LEGENDS

Ryan Knapton – 162 Knapton

Riding since 1989 and hailing from Breckenridge, this Colorado native is on his pro model, the Knapton Twin. He loves all the resorts in Colorado for the bigger mountains and darn good snow in general. Other than Breckenridge, he has had some of the most fun at Beaver Creek and the various Aspen Mountains because of how empty they compared to Breck / Vail / Keystone. Although he hasn’t been back in over 15 years, Ryan also has mad love for Buck Hill and Hyland Hills in Minnesota with very tiny little hills (less than 200 vertical feet). He has so many great memories growing up riding those tow-ropes next to a small park / pipe and just loving doing that all night every night after school. Nowadays his ‘discipline’ is just cruising around the entire mountain and playing around with whatever seems fun to do that day.

When asked about his Knapton Twin he said – “Twin with my own specs… stiffer cuz I’m a heavier rider, wider so I can turn extra hard without ‘booting out’, larger sidecut radius for bigger turns, offset inserts cuz of the width so my bindings are centered on it better than what ‘center’ is with burton bindings, custom base die cut graphics, extra inserts on my newest board towards the tail so I can set it back on pow days (haven’t gotten to try this feature yet on the new board). I DO NOT recommend my exact specs for most anyone! But that’s what’s rad about Donek Snowboards and their specialization in customizing boards… you can get specs that are actually good for you and how you ride, rather than having to settle like with most company’s boards which basically takes a primitive ‘one size fits all’ approach.”

Fun fact…Ryan used to be one of the fastest Rubiks Cube solvers in the world (top 20). Now I play foosball and have won tons of events including Amateur Singles at Worlds and a second in Pro Doubles at Worlds.

His shout outs are to All his MN and CO shred bros. Extra thanks to his YouTube subscribers who leave mad nice feedback for his vids and extra thanks to those who point the camera at Ryan so he can make the vids, especially his girlfriend Kristin and his homie Nate Dogggg.

Follow Ryan
www.youtube.com/rknapton3 www.instagram.com/ryan_knapton/ www.facebook.com/Ryan-Knapton-1527305297533563/

Katie Tsuyuki – 138 Transition and 145 Phoenix

Katie Tsuyuki made her Olympic debut at Sochi 2014, where she missed a spot in the final by one place, finishing as top Canadian female halfpiper in 13th place overall, best Canadian out of both genders.

Tsuyuki had made her World Cup debut in December 2005 in Whistler. She would record her best World Cup result in January 2010, finishing ninth in Stoneham, Quebec. Just a couple of weeks later, she was at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, not as a competitor, but as a forerunner for the half-pipe competition.

Katie is a four-time medalist at the Canadian championships, including her gold medal run in 2006 and 2014. She debuted at the 2013 FIS World Championships where she finished 15th

Katie is a five-time medalist at the Canadian championships, including her gold medal runs in 2006 and 2017. She debuted at the 2013 FIS World Championships where she finished 15th.

Currently, Katie is the marketing and brand manager for Donek and manages the team too. Her knowledge of the snowboarding world on the competitive side gives the Donek team an edge to help with their own endeavors. 

Follow Katie @K_tronic_

Mike Shea – Saber SRT

Mike captured the Silver Medal at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Teammates Mike and Evan seem to pass the top paralympic BX spot in the world back and forth. Mike is responsible for the development of our Baker banked slalom model, which he has taken to multiple World cup podiums.

Everett McEwan – REV

Everett has been snowboarding since the early days of the late 80s, and competed in his first race in 1988. Despite his early start, instead of racing professionally he went off to college and had a career in TV news for 17 years. But over the years he kept at it as a part-time amateur including winning age class USASA US nationals seven times in alpine (GS and SL). Everett also was a snowboard coach in the late 90s at Stratton Mountain, Vermont where he coached the famous Lindsey Jacobellis and then went onto to found the Ski Round Top snowboard race program before moving to Colorado. The year Everett turned 40, he left his job in TV news to be a stay at home dad and start a business in video production. He also decided to give Pro racing a chance. He jokes that it’s his “midlife crisis” to race against people half his age and to beat a lot of them. He has consistently made finals at the NorAm Race to the Cup and has gone from top 16 to top 10 and even the top five. He also has climbed the podium in smaller pro races in Canada, including winning the Ontario provincial championships in PSL. As well as providing video production and marketing work for Donek Snowboards, Everett is also test rider helping with development of Alpine/Race Snowboards and plates. He is also a member of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, the top US team and helps with promoting the sport of racing on behalf of the club through video.

Giri Watts

Riding Since: 1997

The Donek you ride : Park Twin, Aloha

Board Size: 156

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favourite Discipline :   CARVE, SS

Hometown:  Floyd, VA

Home Mountain: Wintergreen, VA

Most memorable moment on your board:  Riding the Palmer snowfield mid-summer with Knapton during a butterfly migration

Season riding goal: Taking my Donek to as many states and resorts as possible

Long term riding goal: Shred till I’m dead.

Biggest inspiration: Chris Pappas

Best piece of advice:  Slow down to go fast

Other hobbies: Foiling, & Skateboarding

Shout outs: To the Donek Community

Follow Giri @giri_watts

Evan Strong -150 Saber and 158 Phoenix

Evan Strong captured the gold medal and led a U.S. podium sweep in the Paralympic debut of men’s snowboardcross at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Evan is the 2012 Para Snowboard Cross World Champion, and 2013 US National Champion.

SBX Racing Team – Mentored by Ross Hindman

Madeline Lochte Bono SEMI PRO

Riding Since: 2009
The Donek you ride: B1 Super Sport
Board Size: 163/13 and 167/15
Regular or goofy: regular
Favourite Discipline: SBX
Hometown: Durango
Home Mountain: Purgatory
Most memorable moment on your board: Snowboarding with my family in the Swiss Alps on a powder
day and exploring new terrain. The ski resort, 4 Valleys, was so big that we ended up getting lost and it
took us all day to make our way back to our car. We couldn’t stop laughing at our situation, but it was an
amazing experience being in a foreign country with beautiful views.
Season riding goal: Consistently qualify at World Cups
Long term riding goal: Qualify for the Olympics and be consistently top 10 in World Cups
Biggest inspiration: My family for supporting me on this journey and my coach Ross for showing me what hard work and dedication really is.
Best piece of advice: Keep pushing your limits and comfort zone. It’s okay to be scared or afraid of a trick or feature, each time you do something out of your comfort zone, you are pushing your limits and making your comfort zone bigger.
Other hobbies: Mountain biking, CrossFit, Photography

Instagram: madsnowboarder

Snapchat : mlochte-bono

Facebook Athlete Page: Madsnowboarder1

Website: www.madelinelochtebono.com

Twitter: madsnowboarder1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedermaibrit/

Evan Russell AMATEUR

Riding Since: 2013

My Donek: B1 Super Sport

Regular or Goofy: Regular

Favorite Discipline: Snowboardcross 

Hometown: Kimberley, Ontario

Home Mountain: Beaver Valley Ski Club

Most memorable moment on your board: Placing 15th at a Jr FIS Comp in my first FIS season.

Season riding goal: To spend as much time on snow as possible, competing in NorAm events across Canada and the USA.

Long term riding goal:  Representing Team Canada in the Olympics

Biggest inspiration:  My family, coaches and friends continue to push me to step out of comfort zones and work through barriers with me.

Best advice: Ask questions when you’re on the chair with other racers. Learn from your experiences and remember that any feedback is good feedback. Have the time of your life!

Other hobbies: Mountain Biking, Surfing, Wakeboarding, Fishing

Shout outs:  My amazing family and the best coaches at Mixed Movements

Instagram: @evan_russell_sbx  

Drew Moryn AMATEUR

Hometown: Harris, Minnesota
Home mountain: Wild Mountain
Favourite Discipline: Boardercross
The Donek you ride: Sabre & Twin Junior
Instagram : @drew_snowgirl
Facebook: @drewmoryn
Shout Outs:@wildmountain for being so supportive over the years.Also to @rideMN for supporting young action sport riders and last but not least a big thank you to Donek for the continued support and awesome snowboards!!!

Mike Schultz         WWW.MONSTERMIKESCHULTZ.COM 

Hometown- Saint Cloud, MN

US Paralympic Snowboard Team

Age 39

Donek setup–  Banked Slalom, Saber, and Baker 160

Regular 23” stance       +18 x -9

Known in the racing community as “Monster” Mike, the 36-year-old from St. Cloud, MN has trans-formed the world of adaptive action sports in more ways than one. In 2008, Mike suffered a terrible knee injury during a snowmobile competition resulting in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. Shortly after his accident, Mike engineered a new prosthetic knee to get him back in action. Within seven months, Mike was again competing on the national stage at the ESPN X Games, receiving a silver medal in Adaptive Motocross. In 2010, Mike founded BioDapt, Inc. after realizing the need for advancements in high impact adaptive sports prosthetics. Ten years and nine X Games gold medals lat-er, Mike added one of his biggest accomplishments to his list of honors, bringing home gold and silver in snowboarding from the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang. Another equally great honor, Mike was voted as the U.S. flag bearer for the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies. There were a total of 15 athletes from six different countries during the 2018 Paralympic games that were competing on equipment that Mike created.

