For Mikey Rencz this convergence included a Canadian Rockies upbringing and an early baptism to the Whistler backcountry with some of snowboarding’s most legendary pros. The benefits of sledding to spots like Brandywine as a teenager, under the “tutelage” of the Wildcats, are plain to see in this easy-going stomper’s style. Long before pro status, cover shots, video parts and the legend of 8 Mile, Mikey started out as a halfpipe competitor, placing top ten in the 1999 US Open Junior Jam.

After moving to Whistler, BC, fulltime to trade pipe laps for two-stroke smoke and turning pro at age 15, Mikey quickly stacked up backcountry freestyle coverage and video parts, including interviews and covers in Snowboard Canada and a debut segment in the 2004 film Promo Copy. Mikey’s notoriety grew with a Transworld interview in 2005, the coveted last part in the 2006 film Wear it Well, and a Snowboard Magazine cover in 2007. After logging a standout part in Transworld’s Get Real, Mikey relocated to Squamish and his part in 2010’s Cheers is evidence that the move was right on track. This winter he was right at home, sledding deeper and deeper into the Pemberton, Whistler, and Revelstoke backcountry with a crew that usually includes teammate Jussi Oksanen. Park-caliber tricks into bottomless blower are Mikey’s signature and you’ll find plenty of that footage in the newest Burton movie, 13.

Età: 27

Città di residenza:
Canmore, British Columbia

Località montana:
Whistler/Blackcomb