This post is part of a series of interviews with pro riders.
The focus is predominantly on snowboarding gear (this is a website all about snowboard gear after all!) but there some other questions just for fun.
This week’s pro rider gear profile features Jody Wachniak.
If you don’t know who Jody is or having seen him ride – look up some videos – you’ll be glad you did!
Jody Wachniak Interview
1. Who was your snowboard idol growing up?
Danny Kass
2. What was your favorite video part to film over the years ?
Probably 2015 filming for Dub Bolts – the Mixtape and the first Manboys web series, both I had pretty much zero sponsors and I thought it was my last year filming. Turns out having fun with my homies would restart my entire career, I loved that season.
3. Snowboarding Profiles is a gear site, so that’s what we care most about here – how important do think it is to get your gear right?
When you’re a beginner as long as the gear fits you’re probably good to go. As you most likely wouldn’t notice the finer details but as soon as you want to ride a specific type of terrain and ride that terrain to the best of your ability, you’re gonna want to pay attention to those little details.
4. And for those young riders out there aspiring to be professional snowboarders, what do you consider the most important thing to being successful? Practice? Belief? Desire? Confidence? Gear? Good coach? Good physical shape? Likely a combination of the above, but what would be the single most important thing in your eyes?
Obviously you need the classics, be a good person, work hard but surround yourself with inspiring individuals that love snowboarding as much as you.
5. Getting back to gear, what do You think is the most important part of your equipment to get right? Snowboard? Bindings? Boots? Outerwear? Safety Equipment? And what would be your 2nd and 3rd choices as to what’s most important?
That’s tough because its like pizza you need the doe, the sauce and the topings but if I had to choose id say the board, having a board the reflect your riding style is so important. 2nd boots, uncomfortable boots is a day killer. 3rd gear, nice dry gear is the best. Look good, feel good, ride good. Kits important.
6. In terms of the snowboard, what do you think is the most important factor or factors – the thing that can make the biggest difference to the feel and performance of the board? Camber Profile? Length? Width? Sidecut? Effective Edge? Flex? Weight? Base? Graphic 😉
Well I’m fortunate to ride for a company like K2 that’s been in the game for years, they have it dialled. Camber profile is probably number one, make sure it’s camber or your style will be off.
7. What gear is your go to right now? Board? Bindings? Boots? (can choose multiple)
Board – K2 Alchemist 156: the best all mountain board ever made
Bindings – K2 Formula: best perfect flex
Boots – Vans Infuse: the perfect all mountain boot, last forever
8. And finally, where is your favorite place to snowboard?
Either Springhill Winter Park in Manitoba or Blackcomb in Whistler with my homies on a pow day then straight to Longhorn for a couple beers!
Huge thanks to Jody for taking part in the interview.
Be sure to check out Jody’s Air Time Podcast and catch up with more of his snowboarding exploits on Instagram
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