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Posted on Friday May 1st at 5:12 p.m.
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Janina Kuzma
Age: 23
Hometown: Fernie, BC / Wanaka, NZ
Occupation: Professional skier, Park & Pipe Coach
Years riding: 18
Sponsors / Product Affiliation: Dynastar, Lange, Helly Hansen, Smith, RCR
Competition Results / Skiing Accomplishments:
- 1st place - 2005 & 2006 Fernie Freeski Competition
- 1st place - 2005 Lake Louise Big Mountain Comp
- 4 time Champion - Volkl NZ Freeski Open
- 2 time Champion - Canadian Freeski Championships
- 2nd place - 2008 Subaru World Freeskiing Championships @ Alyeska, Alaska
Intended Competition Schedule for 2008/09 season:
- Canadian Freeskiing Championships
- Subaru Freeskiing World Tour events
- Nissan Freeriding World Qualifiers
Other Interesting personal facts:
I have a twin sister who is a big mountain snowboard champion & I can hula 5 hoops at one time!
Maria Kuzma
Age: 21
Hometown:
Fernie, BC / Wanaka, NZ
Sponsors/Support if any: Sponsors...Mum and Dad. Support.... My twin sister Janina for sure...
What makes you passionate about skiing? The whole lifestyle and attitude that is snowboarding, especially big mountain. Nothing compares to the feeling you get, just before dropping into a line you've been scoping for days, months.... even seasons.
What are your aspirations in skiing? Short term, to compete at the Kirkwood Big Mountain competition and tackle heaps of different snowboarding missions that I have been planning for the last couple of seasons. In the long run, to get as many young female riders interested in riding big mountain. I also want to commit to riding heaps of big mountain, get the word out that it still kicks ass because it seems as though people have forgotten, especially with ‘park' riding hogging the spotlight.
Who are your current role models or who inspires you? Victoria Jealouse has been my role model ever since I can remember. As for who inspires me, Janina is my biggest inspiration and influence in regards to my snowboarding. Seeing her rip down a gnarley line better than the guys just makes me want to go as hard and big as I can on a snowboard as well.
What is your greatest personal achievement in the mountains? (Competition/Line/Trip) So far winning my first big mountain (Marmot Big Mountain) comp on the North Island in New Zealand.
How have you dedicated your life to the mountains and adventure? I literally live for riding and big mountain. I quit university and moved to New Zealand so I could ride all year round. I ride the mountains surrounding Wanaka, and club fields in New Zealand, then head up to Fernie B.C. for five months. I can't imagine doing anything else in the near future.
Why have you dedicated your life to mountain pursuits? I have dedicated my life to mountain pursuits because they are what keep me going in life. I stay fit and healthy and have a good circle of riding friends because of it. To me snowboarding big mountain isn't just a sport but a way of life.
What are some things the mountains have taught you that have proven valuable in the real world? Riding the mountains has taught me to appreciate life, to live an active healthy life, and not take things for granted. Right now I would hate to be stuck in a 9 to 5 day job, so I'm thankful for what I have.
How will the scholarship enable you to further pursue your skiing aspirations? The scholarship will help me get to where I want to go in regards to traveling, and get my name out there. I also broke my board so I really need a new one!