ON DECK: IOURI "IPOD" PODLATCHIKOV

Iouri Podladtchikov has genius in his genes—he comes from a family of scientists. (Some of whom question his decision to pursue snowboarding and wonder why he isn’t employing the brain he inherited for “more lofty” endeavors.) But to watch this Russian who now calls Switzerland home navigate a u-ditch, big air jump, or slopestyle course is to witness brilliance. After a season that included podiums at the O’Neill Evolution in Davos, the European Open in Laax, the Vans Cup, and three weeks atop the TTR world tour rankings, it’s obvious that Iouri is indeed an up-and-coming prodigy.

D.O.B.: 9/13/88
Home Mountain: Davos, Switzerland
Stance: Goofy
Width: 25”
Front Angle: 15°
Rear Angle: -12°
Years Riding: 7
Years Sponsored: 4
Favorite Board: Santa Cruz Allstar
Boot: Vans DK5
Binding: Santa Cruz
Goggle: Spy Soldier
Outerwear: Volcom
Glove: Grenade DK Punisher
Other Sponsors: Nixon, Clast, TSG, Red Bull

So your dad equates snowboarders with monkeys, huh?
Yeah, my father says people come from monkeys, you know, and then they got smart and made computers. Now my father is saying that I’m going back to being a monkey—you know, just jumping around out on the mountain. But I say, “F**k that!”

What’s something new that you learned last year?
Backside airs. Well, backside airs like I wanted ’em—big ones, or bigger ones, at least.

Most memorable backside air of the season?
At the Vans Cup, for sure. That contest was sick; just so fun and low-stress and good for learning new stuff. It was the perfect contest. You didn’t have to wear bibs, and it was just a big session. It seemed like it was more about trying new stuff and pushing it, and I think that’s really good for snowboarding.

With such a hectic travel schedule, you probably don’t get to spend a lot of time at home. Do you miss shredding with your homies?
Yeah, for sure. I’m so jealous of Danny Davis, Mason Aguirre, and Kevin Pearce, because they get to hang out and shred together all the time. I wish my friends were here; it’s just that they haven’t made it to this level yet, but hopefully [they will] soon.

What’s one lesson snowboarding has taught you?
Never give up. It’s not easy doing so many contests and traveling all the time. Sometimes I’ve been really tired, and that’s when it’s tough to be motivated, but that’s when you have to stick to it. You have to finish what you started, or at least try. Yeah, that’s what snowboarding’s taught me so far.