PASSION OVER FAME with Kaili Randmäe
INTERVIEW Alba Pardo
In a world where fame often overshadows raw talent, Estonian rider Kaili Randmäe stands out as one of the most authentic and passionate street riders of our time. Influenced by a background in rollerblading, Kaili’s approach to street riding is as unconventional as it is inspiring – plus she is unfazed by injuries and unshaken by setbacks. She’s here for one thing and one thing only: to ride. And while her path may not have followed the usual trajectory, her unrelenting positivity and passion have made her one of the most exciting and underrated riders of her generation.
Kaili isn’t chasing glory; she’s chasing the next perfect rail, the next great session, and the thrill of pushing her limits…

Hey Kaili, so you got injured at the end of the season. How is the recovery going?
It’s been rough, to be honest. I injured my knee during The Uninvited in the US and after some time on crutches, hoping it would heal on its own, I finally had to have surgery in June. But it went well, so I stayed optimistic. Then, I went to Finland in July and got meningitis swimming in some dirty water, so I spent a week in the hospital and took a whole month to recover. After finally recovering, I got back from Switzerland and broke my foot. So it’s been a crazy ride! Right now, I’m just focusing on rest, recovery and mental health.
Wow! That is some bad luck. I hope you are all good in time for the season to start! You are not a competitive snowboarder, but tell us about your experience at The Uninvited in both Europe and the US. Will you do it again?
Competing is not my main thing, but the experience was intense. In Austria, I found out about the qualification at the last minute and just decided to go for it. It was one of the best competitions I’ve been to – great weather, an awesome setup, and a really supportive vibe from the girls. The US event was different – much more intense, with everyone there to do business. Despite the pressure, the riders were killing it. As for doing it again, I always keep my options open. I’m spontaneous, so if the time and place feel right, I might just give it another go…
Injuries have been a big part of your snowboarding and rollerblading career. What lessons have you learned from all these accidents?
I’ve had so many injuries that I joke I’m more of a professional at being injured! But I always make a comeback… The biggest lesson is learning to listen to my body and calculate risks. I used to just send it without thinking, but now I consider the risks and rewards. Injuries have taught me that recovery is a mental game as much as it is physical. It’s about accepting your limits, being smart about what’s worth it, and choosing your spots wisely.
Talk to me about the relationship between rollerblading and snowboarding for you.
They’re deeply connected for me. I’ve been rollerblading on the streets since I was 12, and that background has made street snowboarding feel natural. People often think I don’t know street snowboarding because I spent so much time in the park, but rollerblading is even gnarlier in some ways – you don’t get to soften spots or make kickers. It’s just concrete under you. The skills and mindset I developed while blading translated perfectly into snowboarding.
You always show such passion and excitement for snowboarding. What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
As last winter was my first time riding/filming on streets, I got hooked! I’m really excited to focus again on that field. Last year, I barely got two weeks of filming in, and that wasn’t enough for me. I want to find a crew and put together a proper video part. Of course, I’ll still hit the park and maybe even some backcountry if my body allows, but my heart is set on street snowboarding..

Let’s talk about filming and the challenges that come with street snowboarding: the crew, the funding, everything else that comes with that…
It’s been tough. My usual crew, my usual go-to crew Marko Malsub and Juho Laine are busy with YES Snowboards, and other friends have their own projects or are tied up with brand commitments. Finding the right people to film with is key, especially in street riding, where the vibe and energy of the crew are crucial. There’s also the challenge of funding – most of the big brands have their own teams and movies, so it’s hard to get support if you’re not already part of a major crew.
Who do you like to ride with and why, and what is it like to be part of the Bataleon team?
I’ve always loved riding with my guys, Marko Malsub, Marten Kikas and Juho Laine. They are like brothers to me, and we are on the same vibe level. Plus, their skills inspire and motivate me to push my own limits. It’s so important in street snowboarding to ride with people you connect with because it’s such a high-risk environment. You need a crew that clicks and supports each other without any negative energy.
Being part of the Bataleon team for eight years has been a great experience. Shout out to our Team Manager Larrogs, who kept believing in me, while I went through my toughest and longest recovery battle. Merci! It feels like a family where everyone supports each other, and there’s this shared passion for pushing the limits of snowboarding. The team is filled with riders who inspire me, and it’s really cool to see how everyone brings their own style and energy to the table.
Bataleon has always been known for doing things a little differently with their 3BT tech, and I think that vibe carries over into the team. We’re all about creativity and having fun, but also getting serious when it comes to pushing boundaries in our riding. It’s a brand that supports individuality, which really resonates with me. They’re not just focused on competitions or big tricks – they value the overall experience of snowboarding, whether it’s in the streets, backcountry, or park.
Even though they don’t traditionally have a big emphasis on filming team movies like some other brands, it’s been exciting to see them moving in that direction. The first Bataleon Team movie FLAT EARTH will come out this autumn which I am stoked about! It’s been a dream to work with them, and I’m stoked to see what the future holds as we continue to evolve as a team.


Besides being an adrenaline junkie, you’re also a nurse right?
Yes, but I’m not working as a nurse right now. I’m focusing full-time on snowboarding, blading, and traveling. Nursing is my plan B. If anything ever goes wrong with snowboarding, I can always go back to it, but for now, I’m chasing my passion.
What would you tell your younger self if you had to do it all over again? What lessons have you learned?
Honestly, I think I’ve done everything right. I’ve achieved the dreams I had when I was younger. If I had to give advice to my younger self, I’d say, ‘Dream big, and believe in the impossible’. It sounds cliché, but I’m living proof that if you truly want something, you’ll get it. And maybe I’d tell myself to take care of my body a bit more to avoid some of the injuries!
What’s your biggest dream for the future?
My long-term dream is to stay healthy and continue riding until my hair is grey, no matter what the terrain. My short-term dream is to be filming street snowboarding at a high level, surrounded by the people I vibe with the most. It would be amazing to work with big brands, to make it happen. And I will keep smiling and enjoy the wicked life we live!