Our guest post this week is from the awesome @SendyMcsendersonn
I began my snowboarding journey at 25 and discovered that the mountains weren’t the only hurdles to overcome – gender biases in the sport added an extra layer of complexity. From subtle stereotypes to outright skepticism, being a woman in this male-dominated space presented its own set of challenges.
Every turn down the slope became a statement of defiance against those who doubted. With a burgeoning career in the industry, I decided to share my passion with the world through my little passion project: @SendyMcsendersonn. As the followers grew to nearly 10k in 6 months, the journey wasn’t all bluebird powder days.
Strapping on my board and hitting the slopes is a exciting, but hitting the record button and sharing my adventures online opened a whole new frontier. The comments section became a battleground where trolls tried to undermine my passion. The negativity stung, especially when I was called “mediocre” or dismissed because of my gender.
Being a woman in the spotlight of a male-skewed audience meant embracing imperfections, sharing uncomfortable moments, and proving that the journey is just as important as the destination. I challenged the notion that sending it in the park or on hard runs is the only measure of success, turning the authenticity of my experiences into a strength – real, raw, and unfiltered.
I transformed the hate into fuel, recognizing that you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy and share your hobbies. Not every ride down the mountain is flawless, and not every trick is picture-perfect. And if you can’t do tricks? Well, you’re still just as valid as any other snowboarder, and that’s more than okay.
Crafting a career and passion project around the sport I love wasn’t a walk in the park, but it was the most worthwhile endeavor I’ve ever undertaken. Breaking into the professional scene as a woman required resilience, perseverance, and a refusal to be overlooked. Networking became my secret weapon, connecting with other respected women breaking barriers in the industry.
Despite moments of self-doubt, every hate comment introduced me to a community of supporters – fellow female riders, allies, and those who valued the authenticity of my content. It served as a reminder that, in this vast online world, people appreciate genuine passion over polished perfection.
To those who believe you must be “good” at your hobbies to share them online – let me debunk that myth. Your joy, your journey, and your enthusiasm are more valuable than any trick or skill level. Don’t let naysayers dim your light; instead, let your passion shine through, inspiring others to take on their own imperfect but beautiful journeys.
Here’s to riding—embracing the bumps, and proving that being real is far more rewarding than fitting into someone else’s idea of perfection. Crafting a career around snowboarding wasn’t just about turning a passion into a paycheck; it was about shattering the glass ceiling in a world where women were often relegated to supporting roles. Working my way up the ladder, I found my niche and embraced every opportunity to showcase that women could not only keep up but lead the charge, all while living in a place I dearly love to pursue my passions
Now, let’s send it together. No matter who you are, where you’re from or how badass you are, we’re the future of this sport. I want all the late bloomer, the sendy ladies, and the stoke-filled psuedo-athletes by my side when we take over the sport.