- Emil Leenderts
- From: Volda
- Ambassador since: 2023
- Outdoor activities: Surfing, Skateboarding
- person.otherInterests: Photography, Filmmaking
Achievements:
- Caught the bug
- Walk the Walk
- Topptyricon
- El Salvador
- Sweet spot
- Getting a right-hand barrel
- Getting a left-hand barrel
- Understanding what «bring your snorkel, buddy!» means.
Emil Leenderts describes himself as a semi‑professional snowboarder, surfer and filmmaker and spends most of his time in the mountains and in the ocean.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Nittedal, Norway. Riding at my local hill Varingskollen.
Activity
My main activity is splitboarding. But I’m also definitely a surf bum. Anything that involves a board really.
What do you actively do to cut back on your carbon footprint?
I try to live by the term «Earn your turns». The winter of 22/23 I took part in two ski movies, both of them involving 100% foot-powered ascents on the Norwegian mountains. And yes, that includes a shit ton of walking.
Travel less frequently, stay for longer ⁃ Vote green ⁃ Dumpster diving.
* Disclaimer: this does not involve jumping from tall dumpsters into the ocean, as I first believed, and therefore showed up in my swimming shorts.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Sunnmøre, no doubt. It’s just one of those few places in the world where you can ride powder, go surfing, and skateboard on the very same day.
What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?
«Det handlar om balans, både i livet og på brettet», is a pretty freakin cool quote from the old Norwegian snowboard movie “Switch”. It translates to something like: It’s all about balance, not only on the board but also in life.
I would probably say that, with a cool Swedish accent like in the movie.
What hobbies do you enjoy participating in?
I’m really into surfing and skateboarding, which is very rewarding because it all relates to snowboarding.
What is/are your hidden talent(s)?
I’m decent with analog photography. Back in 2019 it was either moving to the West Coast to snowboard and surf or join photography art school in the city. Luckily, I choose the surf and snow thing.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be and why?
Stop overthinking stuff. Probably like I’m doing with these questions right now. Ahh f*** I’m doing it again, ain’t I?
Emil Leenderts in action
