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Women’s freeskiing has been in a constant state of change since the ladies first stepped into twin tips over a decade ago. While there have been some faces that have been synonymous with the sport, particularly Sarah Burke and Kristi Leskinen, dozens of other ladies have come and gone from the limelight. For a number of years, it was an unspoken prerequisite that in order for a female to break through to the ever-exclusive “pro” rank, she’d need to be talented, but also good looking, graceful, and… well… “girly”.
Kaya Bamba risin' to the top // p. Felix Rioux
Kaya Turski is not only extremely talented, great looking, and girly (at times), but she has another side that separates her from the norm.. Kaya’s got one of the most down to Earth personalities we’ve ever seen. At times, she’s cocky, as you might expect from any 2 time X-Games Gold Medalist. Other times, she’s silly, and can laugh at her own quirks. When she isn’t ballin’ in her Bala jacket, Kaya is the type of girl that can get dolled up but still drop an f-bomb, drink a vodka+redbull, and spit. But whether she’s the confident competitor or just cool and capricious, she’s always real. What you see is what you get.
Kaya en route to X-Games Gold // p. Felix Rioux
After a season of major successes and minor setbacks, Kaya is healthy and ready to take on any challenge that 2011 holds. If she can continue her winning streak and place first in every Dew Tour and X-Games she enters, you can bet that she’ll be stoked, but even if that isn’t the case, she’ll still be laughing all along the way.
We caught up with Kaya after she got back from IF3 Europe back in October and chatted about everything that’s been on her mind.
Hey Kaya, how’s it going? I understand you were over in Annecy for the European edition of IF3? How did it compare to Montreal?
Yes, Annecy was awesome! Originally I thought Montreal was going to be a way bigger event because it’s in its 4th year and Annecy just started up, but the guys here in France really did a great job and it turned out amazing! Both events were amazing and super fun. Both editions had crazy parties, but the Euros definitely party way later though… 6 am and we were still going! [laughs]
Speaking of IF3, what movies/ segments stood out to you from this season?
I really enjoyed MSP’s movie, Seany’s seggy was dope! Sammy really impressed me in his segments and definitely liked Level 1′s movie Eye Trip. Also, Stept’s NetWork was dope too!
Shredding some urban for Level 1' Eye Trip // p. Felix Rioux
You mentioned that you’ll be living out in Mammoth again this year. When are you looking to move back out there?
Yes definitely heading back to Mammoth this year! I am on their team now and really stoked to rep them. I am heading out there in November some time.
After you blew your knee at Euro X you were sidelined for the remainder of last winter. How’s the recovery going? Have you been able to get some pre-season cross training under your belt?
Yeahhh the good old sideline. This time rehab went really smoothly, actually. For the first time I enjoyed a nice summer and got to chill in the sun and at beach! It was good cause I had the time to do a lot of cool things while I wasn’t able to ski- definitely tried to make the best of it. I have been working out a bunch and going to physio a lot, so I’m feeling pretty damn strong now!
What do you have in the mix for the 2011 season? Any projects in the works?
Ohhh so many plans! Too many [laughs]! I am definitely going to do some of the bigger comps this year like X and Euro X and want to work on making a dope segment with Level1! I found some cool urban spots in Montreal so am looking forward to doing that and also want to work on my BC game. Pipe is also in my head… slowly but surely! More cool stuff coming for sure!
