Girl On: Jacqui Berg

Jan 10 2008 / Los Angeles, CA


UPDATE:  We first talked with Jacqui last year as she was readying for the 2006/07 season.  It was a quiet year but that was partly due to injury.  Jacqui did see some of the fruits of her labor come through this fall when Runway Films released its first film "La La Land."  Runway is run by female snowboarders and is dedicated to progressing the sport. Berg did compete in the New Zealand Open earlier this year, ending up in 19th place for Slopestyle.  There's no reason to think that the 2007/08 season will keep her career going in the right direction!


ORIGINAL PROFILE


Jacqui Berg has made an impression in the Northwest snowboard scene for years. Growing up in Washington, she has honed her skills in the challenging Northwest terrain and snow conditions. The 2005/2006 snow season was an entirely overdue breakthrough year for Jacqui. Jacqui’s distinct riding style has been displayed with editorial coverage in a slough of snowboard magazines. Her exposure caught the attention of several core companies, moving Jacqui into the 06/07 season as a pro rider for Option Snowboards, Vans Boots and Outerwear, Dragon, Elm, and Skullcandy. A hefty resume considering last year at this time she was working a full-time waitressing job, while her days off were spent filming for Misschief Films, Ro Sham Bo. With 100% focus on her snowboarding this season, expect some big moves from Ms. Berg.


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Lat34: At what age did you first start snowboarding and how did you get started? 

JB: I’ve skied with my dad since I was a little kid. I started seeing snowboarders at Snoqualmie Pass, WA and it looked fun. When I was 14 my dad gave me snowboard lessons as a Christmas gift. I loved it and soon after ditched my skis.

 
Lat34: Washington is home, where do you live now? 

JB: Salt Lake City. I was in Mammoth for a couple years, after being away from a city I’m happy to be back in a city where there is an airport, a social scene outside of snowboarding and better shopping. Utah is also very central for driving to a lot of the good spots in the US like Wyoming and Colorado.

 
Lat34: What are your goals for this winter? 

JB: A big goal for me is to stay focused and do my best to film a full part with Runway Films. I’d like to improve my competition skills by managing my nerves better than I have in the past.

 
Lat34: What is Runway Films? 

JB: It is an all women’s snowboarding film with some of the best and most progressive girls in the sport. It is a follow up to Misschief Films As if! and Ro Sham Bo? with many of the same riders.

 

Lat34: Who was your most influential snowboarder growing up?

JB: Shaun McKay was my best friend and favorite riding buddy. He always pushed me and taught me a lot. He has a lot of love for the sport.  I looked up to Peter Line, Jamie Lynn and Barrett Christy. Barrett was the first girl to have really sick style; I wanted to ride like her.

 

Lat34: Who are the most influential snowboarders for you now?

JB: Leanne Pelosi has a lot of influence over my riding because she is always pushing herself, setting goals, following through and working hard. Hana Beaman also, she has a really strong work ethic but is still fun to ride with, and she pushes herself that extra mile to really max out what she is capable of.Jacqui Berg Larissa Underwood

 

Lat34: Oooh Hana Beaman, I believe she is in the living room. Hana, do you want to ask Jacqui a question for her Girl On interview?

Hana Beaman: Sure. Why do you not find any boys in the snowboard industry attractive?”

JB: Well I think there are a few, but they know it and they are man whores.
 

HB: Where do you plan on going this season for snowboarding?

JB: Japan is definitely first on my wish list this winter. There was a lot of sick footage in Ro Sham Bo that came out of Japan. I’d also like to go to Wyoming and Mt. Baker. 

 

HB: You are sponsored by Elm and they let you design hats, what cool beanies do we have to look forward to this winter?”

JB: Oooooooh-oh-oooooh..you don’t even know. Elm is a really cool company.  They make really comfy hats in awesome colors. They are open to the riders input and let me design a lot of stuff.  My favorite is the Animal Beanie series. There is a frog, a cat and my personal favorite a panda bear.
 

Lat34: You spent some time in the backcountry last season, any close encounters?

JB: My dad has been a ski patroller in Washington as long as I can remember. I’m pretty familiar with weather patterns and what the snow is doing. One day we built a jump in Mammoth backcountry, when we came back the next day, I realized the face of our landing wasn’t safe. I had a gut feeling that it wasn’t a good idea to hit the jump. Against my better judgment I let someone convince me it was fine. I hit it and sure enough when I landed I saw the sides crack and it slid. I had to swim to stay on top and I was up buried with snow up to my waist. It took 15 minutes to dig myself out. Lesson learned, use your best judgment and always listen to your gut. Don’t let anyone talk you into something you are not comfortable with especially when it’s a life or death situation.
 
Lat34: Snow is cold. Have you ever had frostbite?

JB: No,not yet. Last season I was in the backcountry in Utah and I only brought my warm weather gloves. My hands were soooo cold but I used my sled’s engine to warm them up.  Good trick.

 
Lat34: You just bought a snowmobile last year, have you used it much?
JB: I bought it in February and my boyfriend at the time crashed it the first time we took it out. I had to get it fixed and didn’t get to use it until March. Snowmobiling was an eye opener since I’m a beginner. Leaving the house at 5am and getting home at 6pm. When you finally get to where you want to build your jump you are already sweating and tired from snowmobiling. It’s a lot of hard work, but the rewards make it worth it.
 
Lat34: Describe a perfect day snowboarding.

JB: That’s hard, there are so many perfect days of snowboarding. Going out with my crew in good weather and, coming home with a shot or two I’m stoked on, and not being sore the next day!