I didn't start progressing until I found the right person to ride with.
I didn't start truly progressing as a snowboarder until I started riding with my cousin Paul.
Paul is a much better rider than me. More confident. More fluid. More intentional. When we rode together, I wasn't trying to keep up — I was learning.
I followed his lines. I watched how he approached terrain. I listened to his tips and advice. And slowly, without realizing it, I started getting better.
"What changed wasn't how often I rode. It wasn't new gear. It wasn't tracking more stats. It was who I was riding with."
Riding with someone slightly better gave me confidence to try new terrain, context for what I should focus on, and encouragement instead of pressure.
Progress felt natural — not forced.