Accomplishment Highlights

COMPETITION

Winter Paralympic Games 2018- Gold (BX) and Silver (BS)

World Champion 2019 Parasnowboard – Banked Slalom

Para Snowboard World Cup – multi-time Gold, Silver, Bronze

National Champion 2017

X Games Adaptive Moto X – 2 Gold, 1 Silver

X Games adaptive snocross – 6 Gold

X Games adaptive snowbike – 2 Gold

AWARDS

2018 ESPY award ‘Best Male Athlete with a Disability’

2018 Team USA Flag Bearer 2018 Paralympics

2017 Team USA Male Athlete of November

2014 ‘Ten Outstanding Young American’ by US Junior Chamber

2010 True Grit Award– International Series of Champions (Snocross)

Mike Minor – 162 Saber BX

Follow Mike @gnarlynubby

Sergey Bakhtin

Riding Since: 2011
The Donek you ride: Donek B1-Super Sport
Board Size: 167/17/w
Regular or goofy: Goofy
Favourite Discipline: BX
Hometown: Saint-Petersburg
Home Mountain: Resort «Krasnoye ozero» (Red Lake)
Most memorable moment on your board: first 1st place on national junior championship
Season riding goal: My goal is to place in the top 3 at the National Championship and earn a spot at
international competitions.
Long term riding goal: Become the best athlete in the country, get into international competitions and get
into the top 10 best athletes in the world
Biggest inspiration: When everyone is watching TV and sees me snowboarding
Best piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try!
Other hobbies: Graphic art, Programming
Shout outs:
Instagram: bakhtin.sergey

Ambassadors

Marisa McKellar

Riding Since: 1991

The Donek you ride: Donek Flux, Saber, Baker, Kona, and Knapton Twin

Board Size: 148 to 152 

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favorite Discipline: Soft Boot Carving and Boardercross

Hometown: Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Home Mountain: Mountain Creek, NJ in the winter and Big Snow, NJ in the off-season

Most memorable moment on your board: I don’t have one specific moment, but my favorite moments have been with the women’s snowboard community, either at a Beyond the Boundaries (BTBounds) camp or a Park Affair event, riding with my lady friends or taking my daughters to the mountain. I am very grateful for the women’s snowboard community of like-minded adventurous women and the acceptance, encouragement and positive vibes exchanged when we get together.

Season riding goal: Have fun, ride with my friends and family and inspire others.

Long term riding goal: To continue to snowboard and carve until I am super old. 

Biggest inspiration: My 2 brothers, Marco and John. My oldest brother, John, introduced me and my brother, Marco, to snowboarding over 30 years ago. My brothers have always inspired me and continue to inspire me. I know I am a better snowboarder because of them.

Best piece of advice: Follow your passion and do whatever makes you happy.

Other hobbies: Onewheel, roller skating, boating and fishing with the family

Shout outs: My family- My mom for bringing my brothers and I (and our friends) snowboarding all the time when I was a kid. My dad for working hard and paying for it. My brothers for getting me into snowboarding and constantly pushing me. My husband, Cory, for being ok with me being gone all winter while I follow my passion and snowboard. Our 3 daughters who I am so glad I can share my love of snowboarding with. 

Instagram: @marisamckellar

Facebook Profile: Marisa McKellar

Sky Hu – 145 Knapton Twin

Riding Since: 2013

Regular or goofy: Regular 

Favorite Discipline: Free Carve

Hometown: China

Home Mountain:  Breckenridge 

Most memorable moment on your board: Carving down an empty, perfectly groomed run with Ryan.

Season riding goal: Make every single turn with heart.

Long term riding goal: Still able to lay these trenches down when I’m eighty.

Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton.

Best piece of advice: People with great passion can make the impossible happen.

Other hobbies: Barely anything significant enough compared to snowboarding.Instagram: @lakeskysea

Christian Sison

Christian Sison fell in love with snowboarding since his first turns in 1987 and spent the bulk of the mid 90’s snowboarding full time in Whistler BC.  He now resides in Vancouver BC and rides regularly in the Pacific Northwest.  He is a firm believer in having the right tools for the trade and since riding Donek supports the brand fully.

Instagram:_christian_sison

 

Dave Hollander

Riding Since: 2005
The Donek you ride: Kona
Board Size: 153cm/31ww/8-11m
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favorite Discipline: Carving Steeps
Hometown: New City, NY
Home Mountain: Keystone, CO
Most memorable moment on your board: Waking up on a Binghamton University SnöCats bus at Mount Snow to a fresh foot of pow & disappearing into the trees with friends all day.
Season riding goal: Rack up another ~1.5M vertical and get some fun footage in the process.
Long term riding goal: Keep laying down big clean lines and helping others learn to safely do the same.
Biggest inspiration: Pops. With his unparalleled determination and kindness.
Best piece of advice: If you’re passionate about something, share it with everyone you can.
Other hobbies: River Surfing, Onewheel, Longboarding, Whitewater.
Shout outs: The whole family, plus Ryan, Matt, and Josh for helping me finally get back to Summit.

Instagram: @dhollee

Facebook Profile: facebook.com/dave.hollander

Carver Bowlby

Riding Since: 2001

The Donek you ride: Riding the proteus now, ordering a rev and pulse soon. 

Board Size: 175

Regular or goofy: Regular 

Favorite Discipline (BX, SS, SL, HP, GS): GS&SL

Hometown: Somerset PA

Home Mountain:  7SPRINGS 

Most memorable moment on your board: The first time I got cheered at from the chair lift for carving the mountain. 

Season riding goal: To go to more Noram and FIS races, and to nationals with USASA. 

Long term riding goal: Just to keep the sport fun, and to go as far as I can with racing.  

Biggest inspiration: My father, he taught me how to ride. 

Best piece of advice: Give 100% at everything you do, and there’s no friends on a powder day. 

Other hobbies: hiking, biking, kayaking, dirt bike riding, and motorcycle riding. 

Shout outs: My dad for teaching me how to ride and always being there for me. Julia for pushing me to get into racing. Heidi Lewis for getting such awesome pictures at 7Springs. Shannon for giving me all the love and support I could ever ask for. Srrc for pointing me in the right direction with racing, Donek snowboards for excepting me on the team, and Clawson Snowboarding Crew. Thank you!!

Instagram:carverbowlby 

Snapchat Carverbowlby 

Brandon Cook

Riding Since: 1989

The Donek you ride: Sabbath

Board Size: 157

Regular or goofy: You have to pick? I identify as Regular but Ride Goofy (or switch) more often then not.

Favourite Discipline : Halfpipe

Hometown: Marlton NJ

Home Mountain: Mount Snow VT

Most memorable moment on your board:  Beating Dave Hirshberg at the Monday night switch race league!

Season riding goal: Tame Dawgz!

Long term riding goal: Bigger Jumps and Bigger Spins. Continue to explore other riding styles and improve.

Biggest inspiration: Eero Ettela

Best piece of advice:

Other hobbies: Mountain Biking, Driving, Streaming

Shout outs: Dave Hirshberg, we always have a laugh and do stupid stuff when we ride together.

Instagram: @B.Cook1138

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.cook.94009

 Very Blank YT : https://www.youtube.com/@BCool365

Ashton Grogg

Riding Since: 2006

Hometown: Woodland Hills, UT

Home mountain: and Park City, Brighton Resort

Favorite Discipline: GS

The Donek you ride: 185, 163 Secret

Most memorable moment on my board: Winning at the 2023 USASA Nationals

Season riding goal: Winning an open class race

Best piece of advice: Go fast, go faster and end fast. 

Other hobbies: My dad Aries Grogg

How to follow and know more about me: Follow me on Instagram @ashton_snowboard

Mellen Jay

Mellen Jay is a CASI Level 4 snowboard instructor, CASI Level 4 Evaluator and a 10-year team member of the Canadian
Association of Snowboard Instructors National Technical Team. A snowboard instructor for 25 years, Mellen is dedicated
and passionate to teaching the art of the arc. She loves turning: short turns, long turns; carving and turns through trees.
Mellen has represented Canada at Interski twice, in 2015 in Ushuaia, Argentina and 2023 in Levi, Finland; and as a
member of the CASI National Tech Team is part of the team that steers the direction of technical and program
developments for snowboard instruction in Canada.
Mellen lives, works and trains in endless winters in Big White Canada, Hakuba Japan, and Wanaka New Zealand. Big
White is home: with its incredible light champagne powder, perfect grooming and snow-covered trees. Mellen has run
instructor training internationally in Europe, South America, 6 provinces and 2 territories in Canada, USA, Japan,
Australia, New Zealand and even indoor slopes in the UK. As well as running CASI courses and training in both
hemispheres, she’s really stoked to be part of the coaching staff at Montucky Clear Cut this winter and looking forward to
more collaborative sessions riding with Donek Ambassadors.
Mellen is proud to represent and support diversity, equity and inclusion in the snowsports community.
After demo days in Colorado, Mellen couldn’t choose between her two favourites, and is looking forward to riding an Aloha
148 and Raven 144.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MellenJay
Instagram: @mellenriding

Daniel Richards

Riding Since: 2002

Doneks (angles I ride) and specs:

Flux (+54 +45) 160 L, 25.6 W, 8.5-10 VSR

Aloha (+36 +18) 158 L, 26.8 W, 7-10 VSR

Kona (+33, +12) 158 L, 29.5 W, 9-13 VSR

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline: Freecarving on groomers, snowsurfing on powder, and finding rhythm in technical terrain (bumps, steeps, trees)

Hometown: I live in Jersey City (New Jersey), and part-time in Jamaica (Vermont)

Home Mountain: Mount Snow, VT

Most memorable moment on your board: Some of my most memorable moments have been on trips with fellow Donek ambassadors over the past few seasons, including Park City in UT, Mammoth in CA, and Copper in CO for Nationals.

