Leilani Ettel, a 24-year-old professional snowboarder from a family of surfers and snowboarders, reflects on her life and career in a recent interview. Although she had the potential to become a professional surfer, she chose snowboarding due to the proximity of the mountains to her home in Munich. Ettel is set to compete in the halfpipe event at the upcoming Winter Olympics, highlighting her dedication to the sport.

In her discussion, Ettel emphasizes the dynamic relationship between snowboarding and surfing, expressing how each activity complements the other. She describes the refreshing experience of transitioning from the ice of the halfpipe to the waves of the ocean, finding a similar thrill in both sports. The sensation of gliding on a board, whether on snow or water, brings her immense joy and fulfillment.

Ettel also shares her appreciation for the connection with nature that surfing provides, contrasting it with the controlled environment of snowboarding. She enjoys the unpredictability of the waves and the requirement to adapt to the natural conditions, which she finds exhilarating. Her insights reflect the profound impact of both sports on her identity and the joy they bring into her life, further inspiring young athletes in both disciplines.