Bio
Matt Ladley, an explosive rider out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is rapidly making a name for himself in the snowboard world as an all-around rider. His latest accomplishments include a second-place finish and best trick at the 2009 Arctic Challenge, second at the 2009 Killington Grand Prix Halfpipe, and halfpipe champion at the 2007 Revolution Tour. He’s also scored a slew of top 10-finishes in slopestyle and halfpipe contests during the past four seasons.
Ladley has been training hard expanding his bag of tricks, including back-to-back 1080s in his halfpipe run and a double cork frontside ten crowd pleaser. Ladley’s secret weapon, cab 9 and style for miles.
Q & A
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When did you first start snowboarding? Where/why?
I was 7 years old in Telluride and because I thought it looked way better than skiing. I now always trust my instincts.
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When did you turn pro?
Everybody has a different opinion about what it means to turn “pro” in snowboarding. For me I would say it was when I decided to commit long term and make a career out of it at 15.
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When did you turn pro?
Everybody has a different opinion about what it means to turn “pro” in snowboarding. For me I would say it was when I decided to commit long term and make a career out of it at 15.
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What are the events, wins, memories that stand out most throughout your career so far?
My biggest memory comes from The Oakley Arctic Challenge in 2009 when I placed 2nd in quarterpipe. I couldn’t believe it happened. Also, going down to Chile with Jake Blauvelt and EJax to shred some pow. And last getting my first win at the Mammoth Grand Prix this year in 2011.
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If there’s one thing that people in the industry would recognize you by, what would that be?
It's always hard to judge yourself but hopefully it would be a true passion to snowboard for what it is. Although being such a contest rider I don’t know if that would be the first thing they’d say.
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Word Association:
• Fun= pow laps in Co all day long with friends • Vision= necessary • Friend= good guys, good times • Foe= eh whatever • Greenhouse= little plastic room • Gas= not helpful when on a date
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When did you first start snowboarding? Where/why?
I was 7 years old in telluride and because I thought it looked way better than skiing. I now always trust my instincts.
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If you didn’t snowboard what kind of menial task would you want to do?
Cab driver in NYC. Wait, nevermind.
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If you had to date one person who would it be: Pamela Anderson after Tommy Lee, Snookie from Jersey Shore or your future mom like Michael J. Fox from Back to the Future?
Woof! can I just choose buzz’s girlfriend?
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If you had to share a bathroom with one Oakley rider, who would it NOT be and why?
Craven, because I seen and heard enough of Dustin’s hygiene and judgment with… uh well leave it at that.
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Talent…other than doing no handed pushups:
ping pong, telepathy, making sandwiches
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Your Favorite…(Start with your favorite music artist or something):
Oakleys are… top of the line
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Best song to ride to:
that’s always changing, right now I'm liking 'Heard it through the grape vine'
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First thing you do when you get back from a trip is…
Give mom a hug, through my shit on the floor and call some friends.
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A lot of riders never get to go to Prom, did you go, who did you take or who would you ask if you could go today?
I'm really not one for school dances anyways but I did happen to go to one prom. I was actually taken by fellow Oakley rider Ellery Hollingsworth.
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What is something that you wouldn't normally tell someone about yourself?
I own a pair of bike shorts
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Do you GTL? In what order?:
I go to the gym, as for the other 2, I naturally get tan when I sleep and my clothes don’t get dirty.
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Dream vacation spot:
I've always wanted to go to Indonesia
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Would you rather get punched in the gut by Mr. T. or super roundhouse kicked in the face by Chuck Norris?
Nobody deserves that sort of roundhouse kick, I'll take the gut punch.
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C-Walking, Head Banging or fist pumping? Which one?:
head bangin
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If the most interesting man in the world wanted to take your girlfriend out would you let him?
I happen to know the most extraordinary gentleman in the world. His name is Steve Dawes, and if the most interesting man in the world is anything like him, then yes, I would.
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People would be super surprised if they knew that you…
read books
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What tricks are you working on?
Every trick I know how to do, front and cab ten double in pipe. Also doubles on jumps.
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You’ve been mistaken for…
Johnny Tsunami, Luke Mitrini, Eric Koston’s non existent son.
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Food…
chocolate milk, burritos, sushi, Chicago dogs
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Taylor Swift or Myley Cyrus? Or if you prefer older, Megan Fox or Diane Krueger?
myley and megan should work.
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Last words…
check out this backie!
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