Season riding goal: Personally, I’d like to work more on posi-posi ground tricks and fakie carving. Communally, I’m just hoping for as much quality time as possible on the mountain with fellow carvers and friends.

Long term riding goal: I’d like to continue cultivating connections and collaborative community for “ice coast” snowboarders. And eventually, I’d like to help increase access to the sport through intersectional programs for kids and marginalized communities.

Biggest inspiration: What Ryan Knapton and other Donek ambassadors have done to ignite more interest in freecarving, and what Jeremy Jones has done to inspire big mountain riding and climate activism.

Best piece of advice: My most universal advice right now would be that the body and board follow where the head is looking, which opens the shoulders and hips for full rotation on a committed heelside. It all starts with the head!

Other hobbies: Yoga, music, fencing, rollerblading, running/hiking, community involvement, and quality time with my partner Abbie and our dog Alfie

Shout outs: Much love to the ambassador team!

Instagram: @icecoastcarver

Brennen Ha

Riding Since: 2010

The Donek you ride: Kona and Knapton Twin

Board Size: 162

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favourite Discipline: Carving

Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska

Home Mountain: Alyeska

Most memorable moment on your board: My first laid-out carve was a pretty big moment for me. Feeling that weightlessness and all of the surrounding forces created a desire to shred like nothing else.

Season riding goal: This season I would really like my switch riding to be the focal point.

Long term riding goal: My long term goal has always remained the same, to make snowboarding my life long passion, and to see how far my riding can go.

Biggest inspiration: There are many, but I’d really boil it down to having great mentors and influences.

Best piece of advice: Don’t be scared to fail. Every great rider is just someone who’s been willing to fall and look goofy over and over. So don’t let that stop you!

Other hobbies: Hiking, Backpacking, and Grappling.

Shout outs: Ryan Strickland, Jordan Michon, Ryan Knapton, and Breeze Anderson. Each one of these people inspire me to be better, and have a had a major impact on my riding.

Instagram: @brennenha

Lu Yang

155 Knapton Twin
Riding Since: 2016
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favorite Discipline: Free Carving/Ground trick/Park
Hometown: China
Home Mountain: Altai Mountains Keketuohai
Most memorable moment on your board: Snowboarding with the 54team crew
Season riding goal: Smoother combinations of carving and tricks.
Long term riding goal: Still snowboarding when I’m 90 years old
Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton/ Kazunori Hirama
Best piece of advice: No limits, no restrictions, focus to get to the top.
Other hobbies: Trampoline/Tricking/Piano/Motorcycle
Instagram:@yehluo5

Lu Yang – The captain of the Chinese 54 team. 
Followers: 35k

Claude Liu

152 knapton twin
Riding Since: 2019
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favorite Discipline: Free carve
Hometown: China
Home Mountain:  Altai Mountains Keketuohai
Most memorable moment on your board: Practicing new tricks with my friends, encouraging each other and getting better together.
Season riding goal: Make my combo more stable and efficient.
Long term riding goal: Snowboarding safely and healthily and attracting more people to learn carving&buttering.
Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton, Yehluo
Best piece of advice: Feel the joy that snowboarding brings us and find your own rhythm.
Other hobbies: Surfskate
Instagram: @claude.snowboard

Chengqi Liu – Code #002 in the Chinese 54 team.
Followers: 2.8k

Wesley Krason

Riding Since: 2006
The Donek you ride: Knapton Twin
Board Size: 148cm long, 31waist width, 11m side cut , 1.5cm offset, 8/12 Flex, Ref Stance 56cm
Regular or goofy: Regular or goofy
Favourite Discipline: All mountain riding and turning carves.
Hometown: Castle Rock, Co
Home Mountain: Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, Crested Butte
Most memorable moment on your board: One of my most memorable moments on my board was when I
had the incredible opportunity of being spotted by Ryan Knapton himself while I was riding with my 2-
year-old son, Ryan. It was a truly special experience that I will always cherish.
Season riding goal: My season riding goal is to ride goofy, improve my carving turns, buttering, jumps,
and ride with my crew while working on new skills together. Each day and condition presents new
opportunities for growth and learning. I particularly enjoy making turns with my family and creating content
for social media. This season, I have the exciting opportunity to teach my youngest two family members
how to ride. Additionally, I am focused on improving early in the season with the other three members of
my crew, so that we can truly excel when the snow conditions are at their best.
Long term riding goal: Looking ahead, my long-term riding goal is to create awesome media content with
my family and Donek Snowboards. I aspire to ride at the Next Level, just like Ryan Knapton and many
other favorite snowboarders.
Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton.
Best piece of advice: The best piece of advice I can offer is that knowledge has the power to inspire
dreams and make them come true. It is important to follow your dreams and pursue them with passion
and determination.
Other hobbies: In addition to snowboarding, I have a variety of other hobbies that I enjoy. I am an artist,
expressing my creativity through various mediums. I also love biking, hiking, tubing, paddleboarding, and
camping. These activities allow me to connect with nature and explore the outdoors in different ways.
They provide me with a sense of adventure and relaxation outside of the snowboarding season.
Shout outs: I would like to give a special shout out to my wonderful wife, Sandra, and our crew! She
introduced me to the incredible gift of snowboarding, and I am deeply grateful to her for everything that
makes my life special. Additionally, I extend my sincere appreciation to Ryan Knapton and Tommy
 
Bennett for their exceptional media content and the continuous inspiration they provide. Their
contributions have significantly influenced my progress and have empowered me to share my passion
with my snowboard crew.
Instagram: @WesleyKrason

Joshua Gabriel

Riding Since: 1995/1996ish. Before then, I rode a plastic snurfer board.
The Donek you ride (or will order): Turner FC Alpine Board.
Board Size: 163cm. Waist 19.8 Sidecut 10.5
Regular or goofy: Goofy like my personality. Though I DO switch my stance to regular once in a while…but not totally successful at it yet.
Favorite Discipline: Carve and Jumps and whatever I can hit
Hometown: Nazareth, PA
Home Mountain: Jack Frost/Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Bear Creek
Most memorable moment on your board: Most importantly… Riding and Carving with Friends in Pennsylvania (and out west other years). Joining in on instructor clinics where we all collaborate and learn from each other. Hitting a simple board slide on a long green rail at Bear Creek while seasoning it with other guests and park crew. Trying new things (and walking away when I fail at those new things).
Season riding goal: A LOT. But mainly getting people to try something new like an alpine board, or euro carving, or possibly skwaling. Getting people stoked to see or do something they would not normally get to try. Trick wise…. Just upping my bag of tricks and keep pushing myself the best I can.
Long term riding goal: To keep learning whether I am successful at it or not. This can also be said for my
life in general.
Biggest inspiration: My Parents
Best piece of advice: Don’t let anyone (including yourself) tell you that you are not good enough. Prove them (or yourself) wrong.
Other hobbies: Skateboarding, Freebording, Disc Golf, Hiking, Origami, Reading, Motorcycles,
Swimming, Kayaking, Camping, Art/Photography, Woodworking, Gardening
Shout outs: My parents, family both near and far, and Sarah (my wife). Also the Montucky Clear Cut Riders and Staff. Friends and Co-workers.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.joshuaa/

Jonah Boyar

Riding Since: 1995
The Donek you ride: Knapton Twin
Board Size: 159
Regular or goofy: Goofy
Favourite Discipline : All Mountain Freeride/freestyle.
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Canada
Home Mountain: Marmot Basin, Jasper Canada
Most memorable moment on your board: Riding at Whitewater Resort in Nelson, British Columbia
Canada
Season riding goal: Ride every day that I can!
Long term riding goal: To keep progressing my style and skill and have fun!
Biggest inspiration: Craig Kelly
Best piece of advice: Never give up and do it for the dream.
Other hobbies: Camping, biking, disc golf, skateboarding, and dogs
Shout outs: The Glide Factory, Calgary; and Old Dutch Foods, Canada
Instagram: @SHREDDONKERS 
Snapchat: pappa-jonah
Facebook Profile: Jonah Boyar 
Twitter: @SHREDDONKERS
Other: YouTube: 1080JMAN 

Dimash

Riding Since: 15: -15

The Donek you ride:  Knapton Twin 158

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favourite Discipline:  Carve

Hometown: Kazakhstan

Home Mountain:  Shymbulak

Other hobbies: Tennis, Box.

