Bryn Valaika: Minor Threat

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Words: Pat Bridges
Photos: Oli Gagnon

Thirty-five years ago, the United States Congress passed Title IX, a law requiring gender equality in school-sponsored athletics. This law has yet to take hold on the slopes, where the barriers that separate the sexes are often more apparent than those that separate skiers and snowboarders. But when you have the skills, no matter what your race, creed, color, religion, or gender, you can’t be denied…and Bryn Valaika has never been denied. Whether she’s mingling with the Midget Mafia in the Bear park or lapping Mammoth’s Chair 6 with the X-Tremely Radical Crew, Bryn can hang. If anything, she stands out more in this crowd because of her short locks than for her abilities. Perhaps some of these other young guns should take Bryn’s cue and focus more on growing their bag of tricks instead of their hair!

Name: Bryn Lyndsey Valaika
D.O.B.: 6/19/92
School Grade: 10th
Favorite Subject: Art
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Lundblad
Years Riding: 4
Riding Heroes: Kimmy Fasani
Riding Buddies/Pals/Crew: Lyn-z Adams Hawkins, Keegan Valaika, Tyler Flanagan, Cheyne Brooking, Jared Dawoud, and all the other Bear and Mammoth kids...
Favorite Trick: Front board
Favorite Video: Montréal
Favorite Food: Salad
Favorite Movie: Garden State
Best Band: The Sounds, Lil’ Wayne. Anything good.

Stance: Regular
Width: 21 1/2”
Front Angle: 15°
Rear Angle: 15°
Board Model and Length: GNU B-Nice 138
Boot Model: DC Judge
Bindings: Flux Titan
Goggle Model: Oakley A Frame
Jacket: Volcom
Pants: Volcom
Gloves: Grenade C L Smooth
Shoe Sponsor: DC
Shop Sponsor: Active Ride Shop
Resort Sponsor: Bear Mountain