Apr 4, 2010
Author: Sara Tollestrup/Photos: Jeff Patterson
When people think of Nova Scotia, snowboarding isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind. Yet two of the Canadian National team's top female pipe riders hail from the maritime province. April's Rider of the Month is Kingsburg, Nova Scotia native Alex Duckworth. In her early pipe riding days Alex looked up to her current National teammate and fellow Nova Scotian, Sarah Conrad. She hoped to join Sarah on this year's Olympic team, but after a skateboarding injury last October she was unable to ride for three months. Alex missed an important Olympic qualifier and narrowly missed the final spot on team Canada. With two podium finishes in the final two Olympic qualifiers Alex was named the alternate for the Vancouver 2010 games and had the chance to drop into the pipe at Cypress as a forerunner. At just 22 years of age there's no doubt we will be seeing more of this young lady, like in Sochi perhaps.
1. What are you looking forward to this month?
I'm looking forward to spending a bit of time in Spain and Italy.
2. What would you like to accomplish this month?
I wouldn't mind dipping home to Scosh and shredding around there for a little. I haven't explored those grounds in years and it'd be nice to get some real authentic east coast photos. Stay tuned.
3. Which female snowboarder(s) did you look up to when you were growing up?
Conrad, duh.
4. Best female snowboard video part?
Rae Reid (in "Stance").
5. What is your pre-shred routine?
When I'm travelling with Dom V, I try and mimick her snow-ga moves but I'm the worst. I'm usually just trying to get my shit together in time, so I don't miss the van.
6. What is the best way to avoid getting injured?
Getting ripped at the gym. Or just committing to your tricks.
7. Which trick could you use a little help with?
Cab spins. Man.
8. Where would you like to go snowboarding that you've never been to before?
Argentina
9. How do you motivate yourself to go out and ride when the weather is bad?
I don't find it too hard to get motivated. Rain or shine, it's usually fun out there.
10. Who is your favourite person to snowboard with?
Tyrone, Irwin, Rudge, Conrad, Nicoll, Jordaaaan and all the boarders from home are great.
11. What is your favourite song?
I dig the top 40. Hate to narrow that down to one song.
12. Other than snowboarding what are you most passionate about?
Grabbing a tan. I'm working on a BA where I hope to find a more meaningful passion.
13. Best thing about being a girl?
Our soft skin and curvacious frames?
14. Best thing about being a snowboarder?
It's occured to me recently, that I've been on spring break for about 5 years. That ain't bad.
15. Thanks?
Omatic, Oakley, Dakine, Giro, Bench, West49.
Breakfast of champions.
Hanging in New Zealand.
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