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 Leanne Pelosi.
Leanne’s professional snowboard career spans so much – from slopestyle and half pipe competitions, which evolved into backcountry, filming and directing. Leanne is the founder of Runway Films, which produced the epic feature film Full Moon, which was produced and directed by Leanne Pelosi in 2016.
With such a varied background in snowboarding, we really appreciate her sharing some of her experience and knowledge in the following interview. Mad respect!
Leanne Pelosi Interview
1. Who was your snowboard idol growing up?
Growing up my idols were Tara Dakides, Barrett Christy, Shannon Dunn, Robot Food Crew, Peter Line, Jamie Lynn.
2. What was your favorite video part to film over the years ?
Full moon was the most rewarding. My snowboarding part didn’t really exist, but the whole idea of Full Moon was to focus on the community vibe vs the traditional ‘video part’. Snowboarding to me has never been about the part and I always feel some sort of reluctance to put out parts b/c it fees like it should always be together with the people you’re riding with.
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?
So important! I went split boarding once and forgot to switch into walk mode. Hahah I think I died of exhaustion because I could only make the smallest steps as it was in snowboard mode while I hiked for 5 hours up. I’ll never do that again! You live and learn!
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?
Having the belief that you are capable to take small steps towards that big goal in the back of your mind. Its all about grasping onto those far away dreams and making small steps and being consistent, persistent, driven, motivated and all the while being kind to others on your way.
To me, snowboarding and adventuring in the mountains is a journey that culminates thousands of hours of experience that builds upon itself. It’s never-ending and that’s why it’s so captivating. There’s always something to learn! You gain confidence along the way, but I believe that you don’t necessarily have to have it all from the start. Proving yourself along the way in small feats gives you confidence that is built upon.
5. Great answer! 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?
Your brain is the most important! Equipping your mind with the right tools to make good decisions out there is key. Next I would say making sure you know your transceiver in and out before you go. Also having a safety kit and a communication device. Then obviously the things that keep you warm .. layering with merino and micro puffs and shell jackets/pants. I love bib pants 🙂 Snowboards change all the time for me based on what conditions I’m in.
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
Camber profile is important for powder. I like having a flat or camber in between the feet, to rocker towards the nose for staying afloat in powder. Length… if I’m riding trees I’ll go shorter so I can wiggle around them… typically ride a 148-151… In Alaska or bigger mountain lines I’ll ride a 151-154cm.
7. What gear is your go to right now? Board? Bindings? Boots? (can choose multiple)
K2 party platter. Boots Vans Viaje, Bindings – K2
8. And finally, where is your favorite place to snowboard?
Pemberton backcountry 🙂
Thanks so much Leanne for taking part in the interview.
If you want to catch up with what Leanne is up to, check out her instagram or check out Runway Films
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