Being that today is father's day, we decided it would be nice to look into the lives of a few shreds out there who split their time taking care of some little beings and making a career on snow. Devun Walsh, Mikey Pederson and Jordan Mendenhall break it down for us.
DEVUN WALSH
Daddy Walsh
How many kids? Names? How old?
Two kids and a dog.
Isla is 1 years old and emme is 3 years old. Calla our faithful yellow lab is 9.
How tough is it to balance taking care of a kid while being a pro shred?
It's tough in the winter when you need to chase snow but you get a lot of down days and the summers are incredible for the amount of hang time you get with them.
Do they ever join you riding?
My 3 year old started skiing and going to ride magic chair with her and my wife was definitely one of my lifetime highlights
Whats the learning curve in changing diapers vs. snowboard tricks
Diaper changing is mellow. I think it's much easier than snowboarding. No risk of falling!
Whats your favourite thing about being a dad
Just getting to spend time with them and seeing them grow and learn bits incredible how smart they are.
Has having kids changed how much of a risk you take in your riding?
I've always been real calculated so no not really. I've always only done things I'm a 100 percent confident I can pull off.
How tough is it taking care of a kid, while being a professional snowboarder?
I'm a single dad and Ry spends most of his time with his mom in Quebec. I had him for 2 months in the winter though and my mom came from Prince Rupert to help out while I was sledding. I had him for 1 month on my own though and that was definitely a challenge getting him to daycare, organizing all his baby stuff for the day and getting my shit together for sledding. I'd also have to rush back to pick him up before 5. Typically I'd have to bring a radio up and just meet up with the crew out there...it was fun.
What ages were the hardest?
It was the toughest when he was in the tummy because the girls get all of them horomones going and it was a bit of a head trip.
How has having the kid changed your snowboarding career lifestyle? Or not?
Having a little guy makes me realize how much more there is to life than just snowboarding. I'm trying to do what ever I have to do get my little family dream happy and functional and at the same time keeping focused on my potential and not letting it slip. If the family doesn't pan out I will continue to see him as much as I can and have more inner rage to help not be a pussy when its time to get rad. Having my son stuck in Quebec has to be the Toughest thing I'll ever have to deal with.
Is there anything about your life as a snowboarder you wouldn't want your kids to find out about you?
No, I wouldn't want to hide anything from my Ry. I want him to be an honest person. I guess the way to get that result is to practice the same values with him.
Has having kids changed how much of a risk you take in your riding?
When you've lost so much, what more do you reallly have left to lose... just kidding. No it's the opposite. You gotta take some risks or else no one is gonna notice or care about your riding, including your own kid haha. At the same time it's not stunt boarding. I wanna make my boy proud but have him appreciate the style and approach you choose with snowboarding. Finding flavourful features that havent been getting hit for 10 years, and floating some smooth stuff down to steep landings. That's where my motivation is these days. I'm Ready for the funnest season of all time and staying positive no matter what happens.
Mikey's Recut From Yes Snowboard's "Yes It's A Movie"
There were some pretty ruthless tantrums at age 3.
Do they ever join you riding?
I've tried to take him, but he's completely uninterested.
Whats the learning curve in changing diapers vs. snowboard tricks?
I think you have to change 10,000 diapers to become a master.
How has having a kid changed your snowboarding career lifestyle? Or not?
I'm a pretty mellow person, so if anything, I've become more mellow. Or just old.... I'm not sure.
Whats your favourite thing about being a dad?
Watching this little being that you've created grow and evolve into an individual. Spending time with someone who knows what life is all about. Having fun. Instead of worrying about a bunch of shit that doesn't matter.
Has having kids changed how much of a risk you take in your riding?
Definitely. I went from Being scared all of the time, to being extremely terrified all of the time.
Jordan's Segment From Iconic Film "Burning Bridges"
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