Instagram: Akh_Dimash

LuLu Yan

Riding Since: 2021

The Donek you ride: Knapton Twin

Board Size: 147

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favorite Disciplines: Carving, Big Mountain Freeride, Freestyle

Hometown: China

Home Mountain: The Colorado Rockies

Most Memorable Moment on Your Board: Shredding Copper Mountain on a Donek Demo Day with Ryan and the Donek crew — an unforgettable experience.

Season Riding Goal: Dial in switch carving and freestyle tricks; explore more big mountain lines with friends.

Long-Term Riding Goal: Keep refining my technique and teaching skills. Inspire more girls to fall in love with snowboarding and the art of carving.

Biggest Inspiration: Ryan Knapton

Best Piece of Advice: Be fearless. Be fabulous. Love what you love — and own every turn.

Other Hobbies: Tennis, scuba diving, traveling, or simply chilling with Zelda (the game)

Shoutouts: To all my friends—riders and non-riders alike—thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. From a total beginner to a mountain lover, to a proud carving advocate, I couldn’t have done it without you. Every cheer, every conversation, every thoughtful piece of advice has shaped my journey. I’m deeply grateful—for all of it, and for all of you.

Instagram: lulu_luv__

Stuart Rowland

Name: Stuart Rowalnd

Riding Since: 1990

The Donek you ride : Aloha 158, Knapton twin 163, park twin (this year)

Board Size: 163

Regular or goofy: reg

Favourite Discipline : carve

Hometown: Mountianburg AR   

Home Mountain: Wolf Creek

Most memorable moment on your board:  The first time I was able to carve in powder.

Season riding goal: Progress with carving and riding switch.

Long term riding goal: 100 day season

Biggest inspiration: My Kids

Best piece of advice: only compete with yourself

Other hobbies: bbq, riding one wheels, splitting wood, building stuff, nutrition

Tobey Garner 

Riding Since: 2019

The Donek you ride: Phoenix, Aloha, and soon to be park twin.

Board Size: 159

Regular or goofy: regular 

Favourite Discipline: Carve/ free riding 

Hometown: Elkridge 

Home Mountain: Brighton Resort 

Most memorable moment on your board: Back 540 off a cat track 

Season riding goal: Rails 

Long term riding goal: Back country big mountain freeriding 

Biggest inspiration: Travis Rice, Arthur Longo.

Best piece of advice: Don’t Let fear stop you from progressing.

Other hobbies: Drums, Longboarding, one wheeling, cars

Shout outs: Simon Garner, Ashton Grogg

Instagram:@tobeygarner

Snapchat tobey_garner

Jonathan Fils-Aime

Riding Since: 2022

The Donek you ride : Kona or Aloha

Board Size: 156

Regular or goofy: goofy

Favorite Discipline: CARVE

Hometown: Castle Rock, CO

Home Mountain: A-basin

Most memorable moment on your board:  The first time I left a pencil line in the snow.

Season riding goal: To master carving on all groomed slopes, regardless of difficulty level.

Long term riding goal: To ride like Ryan Knapton

Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton

Best piece of advice: Everything in moderation, even moderation

Other hobbies: riding my OneWheel, Mountain Biking, creating video content using 360 action cameras

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonfilsaime/

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/jonathanfilsaime

Other: https://www.youtube.com/@alwaysbecarving

 

Joe Qian

Riding Since: 2022

The Donek you ride : Knapton Twin

Board Size: 156cm

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline : Free Carving

Hometown: China

Home Mountain: Blue Mountain PA, Ski Cooper, Cooper Mountain, Big Snow

Most memorable moment on your board:  The best moments are always with my lovely friends learning new tricks, cheering each other on, and celebrating every fall and success.

Season riding goal: Sharpen edge control and master smoother, more stylish run tricks turning every line into a performance.

Long term riding goal:Become one of the leading carve instructors in North America, inspire more riders to explore carving and most importantly, ride safely and joyfully all the way to 80 years old!

Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton for showing that precision, flow, and creativity can coexist.

Best piece of advice: Stay humble, stay sharp, and let your turns speak louder than words.

Other hobbies: Kicking balls, cruising on e-boards, and creating spaces for riders to connect and grow.

Shout outs: Huge thanks to the North Shadow Blade(@north_shadow_blade) of 54 Team crew and my family, and now Donek for believing in me.

Instagram:@joeee_1000

JB Green

Riding Since: 2012ish

The Donek you ride : Donek All Mountain Twin (10mSC, 305 W) Donek Kona (9-11m VSR, 305W)

Board Size: 154

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favourite Discipline: Carve

Hometown: Denver, CO

Home Mountain: Beaver Creek, CO

Most memorable moment on your board: Last years’ Montucky Clear Cut event, gliding through the trees on fresh pow for four days in a row.

Season riding goal: Improving on my backside 360s, and switch back/front 180s

Long term riding goal: Switch riding mastery and a buttery smooth riding style

Biggest inspiration: Every rider on this team, each of em has a uniquely awe-inspiring riding style

Best piece of advice: Learning how to move on a snowboard efficiently and effectively is game changing. It’s always beneficial to take a lesson from someone who knows what theyre doing, or watching the pros and analyzing the movements they make.

Other hobbies: Hiking, backpacking, rafting, skinning, skiing (poorly), off-roading, spikeball, and Magic the Gathering

Shout outs: Bernie Konrady– A true friend and someone I always enjoy riding with. Plus, if I can keep making my turns that well in my 70s, I’ll have lived a happy life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipnrip/

Terry Gao  

Riding Since: 2022

The Donek you ride (or will order):  Knapton Twin 156 & 150

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline :  Carve

Hometown: China

Home Mountain: Mammoth and June Mountain

Most memorable moment on your board:  Camping and riding with friends—spending the whole day on the mountain, studying carve technique from sunrise to sunset.

Season riding goal: More ground-tricks on the new Donek Boards.

Long term riding goal: Glide through the snow, from one mountain to the next—until I’ve ridden them all.

Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton and Johnson Le

Best piece of advice: Keep going, even when it feels slow. Every run adds up.

Other hobbies: Hiking,camping, and cooking

Shout outs: Big thanks to the friends who’ve been riding with me all these years

Instagram: ttgaoooo

Mason Webb

Riding Since: 2017

The Donek you ride: 152 Incline

Regular or goofy: Regular

Discipline: Freecarve

Hometown: Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Home Mountain: Beaver Creek

Most memorable moment on your board: Employee first tracks at Beaver Creek after a foot of snow! That morning, I rode three hours worth of untouched powder, giggling to myself the whole time 🙂

Season riding goal: Level up my ground tricks

Long term riding goal: Stay healthy and enjoy the sport for as long as I can

Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton

Best piece of advice: Keep the shoulders level!

Other hobbies: Reading, Onewheel, Video Games

Instagram: @masonsnowboard

 Kris Wood

Riding Since: 2021

The Donek you ride: Knapton Twin Board Size: 158

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favourite Discipline : CARVE

Hometown: Colorado Springs

Home Mountain: Winter Park and Alyeska

Most memorable moment on your board: The first time landing a backflip with my great friend in the back country.

Season riding goal: be able to spin and butter like crazy out of and into carves. Add a floaty and playful riding style to my riding and continue my free ride journey.

Long term riding goal: compete in free ride competitions and get to the free ride world tour

Biggest inspiration: For my riding, author longo

Best piece of advice: theres no one certain way to snowboard. the only thing that is universal is to have fun in the mountain

Other hobbies: fly fishing, crocheting, working out Shout outs: my parents being the best supporters in the world

Instagram: snowboardingcowboy

Richard Liu

Riding Since: 2020

The Donek you ride : Knapton Twin 150

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favourite Discipline : Free carve

Hometown: Chongqing,China

Home Mountain: Altai Mountains Keketuohai

Most memorable moment on your board:  Joined 54 team and launched the local carving technique

group in Chongqing, riding and practicing with friends and members, trained about a hundred Donek Riders in China, 

Season riding goal: Higher expressiveness carving with smooth tricks in turn.

Long term riding goal: Happy shredding till I die.

Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton, Yeluo 54team

Best piece of advice: Keep your every single turn with safety situation, then push the envelope.

Other hobbies: Singing/Instrument performance/Gaming

Shout outs: 54team newbee

Instagram:@richardllslls

Richard Liu – Code #003 in the Chinese 54 team.

