Megan Ginter: For Real
Josh Otto
Photographer Josh Otto sits down with Shred Betties team rider Megan Ginter to talk about the X Games and snap some photos. For more of Otto’s work, check out his website: http://www.photo-otto.com.
A lot of things come to mind when you think of X Games bronze medalist, Megan Ginter: she’s a Washington grown, humble, independent Shred Betty who will never miss a safety meeting. But after a great week raging and networking at the SIA Tradeshow in Las Vegas, I was able to meet up with her and delve further into the real Megan. At the end of a couple of days catching up with her, I think it’s safe to say that this girl just oozes greatness, it is easy to see how this upbeat 22-year-old from Washington has paved the way to snowboarding greatness, with her positive thinking and her determination. If this is a taste of what’s to come, I think we’re all in store for a great show.
Otto: Tell me just a little about yourself.
Megan Ginter: I’m just an easy going girl from Washington. I’m all about positive thinking and just getting stuff done.
So, when you’re “Chilin back”, hanging out, what kind of ice cream do you like?
Something chocolaty, like rocky road.
What’s your fav food?
I like home cooked food, you know, Italian especially. I have to say lasagna.
What’s your fav TV show?
Well I don’t really watch TV, but I have to say Family Guy and The Simpsons.
What are your goals?
I have a couple of goals for myself: I want to buy a truck, do well in comps, get back-to-back 700’s, and also travel.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Yeah, I have a little sis named Jessi… I helped name her, she’s a cool girl.
Do you have any pets?
Yeah, I have a pit rescue named ‘Shy Dog’ that I’ve had since I was 17. One day I hope to have a bunch of land so I can have all kinds of rescue Pit bulls.
What other things do you like to do when you’re not shredding?
I like riding with my friends and sledding, hiking, knitting, painting, and hanging out with the friends and watching funny movies.
How many years have you been riding?
I learned to ski first, then switched to riding when I was 12. I’ve been riding for 10 years.
So who do you shred with? Who’s your Crew?
Along the lines of Joe Bosler, D, Dani, The Ride Crew, Donni Pickels, Jeff Rudinksi, and Randa Shahin. People who are happy and fun to shred with.
Where were you born?
Redmond, Washington. I love it in Washington.
What do you think of our new Pres, are you stoked?
I really try not to follow politics to much but ya, I hope he can help our economy. Anything is better than what we had.
What kind of music is you your iPod these days
The Sounds, Alice in Videoland, Blondie, Benatar, Lil Wayne, Kings of Leo, Pantera , Modest Mouse.
What kind stuff are you working on right now?
Back 5s, back 7s, and cab 7s. I want to get into the street scene more but I have no time.
So, what was it like coming back from injury
It was really hard for me both mentally and physically, but it was more mental. This was the first major injury I have ever had. Also it was on my mom’s birthday so I had to call her on the way to surgery and say ‘Happy birthday’ and that everything would be fine. The worst part was that my Radial nerve was damaged and I lost feeling and movement for 8 months. The doc said I might not ever get the feeling back. It was a huge challenge learning how to do everything with my left hand.
What kind of education level do you have?
I have a high school diploma. I got in to a home school program when I was going into high school . I figured out there was a better way, still I graduated with a 4.00 and I also received the National Presidential Academical Achievement award.
What kind of other sports did you do as a kid?
Soccer and track (100m and the mile). People always ask me if I am good at basketball for some reason, and I am actually the worst ever.
Do you have any advice for the up-and-coming shreds?
First never let anyone tell you can’t. There’s always going to be more people telling you that you can’t, but you’ve just got to keep on keeping on and have fun because if you’re not having fun, what are you doing? And think positive!
What kind of things are you looking forward to in the summer?
Working on tricks and progressing, and traveling to the southern hemisphere. See new cultures stuff like that.
What was it like at the X Games, were you nervous?
You’re always scared, naturally. You just have to calm you self down and tell yourself that everything will be fine.
Posted by Josh Otto on 02/11
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