Betty of the Month: Melissa Spillman

Age: 32

Years Riding: 6 years consistently (plus some occasional riding before that)

Home Mountain: Bear Mountain

Hometown: Big Bear, Ca

Sponsors: Echelon Snowboards, S4 Goggles, The Continuous Line, Thug Krew, All Girl Skate Jam, Schtank Skateboards
Recent Results
SNOWBOARDING:
2nd place in the USASA rail jam finals at the X Games
1st place Volcom PBRJ at Big bear
1st place- Analog Design Unlikely Features- Jan 2012
1st place- Analog Go Huck Yourself- Dec 2011
1st place- USASA Rail Jam Open Class- Dec 2011
1st place Overall National Champion USASA Nationals in Colorado-Aprill 2011
3rd place Transworld Trans Am Finals- March 2011
2nd place Analog Go Huck Yourself- Feb 2011
SKATEBOARDING:
2nd place- Thousand Pines Mini Ramp against all guys-Oct 2011
3rd PLace Thousand Pines Street against all guys-oct 2011
1st place-Big Bear Street-sep 2011
5th place-AGSJ Pro-Invitaional Mini ramp at the warped tour-Aug 2011
4th place-State Games of America-street 16& over sponsored division against all guys-Aug 2011
1st place Bowl Contest at Woodward @ Copper-Aprill 2011, 3rd place Vans Girls Combi Classic-Am-nov 2011
1st place Skate or Rock Bowl contest-Sep 2010


What came first skateboarding or snowboarding?
Snowboarding


What did you think of snowboarding the first time you tried it?
I hated it and I never wanted to do it again, haha!  It was so hard!


Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
Thats a hard one to answer ‘cause I am pretty much an open book, but I guess I would have to say its that I have dislocated my shoulder 44 times.

What tricks are you currently working on? Any superstitions or special techniques for mastering a new trick?
I am currently working on front blunt 270 out and proper front boards….I can do blind front boards to fakie all day but its that looking over your shoulder thing that gets me. A special technique for mastering new tricks is something Molly Aguirre just taught me. Its kinda a self pep talk that goes something like: “Do you wanna be the girl that sits on the sidelines wishing you could do a trick or do you wanna be the girl who DOES the trick!?” and then I just do it.

You started riding a little later in life than the average female competitor, what was your motivation to really give snowboarding your full attention?
I had a problem with drugs and alcohol.  When I quit all that I needed something to fill time. Snowbording was there, so was skating. Hope thats not too honest?

My riding history was sketchy at best before 6 years ago because partying used to be way more important. I remember one season I had a pass and I only used it once because I was so busy getting high. Its amazing what drugs can take away from you. I thank God from saving me from that old life.

Any advice for girls just getting started in the park?
Start small and work your way up. And don’t be afraid to hike a feature over and over again until you learn new tricks.


Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled? Where do you really want to go?
The coolest place I traveled to was Tahoe right after a good storm….pow for days! I really want to go to Mt. Hood and Whistler.

 


What’s the most annoying trend in snowboarding?
I hear some people dis the tight pants tight stance, but I like it, to each his own.  As long as you’re having fun!


Powder or park?
Definately park, we dont get much pow here.


Pirate or ninja? Ninja!


Your dream as a professional snowboarder?
To have fun as long as possible and not to get hurt. The rest is just a bonus!


Favorite new gear from your sponsors?
I love my new Echelon Attack Plan! And my S4 Transfer goggles.


Who inspires you?
My friend Lemee Nakamura cause even if she is scared, she tries new things! Also my friend Jim McDaniel because he is an amazing rider who is also humble and is always teaching people how to learn new tricks. And all my friends who lap the park with me trying to progress themselves!



Would you be more likely to survive a gap over a lake full of piranhas or a rail over boiling lava?
I will choose the rail option over any gap option any day!

Favorites:
Pro rider: Jana Meyen and Tara Dakides

Ice cream: Black Cherry

Movie: Pay it Forward

Imaginary animal: Unicorns!!

Lift snack: granola bars

skate park: Fontana South, Chino and Vans!

Posted by Diana Sciandra on 02/05/2012