Features

Rider of the Month

Karolina Kluz

Interview by Sara Tollestrup

What’s been the highlight of your month?
I booked a flight to Panama. I'm heading down there to get worked by the waves. I'm so bad at surfing it's embarrassing. But I told Amanda [Mourant] that I'm turning pro in 10 years—I know, hilarious—so I have to keep my word and start practicing.

What is the worst thing that happened this month?
Absolutely nothing. Life is awesome!

Who does your shred crew consist of these days?
I'm a snowboard crew whore. I can't say that I have a consistent crew, I like to mix it up. But I do especially enjoy shredding with Robin Van Gyn, the Golden Crew (Justin Baun, Ave Perry, Dave Taggart, Kelly Bushman, Bryan Lavoy, and Colin Maycher), and the Revolution Crew. Ooohh and Pete Scheira and Shane Chilliwack.

What’s something you’ve learned this month?
Don't let anyone define your love for you; that should be defined by you and the person that you are with. No one else.

What is your favourite aspect of snowboarding?
Backcountry. Powdaaa, the deep deep shit, the bueno creama, along with some steep pillows and chutes.

Do you have some advice for the mini shreds out there?
Have fun and do other things apart from snowboarding. Read some books, expand your mind, and socialize with all different types of people, not just snowboarders. And don't be afraid to take some days off, you'll ride better after you’re refreshed and recharged.

Aside from snowboarding what have you been up to?
I've been working on my Kinesiology degree at U of C, doing lots of yoga, working (pub), hanging with my city friends and family, and taking the time for myself to figure out some things on a personal level.

Which song is on repeat in your iPod right now?
Waylon Jennings '”Are you sure Hank done it this way”

What is your favourite vacation spot?
Sayulita, Mexico.

If you could change something about the world what would it be?
That human beings didn't have the natural instinct to always want more, even when we have more then enough. If that was the case I think the wealth of the world would be distributed evenly, wars over territory and natural resources would not be as common, and we would not be literally fucking up our planet, polluting the shit out of it along with exploiting our natural resources.

If you could change something about snowboarding what would it be?
People who think they are extra cool cause they are good at snowboarding. Hate to break it to you, but you’re snowboarding, not saving lives.

What do you want to accomplish next?
Balance.

Who has influenced you the most in snowboarding?
A lot of people have influenced me but the first person that comes to mind right now is Justin Baun. The guy does some pretty amazing things on a snowboard, knows the mountains like the back of his hand, respects them, and works with them rather than against them.

Why is snowboarding not just a hobby for you?
It's a big part of my life, something I love to do and I have a passion for. Through it I’ve met some of my closest friends, been to some of the coolest places in the world, got slapped in the face when I most needed it, learned so many things about myself, and learned more about life. And when I don't ride for a while, I feel strange, like something is missing. My body and my mind both need snowboarding.

Thanks?
Mom & Dad. All my friends, Snowboard Canada, Darkside Snow and Skate, and Rome Snowboards.