Facebook Athlete Page:

Douyin(tiktok) profile:

https://www.douyin.com/user/MS4wLjABAAAAWdI5-iZDO2w7cmPsPiqvtz1UaJxA41rfPDl5RIqjEwc?from_tab_name=main

Follers:4.9k

Weston Noyes

Riding Since: 1990

The Donek you ride (or will order): Flux, Kona

Board Size: 169, 157

Regular or goofy: regular

Favourite Discipline: softboot free-carving

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah

Home Mountain: Stowe, Vermont

Most memorable moment on your board: Rolling and shredding with Donek Ambassador crew in Park City, March, 2024.

Season riding goal: Greater economy of movement, strength, and stability in my carves

Long term riding goal: To keep carving till I’m 80!

Biggest inspiration: Ryan Knapton

Best piece of advice: If you can see it clearly enough, you can achieve it.

Other hobbies: Guitar, woodworking, onewheeling, building, photography

Shout outs: I wouldn’t have made it here without the love and support of my wife Amy.

Instagram: @captaincarve

Video Team

JP (John-Phillip) Fok

Riding Since: 1998
The Donek you ride : 160 Park Twin & 165 Aloha
Regular or goofy: Goofy
Favorite Discipline: Freeride and Slopestyle. But who doesn’t love a
good Banked Slalom & those BX tracks look fun. It’s all one Discipline. Snowboarding!
Hometown: Whistler, BC
Home Mountain: Whistler Blackcomb
Most memorable moment on your board: My first time presenting in the Fire and Ice show. It was the first time I’d ever presented my riding infant of as large a crowd as that. It was New Years eve. Jumping through a hoop of fire in a massive train with other pros. Doing a Laid out backflip and stomping it clean somewhere in the middle of the lineup.
Season riding goal: Have as much fun as possible. Make something beautiful happen.
Long term riding goal: My long term goal is to keep riding and keep creating beautiful moments for myself until I die of old age. Side bonus if I can share it with others.
Biggest inspiration: There’s too many inspirational people in snowboarding I can’t narrow it down to a reasonable list. Maybe the more Kudos goes to Pioneers like Craig Kelly, and Terje. Early Snowboard pro’s setting a path for so many to follow. Students of the sport. Without them there’d be no legitimacy to the sport. I’m also stoked on the next generation of riders coming up. Snowboarding is so inclusive now. It’s always been attractive to the free thinkers, and expressive types, as well as the thrill seekers and those with a need for speed. It’s become so exciting to see all the families out there enjoying it together. It’s become a genuine and beautiful Culture.
Best piece of advice: Have fun. Practice things in bite sized steps. Make each step feel smooth as butter before moving on. Don’t skip steps. Each of them is like a trick. Gotta stomp it at least “two to make it
true!”
Other hobbies:Mountain Biking.
Shout outs:To Katie Tsuyuki . Proud to have shred some snow with you!
Instagram: @JPFok
Facebook Athlete Page:https://www.facebook.com/JPFOK89
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/jp.fok/
YouTube: My YouTube Channel

 

Dev Gupta

Riding Since: 2010

The Donek you ride (or will order): Park Twin with Knapton camber 155

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favourite Discipline : Jibs/HP/Split-board

Hometown: Portland Oregon

Home Mountain: Mt. Hood Meadows

Most memorable moment on your board: 01/22/2025 Syracuse NY riding a jump made of pallets that launched into a basketball court. I spotted the wind drift at the edge of the court and knew it would work as a landing, we just had to build a takeoff that would match. Jake, Casey and Tanner knew a spot nearby with pallets so we loaded two of them into the back of our rental pickup. One pallet acted as the takeoff, one as back support, and we lugged a trash can from the spot to use as support beneath the takeoff. In less than 45 minutes we had our cheese wedge built with 2-3 inches of snow firming on our takeoff. I started setting a run in when we were greeted by the others in our crew, Cole Navin, Jed Anderson, Jon Stark, and Marc O’Malley. I guinea pigged the jump, went way too fast, and almost landed flat on the icy basketball court. I was shook but luckily I felt okay after so I went back up and did another straight air, lacing the landing this time as Cole nervously shoveled more snow into the runout. Third hit I did a back 3 tail, surprising everyone and making the cut in “Fruit Fly”. I was met with a bunch of hugs from everyone in the basketball court. Later I landed a front 3 melon and felt satisfied with my two clips so I watched Jake, Casey, and Jed sesh the jump as the sun went down.

Season riding goal: Switch front board. Boardslide pretzel to switch front board. Practice Transfer rails.

Long term riding goal: Continue to push my limits and learn new tricks in my 30s.

Biggest inspiration: Jake Kuzyk and his approach to street snowboarding

Best piece of advice: If you want master jibbing, either ride a rope tow or hike the rail. Endurance and repetition will reward you tremendously when it comes to riding the streets and contests.

Other hobbies: Skateboarding, hiking/backpacking,

Shout outs: Tanner Pendleton, Jake Kuzyk, Kennedi Deck, Jess Kimura, Nirvana Ortanez, Erica/Jon Stark, Casey Pflipsen, Lex Hernandez Roland, J. DeForge,

Instagram:@transsnowboarder/

Matt Larson

The Donek you ride: 180 Donek Secret!  shhhhhh!

Regular or goofy:  GOOFY

Favourite Discipline :   CARVE

Hometown: Bozeman, Montana

Home Mountain:  Big Sky Resort

Most memorable moment on your board: 

Season riding goal: Switch Layed-out Carving  (it’s scary just to type that)

Long term riding goal: Sliding on snow as a centenarian

Biggest inspiration: My daughter Maija.  She has had way more than her share of challenges in her life and she drives forward with grace!

Best piece of advice: You do You

Other hobbies: Whitewater Kayaking

Shout outs: My team is my wife and daughters!  Shout out to my ladies! 

Instagram:  @slipperyslopes

YouTube: @slipperyslopes

TikTok: @slipperyslopes

Harrison Bell 

 
Riding Since: 2018
The Donek you ride : Donek Secret custom 170
Board Size: 12cm waist, 10m sidecut, 170cm length
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favourite Discipline: CARVE, speed, downhill longboard racing (pavement)
Hometown: Breckenridge, Colorado
Home Mountain: Breck Ski Resort
Most memorable moment on your board: When I flew to New York to compete in the first qualifying event for longboard racing since the pandemic (Port Jervis ACME DH 2021). It was an amazing experience and I've stayed connected to the downhill racing scene ever since. There was a push to elevate the level of racing leading up to the 2024 olympics, and Port Jervis was the first race to have qualifying times submitted to the International Olympic Committe to be logged
as part of a trial series culminating in the World Roller Games trial olympic event.
Season riding goal: Switch connected carves on skwal and snowskate, Top 24 qualifying time at Maryhill
Long term riding goal: Proficient regular and switch freestyle carving on skwal, snowskate, and snowboard. Regular and switch snowskate speed record.
Biggest inspiration: Pete Connoly (World Record holder downhill longboard speed)
Best piece of advice: The best turns come from riders rooted in the present moment with a deep
physical connection to their bodies and the riding surface. Practice grounding techniques like Tai Chi, Yoga, or Wim Hof method. This will allow you to stay engaged with your body in high stress environments like the ski resort.
Other hobbies: PC gaming
Shout outs: Dynamic Wax, Vicroy gloves JP, Scythe gear
Instagram: @bellharrison
Facebook Profile: https://facebook.com/LFchinatown
Other: Tiktok – @harrison_snowskates

Quentin Glidentity

Riding Since: 2004
The Donek you ride: Extra wide Flux for Carving, Tweaked Phoenix for
teaching / All Around / Snowkite, Special powder board to come.
Board Size: 155-157
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favourite Discipline: Snowkite, Powder, Trees, Backcountry, Carving, in no
specific order.
Hometown: Yuzawa, Niigata, Japan (aka. Snowcountry)
Most memorable moment on your board: First snowkite ‘vol de pente’ (Flight), Spent months trying to understand how one can fly upwind! Finally
figured it out, spent hours getting the timing right, and spent many more hours
removing the kite from the trees 🙂
Season riding goal: Technical understanding of the Japanese style of carving.
Long term riding goal: Ticking down the list of mountains to snowkite on.
Best piece of advice: Let the board do the hard work in your snowboarding.
Other hobbies: Kiteboard, Wing-foil, SUP
Instagram: @glidentity
Facebook Profile: @glidentity
Website: https://www.glidentity.com
Youtube: @glidentity

Silver Edges Ambassadors (55+ Years Young)

Bernie Konrady

RIDING SINCE:1994

DONEK YOU RIDE:Flux – I’ve had 5 Flux Models over many, many years. I have continually Decreased the Length, Increased the Width, and Increased the Variable Side Cut. And, along the way, shifted from “Hard Boots” to Soft Boots 8 years ago.

That’s the Beauty of a Donek Board – “Change” – as my snowboarding progresses and changes, so does my board and specs.

BOARD SIZE:159 CM

REGULAR/GOOFY:Snowboard GOOFY – (Surf REGULAR ! ?!  )

FAVORITE DISCIPLINE / TERRAIN:I LOVE Beaver Creek Fresh Early Morning Groomers for the CARVE-ability and Trackless runs.

BUT!  Give me First Tracks on 8 to 10 inches of Fresh Pow And I’m SURFING SNOW with a huge smile on My Face!

