Name?
Madison Franco
What is your nickname? If you have one?
Maddie, Mads or Maddog
Where do you primarily ride?
Big Bear or Snow Summit, looking to explore more
What made you start snowboarding?
I had never really thought about starting to snowboard until one year I received a setup for Christmas and a few days later I was strapping in on the mountain, I became instantly hooked. I think I went every day for about a week after that first day, I just couldn’t get away and now it’s become a huge part of my life.
What’s your favorite board to ride?
I currently shred on a Ride Machete Jr, but I’m always looking to expand my experience on different boards. Tell me about your boards, and what you think is best for hitting features?
Favorite riding story if you have one?
Out of all of them, it’s nearly impossible to pick my favorite. From being surrounded by so many supportive people and hearing everyone cheering you on, to me pushing myself to accomplish something I’ve been working on is such an amazing feeling. But I would say the greatest feeling I have had on the mountain is when I purchased a helmet that was too small for me, and I saw this little kid shredding so at the bottom I gave him the helmet and the happiness on his face was something I’ll never forget. And that’s why I am so proud to be a part of this family that’s all about giving back.
Why do you love to snowboard?
I love to snowboard because it’s therapeutic. No matter what I’m going on in my life, the minute I strap in and start heading down that mountain, I have no worries in life. I feel unstoppable and on top of the world.
When you aren’t snowboarding what are you most likely finding yourself getting into?
When I’m not snowboarding, I’m out on the water riding my jet ski keeping the adrenaline rush alive.
What is your favorite area on the mountain? Jumps, rails, natural terrain?
My favorite area on the mountain is definitely the park runs. Ever since I started riding, those jumps, and rails have been calling my name. I live for seeing a new feature and pushing myself to hit it and not stopping until I do. The feeling after you hit that feature is indescribable.
Where do you see yourself in five years snowboarding wise? Traveling to another country?
In five years, I hope to have traveled beyond the Southern California mountains. Ever since I started snowboarding, I have met so many people from all around the world and it would be amazing to be able to meet those people and shred their home mountains, so where’s my invite people?
Do you have a pre-boarding ritual or something you need to have on you at all times on the mountain?
Music! Always have a jam sesh in the parking lot and I always need to have my headphones in on the mountain jamming out and singing at the top of my lungs as i mob down the mountain.