Ryan Brubaker
RYAN BRUBAKER is a snowboarder.
Residing in Oregon, Ryan spends as many weekends as he can on the slopes while the season permits. Having entered into the world of snowboarding just in 2022, he’s quickly become very passionate and fixated on the sport.
In fact, the lessons he’s already gleaned from days on the slopes have carried over into his life outside of the snowy mountains. Graciously, he’s shared many of his wonderful and positive perspectives below.
Instagram: @snowboardingislyfe
TikTok: snowboardingislyfe
Pronouns: he/him/his
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH - SEPTEMBER 2024
“Gratitude! I keep the 18-year-old version of myself in my head. The troubled kid that couldn’t see past 20. I remember the places I’ve been, the things I’ve seen. How amazing it is that I have been able to get myself (with proper support) to the places I am now and how thankful I am for that! I make it a point to stop and look around and just say “thank you!” ”
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into snowboarding?
Well, my background was pretty standard life stuff as a kid. Then I started to get into some serious trouble as a teenager. Luckily for me, I became a father at 17. That snapped me out of what was sure to be a very terrible life path. I played sports as a kid but I grew up in a desert and wasn’t exposed to winter sports at all. I moved to Oregon from Arizona in 2017 even then though I wasn’t particularly interested in snowboarding.
Eventually, I was talked into going by a family member in 2022. I like to be prepared as much as possible. So, I started doing a deep dive into all aspects of snowboarding and I knew pretty quickly I was in trouble and this was going to occupy a great deal of my attention. I don’t think I realized just how obsessed/passionate I would become, though. If you see me, chances are I am thinking about snowboarding.
What makes snowboarding so fulfilling to you, do you think?
At first I think it was the challenge of learning something that is extremely difficult. Overcoming fears that I had about being in the environment, snow was really intimidating to me. Now that I have started to become more competent and confident it’s has become about pushing my limits and continuing to progress. Not only on but off the mountain too. Snowboarding, like other difficult things, is a great teacher. Those lessons can be applied to all aspects of life. As an additional bonus I get to spend so much time in the most amazingly beautiful places!
Where do you think the balance falls for you between doing this for fun or doing this for fitness?
I think fun comes first. The nice part is that fitness is a byproduct of the fun. It gives me an incentive to stay fit, or better yet, improve on my fitness level. The more endurance I have the longer I can ride. Not just, “Oh, now I can ride for a full day.” It’s now, “I can ride well into my 70’s or longer.”
What's your least favorite part of snowboarding or any other favorite adventure sports?
I think I would have to say it’s accessibility or lack there of. Snowboarding is expensive. You can get used or rental gear relatively easily, but when you have resorts that are charging in some cases $250 a day for lift access. That makes it really difficult for everyone to enjoy. I know it’s a bit more affordable in places like Europe, but here in the states it is out of control.
Can you share a memorable experience or achievement during your snowboarding experience? This can be tangible, physical, emotional - any interpretation of this question is totally fine!
I would say the first time I felt confident enough to ride down the backside from the summit of my home mountain. I ride at Mt. Bachelor in Oregon. It’s unique because we have a 360-degree rideable footprint. The back side is all ungroomed and variable terrain. It seems like a right of passage riding back there. It’s a “don’t ride alone” type of place. Unfortunately, I ride solo 95% of the time. The first time I was able to gather up the courage to go back there, I just found a random snowboard couple and followed them down. I was so excited after the traverse to the front side. I stopped them at the base of the chairlift and thanked them for something they didn’t even know was happening. They were so excited and happy; with me. It was a cool experience not only to ride terrain I was intimidated by, but also a small shared moment with random strangers.
How do you balance getting enough time to snowboard with life and work, etc? Have there been any ebbs and flows that stand out to you?
To be honest, I don’t know that I do a great job with this. That’s the nature of being so passionate about something with a limited amount of time to do it. In the northern hemisphere, we get December to May in most places. You add that in with the fact that I started later in life. I feel like I am making up for lost time.
During the season I am able to adjust my work schedule to a 4-day work week so I can ride 3 days a week; I don’t take weeks off, I ride every week. So when I say I don’t know if I don’t a great job, I mean I am all the way in during the season. I tend to have tunnel vision and snowboarding is my total focus. That being said, I truly enjoy living my life the way I am. I am truly happy and having so much fun. I will admit I do have some struggles in the off-season. There is a void that I am constantly trying to fill because I miss being in the mountains on my board.
I went skydiving this year and I think I may have a new summer activity!
When you are snowboarding, what does your typical day of it look like?
I like to start my days early. I like having a good parking spot! It’s the little things in life, right?! Then, I just kind of go with the flow. Some days I feel like pursuing something specific. Like a skill I am trying to improve and some days I am just goofing off. Lots of random conversations with strangers on the chair, maybe a lap or two with those strangers. Afterwards, I like to try and find a nice spot in town for dinner, maybe a walk around the Mill District in Bend, pretty simple and low key.
