- Stats:
- Age: 21
- Years riding: 18
- Height: 5’7”
- Sleds and track lengths: Polaris 9R 146 and 155
- Bar and colour: Misfit in Black and White
- Riser type and height: 1.5” FTP
- Grips: Hero
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Video: @tgfg_
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CFR: Any shout-outs to sled hero’s that have inspired your riding?
Teagan: My childhood sledder inspiration was Bob Chomica from my hometown. He was the first person I ever saw hit huge air and showed me it’s possible. Now I would say Brett Turcotte for his freestyle skills, Caleb Kesterke for his technique, and Ty Desrochers for his overall style and use of terrain.
CFR: How does riding a Polaris shape your riding style?
Teagan: Riding a Polaris shaped my style because of the predictability. I love the way it never tosses you around without warning making me confident in whatever I am trying to do on it.
CFR: How does an aftermarket bar and riser help your riding?
Teagan: CFR bars are a must have for me because as a short individual, the stock bars are too tall. I can’t get into a comfortable position and have a hard time getting over the sled how I want. Also, the stock mtn bar is a dentist appointment waiting to happen.
Video: @t.sharko_178
CFR: You’re a logger in the summer. What kind of equipment do you use? Is there any crazy story you can tell?
Teagan: I actually log all year round! I run a feller buncher which is a specifically built levelling track machine for felling trees. Every day is an adrenaline rush of some kind, but my most intense moment was when I first started working steep slopes when I was 17. I was very clueless with too much courage and flipped the machine straight over backwards onto the roof. Definitely spooked me.
CFR: Any similarities between logging and sledding?
Teagan: Logging in BC is very similar to sledding in many ways. Operating on the steep slopes has helped me sledding by: choosing efficient climbing lines, different weight transfers and overall control of traction.
Video: @proven_progression
CFR: You had one of the epic clips of the season launching to the moon with Kesterke and crew last spring. Everyone was struggling to get enough speed to hit the tranny and then you overshot like you were in a cartoon! The in-run had some speed-robbing bumps, how’d you build up so much speed?
Teagan: I think the reasons I was able to get that much more pop was from perhaps the weather cooling down and stiffening up the snow between our hits, and also being only 150lbs I naturally can get a bit more speed while riding compared to bigger people.
CFR: With a jump like that, what’s your mindset when your sled lands and things are about to go haywire? Do you feel fear, or do you just pump your brain with confidence and hold on for dear life?
Teagan: Well, when you are up there, shots fired so it’s time to lock in. There was definitely a moment of fear, but it passes quickly as you make sure you’re adjusted properly to land and hold on as hard as you can. Gas is your friend to ride out a rough landing.
Video: @t.sharko_178
CFR: If someone wants to learn how to jump their sled, what’s a good beginner tip?
Teagan: If you are wanting to get into jumping, my advice is to jump off any little jib or bump every single time you can. The only way to get comfortable in the air, is being up there. Learning good throttle control off the lip and brake control is crucial. Also going with someone who knows what a good jump is.
CFR: What are you focusing on now to improve your jumping?
Teagan: For this year I really want to focus on my style, getting more into whips and unique features, not so much just big.
CFR: What colors are you into this year for sled wraps and accessories?
Teagan: This year I went for a tan and brown look for my sled. I always like trying to be different than others and I dig the rustic look!
CFR: Any specific maneuvers or tricks you’re stoked to work on this season?
Teagan: For this season I really want to push the upside down tricks, I’ve always wanted to stomp a 270 and other weird things. Wanting to put in a solid effort to do that this year
CFR: Thanks Teagan, keep sending it and spreading the stoke!
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Video: @calabkesterke
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