Brooke Shaw

Home: Connecticut (summers) and Vermont (winters)

Age: 15

Years snowboarding: 8

Sponsors: O’Neill, Swix, Stratton Mountain

Favourite trick: Frontside Boardslide on a rail: “I just learned it… going backwards on a rail.”

Pro role models: Lindsey Jacobellis, Hana Teter, Shaun White

Ideal terrain: Boardercross

Off-snow fun: Soccer, four-wheeling, wakeboarding, surfing

What is the key to success? “Getting over your fears, not being scared,” Brooke says. She’s been intimidated by going big in the pipe and attacking large railslides. “You cannot be scared to go fast. Just go for it.”

What is the best way to kill time on a chairlift? “Talk to your friends… and throw snowballs,” she laughs.

What is your goal in snowboarding? To compete in the X Games and Olympics

Where is the coolest place snowboarding has brought you? Whistler, B.C.

What is your greatest accomplishment in snowboarding? Brooke just competed in a GS race against the top women in the sport. “I came in 15th one day and 13th the next,” she says, “And I was really proud of it.”

What advice would you give to kids with pro snowboarder aspirations? “Have fun and get out and ride.”