ABOUT THE TEAMS

Advanced riders who want to progress their skill in the area of competitive freestyle snowboarding should consider the Development or Provincial Teams. The teams spend time travelling to different locations, training and competing in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Athletes will have a heavy focus on freestyle competitions, and work with freestyle development coaches on mental preparation, competition format, and developing tricks and runs. Athletes on the Development Team will also have the opportunity to train with the Provincial Team. Both Development Team and Provincial Team athletes may have the opportunity to try out for the Canada Winter Games SK Snowboard Team.

DEVELOPMENT TEAM PROGRAM OUTLINE:

The SK SBD Development Team provides young athletes with on and off snow training, the opportunity to participate in freestyle competitions and work with coaches on mental preparation, competition format, and developing tricks and runs. Athletes who participate in the program will benefit from 13 days of on-snow training and competition and have the opportunity to train with the Provincial Team.

PROVINCIAL TEAM PROGRAM OUTLINE:

The SK SBD Provincial Team was established in 2006 to support Saskatchewan’s top snowboard athletes who are looking to compete at an interprovincial level. Each athlete’s goals and objectives are individually supported and regularly evaluated to ensure future success in snowboarding. Education is also a top priority which means athletes must retain an acceptable grade average set forth by parents/guardians. A positive attitude is expected and we champion a highly supportive and respectful culture on and off snow.

This is the most comprehensive program within the province with primary focus on freestyle training and competing in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. Seasons have consisted of roughly 40 days of travel that includes training and competition at experienced facilities. Highlights of the program include: Can West Pass for Team Members (lift passes to all western Canadian resorts), top level coaching from our Canada Snowboard Competition Development trained coaches, competition entries fees, summer dry-land training, sport psychology, nutrition, and drug in sport awareness.

To provide all these services, as well as continue to make improvements the cost of the program is tremendous.  In our recent seasons our budget has been in excess of $5,500.00 per athlete.  Through funding from Sask Sport, SK SBD is able to subsidize these costs allowing a more affordable team program fee.

After the selection camp, the selected athletes will be contacted by SK SBD via email inviting them to join the Provincial Team.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information regarding the Provincial Team, refer to the links below. You’ll find information about upcoming events, try-outs, competitions, trips and more.

 

EVENTS    MEMBERSHIP

Provincial Coaching Staff

Rio Tucker

Rio Tucker

Rio Tucker spent several years as an athlete in SK SBD’s programs, including an athlete on the Provincial Team. Over the last few years, Rio has focused his time on becoming a coach for SK SBD. He’s coached Riders programs, and assisted with Provincial Team trips. Rio absolutely rips, and has some impressive artistic talent as shown in the FREEDOM LOVES YOU film he and friends recently produced and shared in October 2023.

Brendan Grosjean

Brendan Grosjean

Brendan Grosjean spent several years as an athlete in SK SBD’s programs, including an athlete on the Provincial Team. Over the last few years, Brendan has focused his time on becoming a coach for SK SBD. He’s coached Riders programs, assisted with Provincial Team trips and supported athletes at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in PEI. Aside from continuing to advance his coaching certifications, Brendan is a very talented snowboarder and we are incredibly stoked to have him involved.

Connor Copithorn

Connor Copithorn

Connor recently joined the Provincial Team Coach roster after spending countless seasons on the west coast perfecting the art and craft of snowboarding. After his return from the west, Connor lead SK SBD’s Riders program at Mission Ridge for a few seasons, joined our Board of Directors and most recently has been spearheading unique snowboard competitions in the southern part of the province. He’s also reignited the Development Team for the 2025/26 season leading and inspiring the talented SK SBD youth! Aside from giving back to his community, you can regularly find him in the streets clipping up. He’s a man of many talents, and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have him aboard.

Tristan Spanier