Rising Up: Riley Sharpe

INTERVIEW: STELLA PENTTI 
PHOTOS: CRAIG ROBINSON 

UK-born, Avoriaz-raised, and fueled by endless energy: Riley Sharpe is already leaving his mark on snowboarding – and he’s only 11. In the words of his parents, Jennifer and James, “Riley has always been, shall we say, extreme in everything he does.” Whether it’s snowboarding, wakeboarding, or surfing, Riley’s been standing sideways since the age of two. 

AGE: 11 STANCE: GOOFY 
HOME MOUNTAIN: AVORIAZ, FRANCE 
SPONSORS: BURTON, ANON, STANCE EUROPE, LEBAG LEYSIN, FABULOSA 
INSTAGRAM: @RILEYSHARPE5

In 2025, that passion turned into results: Riley swept the overall slopestyle and big air titles at the Brits, taking down riders more than twice his age, while also claiming the crown for both the under-16 rail jam and the under-12 snowboard cross. Four trophies, one week. Not bad for someone who still has homework to do. 

With a work ethic that matches his love for fun, Riley’s riding is developing at top speed. He trains year-round, using domes, airbags, and trampolines, and has his sights set not just on raising the bar, but on setting it. Safe to say, this young ripper’s just getting started. 

Nice to meet you, Riley! How’s your summer been, and what does your season start look like? 

My summer has been busy but fun. I just finished school, and I usually get through some of my work in the summer when I’m not snowboarding. I’ve been riding domes, living on the trampoline, and hitting the airbag in Leysin whenever I could. I’ll kick off my season in October at Tux, and then head to Ruka, Finland, in November for the first time. 

Tell us a bit about yourself. What got you into snowboarding in the first place? 

I was born in Nantwich, Cheshire. My older cousin snowboarded, and I just wanted to be like him. My parents took me to Avoriaz when I was two, and that’s when it all started. 

You’re half American and half English – how would you say these two very different snowboard cultures have shaped your riding? 

I’m lucky to travel and ride in both the US and Europe. Spending time in some of the world’s best parks definitely pushes me. 

You’ve got a really smooth flow while still managing to throw down some super technical tricks. Which riders would you say inspire and influence your snowboarding? 

Kuba Hrones, Jake Canter, Rocco Jamieson, and Clemens Millauer. They’ve all got awesome style and still throw down. Plus, baggy pants just make everything look smoother. 

You swept home quite a few wins at the Brits last year – what was that whole experience like for you? 

It was amazing! My first time riding the Brits in the mountains. Each day had a new comp, which made the whole week exciting. Riding with my friends but also getting to show what I can do outside the dome was really cool. 

What was your favorite event you rode in last season? 

Penken Park Valley Rally. The weather was perfect, the park was perfect, and it was the first time I landed a 1080 in a comp run. 

Jumps or rails? What’s the vibe? 

Both! I couldn’t live without either. Rails are easier to find, but good jumps are rare, so I love them both. 

What can the snowboard world expect from Riley next? 

This season I’m focusing on training more than competing. I want to push my double 10s, work up to 12s and 14s, and keep dropping clips. I love filming with mates, so you’ll see plenty of that too. 

Off the hill, what keeps you stoked? 

Trampolining, playing Shredders and Fortnite with my mates. 

Any shoutouts to friends, family, or sponsors? 

Definitely! Huge thanks to my parents – I couldn’t do any of this without them. My coaches, Barry Parker, Jack Taylor, and John Weatherley, for keeping me hyped. And, of course, Burton UK, Burton Europe, and Stance Europe for ensuring I’m kitted and stylish on and off the hill.