Rising Up: Mela Stalker

Interview Stella & Alba
PHOTOS Rob Thys

Mela Stalker’s journey to becoming one of Australia’s rising stars in snowboarding is nothing short of remarkable. Born on the Sunshine Coast, far from any mountains or any snow, she first found her passion for boardsports through skating and surfing. A family holiday to Niseko, Japan, sparked her love for snowboarding and, by age 11, she started competing in New Zealand and was dominating the NZ Junior Nationals, a title she held for five consecutive years.

Now ranked 21st in Slopestyle worldwide, Mela has proven herself on the international stage, and whilst she has her sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics she is also embracing everything snowboarding has to offer, and is cultivating a balanced and experience-full snowboarding life.

Thanks again for taking the time to sit down with us. So, let’s start at the beginning: how did your snowboarding journey start? 

I got into snowboarding through my parents. I originally skied, then swapped over to the board over a few trips between ages seven to nine. My OG idols were Jeremy Jones and Jess Kimura and I grew up watching backcountry films like ‘Deeper’ and ‘Further’ with Dad, so Jeremy was a big name in our household. When I came around to gaining some more female inspiration, Jess Kimura’s parts in ‘Stay Badass’ and ‘Fullmoon’ were two of my favorites and still are to this day. Honestly, I have so many that are on my inspirations list, but they were the originals!

How have your roots affected your snowboarding?

I think where I’m from has definitely made some challenges towards my pursuits in snowboarding! Obviously, not growing up near snow has a toll on time and requires financial sacrifices. But in saying that, it’s what’s made snowboarding so pivotal in my life. I grew up in a little beach town, so the snow was such a different and exciting scene – which I think is what made it so addictive for me. Now that I have built a pathway to follow in this sport, I feel like “home” helps me appreciate and make the most of the time I have on snow. Overall, snowboarding has brought a lot of life lessons, friendships and opportunities my way. It’s almost a part of me in a sense, I don’t know where I’d be or who I’d be without it.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge most snowboarders are facing today?

I’d say financial backing for the most part. It’s become quite a wealth-demanding sport. From lift tickets to gear to travel, it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting or you’re a big name leading the sport, cost is definitely something that’s quite pivotal to progression.

Who have been your biggest cheerleaders on your journey so far?

My parents first and foremost! Then all my mates. My sponsors of course, especially Nidecker – BIIIIIG shoutout! Honestly, anyone in my space at the moment, they all have had an impact on my path, and I’m super grateful to all who are involved. 

Are there any short-term goals you’d like to accomplish in the next season?

Just staying consistent, growing my trick base and enjoying the journey. It’s a big season leading into the Olympic year, so just trying to still have fun while I hone in.

What are you doing if you’re not snowboarding?

Anything that involves getting my mind or body moving. I love to skate and rock climb when I can, and I love a bit of art.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

Probably doing the same thing, just to a higher degree. Obviously, I have goals that I want to achieve, places to see, things I want to do, but I’d just like to see myself being me and doing something that I love with the people I love.

Rank the top five priorities currently in your life.

Snowboarding, family, work, staying healthy, and just living! 

Favorite trick?

Switchback 180

Next trick on the progression list?

Front dub-underflip. Τ