Features

May Rider of the Month

Bev Vuilleumier

words by Sara Tollestrup
photos courtesy of Bonfire

Bev Vuilleumier, Bevvy, Bev V, the Notorious BEV. Whatever you want to call her, the Nevada shred is our Rider of the Month for May. And with good reason. After ruling the Nikita Chickita Snowdown two years in a row, she’s been kicking ass and spittin’ rhymes all over the map. Last month during the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival, Bev was crowned the champ of Whistler Blackcomb’s “If Ullr Was a Girl” contest after competing in four events (including one in which she rapped) and was handed a cheque for $25,000. Not bad, not bad at all.

What has been the highlight of your month?
I had a really busy month but had tons of fun. I missed three weeks of school straight, but eventually left sunny California and drove up to Whistler for the Ullr Contest. That contest was awesome and I ended up winning it so I'm super stoked!

What is the worst thing that happened this month?
This was one of the best months I had all year, but I got a pretty bad concussion in Whistler. I got knocked out on the final jump in my third run at the Ullr slopestyle comp; that hurt pretty bad. But nothing is worse than trying to catch up with all this schoolwork—that's for sure!

Who does your shred crew consist of these days?
I love riding with Raewyn Reid, Leanne Pelosi, my roomates, Robin Van Gyn, Nicki, Spencer O’Brien, Mofo, Chanelle Sladics, Jamie Anderson, pretty much the entire RUNWAY crew—they're frickin rad, I love ‘em. MGT homies, Northstar homies, Donny K! My brother Scotty, Ally and anyone else who is fun!

What is something you've learned this month?
That the Canadian Border hates me. And especially snowboarders who "skip school to go ski". That's what they wrote on my orange note!

What is your favourite aspect of snowboarding?
Getting to ride with a lot of awesome people and seeing new places. I also like the fact that you can get creative with it and do things you never thought were possible.

Do you have some advice for the mini shreds out there?
Yeah—go to camp!! Ride with people better than you. Don't even think about sponsors until you're at least 45. But seriously, just have fun and if it's meant to be it'll happen lil’ homies.

Aside from snowboarding what have you been up to?
A lot of school work, brushing up on my Rockband skills, more school and about to start dusting off that skateboard of mine... stoked!

Which song is on repeat on your iPod right now?
Oh man, I've got quite a few. Here are some: Bang Your Head (Metal Health) by Quiet Riot, Insecurity by Stacey Q, I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston, and Hip Hop Hooray by Naughty by Nature.

What is your favourite vacation spot?
Whistler Whistler Whistler.

If you could change something about the world what would it be?
I wish the government could be more honest with everyone; that would be sweet for once.

If you could change something about snowboarding what would it be?
It's super expensive and a lot of people can't do it. I wish that resorts could still operate with cheaper lift tickets somehow.

What do you want to accomplish next?
Try to film a lot next year, buy a snowmobile and try to do well in some contests too. I really want to go to the X Games.

Who, in snowboarding, has influenced you the most?
Leanne Pelosi fosho!

Why is snowboarding not just a hobby for you?
It's changed my life; without it I don't know where I'd be or what I'd be doing. I love it and my entire life surrounds it now.

Thanks?
Thanks Snowboard Canada for doing this, Leanne, Raewyn, Mofo, Chanelle, Jamie, Spencer, Robin, Laura Lynn, Amy E., Rian Rhoe!, Roberta, my fam and all my other friends, and especially my sponsors: Salomon, Bonfire, Etnies, ThirtyTwo, Spy, Kicker, Elm, and Northstar