Betty of the Month: Michelle Zeller
Age: 21
Hometown: Antioch,CA
Home Mountain: Breckenridge,CO
Years Riding: 6
Recent Results: 1st place CBS Collegiate Nationals, 3rd place USASA Nationals open class slopestyle,14th place New Zealand Open Slopestyle
Sponsors: GNU, Roxy
What inspired you to take your riding to the next level and start competing?
I was inspired to compete after watching the 2002 Winter Olympics and seeing Kelly Clark take home the gold. My first competition was in 2004 which was a Forum Youngbloods slopestyle. Shortly after, I started competing in USASA in 2005 and qualified for nationals that season.
Video of Michelle from the 2009/2010 preseason
Michelle Zeller at Abasin and Loveland Preseason from Michelle Zeller on Vimeo.
Do you set goals for the season, or just play it by ear?
I definitely set goals for each season. I usually create my competition schedule before November. Many contests are close together or overlap so it is important to prioritize and make travel plans. I also have a trick list on my computer.
Most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you on a snowboard?
When I was a camper at Windells back in 2004, I set my board down after hiking a rail and it went flying down the mountain to crash into a rock. The whole camp watched as it flew down the run and I was really embarrassed.
Pirates or Ninjas?
Pirates! Because they have guns and travel the world.
What’s the most annoying trend in snowboarding?
The strange fashions. The gangster look that requires a ridiculously wide stance and the gypsy look which requires ridiculously tight pants and dream catchers seems a bit excessive to me.
Once you’re a rich and famous snowboarder, what’s the first thing you’ll do with all that sponsor cash?
The first thing I would do is book a Heli-trip to Alaska! I have always dreamed of going to Alaska and riding powder.
Our readers are getting ready to buy new gear - what 09/10 stuff do you love from your sponsors?
I love my 09/10 GNU B-nice 148cm snowboard with Banana traction and my GNU B-nice Fast-tek bindings. The Banana traction is amazing on all terrain and helps me keep my edge in the pipe. The GNU B-nice Fast-tek bindings help me clip in fast and gets rid of the problem of having to constantly adjust your straps, the bindings are super comfortable too!I also love my new Roxy Bicycle Jacket because it is long and fitted, girls jackets tend to be too short.
Mittens or Gloves?
Lately I’ve been using Mittens because they keep your fingers warmer!
Which contests should readers look for you at this season?
U.S. Grandprix at Copper and Mammoth
Mountain Dew Tour at Breck
USSA Chevy Revolution Tour at Copper
U.S. Open
Canadian Open
Billabong Flaunt it in California
North Face Masters in Utah
Any final thoughts?
Fear is the result of too much thinking, don’t let fear hold you back.
Favorites:
Park Feature: Jumps
Snowboard video: They came from…
Non Snowboard Activity: Figure Skating
Cartoon: Rocket Power
Pro Rider: Torah Bright
Snack: Hot Fries
Inspiration: Lara Croft
Posted by Kelly Vance on 12/04
