Bea Kim Talks Snowboarding, Style, and Shifting Into High Gear

Get to know FP Movement’s newest (and chillest) brand ambassador.

A pro snowboarder and the youngest member of the US Pro Halfpipe Snowboard Team, Bea Kim has quite the resume for an 18-year old.

Originally from Palos Verdes, California, Bea has taken to the snow with joy and intensity, shrugging off her west coast roots in favor of colder climates and snowier peaks. At age 16, she not only received her first podium finish and made her first X Games appearance, but also placed third overall in the World Cup standings. Along with her incredible talent comes a can-do attitude that makes Bea not just a phenomenon on the slopes, but also, really fun to chat with!

More about her snowboarding rituals, favorite alternative movement, and what’s next on the horizon, from Bea herself:

FP MOVEMENT: What’s your favorite part of being out on the mountain?

BEA KIM: Being outside! Honestly, when I am having a rough day, I forget where I am. It’s always grounding to look up and see the sky or look out and see a giant mountain range. It really puts everything into perspective.

FPM: Do you have any pre-ride rituals or warm-ups that set you up for a good run?

BK: I don’t have any specific rituals or warm-ups, but I like to focus on my breathing. There are a few different methods I use, but I always end everything on a deep breath out. I imagine letting all anxieties and external factors go with that breath, allowing me to focus on the moment. I do have a little good luck keychain/charm from my childhood best friend that I keep in my pocket during competitions.

FPM: What’s one skill or trick you’re working on right now that excites you?

BK: There are a lot! I’m trying to work on changing the axis of a lot of my spins and that’s super exciting for me. It is something I have been wanting to change in my riding for a while, so it feels great to try and implement on snow!

FPM: How do you recover after a long day on the slopes?

BK: I like to go to the gym and do some light movement. Typically riding the stationary bike and some stretching. When I can, I try to go for walks after riding. It cools down my legs and I get to clear my head!

FPM: What’s your go-to snowboarding outfit for both movement and style?

BK: My go-to snowboarding outfit is a baggy pair of pants so I have enough room to move my legs freely and a lightweight, equally as baggy, jacket, like the Peak to Peak Popover. I find baggier is more practical and looks cool!

FPM: What’s in your gear bag that might surprise us?

BK: Candy. I always have some sort of gummies or chocolate. I find they are the best source of quick energy when I’m training. Tastes good too of course!

FPM: What keeps you motivated during the tough training days?

BK: I think it changes day to day, but when I have a tough training day I am just trying to get small wins. These small wins grow on each other and build my confidence to try bigger tricks. When I get off the mountain, I know I’ve made the best of the situation which makes me motivated to continue building for the next day.

FPM: What other kinds of movement inspire or support your snowboarding? (yoga, Pilates, running, etc.)

BK: I like to spend a lot of my time in the gym working on agility and lifting weights. I’ve recently gotten into running, and I like how challenging it is!

FPM: Do you have a favorite FP Movement style or piece?

BK: There are too many! I’ve been loving all of FP Movement’s track pants. The Retro Rider and Overtime Mesh Pants are my favs. The Tighten Up Reversible Bra is super cute and works great under my favorite sweatshirts from the Heavyweight Handbook!

FPM: Do you have a mantra you live by on or off the mountain?

BK: Work hard, and when you think you are working hard, there’s definitely still a little more in the tank.