The following article was originally printed in the November 2022 Issue of Slush. To access the full article click here.
What is a fun fact about Jess Kimura you have come to know?
When she's in the States she always goes to Walmart to buy size XL underwear, and they're always too big for her so she doesn't even use them. On the way to Walmart she's listens to Wally Wally World. Haha sorry Jess.
Biggest inspiration from someone that snowboards?
There's so many people that inspire me, but I have to say Jess, because she's one of the best snowboarders ever and has given so much to this community and has helped so many girls and honestly I don't think I'd be answering these questions without all her help. She makes me wanna share the love and help people. Maybe now she's gonna forgive me for that first answer, haha.
Also a big shoutout to all the people that I have ever snowboarded with. I get inspired by all the people around me.
Biggest inspiration that does not snowboard?
A lot of my inspiration comes from music, artists, fashion, and streetwear.
Best Finnish snowboarder in your opinion?
Rene Rinnekangas, he's the best snowboarder in the world.
Do you think you could beat Jess Kimura in an arm wrestling match?
Haha I'd be scared to even try, I've seen videos where people break their elbows in arm wrestling. I think Jess could easily break mine.
If you had to choose a rap name what would it be?
iCola or Baby Cola. Send me beats please.
A trend in snowboarding you don’t like?
Hating. Helmet debate is also another thing that annoys me. I think we should accept the fact that everyone can just do whatever they want.
A snowboarder you think is underrated?
We have way too many underrated snowboarders in Finland, but I'd like to give a shout out to few of my favorites, and if you don't know them by now, go look at their stuff: Roope Rautiainen, Joona Saikkonen, Petrus Saikkonen, Kiril Rikkilä, Telma Särkipaju, and Sara Säkkinen.
Finland is listed as the world’s happiest country. Why do you think that is?
Saunas and ice baths.
For the happiest country, isn’t it weird it’s the same country where Angry Birds was invented?
The birds here can be a bit angry haha. We have a lot of seagulls in Finland and they're pretty good at stealing food and sometimes they shit on people. Maybe that's where the idea came from?
There are roughly 187,000 lakes in Finland. Do you have a favorite?
I live really close to Kytäjärvi. That one is my favorite for sure. It's small and quiet.
Most annoying trick in snowboarding?
Limuliike (backside 180 in, switch backside 360 out). I just don't understand how to do it and some people make it look way too easy. I'm working on it though. Me and my boyfriend Roope have a bet, whoever lands it first is gonna get a free dinner...