Tandem Snowboarding Friends: Kinsley’s Third-Birthday Family Film

A dad in a yellow jacket carves down the slope with a tiny rider standing on the board in front of him, and the two move as one. “Tandem Snowboarding Friends”, a short family film published in May 2015 by Wave Rave Snowboard Shop, follows little Kinsley and her friend Emma sharing rides with the grown-ups, and it was soon being shared far beyond the family.

A film for Kinsley’s third birthday

Wave Rave Snowboard Shop published the video in May 2015. Its description presents it as a celebration of Kinsley’s third birthday and of the time and teamwork she shares with her father on the snow. Emma also appears in the film, which makes it a story about friends on the snow as much as about one child.

That same month the clip was picked up by local television, with Fox 13 featuring the tandem video of a dad and his toddler.

What tandem snowboarding looks like

In tandem riding, the child stands on the snowboard with the adult, close in front of them, and the pair share the same board and the same line down the hill. The adult controls the edges, the speed and the turns; the child gets the feeling of gliding and carving long before they could manage a board of their own. In the film you can see the small boots, the bright clothing and the moments when adult and child settle into the same rhythm.

The uploader added a clear warning to the video and explained that the riders are very experienced snowboarders. That matters: what looks effortless on screen is the result of years on a board by the adults.

Getting young children started on snow

For most families the first step is far simpler than tandem riding. A few relaxed hours on easy terrain, warm clothing and plenty of breaks make the best introduction, and the ski schools at most resorts run lessons designed for small children.

Book an age-appropriate lesson with a qualified instructor: children learn fastest when the day is fun, the slope is gentle and someone trained is watching their stance and their energy.

Above all, a film like this is a family memory. A first glide, a laugh on the snow or a birthday on the mountain can be worth just as much to look back on.

For another warm moment on the slopes, meet the Leukerbad dog asking two skiers to play. For a different family approach to the outdoors, explore Bodhi’s family hiking photographs.