Words &photos: Devin Jewel Silverthorne-Lillie
Last week, Transworld Snowboarding brought the 18th annual Riders’ Poll Awards to VNTRbirds’ very own backyard in Breckenridge, Colorado. This ceremony is basically the Oscar’s for snowboarders- the most, supreme kudos a snowboarder can achieve. The best part is how community driven the awards are, and of course the party with complimentary Yeti mugs! Everyone (thousands of fans and readers), have the chance to make an impact on our favorite snowboarders.
Specifically looking at the women’s category, here are the awards given and their worthy recipients:
Readers Choice Award: Jess Kimura
Devin and Jess Kimura speaking their minds
Full-time badass, made us all proud with how driven she is. Overcame a shoulder injury, self-released her video part, has captured the hearts of those hell-bent on the love of the shred. Voted for the people by the people!
Best Video Part: Robin Van Gyn
Leanne Pelosi, Devin and Robin Van Gyn in selfie mode
Robin Van Gyn back flipped her way thorough AK pillow lines in Full Moon film, solidifying her for the win of best video part . A true backcountry ripper, Robin amazes us all with constant grace, utmost determination, and always with a smile on her face. If you haven’t seen Full Moon- you should put that on your checklist as a must see!
Rider of the Year: Kimmy Fasani
Voted as rider of the year has surprised us all with her levels of well-rounded progression. From urban streets, to backcountry surf sessions with double backies and huge airs, her video part proved she can conquer all! Her full part in Absinthe Films’ After and Forever dictates her flow and style with big mountain competency well.
Rookie of the Year: Klaudia Mendova
She blew us away in her video part with the most stylish rotations, effortless switch back rodeos, and a well deserved OMG! Her video part deserves an OMG because this girl is snowbird, with serious aerial and rail skills alike. Big floaters, perfect rotations, hand-drag front flips Klaudia had her way with the invite only Nine Queens event in Austria, stomping tricks that engraved her name forever in snowboarding Bible for women.
Peoples Choice Award: Leanne Pelosi
Party never stops for the Full Moon girls
Leanne Pelosi was equally as excited about the experience of the award ceremony as I was. She said Whistler had a late winter kickoff just like TUB was experiencing in Breckenridge. She shared the stoke- that WINTER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED, with Breckenridge. Well-thank you Leanne you must have brought the snow with you! Have a safe season out there everyone! Go fast- take chances! Thanks for tuning in.