Chanelle Sladics is most easily identified as a professional snowboarder but this girl is smoking hot on a surfboard and skateboard as well. Born and raised in Newport Beach, CA, Chanelle found her roots in boardsports in the ocean across the street and the concrete jungle she finds home. Beginning her snow career as a weekend warrior with trips to Bear and Mammoth, she found her love of competition and excelled quickly in order to keep up with her competitors that had a home mountain advantage. After succeeding on the junior tour, she entered the professional snowboard scene only a few years ago with some great contest results, among those at the X-Games. In 2007, Chanelle’s dreams were almost squashed while taking a hard bail in practice and suffering a painful back injury. With only one goal in mind, Chanelle sucked up the pain for both her final runs and made a dream come true for herself, taking the podium in slopestyle at the Winter XGames.

Her career on the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour also features some podium finishes, such as a win at the Nissan X-Trail Asian Open in 2009, a second place at the Roxy Chicken Jam 2008, a third place finish at the Burton US Open Slopestyle in 2009. Chanelle finished her 2008/09 season in World No. 9.Her 2009/10 season saw many finishes just outside the Top 10 at major TTR Tour events, such as a 11th place at the Burton New Zealand Open and a 14th place at the Burton US Open. Chanelle finished the season in World No. 12, keen to improve on her ranking again in 2010/11. 

Chanelle has a bubbly but serious personality and she likes to screw around as much as she takes business very seriously. She has suffered numerous injuries from broken collar bones to broken toes but she always gets up and keeps on pushing. She may be late for everything but she will never miss a call. She is an electronics junkee and is never seen without her IPod, her computer and her digital camera which she finds joy in filming her friends in the sports she loves. These days you can find Chanelle anywhere from China to Colorado snowboarding or taking a quick 10-day trip to enjoy some surf with her friends on tour in Tahiti or Mexico.

INTERVIEW

What fears do you have? How do you deal with them?

Whenever I am uncertain I tend to be in a fearful state. That's why I say to myself, "Fear disappears when you are grateful." It's amazing how you can change a state when you start to list the things you are sooo grateful for in that moment.

What made you start your sport and why?

Grew up playing organized sports, and skating a ton it was only a matter of time until I finally tried snowboarding. An all girls board shop that sponsored me for skateboarding, took me up to get lessons, and on third day I skipped my lessons to enter an all girls slopestyle pro/am. I placed second and won a bunch of swag. I haven't looked back since!!!

What are you passionate about and why?

People are my passion. Well, people and sports. It's the 2 things in this world that I can't seem to get enough of. I cannot go a day without action and if I could fit it in everyday I would snowboard, surf, wakeboard, hike, bike, rock climb, golf, go-kart and anything else active and challenging. I would love to do it everyday if I had enough time and energy! I love to talk story with people. I love hearing funny travel stories, craziest experiences, personal discoveries. I love it. I love people and connecting, and understanding how we all relate to each other and within ourselves.

What makes you different than other girls or just unique?

I consider myself and old soul. I always saw it as a child as something weird or unique, but now I see it as a strength and beauty within. I feel like I am just starting understand that person and learn about her. All of us are so beautiful in our own special ways. All of us with different nationalities, gene pools, upbringings, every little thing making us uniquely special. I really believe that about everyone. I feel we are all here for our own divine purpose. We all have our own strengths to contribute to society one way or another.
    
What are the greatest signs you have received in life?

I feel like the universe, God, is constantly showing us "signs." The more we choose to become truly aware of our surroundings, every little detail, the more "signs" we can see. Its amazing how much we distract ourselves all day long, finding very little time to tap into the universe and within ourselves. It's hard to make time everyday for yourself, and nothing else. It is one of my constant struggles.
    
Who is the most influential person in your life and why?

I thankfully surround myself around many individuals that inspire and influence me for the positive. But Tara Dakides has probably been the most influential. She is one of my closest friends, and has been mentoring me through my snowboarding and life. She is very patient person and such a good listener. Never tells me what to do, just tries to give me tools to get there on my own. I am very grateful for our friendship.
    
What are the 3 biggest things you learned from your parents?

1. Hard work. 2. Dream Big, you can make anything happen. 3. How to truly LOVE

Tell us a little about your best friend. Why are they your best friend and how are you alike and different from each other?

My best friend is the best athlete I know, she is really close to her family, she is straight to the point, passionate, charismatic, funny, and feisty. I think we get along so well, because we challenge each other athletically and emotionally. We both like to take life full on. She is different in that she is a little more carefree, which is great, because someone has to help me mellow out.

What do you hold the most valuable to you in life?

My friends and family.

What are the things that inspire you?

People inspire me most. People with good values, character, spirituality, love, ambition, direction, grace, dreams, PASSION.
    
What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned?

To love unconditionally and it will persevere above all.
        
How do you see yourself?

Hmm, I suppose I see myself as someone that is genuine and real, but goofy as they come! I am someone that truly cares about those around her, and is always seeking for the same treatment. I am a dreamer, always reaching for that next star. I am an athlete, a believer, ambitious, family orientated, competitive, traveling, homebody, a dog lover. A passionate person. An old soul.

 

INTERVIEW and PROFILE presented by Oakley