US Open Riders to Watch: Hailey Langland
When Hailey Langland hit the contest scene at her first global event in 2014, she didn’t just turn heads. She won.
Over the course of the last two seasons, she has become a regular on prestigious podiums around the world. Juggling the challenges of school, travel and a demanding competition schedule isn’t enough to keep Hailey from riding with a style and confidence well beyond her years. After taking home the Women’s Rookie of the Year award in Transworld Snowboarding’s Rider’s Poll, there is no doubt that the best of Hailey Langland is yet to come.
Women’s Rookie of the Year, not bad. Were you expecting that?
I definitely did not expect to go home with that award. It already meant so much to me to even be nominated with all the other amazing women that were as well, and the outcome was incredible.
What’s your idea of the best run ever?
My idea of the best run ever would definitely be mostly style based. I think it's important to see the comfortability in a trick. Make whatever it is you're doing your own. Grab it, tweak it, poke it, or press it however you want.
You are absolutely charging this season! What motivates you to go so hard?
I just love snowboarding! Whenever I strap into my board I just get really happy and excited. It's the fun factor that I have on my snowboard riding around with friends and having a great time - that keeps me going.
What
do you look for in the ideal snowboard?
My ideal snowboard has to be camber or hard enough to go off big jumps; although I like boards that make it easy to press on the rails.
Do you feel like things have turned up in women’s snowboarding recently?
Definitely. Women's snowboarding is literally jumping leaps and bounds so quickly! With all the girls in slope style now throwing 9's, stepping up their rails, and even girls doing back-to-back 10's in the pipe, it definitely displays that the girls are completely stepping up their game, and it's jaw dropping to watch.
What are your ambitions this year beyond owning the contest scene?
This year, I would really like to try and film a little bit, and maybe get a video part started. I am also trying to get a pow trip planned, so fingers crossed that happens! ∆