HOME TOWN:Michiana Shores, Indiana for the Summer and Fall

Beaver Creek, Colorado for Winter and Spring

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT ON YOUR BOARD:1994 in the beginning of learning to snowboard and making that Very First Linked, Real Edge to Edge Toe side Turn – Whoa, So that’s what this is about!!!!

Flash Forward to 2021 and my First Real Toe Side Laid Out Euro Carve – WHOAAAAAAA!!! (I am a slow learner)

SEASON RIDING GOAL:Laid out Heel Side Euro Carve

LONG TERM RIDING GOAL:Be of help to others

BIGGEST INSPERATION:Ryan Knapton – his Style, Tips, Teaching Videos, Inclusiveness AND HIS COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND COURTESY ON THE MOUNTAIN. Ryan is my Mentor.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:Safety First! —– Then,  HAVE FUN !!! 

OTHER HOBBIES:Surfing the Great Lakes

INSTAGRAM:@berniekonrady

Brett White

Brett White started his carving journey in his 50’s at Granby Ranch Ski Resort in 2021 after an extensive background in climbing, mountain biking, and ultra running. He has been working in public education for over 20 years, and is a combat veteran of the US Army where he served as an airborne infantryman and a surgical technician. Brett’s passion for life comes from doing hard things that leave him physically and mentally exhausted. His favorite quote is “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying” (Shawshank Redemption). When he is not thinking about snowboarding, he enjoys eating cheese quesadillas.

The Donek you ride: Knapton Twin

Board Size: 152

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline:  Carving and playing around on empty groomers

Hometown: Manitou Springs, Colorado

Home Mountain: Granby Ranch Ski Resort, Granby Colorado

Most memorable moment on your board: 

My early days on a custom Knapton Twin were a struggle. The snowboard felt cumbersome, and unwieldy. I almost convinced myself the board was unridable and that I had wasted my time and money. Trying new things is hard but persevering through hard things often brings the greatest rewards. My most memorable moment in snowboarding is those first deep carves and the excitement of discovering the secret sauce buried in a Donek snowboard. These days, I love riding my Knapton Twin and this experience reminds me to embrace the suck, to get to the reward.

Season riding goal: Ride some different resorts and tighten up my switch carving.

Long term riding goal: Have fun, be grateful, and stay active as long as possible.

Biggest snowboarding inspiration: Ryan Knapton

Best piece of advice:  Invest in yourself, buy quality gear, and breathe

Other hobbies: mountain biking, gardening, fishing

Shout outs: Thank you Donek for making high quality snowboards and celebrating people who are passionate about taking their riding to the next level.

Instagram: Brett White    https://www.instagram.com/brett_white719/

Victor Ybiernas 

Riding Since: 2005 

The Donek I’ll ride:Knapton Twin 

Board size:156cm 

Regular or goofy:Goofy 

Favorite discipline: CARVE 

Hometown:Redondo Beach, CA 

Home mountain:Big Bear Mountain Resorts, CA 

Most memorable moment on your board:Riding switch on my hard boot system in the halfpipe to get my Level 2 AASI certification  

Season riding goal:Carve up the mountain on a Donek board in both stance 

Long term goal:Get my Level 3 Full Certification AASI 

Biggest inspiration:Ryan Knapton 

Best piece of advice: Take a lesson, it’s less frustrating and safer. 

Other hobbies: Skiing, Mtn Biking, surfing, SUP, motorcycle riding,  

EUC (Electric Uni Cycle) riding, hiking, camping 

Shout outs: SSRT Race Team, Mammoth Mountain Resort 

Instagram: @Vy2behappy 

Facebook profile:@Victor Ybiernas 

 

US Amateur Athletes

Serina Verduzco

Riding Since: 2013 / 3 years old

The Donek you ride: Saber /  Park Twin

Board Size: 130 Saber / 125 Park Twin

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favorite Discipline: BX

Hometown: South Lake Tahoe

Home Mountain: Sierra at Tahoe

Most memorable moment on your board:  Winning 2 gold medals at 2018 Nationals

Season riding goal: Win Nationals

Long term riding goal: Make the US Olympic BX team

Biggest inspiration: Jamie Anderson

Best piece of advice: Always follow your dreams

Other hobbies: Skateboarding, Horseback riding, going to beach

Shout outs: Mom and Dad

Instagram: verduzcos

Reese Moryn

Riding Since: Winter 2010

The Donek you ride: Donek junior twin and Donek Sabre

Board Size: Sabre 132, Twin 130

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline (BX, SS, SL, HP, GS):  Giant Slalom

Hometown: Harris, MN

Home Mountain: Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls, MN

Season riding goal:  My goal for this season is to continue to improve in every event.

Long term riding goal:  I don’t know… keep having fun

Best piece of advice: My dad said to me  when “You can achieve anything, if you keep working at it.”

Other hobbies: I love to play soccer and read.

Shout outs: I would love to give shout outs to @skiwildmountain, @ridemn, @fastwaxskiwax and of course @doneksnowboards for allowing me to be apart of an amazing group of athletes. Good Luck to everyone this season!!!

 Instagram: @reesesnowgirl 

Levi Decareau

Riding Since: AGE of 2

The Donek you ride:  140 SABER BX 

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline:  BX

Hometown: Bethel Maine

Home Mountain: SUNDAY RIVER

Most memorable moment on your board: 2ND PLACE AT USASA NATIONALS 2024 

Season riding goal: TOP 3 BX AT USASA NATIONALS

Long term riding goal: MAKE THE USA SNOWBOARD BX TEAM

Biggest inspiration: NATHAN PARE 

Best piece of advice: “Just put down your best run” Mike Mallon once said that on a chair lift with me

Other hobbies: FISHING, MTN BIKING, SPENDING TIME WITH MY FAMILY

Shout outs: MY PARENTS, BROTHER -Travis, CHRIS BARLOW – MY COACH, DONEK

Instagram: levid2548

 

Cooper Callaway

Riding Since: 2006 

Hometown: Onalaska, WI 

Home mountain: Mt. La Crosse

Favorite Discipline: Slalom 

Board Size:163 

Regular or goofy: regular 

The Donek you ride: Looking at purchasing the Rev or Secret 

Instagram: #supercoop_callaway 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/supercoop.callaway 

Shout Outs: Thanks to Katie, Mark, Sean and the whole Donek crew for their support. And thank you to my mom, dad, brother and other friends and family that support and challenge me to be the best that I can be. 

Hobbies include: Snowboarding Mt Biking Motocross Coaching youth Soccer Playing Violin Kayaking 

Additional interests and things that keep me busy include; maintaining a 3.70 gpa, managing and working a lawn mowing and snow removal business with my brother, working in sales and parts at 2Brothers Powersports, scoring trap at our local Trap Shooting Club and working at Old Towne Strings doing stringed instrument repairs, tuning & cleaning instruments and help with sales.

Dominic DeStefano 

Riding Since: 2016

The Donek you ride: 130 Junior and Talon 

Board Size: 138 cm

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favorite Discipline: Slope Style, Slalom, and Giant Slalom

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ

Home Mountain: Snowbowl, AZ

Most memorable moment on your board: Hitting 30 foot jumps at Woodward

Season riding goal: Backflip.

Long term riding goal: To be a snowboard coach

Biggest inspiration: My older sister Briana

Best piece of advice: Never give up

Other hobbies: Geology and pakour

Shout outs: GCFT and the Grand Canyon Series directors Scott and Josh

Instagram: @domdestefano

Jax Allen                    

Riding Since: 2015

The Donek you ride: B1 /  Park Twin

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline  Slopestyle & Racing 

Hometown: Rancho Murieta, Ca

Home Mountain: Palisades Tahoe (aka Squaw Valley USA)

Long term riding goal: Riding for TEAM USA!

Biggest inspiration: My coaches and teammates

Best piece of advice: Always find a way to get back up & stay humble!

Other hobbies: I love mountain biking, surfing, fishing and studying the martial arts.

Shout outs: Thanks to Mr. Martin, BCGoggles, Donek, My Parents, Coaches, Trav & Blue Iron, Pismo Beach Surf Academy 

Instagram: @tahoejax

Instagram: @tahoejax

Zaria Steeves

Riding Since: 2014

The Donek you ride: 155 Saber 

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favorite Discipline: SBX, Giant Slalom, Slalom, Halfpipe 

Hometown: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Home Mountain: Sierra-at-Tahoe, Palisades 

Most memorable moment on your board: Placing 2nd in the all-around division at the 2025 USASA Snowboard Nationals, and breaking in my new board in Nakiska. 

Season riding goal: Place 1st in SBX at the 2026 USASA Snowboard Nationals

Long-term riding goal: To become the next South Lake Tahoe Olympian

Biggest inspiration: Jamie Anderson, Chloe Kim, Lindsey Jacobellis

Best piece of advice: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”

Other hobbies: Competitive soccer, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and all that Tahoe has to offer

Shoutouts: Thanks to my family and my Tahoe community for supporting my journey!

