Tina Basich

Tina is often referred to as a “renaissance woman” for her unique combination of athleticism, philanthropy, and creativity. She has been competing since 1986. Currently, she’s focused more on her artistic side, with her shop “My Favorite Things”  and of course, on being a mom.
In case you weren’t aware of her super-awesome-shredtasticness, here are some career highlights:

  * First woman to successfully land a backside 720 in competition (at the 1998 Winter X Games Big Air)
  * Had the first women’s pro-model board (with Shannon Dunn, who got hers at the same time)
  * Was one of the founders of Boarding for Breast Cancer
  * Medals in international competition, including the Winter X-Games, US Open, and Sims Invitational
  * Hosted girl action sports TV show GKA

Want to know more about Tina? Check out her autobiography Pretty Good for a Girl. Our review of the book is here.
Interview

How do you like being a mom?
I love every moment. It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever known.

Besides motherhood, what have you been up to?
I’m been busy with my gift store My Favorite Things: creative gifts and treasures, that I opened in 2005. I make most of the items in the shop so I’ve been crafting it up during Addison’s naps!

Do you still get in plenty of shred time, or have you decided to take a break from riding?
I had to take a break from snowboarding while I was pregnant. I was not willing to risk it at all. I felt like I needed to be protective of my body more than ever and even though I might trust my own riding, I don’t trust every other rider or skier on the hill. So I played it safe and stayed off the mountains. I was so thrilled that Addison was on her way into my life I was okay having a break from snowbaording, I kept involved in other ways, GKA was finishing up our last season and there were project that I could do without being on the hill. And photo shoots without showing my growing tummy!

Pirates or ninjas?
PIRATES!

Do you still have an active role in the snowboarding industry?
I’m still very involved with Boarding for Breast Cancer. GKA is nominated for a Billie award this year by the Women’s Sports Foundation, which is very exciting, and I’m getting back out on the mountain to catch up on my riding.

Seems like a lot of pros of your generation are popping out babies. Do you have pro-snowboarder play dates?
We should!

There seem to be many different pronunciations of your name floating around. Is that annoying? What’s the correct way to say it?
Bass( like a fish)-itch. Funny when you spell it out like that!

Favorite all-girl shred film?
I haven’t seen the latest .... I’ll get back to you on that one.

What do you think the best thing about the changes in women’s’ snowboarding in the last 10 years is? The worst?
I’m really impressed with the halfpipe riding for the ladies. The girls are going bigger and spinning more, they are really stepping it up. It’s great to see the young generation who started out when they were 10 now making a difference in the path that women’s snowboaridng is taking.

Are you starting Addison on skis or a snowboard?
I think we will start with a saucer or a sled! Then work on our snowman making skills. Then move into snowboarding.

What age do you plan on starting her on snow?
Not sure, maybe when she’s 4 or 5?

How long til we have a famous pro snowboarder mini Basich?
We will see! I hope she will love it as much as I do, but I will support her in what ever her passion will be.

How do you feel about contest moms? Do you intend to avoid that, or embrace it?
What exactly is a contest mom?? is that like a soccer mom? Because I might get a minivan next.

What will you do if your daughter decides to take up some really embarrassing sport like extreme snowshoeing or ski blading?
I’ll support her with all of my heart!

What about something really dangerous?
I’ll have trouble with that one. I’m so in love I can’t imagine how it will feel to have her taking dangerous risks.

What’s the most creative excuse you can think of to skip work for a powder day? Or did you have to stop doing that now that you’re a responsible mom.
I’ve never had to play hooky. But Addison is not taking a bottle so a day of snowboarding involves grandma in the lodge with Addie

Any advice for other shredders getting ready to have kids?
Be ready to devote your life to your child, nothing else will matter after you meet them for the first time. She comes first in every decision I make.

If a young girl asked you why she should try snowboarding, what would you say?
It’s a ride of a lifetime.

Posted by Kelly Vance on 05/23