Interview with Samira Märling
The Ripper from Sälen
Our team rider aka the charger from Sälen, Samira Märling, is a snowboarder of high rank. We caught up with her after a day on the slopes and had a chat. Read our interview where she shares more about who she looks up to and what her dreams are with her snowboarding.
Tell us a little about yourself. How old are you and where are you from?
My name is Samira Märling, and I am 14 years old (born in 2010). I come from Sälen and go to high school in Lima. This fall, I start 8th grade. My dad lives in Sälen, and my mom and little brother live in Lima. In my free time, I like to play soccer, practice gymnastics, and hang out with friends, but I also enjoy reading.
When did you start snowboarding, and what got you into it?
I stood on a board for the first time when I had just turned 2, and it was my dad who got me to try it. He has worked with and ridden snowboards all his life, so it was pretty obvious. My dad is Bollen Valencia. I have actually tried skiing too, but snowboarding is much more fun. Before I started school, my dad and I were out snowboarding almost every day during the winter. And it's the best thing I know!
What fascinates you most about snowboarding?
It's the freedom to do what you want without any rules. There's no one telling you how or where to ride. I also like that we are like a big family, everyone who snowboards, regardless of how good or how old you are!
How would you describe the feeling of snowboarding?
You are so focused on what you are doing that everything else disappears. If you have any problems, they disappear as soon as you strap in. You just ignore everything else. I also like that there are so many different ways to ride. If you want to jump, you do that. If you just want to ride and chill, you do that. The feeling I have when I ride is simply the best there is!
Describe a typical snowboarding day for you. How much time do you spend on the board each week?
I train with Sälens IF two evenings a week. Wednesday park in Kläppen and Thursday technique in Lindvallen. We start with a few warm-up runs. Then we either play follow the leader or ride switch. Then we split into groups, depending on what we want to train on. On Sundays, we all gather in Kläppen, and I spend most of my time in the park. We train for almost two hours each session. I also ride quite a bit after school. In total, it amounts to about 10-25 hours a week.
Can you share some challenges or setbacks you have faced?
I haven't had many setbacks. Minor injuries and a sore foot are probably the only things. However, I didn't enjoy it as much for a period when I was out riding with my dad because he focused a lot on my technique. He would often say "do this" and "do that," but today I understand that it was because he wanted to give me the best possible conditions to have as much fun as possible on the board.
How do you balance snowboarding with school? Is it difficult to combine the two?
It has worked pretty well so far. There are some competitions I've been away for, but as long as I don't fall behind, the school is okay with it. Ungärdeskolan in Lima is a good school in that sense. It might get harder going forward since I really enjoy going to competitions. I try to stay a bit ahead of my schoolwork. That way, it's easier to get time off. I really want to go to the snowboard high school in Malung. It's a four-year program where you can combine snowboarding with school.
What are your biggest goals in snowboarding?
My first goal is to get into the snowboard high school in Malung. Then I will be able to snowboard even more. Competing is fun, so a spot on the national team wouldn't be bad. X-games and the Olympics are also high on my list. My biggest goal with my riding is to still have fun on the board and challenge myself!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I'll be in my final year at the snowboard high school and snowboarding every day!
Who or what gives you the inspiration and motivation to keep snowboarding?
My dad has always been there to support and encourage me in my riding. He pushes me to test my limits and is always there for me. I also get inspired by riders like Ylfa Rúnarsdóttir and Brantley Mullins. They do their own thing!
What advice would you give to other young snowboarders?
Ride a lot! Ride when the conditions are bad. It makes you a better rider. Don't rush things, but make sure to learn the basics first. Don't forget to have fun on the board and dare to do your own thing!
Follow Samira on Instagram:
@samira__marling