Meet Your Coaches
Jason Elstad
Snowboard Head Coach
Program Director
Where are you from?
West Germany until I was 7. Montrose, Colorado for the rest of my childhood.
Now Portland for over 22 years.
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Steep and deep long powder runs, bobsled runs in the trees, park/pipe
Why are you a coach?
One of my favorite things in this world is seeing the smile on someone's face when they learn something new
Do you have any pets?
Two puppers: Charles Peanut Butter and Sylvie
Favorite food?
Whatever your mom is making
When and where did you learn to snowboard?
34 years ago in Crested Butte, Colorado
What is your teaching style?
Hands on, empathetic, and demonstrative
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
Travis Parker
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Hangout with my family, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mountain Biking, Attempting to surf
Where are you from?
Portland
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Powder, Half Pipe, All Mountain Free Riding
Why are you a coach?
I coach because I love snowboarding and want to spread the stoke to the younger generation. This will be my 20th year coaching and keep coming back because the rising energy is so great with the kids and love to help them become better snowboarders, learn the mountain and have a great time doing it.
Do you have any pets?
Dogs and cats. It’s a furry zoo over here :)
Favorite food?
Pizza on the bus trip to the mountain of course
When and where did you learn to snowboard/ski?
Learned on Mt Hood in High School
What is your teaching style?
I like to ride with the team, give tips, find fun features and session them. Make sure riders have a good riding foundation and help them progress.
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
Terje Hakonsen
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Surf and Paint
Snowboard Assitant Head Coach
"Super" Dave Young
Jake Gaynor
Snowboard Coach
Where are you from?
Raised in Northern California, Portland for 24 years, lived all over the worlld
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Steep powder, all mountain and back country
Why are you a coach?
My wife made me do this because I don’t like participating in organized anything, much less snow sports. Blame my wife.
Do you have any pets?
We have two dogs, a cat, six chickens. Probably some rats I don’t know about
Favorite food?
This is the hardest question to answer. I mean, is this best meal ever? One food for life? Desert island? If I had to live off one thing for the rest of my life I would say tacos. Tacos and coffee.
When and where did you learn to snowboard?
1989 on a snowboard, 1980 on skis
What is your teaching style?
Have fun first and build confidence to go faster and bigger
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
John Cardiel, Temple Cummings, Terje Haakonsen, the Roach Brothers
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Skateboarding and arguing with strangers on the internet
Where are you from?
Delaware
In order: Top 3 favorite types of riding?
Backcountry, free ride, freestyle
Why are you a coach?
Share the stoke - it’s the one consistent driving force in my life. Everyone deserves lifelong joy like this.
Do you have any pets?
Dog. Ramen.
Favorite food?
My Sourdough Pizza.
When and where did you learn to snowboard/ski?
12 years old (37 years ago) Colorado
What is your teaching style?
Encouraging, supportive, positive
Favorite snowboarder of all time?
Craig Kelly (but I live me some Austin Sweetin)
What do you do for fun that doesn't involve snow?
Mountain Bike, Surf, Van Adventures, Travel with my family
