Alexis Waite
How did you get started snowboarding?
I skied from age two and hated the boots, so I switched to try this new thing [snowboarding] with comfortable boots when I was twelve.
Who gave you your first snowboard?
My parents gave me a Burton Air Craig Kelley, probably like a 160, at age thirteen. I was stoked.
What inspires you to snowboard?
Snowboarding itself inspires me more than anything else, and I know that if I don't give it all I have, I will regret it later on.
What do you enjoy more, park or powder?
Both.
Touring or staying at home?
Right now, I'm still young and I love to travel, but coming home is always sweet, as well. After a week, though, I'm ready to get on the move again.
Who would you rather snowboard with, guys or girls?
I like riding with really good girls, because if they can do something, I make myself do it, as well. It's a healthy competition. However, riding with guys inspires me beyond my preconceived limits.
Who is your favorite snowboarder?
People with strong positive energy and style throughout life all gain my respect.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I block them all out. I really can never remember them.
How did last season (2003-2004) go?
Pretty good, I competed a lot. Unfortunately, I was sick a lot, too, but I got through it pretty well, considering. I am REALLY stoked to be healthy for next season and ready to give it my all.
What did you accomplish last season?
I made the Finals of the X Games Slopestyle and finished 2nd in the Session at Vail's Rail Jam.
Did you learn any new tricks?
Yep, I got my backside handplants on lock now, and I feel really comfortable spinning 5's and doing bigger jumps.
What did you do over the Summer?
Well, my Summer was super fun. I went to Kauai, Hawaii in June, spent July snowboarding at Mt. Hood and coaching at HCSC, bought a house in Bend, Oregon and then went to Whistler to coach at MGT (an all-girl snowboard camp). I plan to spend August in Europe traveling in Sweden and Finland, running the Helsinki marathon, and then heading down to Spain, France or Greece on the ocean.
What do you have planned for the upcoming season?
I plan to film with Misschief Films, a new all-female production company that I believe will change how people view women's riding. I want to stay healthy and have a lot of fun, too!
What's wack about snowboarding now?
The attitudes sometimes, and the seriousness some people put into it. We all started because it was fun, I hate it when people lose that perspective.
Where do you see snowboarding going in the future?
I think snowboarding is maxing out as far as what the human body can take, but I am also still constantly being surprised. I guess the sport is limitless. Snowboarding is going to get crazier, it's going to be nuts soon.
What kind of job do you want after your snowboarding career is over?
I'd love to work in the clothing design field, maybe even start my own clothing line. I could imagine being a yoga instructor, as well.
Do you have any advice for beginners?
Your dreams and aspirations can happen, just keep your head right and work hard!
What do you want for Christmas?
I'd love a little Husky puppy, but that won't happen for years.
Have you ever seen Bigfoot? If not, would you like to?
Of course, I'm from Washington state. This is his home turf.
What bugs you?
People who can't have fun, and misunderstandings that could be avoided.
What kind of dreams do you have (night dreams and things like you'd like to do in the future)?
I'd like to have a clothing line someday.
Where would you rather be right now?
At the moment, Fiji would suffice.
Random
Do you collect anything?
Yes, Gloomy. He's an evil Japanese teddy bear in cartoons that slaughters children. He's pretty intense.
Half-full or half-empty?
FULL.
Something about me that's surprising:
Up until about age sixteen, I was convinced I was going to play on the U.S. Women's World Cup soccer team! I still love soccer.
In my past life, I was a: Native American medicine woman.
I've always wanted to:
I am living my main dream now! More things are yet to come, though.
I have $1,000 in my pocket and fifteen minutes to spend it. I would buy:
Some computer stuff. I need about two hours for spending on clothes. I love clothes and shoes.
Favorites
General: Oh, so many things! The feeling after you land a scary, hard trick; new experiences; boxes of new clothes and shoes being sent to my house; powder on a sunny day then a comfortable, warm place to relax afterward; yoga; running; my parents' dogs; my family and my true friends!
ThirtyTwo boot: Women's Vela, Lashed.
etnies shoe: Trixie, Kitt.
Snow conditions: Light Powder with lots of safe coverage. Slushy, Spring park days are fun, too.
Temperature: I like warm, really warm. Why do I snowboard? I don't know. It's too fun, I guess, besides the cold.
Time of day: Early morning. I'm not up very often for sunrise, but I love it when I am.
Mountain: Steven's Pass and Alpental, Washington. These places are where I learned to snowboard, and are amazing everytime I get to go back.
Home away from home: My Subaru.
Parks (snowboarding): I like Mammoth for park. I know its played out, but it is fun still. Northstar is fun, too!
Street spots (snowboarding): Can't say. That's the lame side of snowboarding.
People: The Misschief girls. We are all good friends, and I can't wait to get this project going.
Food: I like hippie health food. No, really, I do.
Sights: I really like to look at beautiful things and people. Good people always make me smile.
Sounds: Music and laughing.
Smells: Dinner at my parents house, and the smell in the air when snow is coming... it is a strong, good scent.
Textures: Super, super soft cotton.
Music: I've been digging all the new rock coming out lately, some emo stuff and mid-'80s rock.
Movies: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
TV shows: The OC for sure, bro!
Books: I just finished The Da Vinci Code, which was really good. I like books that entertain and teach you about history and culture.
Last book read: Spontaneous Healing by Dr. Andrew Weil. It's about your body's ability to kick some ass through its tougher times.
Magazines: I like Adbusters, Wallpaper and Nylon.
Websites: snowboard.com. Yeah, I'm a nerd!
Art: I love to paint and create mixed-media projects. These days, everything is art, and I think that is actually pretty cool. I am open to stretching boundaries and stereotypes.
Museums: I loved the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Goddessexhibit there last Fall. It was all about the history of ancient Greek clothing lines and cuts in fashion through the ages. Yep, I am a big nerd.
Dinosaurs: Velosa Raptors, because I can imitate that noise they make right before they attack! According to Jurassic Park, that is.
Cities: Seattle and Portland, because they are comfortable; and New York, because that city really has a lot of energy--it isn't just a cliché. I am looking forward to seeing Stolkholm, though.
Colors: Most.
Holidays: My life's a holiday.
Hobbies: Surfing, skating, mountain biking, running, soccer, yoga, sewing, knitting, croqueting, designing, drawing and reading.
Fantasies: That is definitely for only me to know. I have to keep a little privacy.