Interview with Ride’s new Rookie Pro team member Abby Lockhart.

How did you first get started snowboarding:
I was influenced by my brothers to start snowboarding I grew up skateboarding, surfing and skiing so naturally as my brothers started to snowboard I wanted to also. My brother Tossie gave me my first board it’s a 144 SIMS Stoked!!

How long have you been snowboarding:
I have been snowboarding for 8 years and have done 7 back to back winters.

Did you have any hobbies before snowboarding:
Yeah I was a competitive horse rider growing up, I lived on a farm so I love animals and motor bikes as I got older surfing and skateboarding was more important to me. I was competitive skateboarder as well. I won the NZ skate nationals back in 98 and 99 pretty funny times!! I am also into art I love to draw, paint, make sculptures, crotchet and all crafty hands on things I get into!

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a professional snowboarder:
I think the most rewarding part is been able to have the freedom to travel the world doing what I love!

If you could be another snowboarder for a day who would you be:
It would be fun to be Travis Rice for a day he is insane

What’s your favorite trick:
Cant decide? Riding bottom less pow blasting off natural hits is up there, I also love to tweak out a back one!!

What are your favorite snowboard destinations:
Japan so far cant beat Hokkaido powder!!

Are you ready to come back to the U.S.:
I am ready but wont be back there till the end of the year, I m super excited about getting back to the states its so much fun snowboarding there!!

Where else would you like to travel that you haven’t been:
Well there are a lot of countries I would like to travel here’s a couple of snowy desired destinations, Europe & Scandinavia, Chilli, Russia, Alaska and many more. I really want to go to Africa I love all the exotic animals there!

Whats would you rather do win a major contest or film a video part:
I would defiantly rather film a video part I think that is a lot more rewarding than comps I do enjoy competing though it really doesn’t compare to the satisfaction of getting shots!!!

Have you ever had any injuries from snowboarding:
Yes I have unfortunately recently I have had my a.c.l. in my left knee reconstructed that’s all lately though in my first season I separated my ac joint in my shoulder and then chipped my elbow ouch.

What keeps you positive while dealing with injury:
I stay positive because positively good food and physical programs are what make me heal the fastest. This way i feel the best through injury to some extent it can be mind over matter knowing what you want and where you are going really helps I just work toward that then come out of it physically and mentally stronger.

What advice would you have for girls who are starting out on street rails:
Well a good place to start street rails is a town or city where it snows lots find a nice rail similar to one you have sessioned in the park nothing to gnarly that will scare you just a mellow one maybe get one or two of your mates help out the smaller the crew the better as the public will more than likely tell you to leave once they realize what you are doing so be stealth. Set it up with a jump then make sure you have a drop in and your going to have enough speed check you have enough snow in the landing, shovel out the stairs if you are filming or shooting if not that can be a good way to ease into street rails hit some with buried stairs get the confidence up!! Then go get some!!!

If you could improve one area of your snowboarding what would it be:
Thats a hard question i am constantly trying to improve my overall riding, tricks and style. To pin point it I will say hitting back country jumps and riding some big mountains.

What would be your dream snowboarding trip:
Another hard one so many dreams!! One is to buy a snowmobile and go on a trip with runway films somewhere in BC or the US stay in a cabin in the beautiful mountains have a sick crew of shredders friends to ride with and amp off, build lots of fun jumps and ride amazing terrain. I also dream of heli trips in Alaska!!!

Any big plans or goals for the 09 season:
I am planning to head overseas at the end of 08 I will start out in Japan and have around the world ticket from there. I will be filming and shooting but my plan is to film my first real video part!

If you were a bird what bird would you be and why:
I would be a Kea because they are native to New Zealand and are really beautiful birds full of personality. They love eating berries fruit seeds and nectar, if you are in NZ you can look out for them up the mountains.

Besides fun what else do you think you have gained from your snowboarding career:
I have gained so much Life, people and traveling skills, I have learnt to love and live my life to my fullest!

If you could be a professional athlete outside of snowboarding what sport would it be:
Been a pro Tennis player would be cool, for technical difficulty I would be a pro Skateboarder.

How would you like to start your 09 season:
I want to start my 09 season in Japan riding bottom less powder with my trip all planned out ahead with my around the world ticket ready to go!!!

If you weren’t filling out this interview what would you be doing right now:
Um I would be out on the four wheeler with the trailer and collecting fruit off the farm, Kiwi fruit, Feijoas, tamarillos, oranges, Lemons and limes just fruit stock to take with me to Wanaka cause I love fruit!!

What’s one thing you must have with you at all times:
phone, sunnies, ipod dunno? sometimes i put them all down and its just me!