Risto Mattila confirmed
Nationality: Finnish
Birthdate: 04.02.1981
Stance: Regular (+18,-6)
Sponsors: Flow, Billabong, Giro, GSM-Suomi, Volvo
Board: Flow team 157
Bindings: Flow team
Boots: Flow Zone
A fierce competitor in the Half Pipe, Risto has remained the most focused and determined rider when it comes to competing on the professional level. He and Markku Koski went to the same resort in Finland when they were younger, progressing their riding and entering the competition scene.
Risto is fully aware and supportive of snowboarding’s progression because “if you don’t progress, you’re out of it.” He loves to learn new tricks that he sees other riders throwing down, which pushes him to progress even futher and become the best he possibly can.
Like many other TTR competitors, Risto is also able to find time within his busy schedule to film. He feels that it is an important aspect to snowboarding, and that competing and filming are so different, yet vital, that neither should be overlooked.
Risto has always competed well in freestyle contests, claiming the title of the Five (5) Star Burton European Open 2006 for Half Pipe. He also finished second at last year’s Six (6) Star Nokia Air & Style Munich and finished 3rd at last year’s Six (6) Star Nissan X-Trail Jam for Quarter Pipe.
Back in early 2006, at the end of the 05/06 TTR season, Risto came as close as one could get to being crowned TTR World Champion but had to settle for second after an injury to his kneee during one of his Half Pipe runs at the Burton US Open. Risto warns everyone though to “not take snowboarding too seriously, to have fun on the slopes and do tricks to get good and progress. That’s how is should be.”
Back in action for the 07/08 season, Risto is sure to put up a good fight yet still have as much fun as possible. Check him out if you want to see progression, style and technical skill all in one determined and competitive package.
What does Snowboarding mean for you?
Almost everything that I do has something to do with snowboarding, so basiclly snowboarding is my life. It means everything to me.
How do you see your snowboarding progressing over the next few years?
For sure the airs are gonna get bigger and there is gonna be more spinning. But I really hope that style is going to be an even bigger factor as snowboarding progresses.
How has the snowboarding scene changed since you started?
There are so many more snowboarders nowadays which is great. There is also a lot more variation in the styles of riding. There are the jibbers with super baggy clothes, the rock guys with tight jeans, freeriders with 175cm long boards, pipers...... but still snowboarders are a one big happy family which makes this sport so fun.
Who is currently the most stylish rider in your eyes?
Andreas Wiig is doing crazy tricks with super smooth style.
What is the best TTR event you've been to and why?
Hard to name one because they are all so great. Every TTR event is a good combination of good snowboarding and crazy partying.
