Freestyle Vancouver works hard to attract and retain the very best coaches we can provide for our programs, investing in developing their skills and providing exemplary training opportunities.
Ryan has attained many other qualifications, including his CSIA 2, CANSI 1, NCCP Mountain Bike 1, 80-Hour Advanced Wilderness First Aid, and CPR to name a few.
Ryan has been involved in the ski industry for over 10 years and has devoted much of his time sharing his passion and knowledge for the outdoors with others. He continually demonstrates his commitment and interest in freestyle skiing and is actively engaged to help further develop and grow the sport.
His positive energy and encouraging approach are reflected in his effective feedback, which has made him a valuable member of the VFSC team since 2009. Ryan is a very confident skier on and off-piste and enjoys all of the disciplines of freestyle skiing, although he excels most in slopestyle.
A graduate of the Algonquin College Outdoor Recreation Diploma Program in 2004, Ryan has almost a decade of experience developing and managing programs in many different indoor and outdoor environments. When he’s not coaching athletes you will find him supervising and training employees with the Cypress Mountain Snow School.
In the off-season, Ryan shares his passion for the outdoors on two wheels. His dedication and unbeatable instruction continues on his mountain bike on the lower half of the local mountains where he coaches and guides for Endless Biking.
Paola is a student in the Outdoor Recreation Management course at Capilano University. In the summer she worked as a Park Ranger and in the winters she works as a ski instructor. She’s been a ski instructor for the past 5 seasons!
Favourite candy: Nerd Rope
Fun Facts: I have a culinary arts level 1 degree, I have worked at 3 different restaurants for 5 years, I have travelled to 10 countries, and I have worked as a park ranger.
Devyn studied Science at Uni and a Mechanical Design Diploma. He works as a Freelance Mechanical Designer.
Favourite candy: Mars Bars
Fun Facts: Ran a trampoline school in high-school, a wakesurf school the last few years, and have been trying to launch a ukulele business.
Chase continues to compete for fun in regional FWQ freeride events. He has a Bachelors in Materials Engineering and works as a Bicycle Mechanic.
Favourite candy: Mars Bars
Fun Facts: I once skied 50 days during the summer in Colorado. I had a radio show on CiTR for 2 years. You will almost never see me without a hat on.
Kris was on the Canadian National Freestyle Ski Halfpipe Team for 5 years. He has a Bachelors of Applied Science in Civil Engineering and works as a Geotechnical Engineer.
Favourite candy: Hi-Chew
Fun Facts: My favorite ice cream flavor is swiss almond vanilla. I love to cook, my signature dish is chicken caesar salad. Cats are my favorite animal but I am allergic to them. I have to wash my hands after I pet them.
Talya is currently studying at the Sauder School of Business at UBC.
Favourite candy: sour gummy worms
Fun Facts: -I was born in Dublin, Ireland
-I love Chipotle burritos (with extra corn!)
-I volunteered in Tanzania and helped build a school
Kyle graduated Highschool at Dogwood Diploma and has a Trades Discovery at BCIT. He works as an irrigation and landscape light installer.
Favourite candy: Starbursts
Fun Facts: I enjoy finding zen within hobbies such as glass blowing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, and unicycle
Hugo was a Vancouver Freestyle Athlete for 5 years and a Regionals 2014 Mogul Silver Medalist. He is a College/University graduate in Kinesiology and works as a Personal Trainer/Athlete/Nutrition Coach.
Favourite candy: Chunky KitKat
Fun Facts: I hold the highest Duke of Edinburgh awards, I’ve been to 14 countries but never Mexico or South America, I’m a poet.
Kiera is a high school graduate and a Red Seal Cabinetmaker. She also works as a CNC Operator.
Favourite candy: Hi-Chew
Fun Facts: I love motorcycling in my spare time, I am very strong despite my stature and I love to eat good food with good company!
I skied with WBFSC for 4 years and competed at all the competitions I could during that time. I also enjoyed competing as a competitive swimmer at the provincial level. I’m in my 1st year at BCIT in the Forest and Natural Areas Management course. I enjoy learning all about nature and the safe ways we can manage it for our future.
Favourite candy: Sour Patch Kids
Fun Facts: My favourite meal to make is pasta with tomato sauce. I enjoy creating ski edits in my free time.
Arwyn was on the original Girlstylerz team
Favourite candy: Haribo gummy bears
Fun Facts:I’ve been doing trampoline for as long as I’ve been skiing. I’ve been skiing with Freestyle Vancouver since I was 9 or 10. It’s been so long I honestly don’t remember.
