boot. They are light, have speed zone lacing, and great for girls that tend to get cold feet. Just an all around great boot. We have the best base layer around! I love the Burton Women's player pullover hoody. It's lightweight, comfortable, and can be worn as a everyday piece. Lastly what I also love, is our clothing selection. Not only are we a board shop, but we carry some boutique clothing lines. Favourite brands would include, Obey, Lifetime, Matix, Insight, RVCA, Billabong."

 
How often do you get up riding and where do you like to go?
"I try to get up riding at least 3 times a week. I go to Blue Mountain. And I'm also a member at Craigletih Ski Club."

What's your set up this year?
"A Salomon Lark with Relay Ring bindings. As well as Holly [my colleague at Fathom] and I have been trying out the Burton Lipstick with Lexa Est bindings. Both are very fun boards!! I'm wearing Burton Emerald boots in black. Holden Matador Jacket in black, with Burton Lucky pants in firefly. Dakine Mitts, Coal hat."

What's the greatest thing about working at Fathom Boards?
"Being one of the Softgoods buyers, year round. As well as the crew I work with!"

Any funny stories from working in a snowboard shop?
"Any funny stories? Where do I even begin....From the practical jokes to the Fathom Summer Campouts there is one too many stories!"

Check out Fathom Boardshop at www.fathomboards.com