Instagram: @zaria.steeves

Remy Coker

Riding Since: 2019
The Donek you ride : Jr, Park Twin, Talon
Board Size: 127, 125
Regular or goofy: Goofy
Favourite Discipline: GS, SS, BX, CARVE
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Home Mountain: Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, and App Ski Mountain
Most memorable moment on your board: My first time riding at Copper Mountain for USASA Nationals in
2022 was definitely my most memorable moment. I had never experienced the excitement surrounding
an event like that and it was amazing to be there with all of my friends.
Season riding goal: Top 5 Overall
Long term riding goal: The Olympics
Biggest inspiration: To keep doing my best and get better every year.
Best piece of advice: Don’t quit, and keep pushing.
Other hobbies: Skating, Surfing, Swimming
Shout outs: I would like to send a shout out to my family, for all of the help and support they have given
me. I would also like to send a shout out to Alex Ettinger, Adam Thompson, Alex Sylvestri, Brian Hoeh, and Van Littlejohn.
Hoeh for their leadership and always showing up for me on the slopes.
Instagram: @TheRealRemyCoker

Riley Miller

Riding Since:2017
The Donek you ride :155 Sabre BX
Regular or goofy:Goofy
Favourite Discipline:BX
Hometown:Silverthorne, Colorado
Home Mountain:Copper Mountain
Season riding goal:Top 10 at USASA Nationals in Boardercross
Long term riding goal:Get better every day and never stop having fun
Best piece of advice:Practice riding switch!
Other hobbies:Once the snow melts, I’m either skating a local park or exploring Summit County trails on my mountain bike.
Shout outs:@marcusshreds @elliot_kubick @rhysee_rhys @nolanquinnin @jimmieblunder
Instagram:@freestyleriley

Carrick O’Neill

Riding Since: 2018

The Donek you ride (or will ordering): 135 Saber SBX

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline: Boardercross

Hometown: Excelsior, MN

Home Mountain: Hyland Hills

Most memorable moment on your board: Learning to rip up side hits at Steamboat and  shredding the Woodward park at Copper Mountain in the spring of 2021 with all the USASA riders who were gearing up for the last big contests.

Season riding goal: My goals for this season are to finish first in Minnesota for Boardercross, qualify for nationals, and finish in the top 3 at Nationals. I also want to qualify for Nationals in Alpine, Halfpipe, and Slopestyle like my big brothers.

Long term riding goal: I hope that I will be riding a lot

Biggest inspiration: My dad and my brothers who encouraged me to get out there and ride!

Other hobbies: When I am not snowboarding I love to play baseball and football. 

Shout outs: To all my friends in the Upper Midwest and my crew the BENT OXEN.

Instagram: @carrickshreds

Website: https://www.bentoxen.com/the-team/carrick

Cian O’Neill

Riding Since: 2014 and competing since 2017

The Donek you ride (or will ordering): 145 Saber BX

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favorite Discipline: Boardercross and Halfpipe

Hometown: Excelsior, MN

Home Mountain: Hyland Hills

Most memorable moment on your board:  Hearing my name being called for a top 10 finisher at Nationals…3 times!

Season riding goal: I have three goals for this season!

  1. Learn at least five new tricks
  2. Finish first in our Region
  3. Get on the Podium at Nationals

Long term riding goal:  Would love to compete at the X-Games

Biggest inspiration: Shaun White and Red Gerard

Other hobbies: I play on a traveling baseball team and love it! I am also trying out tackle football for the first time.  I love to ride around on my skateboard, too!  I like to build stuff including jumps for our front yard snowboard park!

Shout outs: Big shout out to the USASA, especially the awesome people in the Upper Midwest Snowboard Series. And to my mom, she is awesome.

Instagram: @cianrides

Website: https://www.bentoxen.com/the-team/cian

Seamus O’Neill

Riding Since: 2010

The Donek you ride (or will ordering): 150 Saber BX 

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favorite Discipline: Boardercross

Hometown: Excelsior, MN

Home Mountain: Hyland Hills

Most memorable moment on your board:  The first time I sent “Super” which is the biggest jump at my home mountain Hyland Hills. I love the feeling of overcoming my fears.

Season riding goal: I have three goals for this year:

  1. Make the podium in at least three boardercross events!
  2. Win at least one boardercross event.
  3. Qualify for Nationals.

Long term riding goal: Continue to race boardercross and get faster each time! 

Biggest inspiration: Red Gerard

Other hobbies: My other love is baseball where I play on a traveling team!  I also enjoy playing football, wiffle ball, and playing video games.

Shout outs: Shout out to all the awesome people who run the Upper Midwest Snowboard Series and to the riders who make it an awesome community.

Instagram: @seamusrides

Website: https://www.bentoxen.com/the-team/seamus

Kayley Warren

Riding Since: 2022

The Donek You Ride (or Will Order):  Junior Custom 130 cm

Regular or Goofy:  Regular

Favourite Discipline :  I like them all, but my favorite is Boardercross!

Hometown:  Sugar Land, TX

Home Mountain: Copper Mountain and Keystone, Colorado

Most Memorable Moment on Your Board:

When I won my 1ST USASA National Championship Gold Medals in both Giant Slalom and Slalom in 2024. I have never had race training, and that was only the 2nd time I’ve ever been on a giant slalom or slalom course. When I posted the top times, I was so surprised!

Season Riding Goal:  To learn new skills, progress, and to HAVE FUN!

Long-Term Riding Goal:  To make it to the Olympics! 

Biggest Inspiration:  Chloe Kim, Eileen Gu, Ester Ledecka, Nick Baumgartner and Theo Mclemore

Best Piece of Advice:  Keep trying and NEVER GIVE UP!!

Other Hobbies:  Skiing, swimming, tumbling, cheerleading, volleyball, surfing, ice skating, skateboarding, hiking, biking, traveling and reading.

Shout Outs:  Donek! My SLBC and Nest family, my first coach Balta (Gismondi) for recognizing and cultivating that “spark” in me, Ellah Cowan – AMAZING person and mentor, Yutian Pan and Remy Coker –  BEST riding partners, Theo “the Great” Mclemore, USASA RMS, my coaches at TSST, my girl crew at SSWC, Alan Hutchins, David Vasichko and AA Machine and Fabrication for believing in me and supporting my dreams!

Last but not least, Mommy and Daddy for all their LOVE and support and EVERYTHING they do for me.

Instagram: @kayleyshreds

Ethan Edwards

Riding since 2017

The Donek you ride Pulse, Knapton Twin, Saber

Board size 163

Regular or Goofy. Regular

Favorite Discipline Giant Slalom and Slalom

Home town Snow Camp, NC

Home mountain Sugar Mountain, NC

Most memorable moment on your board. Riding with Ryan Knapton at USASA Nationals

Season riding goal top five in GS at Nationals

Long term riding goal NORAM/FIS racing

Biggest inspiration Nevin Galmarini and Ryan Knapton

Other hobbies Surfing, Skateboarding, Motorcycles, and Slack-lining

Shout outs Adam Thompson, Pew Lee, Teammates at sugar, and Family 

Instagram @EthanBurkeEdwards 

Kate Gunn

Riding Since:  2018

The Donek you ride:   130 Saber SBX

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline (BX, SS, SL, HP, GS, CARVE):   Giant Slalom

Hometown: Powell, WY

Home Mountain: Red Lodge Mountain, Red Lodge, MT

Most memorable moment on your board:  Beating all the adult women snowboarders in our Town Series GS race.

Season riding goal:  Compete in my first boardercross and land some new grabs in the park.

Long term riding goal: To medal at USASA Nationals

Biggest inspiration: My family (Mom, Dad and Max) and the grown-up carvers at my mountain who help and encourage me.

Best piece of advice: If you want to be good at something, you have to be willing to be bad at it first.

Oher hobbies:  Soccer, Legos, playing with my brother

Shout outs: Audra and Forrest at Red Lodge Mountain for helping me get better every day on the mountain and just being nice.

