The Stone is alive and well in Switzerland! We had a great time with the Volcom crew at their park takeover — a fun gated race, packed with freestyle features where tricks earn you time reductions. One young rider really stood out, winning both the race and the best trick. We took the opportunity to get to know Leo Saraiva in the interview below…
Hey Leo, Can you introduce yourself for the people who don’t know you?
Hi guys! My name is Leonardo Saraiva, but most people just call me Leo. I was born 16 years ago in Aarau and in my free time I like to draw because it gives me joy and allows me to be creative. I am currently attending the sports secondary school in Engelberg and am in the Swiss Snowboard squad.
What did you think of the Volcom Takeover?
The event was super cool because I had a lot of fun snowboarding and I was able to meet and get to know nice people, including some of my teammates from Volcom and West. There was free food and drinks and the DJ provided good vibes. The park was nice and had something for every level.
I know that you rip in the park, so I wasn’t surprised that you won best trick. But I didn’t expect you to win the race! How did you get so fast?
This format was completely new to me. It was challenging, although it was actually quite easy to ride. It was a great mix of speed and creativity — pretty much everything that we love about snowboarding. It prioritized having fun, riding fast and doing creative tricks, which ultimately led to my time being reduced. That was the recipe.
How does an event like this compare to the other events that you’ve done this season?
I love the airtime and the competitions but I also like having fun snowboarding with friends and family. There was a bit of everything here. It made the event very special and that made me relaxed and happy.
It’s great that your family is so into snowboarding. Your dad and little brother were also in Verbier with you, right?
Yes, exactly! My whole family snowboards and my little brother and dad were also there. I was happy that they came with me. Even though my little brother, Xavier, is a good snowboarder, it was the first competition that he wanted to take part in. That shows how cool and relaxed it was.
Pretty nice having a father who’s also a really good photographer. Has shooting with him taught you anything?
Well, he’s definitely taught me patience, since I always have to wait a long time for him to be ready… haha. But seriously, shooting with him has given me a different perspective on snowboarding. I learned to focus on the right moment and I learned what the true values of snowboarding are. I didn’t really realize it at the beginning, but photography was, and still is, an important part of snowboarding. I have to say that he is always on fire when taking photos and gives good tips to everyone that he shoots with.
Have you been to Verbier before? What did you think of the resort?
It was my first time in Verbier but it certainly won’t be the last because I really enjoyed it. The mountain landscape is impressive, the people are very friendly and the park is small, but nice. I’m already looking forward to coming back.
You won an invitation to Volcom’s Spot 2 Spot in Avoriaz. Congrats! I was there last year and can promise you that it’s a good time. What are your expectations for an event like this?
Thanks! Yes, that was a big surprise and now I can’t wait to shred with the other Volcom team riders and show them my best. It’s going to be awesome there. It’s a huge honor for me!
What do you have planned for the rest of the season?
There are still a few European Cups in slopestyle and halfpipe to come, as well as the Swiss Championships. Of course, the Volcom Spot 2 Spot in Avoriaz is also new on my agenda. But I will also have time to ride with my friends and teammates and record some cool videos. Basically, I just want to have a good time snowboarding in the mountains… That’s what I have planned.
Sounds like a good plan… Thanks for the interview Leo! And thanks to the crews from Volcom, Vision O, Yes and Verbier for supporting fun events like this. Also a bit shoutout to your dad, Sergio, for all of the pics.
