SCOUT: searching for talent across the country and featuring stand out skiers one at a time. On this edition of Scout, we catch up with Rylan Evans. Rylan has found the elusive balance of chasing a career he loves, earning a degree and maintaining the idea that it’s all about fun. We love that Ryland finds his success by keeping his intentions pure and objectives simple despite choosing an unconventional life path, power to you Rylan!
FAST FACTS
Name: Rylan Evans
Age: 19
Years Skiing: 17
Hometown: Chatham, Ontario
Team: Ontario Team
Sponsors: Salomon, Swany Gloves, Scott.
Best Trick: Triple Cork 14
Claim to Fame: Winning Aspen Open Slopestyle, 2019
INTERVIEW WITH RYLAN EVANS
SBC: How would you describe your signature style?
RE: Smooth, and Aggressive. I like to charge pretty hard and go big on jumps, but I feel I keep it pretty smooth, with nice flow to my runs. I try to hold my grabs as long as possible and keep my arm movement to a minimum.
SBC: What progression have you seen in yourself?
RE: I was actually a mogul skier until I was 15, and then made the switch to park because I liked the thought of having much more options/freedom. It was a fun challenge to learn skiing again in a whole other way, but it is coming along pretty well. I just learned switch double cork 1260 a few days ago! Another progression I have seen in myself is my mental strength and confidence. When it comes to doing tricks I know I can do, I’ve learned to push any hesitation away, and get after it. It really helps me optimize my training.
SBC: What do you think is trending in ski culture that shouldn’t be?
RE: Insanely expensive food in ski lodges. C’mon, the kid just wants to grab a slice of pizza, without having to sell everything to my name…
SBC: What are you crushing on your playlist?
RE: Wow, this is tough to answer. I range from EDM to the most mellow playlist. It really depends on vibes, weather, and who I’m skiing with. If I need to get fired up I usually go for some EDM, I like the chaos of the music.
SBC: What is your current balance life that incorporates life as a student and a skier?
RE: All throughout high school, I took online courses which really helped since I was always on the road. After graduating, I took a couple of years off, but plan on going to the University of Guelph for Business this coming fall. I’m going to only do one semester a year though, so I can continue to ski. It’s definitely tough not being in class all the time, but every day you’re out skiing, you realize its worth not taking the traditional path, and that pushes you to get the work done.
SBC: Any thoughts for the next generation of skiers out there?
RE: It’s going to sound so cliché, but it is so true. You should be skiing for one purpose, and that’s to have fun. Don’t spend time worrying about not having certain tricks, or go chasing results. Everything will fall into place and come along if you’re having fun doing it.
SBC: How are you cross-training these days?
RE: I’ve always been really into sports, so when I’m not skiing you can find me playing various sports with my buddies, or in the gym. I also have a trampoline and a backyard rail setup at my house that I love to spend time on. Growing up I have lived an athletic lifestyle, so I don’t necessarily think of it as training, just because I enjoy doing it so much.
SBC: Any shout outs?
RE: Huge shout out to my parents, especially my Dad who always supports me no matter the circumstances, and pushes me to become a better version of myself on and off the hill. Shout out to all my sponsors who make sure I’m riding the best, and safest gear. Last but not least, shout out to my brothers for the unconditional support, and everyone in the ski community that makes this sport as special as it is. Oh, and shout out to memecork, for keeping us laughing with their quality content.
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