Instagram:  MontanaGroms

Max Gunn

Riding Since: 2018 (2 years old)
The Donek you ride : Saber for racing a SBX, Custom Junior for park
Board Size: 125 – park board, 127 – racing board
Regular or goofy: Goofy
Favourite Discipline: BoarderCross and Slopestyle
Hometown: Powell, WY
Home Mountain: Red Lodge Mountain, Red Lodge Montana
Most memorable moment on your board: Having Lindsey Jacobellis volunteer to be our Boarder Cross
Coach at USASA Nationals last year since we don’t have a travelling coach
Season riding goal: This season I’d like to land a Tame Dog, a board slide to 270 off a rail, and to beat my
Dad in racing
Long term riding goal: I’d like to make it to the Dew Tour or the X-games
Biggest inspiration: Forrest Logan – I see the things he does in the park, then I want to do it
Best piece of advice: You’re not going to be great the first time you do something
Other hobbies: Soccer, Legos, building things out of cardboard, and working in the timber shop for the
family
Shout outs: Silver Run Snowboard Team! All of our Red Lodge Snowboard racing family (Eirik, Stefan,
Gretchen and David)
Instagram: MontanaGroms

Piper Beach

Riding Since: 2018
The Donek you ride: Pulse 158
Board Size: 158
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favorite Discipline : GS
Hometown: Roxbury, New Jersey
Home Mountain: Hunter Mountain, New York
Most memorable moment on your board: Breaking my wrist in 2023 while racing GS at Hunter
mountain.
Season riding goal: To get faster and lower in my GS turns.
Long term riding goal: To reach my full potential as a rider and to compete at the best of my abilities.
Biggest inspiration: My sisters, every time they work hard on the snow it makes me want to work twice
as hard.
Best piece of advice: To work hard and always show good sportsmanship to fellow athletes.
Other hobbies: Soccer and Lacrosse.
Shout outs: To Coach Brian Cook, Camelback Mountain, PA, and PASEF where I learned the basics of
racing and developed a lot as a rider.
Instagram: 3snowboarders

Ripley Rowland

Riding Since: 2021

The Donek you ride : junior

Board Size: 135

Regular or goofy: regular

Favourite Discipline : jumps

Hometown: Mountianburg AR   

Home Mountain: Wolf Creek

Most memorable moment on your board: Riding with my dad on black diamonds

Season riding goal: hit jumps and carve

Long term riding goal: double back flip

Biggest inspiration: My daddy

Best piece of advice: get sleep

Other hobbies: dance, cheer and sing

Charlotte Proctor

Riding Since: 2013
The Donek you ride: B1s ** or Saber Custom.
Board Size: 152
Regular or goofy: Goofy
Favourite Discipline: ALL- going fast
Hometown: Brewster, NY
Home Mountain: Killington, VT & Hunter Mountain
Most memorable moment on your board: Riding in the trees with my father at Copper Mtn while there for nationals.
Season riding goal: Top 5 at Nationals in at least one category.
Long term riding goal: World Cup for racing.
Biggest inspiration: Lindsey Jacobellis, Shaun White, and Scotty Lago
Best piece of advice: Everything will be alright in the end, and if it’s not alright, it’s not the end.
Other hobbies: Wakeboarding, fishing, music and drawing.
Shout outs: To my coaches- Dave Hirschberg, Devon Gulick, Ryan Sihler and KC Gandee who have
always pushed me. My parents for all their support and driving. The USASA Catskill Mountain Series-
Bob Basil!
Instagram: @snowboardingchar.

Tyler England

Riding Since: November 2013
The Donek you ride (or will order): B-1s & Transition
Board Size: 154 & 147
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favourite Discipline (BX, SS, SL, HP, GS, CARVE): BX & SS
Hometown: Broomfield CO
Home Mountain: Copper
Most memorable moment on your board: Landing a Rodeo7 by myself when I was supposed to be at
Nationals SBX practice, asked a stranger to video me so my dad would believe it.
Season riding goal: Landing 1080s multiple ways
Long term riding goal: To be the first Olympian to compete in SBX and Big Air
Biggest inspiration: Zeb Powell & Red Gerrard’s Olympic Gold
Best piece of advice: Ride for yourself and have fun no matter if you are freeriding or competing
Other hobbies: Video Games, E-bikes & Skateboarding
Shout outs: My boys @idunostellan @jacemason5287 and @one_team_int and @snowverb
Instagram: @ty_shredzz

 Brianna Cook

Riding Since: 3 years old

The Donek you ride (or will order): Saber 140

Regular or goofy: Regular

Favourite Discipline: BX, SL, HP, GS, SS

Hometown: Valencia, California  

Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain

Most memorable moment on your board: Winning first place in boardercross at the 2021 and 2022 USASA Snowboard Nationals

Season riding goal: Making it on the podium at Nationals this year.

Long term riding goal: To make the US Snowboard Team

Biggest inspiration: Chloe Kim, Lindsey Jacobellis, Maddie Mastro

Best piece of advice: If you are not having fun when you are riding your not doing it right.

Other hobbies: gymnastics, hiking, and traveling

Shout outs: Thank you to my family for supporting me in my journey

Instagram: @brianna.lynn.cook

Lily Cook

Riding Since: 2016/ 4 years old

The Donek you ride: 147 Saber

Regular or Goofy: Regular

Favorite Discipline: SBX, SS, GS

Hometown: Valencia, CA

Home Mountain: Mammoth Mountain

Most memorable moment on your board: Winning first place in SBX at the 2025 USASA Snowboard Nationals

Season riding goals: Learn at least 5 new tricks

Long-term riding goals: Being a US team Olympian

Biggest inspiration: Chloe Kim, Maddie Mastro, Jamie Anderson

Best piece of advice: “Fall. Learn. Try again.”

Other hobbies: Gymnastics, Swimming, and Hiking

Shoutouts: My Mom, Dad, and sister Bri

Instagram: @lilianarcook

Facebook Profile: Lilianarcook

Sydney Howard

Riding Since: 2
The Donek you ride (or will order): Saber and Talon
Board Size: 163 and 158
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favorite Discipline (BX, SS, SL, HP, GS, CARVE): Bx
Hometown: Bolton Vermont
Home Mountain: Stowe/ Bolton Valley
Most memorable moment on your board: dislocating my hip doing a backflip
Season riding goal: maintaining national title in Gs and SL and improve on my technique for gates and Bx
and do well at the Canadian nationals.
Long term riding goal: Get on the US national snowboard team for alpine events and overall be the best
snowboarder I can possibly be.
Biggest inspiration: Charlotte Banks and Chloe Kim
Best piece of advice: Don’t stop doing something you love just because of an obstacle, find a way to
continue to move forward and don’t look back.
Other hobbies: Soccer, sign language
Shout outs: Mom (Kimberly Ead) and Dad (Derek Howard)
Instagram:sydney.howard_nvt
Facebook Athlete Page: Sydney Howard

International Amateur Athletes

Neva Peterson

Riding Since: 2017
The Donek you ride: Junior 115
Regular or goofy: Regular
Favorite Discipline (BX, SS, SL, HP, GS): Boardercross because it has pumping and banked turns and you get to race people!!
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Home Mountain: Sunshine Village Banff
Most memorable moment on your board: Racing boardercross at the 2019 Nissan Supergirl Pro
and getting to ride with Lindsey Jacobellis and Zoe Bergmann!
Season riding goal: Learning spins and grabs in the halfpipe
Long term riding goal: To compete in the Olympics by doing flips in the halfpipe and racing
boardercross.
Biggest inspiration: Watching all the women’s competitions in X-Games and Olympics. I
especially love watching records be made, like Maddie Mastro landing her double crippler 900,
and Anna Gasser landing her cab triple underflip!! I can’t wait to set some records myself some
day!
Best piece of advice: Keep going after your goals, even when it gets hard. Eventually you will
get it!
Other hobbies: BMX Racing, Skateboarding, Mountain Biking
Shout outs: USASA Southeastern Series where I got my start, Team Utah where I trained last
season, and AMP Snowboarding Team where I’ll be taking it to the next level this season! Also,
Shred Dog Gear who keeps me ready to shred no matter the weather conditions!
Instagram: @AwakenArtemis

Brynlee Chappell

Riding Since: 2021

The Donek you ride : Saber & Talon

Board Size: 130

Regular or goofy: regular

Favourite Discipline: SL & GS

Hometown: Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Home Mountain: Alpine Ski Club

Most memorable moment on your board:  Winning my age group at USASA Nationals and U13 at Canadian Jr Nationals in Slalom, and 2nd in GS at both Nationals as well.

Season riding goal: transition to riding a hardboard more often during training.

Long term riding goal: represent Canada at the Olympics for Alpine snowboarding

Biggest inspiration: My biggest inspiration is Kalie Buck! My coaches introduced me to her two years ago, and ever since then I’ve looked up to her so much. I hope I can be just like her one day!

Best piece of advice: You Got This! Don’t Give Up!

Other hobbies: skateboarding, wake surfing, wakeboarding, competitive dance, golfing, running, swimming, tumbling.

Shout outs: Big shoutout to my mom and dad for giving me so many awesome opportunities and always supporting me! And thanks so much to my coaches for making training super fun and helping me try my hardest!

Instagram: @brynleechappell

 

Sam Carpenter

Riding Since: age 7 (2015)

The Donek you ride: B-1SS

Board Size: 163

Regular or goofy: Goofy

Favourite Discipline : SBX and SS but I love a good Banked slalom

Hometown: Middle Sackville, CANADA

Home Mountain: Martock

Most memorable moment on your board: Winning 2024 Burton mystery series or 5th place at Nationals banked slalom

Season riding goal: Top 200 Fis Ranking

Long term riding goal: Top 50 Fis Ranking

Biggest inspiration: Sam Sulek or the tren twins

Best piece of advice: You need to build the car before you polish up the paint

Other hobbies: Bodybuilding and door to door sales

Shout outs: Mom and Dad

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam.carpenter.fit/

Snapchat Sam_Carpenter23

Youtube- SamCarpy.Fit08