With an amazing win at the 2009 U.S. Open pipe finals and a previous first place at the ‘09 X-games, Torah Bright confirmed that she is the one to watch (if you didn’t know) in the Superpipe for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Torah also won Amp Energy Best Trick award for a sweet lil switch backside 720. As a little history factoid, Torah now ties Kelly Clark for most pipe wins at the Open. Torah talks reverse camber tech, her sister as a role model and more in our pre-Roxy Chicken Jam interview.

Leading off, what’s the U.S. Open mean to you?

The US Open is one of the most prestigious events in snowboarding. It has been around from the beginning and is still going. It is just so special to be a part of and carry on the tradition in snowboarding.

As a quick follow-up, what’s your favorite Open moment?

Not sure which one or what has been my favorite moment(s). But the two years that I took out the Global Open series were pretty good!

Looking back, what were the 06 Olympics like? Representing Australia? Your sister was in the 2002 Olympics for skiing. Did she give you any tips?

Representing Australia in the 06 Olympics was amazing! The only tip my sister gave me was to “have fun”… And I did.

Coming up, you must have had a role model. Is there anybody snowboarding today or in the past who you look up to?

I have always admired my sister Rowena (Olympic skier for Australia), in every aspect of her life, from her career to the way she lives her life.

Ok let’s talk gear now. What’s your current set-up, waist width and angles on your board?

I ride the Roxy Bright Edition, Eminence Board 149. I am goofy, and I ride – front foot: 18” and back foot: -9” stance width is 21 inch.

I know that you helped design your own line of Roxy gear including your snowboard. One of the hottest trends in snowboarding right now is reverse camber technology. Tell me your thoughts: Real deal or cheating?

Nothing is cheating, these technologies just enhance the how much fun you can have on the mountain! I love to ride the BTX on every sort of terrain!

Roxy is well known for its surf products. As a perk, do you get to do a lot of surfing and traveling with other Roxy athletes like Kjersti Buass, Sarah Burke or Sophia Mulanovich?

I get to see Kjersti and Sarah quite a bit. Sophia not so much, although I would love to go to more tropical destinations with them and do some surfing! (writer’s note: looks like Roxy needs to send these girls surfing.)

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and who would you be with?

I would be soaking in some sun on some tropical island with my family, boyfriend and friends!!

In regards to travel, how do you like to travel? Any special requirements?

I just require a teleporter!

You must have a lot of gear to schlep around. Any travel tips?

Pack as little as you can!

So picture this. It’s right before the big contest. Any pre-competition rituals?

No rituals or superstitions of any kind.

I’m sure everyone wonders this: how do you psych yourself up to keep trying new tricks after taking a big slam like the one Elena Hight took (Good vibes to her)?

It all part of the games, taking the slams. And taking those knocks while you are learning new things too. I think what makes me keep trying new things is just wanting to be the best I can be.

How has the recent economic downturn affected you? Contest changes, sponsorships being cancelled for sick new riders, things that you watch out or are worried about?

Companies are all suffering from the economic state right now. But everyone seems to be managing. Budgets are tighter right now, but that is not necessarily a bad thing either, less wasted money in the world.

What is the biggest thing you miss about Australia when you’re traveling? Take-away fish and chips? Rugby?

Tim tams and meat pies, but mostly just everything about Australia!

OK. It’s word association time. Tell us the first thing that comes to mind.

Europe – Cheese
Chicken – Jam
Powder – Fun
Vermont – Cold
Pipe – Super
Skateboard – Hard
Facebook – Silly
Kjersti – Buaas
Bright – not so

Posted by Hoon on Monday, March 30th, 2009 in Snow.

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