Ben is still in high school and is planning on applying for Chemistry at UVIC. He works as a sailing instructor.
Favourite candy: There are these cherry flavoured candy balls at 711 that are my favourite.
Fun Facts: I go to the gym often, I sailed competitively, I’m graduating this year
John played high school level rugby and hockey. He’s currently studying in his last year at UBC Sauder, specializing in accounting. He’s planning on pursuing a career in accounting/finance.
Favourite candy: Oh Henry
Fun Facts: I have a twin brother, I play intramural dodgeball at UBC, and I enjoy camping in the summers.
Gemma is currently in high school
Favourite candy: Maynards
Miles is a highschool student and a Freestyle Coach.
Favourite candy: Kit Kat
Fun Facts:
Tanner’s athlete history includes next gen slopestyle. He’s currently a student at UBC.
Favourite candy: Oh Henry
Fun Facts: I like surfing! I am learning French. I want to live in Europe.
Nick has an undergraduate degree at UBC.
Favourite candy: Twizzlers
Fun Facts: I was born in London, UK. I can read Ancient Greek. I have a cat named Cleopatra
Michael is 24 years old, he’s studied geography at the University of Calgary, and he works as a Jack of All Trades!
Favourite candy: Skittles
Fun Facts: #1 I made the most viewed Shredsauce edit of all time.
#2 I live in a “Tiny House.”
#3 I recently started backcountry ski touring.
Thinley skied with the Cypress ski club for several years and began freestyle skiing at age 8. He’s also very involved in mountain biking. Thinley graduated from Maplewood High School and then completed a one year program at Capilano University. He also completed the three month Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training.
Favourite candy: I don’t like candy or sweet things.
Fun Facts: I have three dogs. I rock climb and climbed The Chief. I skied in New Zealand and France.
Chris graduated Grade 12 at Windsor Secondary.
Favourite candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Fun Facts: I love to fish
I love to slide rails in the terrain park
I love to to cliff jump (into water)
Finn is currently studying at UBC Sauder School of Business.
Favourite candy: Swedish Fish
Fun Facts:
1. I am fluent in french
2. I love photography and filmmaking
3. It’s my dream to work for Arc’teryx
I started skiing when I was 2 years old. I first started skiing at Grouse and when I was 3 years old I got my first Whistler pass, and I still have it (1994)! I joined the Blackcomb Freestyle team (now called Freestyle Whistler) when I was 14. Within 1 season of training I climbed to the top in the province for Big Air, winning 2 provincial championships and 3 regional Big Air competitions from age 15-17. I then earned credits for highschool through my competition results, which allowed me to ski instead of go to school! Yes, it’s totally a thing! I was then invited to join the Olympic development team which was a dream come true. During my competition phase I was also a filmmaker. In 2009 I created a ski film that won the BC film festival extreme sports category. I started teaching and coaching in 2012, a couple years after I stopped competing.
Favourite candy: black licorice – the REAL kind
Fun Facts: I’m a huge computer nerd, I am super introverted, and skiing with these kids helps so much with bringing out my extroverted side. So, thank you for that kiddos!
Harrison used to compete in slopestyle and rail jams. He has a double major in Politics and Criminology and is currently in school for his RMT certification. He works as a taxi driver.
Favourite candy: Chocolate bars!
Fun Facts: A character in Netflix’s Van Helsing was named after me.
I am getting married this summer.
My favourite animal is Turtles!
Zac Hoffman received his education as a film student at Capilano University and has qualifications with Air. He is currently a freelance filmmaker and the director of Bumps: A Mogul Skiing Documentary.
His favourite candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Thomas was an athlete for local competitions for 5 years. He’s currently enrolled in the OREC program at Capilano University. In the summer he works as a hiking/summer camps guide and in the winter as a ski instructor. This is his 5th season coaching skiing!
Favourite candy: Liquorice / Skittles
Fun Facts: He once broke 3 bones within a year and broke a finger while playing tag
Leif went to school at Argyle Secondary and he works in a bike shop.
Favourite candy: Reeces
Fun Facts: I’m lactose intolerant, my favourite ski hill is Mt Seymour. Currently working on a short ski film with the local crew, CHEF
Jordan is currently in high school attending Killarney.
Favourite candy: Twizzlers
Fun Facts: I speak Mandarin, my favourite food is ramen and I like coffee even though I’m 13