2020 with Christy Prior

Hi Christy - Where are you right now?

Based between Dunedin and Wanaka in the South Island of New Zealand.

I understand you and your partner are building a house from scratch together. How is it going and what is the most important thing you have learned from this process?

Yes, we had just started! The silver lining was we were at a stage when NZ went into a full lockdown that we could keep chipping away just the two of us only running out of materials a couple of days before the full lockdown was lifted so we could then go ahead and order the next lot.

Do you think snowboarding has helped you develop tools to tackle different things in life, like building your first home from scratch?

Partly, for sure. More so I think it was the tools that I had to develop to navigate my way through snowboarding and everything it encompassed like the highs and lows of competing, traveling, injuries, rehabbing injuries, etc.

What is the best thing snowboarding has taught you?

It has made me more adaptable to the ever-changing circumstances of life.

When did you start snowboarding and why was it intriguing to you?

Started when I was 17 and at the time I didn't know what it was about snowboarding but it had me hook line and sinker. All I wanted to do was snowboard and I did everything in my power to do so over the next decade and a half.

What is your go to L1 Premiums Goods kit?

The Lovecot pants and jacket at the resort. The Theorem Atlas and SAO bib in the backcountry.

Last season you went on a North American adventure to visit a Girls Ride day in Banff, ride some backcountry in Nelson, and visit Snowboarder Mags women´s Ms. Superpark in Eldorado, Colorado. How do you cope with long road trips like this?

I love it. Especially on 3-4 week trips like that one. When I was on the contest circuit, I was away from home up to 9 months of the year in one go only return home to New Zealand just in time for winter. For the most part, I loved it, but as it is not sustainable for the body (and mind) to always be in winter and always be on the go, I started to introduce some warm weather into my world.

What was your favorite part of the Banff Girls Ride Day?

Seeing the raw stoke and excitement for snowboarding from everyone involved.

After Banff you drove to Nelson, BC for some backcountry snowboarding with snowmobiles - how was this adventure? Have you done a lot of backcountry riding in previous years and is this something you could see yourself pursuing?

I hadn't done much at all before this! It was awesome. I was so inspired by all the riders and film crew involved and I just tried to absorb as much information (and sledding tips) as I could. Equipped with the Theorem Atlas and SAO bib I was able to stay comfortable and ready for any challenge out there. I would love to do more.

You were lucky enough to participate in Snowboarder Mag´s Ms. Superpark before the international Covid-19 lockdown took effect - how was this experience? Was this your first Ms. Superpark?

This was my 4th time at this event, and I was stoked to see it come back. Ms. Superpark holds a special place in my heart not just because I love it when all the ladies come together and vibe off each other and inspire each other, but it was also one of the first events that saw me break into the international snowboard scene with a couple of back-to-back standout awards and where I got to meet some many of my idols. Good memories!

What was a standout moment at the event?

Reconnecting and riding with friends that I hadn't seen in years.

You have been riding on a professional level for about a decade, how have you seen the progression of the sport develop? Do you agree with the current path it's on?

I'm stoked I got to be a part of snowboarding during the time I did and of course, change is inevitable, right? Whether I agree with the current path or not, I'm pretty content with my shift to simply focus on what I enjoy about snowboarding and do that. I know the work ethic and sacrifice that is required to be at the top, pushing the envelope mentally and physically -always, and I take my hat off to those on that path also.

How do you stay fit and motivated to continue to pursue snowboarding at a top-level?

On a wellness level, outside of my yoga and meditation practice, I have found that embracing all four seasons has been key for me over the last few years.

From nearly a decade and a half of back to back winters, I needed some warmth and saltwater in my life to keep my stoke for snowboarding strong.

I enjoy snowboarding in the winter, slush fun in spring, the warmth of summer, the excitement of autumn arriving, and then we are back in winter all over again.

I have truly grown such an appreciation for all four seasons and it was something I often missed out on being a professional snowboarder from New Zealand with the Northern Hemi winter being the big one for all international riders.

What advice would you have for anyone out there who is looking to balance or prepare their training for snowboarding?

Balance being the keyword there. Training your physical body is one thing but learning how to train the mind is what will set you apart.

To train the body and the mind requires energy, adequate rest, and good fuel.

What effects does the environment have on us? What can we control and what do we have to learn how to sit with to avoid energy being spent where it is of no use to us? etc etc. It's all connected.

The more balanced your lifestyle = the better you feel.

The better you feel = the more energy/output you have available to put towards snowboarding/living your best life.

Thanks for the quick talk Christy. Do you have any last tips for people out there looking to pursue their dreams?

Do they work and trust yourself.