Do you train any way in-between adventure sessions? Or do you just go for it every time? Both? In between?
I train in the off season quite a bit. Mobility, strength, yoga and endurance are my focuses. During the season, between work and riding I ask a lot of my body, so I don’t spend any time training. I need to give my body time to recover. I work four days and am a mechanic by trade, so it’s a very physically demanding and high-paced environment. Plus, riding 3 days the only thing I really do in season is stretching and some low intensity yoga.
When you're spending a day snowboarding, what kind of snacks or favorite meals do you have that keep you fueled throughout?
I don’t eat full on meals when I ride until my day is done. I typically carry some kind of dried fruit, strawberries or pineapple is my go to, typically with some pistachios. If I am really needing something more, maybe a protein bar. I used to have pocket sandwiches, peanut butter and honey mostly. I crash a lot, though, and they turned in a messy sticky concoction of sandwich ingredients. If you are on the lift in a snow storm, convenieince is key.
“I am more inspired by people in my life. People who are brave, smart, strong and don’t always realize it. People that support me when I don’t think I deserve it, people who choose to be a part of my life over and over. Those are the people I admire. ”
If you focus on recovery as well, what are some of your go-to recovery practices after a tough workout or adventure?
Stretching pre and post riding is huge! I also carry a percussion massage gun with me that I use daily. I’ll try to get a professional massage when I can, but that gets expensive. I have just started to get into ice baths as well. They are tough at first but I do think the benefits are very worth it.
How do you stay mentally focused and motivated during hard days on the slopes?
Gratitude! I keep the 18-year-old version of myself in my head. The troubled kid that couldn’t see past 20. I remember the places I’ve been, the things I’ve seen. How amazing it is that I have been able to get myself (with proper support) to the places I am now and how thankful I am for that! I make it a point to stop and look around and just say “thank you!”
Do you have any tips for beginners who want to get started in snowboarding?
First and foremost, is HAVE FUN!! Don’t take it too seriously. I struggled at first with this and again when I have been trying to teach my younger son. Specifically, I was able to see it when I was teaching him. After the first day he was miserable, just wanted to go home. That was a tough pill to swallow because I knew that was my fault. My approach was about getting better, not about having fun. Once I had a tough conversation with myself and changed how I approached it with him, everything changed. Now he is asking, “When we can go snowboarding?!”
I don’t have a ton of advice as far as fundamentals go. I do think getting at least one lesson would be worth it!
Three things I have heard that have stuck with me are:
Learn how to fall properly.
There is no right or wrong way to snowboard. There are efficient and inefficient ways, but not right or wrong.
Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Your journey is unique to you.
Do you feel like snowboarding helps increase mindfulness and presence for you? If so, any particular aspects of mindfulness that it brings to you?
Oh, absolutely! You have to be in the moment when you are riding. It is inherently a risky thing to do. So you need to be present and aware of your surroundings and your capabilities. That has definitely translated to all aspects of my life and helped me to be better to myself and a better person for the people around me.
What gear or equipment do you consider essential for your adventures?
There is so much out there in terms of gear. It’s really subjective to the individual. The most important things for me personally are my boots/binding combo. If your feet hurt, you will be absolutely miserable. The other is eyewear - goggles that are fogging up or have poor visibility are extremely frustrating.
Side note: I am ok with wind, rain, heavy snow, or low/flat light situations. I hate my nose being cold though. It’s weird but that’s me. As an added bonus the goggles have a magnetic integrated face mask that keeps the mask over my nose.
Do you have anyone who is one of your biggest inspirations or role models in the snowboarding world? Or, anyone in the non-snowboarding world who also provides motivation for you?
I have snowboarders that I like and a few I have crossed paths with. One of the cool parts of snowboarding is we all ride the same mountains. Mt. Bachelor has a ton of extremely talented riders that absolutely blow my mind. That being said, I don't look up to any of them. Not because they are not worthy, I just don’t have a personal relationship with any of them.
I am more inspired by people in my life. People who are brave, smart, strong and don’t always realize it. People that support me when I don’t think I deserve it, people who choose to be a part of my life over and over. Those are the people I admire.
Any future goals or adventures that you have planned? If so, what does the process of preparing look like for you?
Actually, yes. With the help and encouragement of some of my favorite people, I recently applied for and received my passport. So, this winter I will take my first trip out of the states to do some solo traveling and snowboarding in Europe. It’s been a fun process for the most part. I am learning all kinds of things that I never thought I’d be learning. Trying to become a more worldly person and gain some perspective from other places.
Preparing is lots of staring at screens and asking lots of questions. I’m trying to learn some basics of a few different languages. That has been super challenging!
What advice would you give to others looking to feel really fulfilled in this sport?
Be open to a different path than what you may have envisioned in your head. Or better yet, try to not have a preconceived notion as to what your journey is going to look like. Celebrating your victories and being your biggest fan is key! HAVE FUN!
