Lachlan Mason in action in New Zealand.
Camera IconLachlan Mason in action in New Zealand. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Vic Park teen making unlikely impact in world of snowboarding

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

VICTORIA Park resident Lachlan Mason is showing off plenty of tricks and flips as he dominates on the snow.

The Kent Street Senior High School student (15) is in the USA competing in snowboarding events, where he is claiming good results.

He finished second and third at two boardercross events in the USA Snowboard and Freeski Association’s Rocky Mountain series in Colorado on February 4 and 5.

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It followed an impressive display at the New Zealand Junior Freeski and Snowboard Nationals, where he finished third overall.

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His father Andrew said Lachlan travelled to the USA in December after being offered the opportunity by a coach following the event in New Zealand.

“He has been competing in a number of events and he has impressed but he is very happy with the latest results,” he said.

“It’s a very serious competition and he is competing against kids from around the world.”

Mr Mason said Lachlan became involved in snowboarding through a family connection.

“His uncle owns a lodge in Thredbo and so he got exposure to the snow through that,” he said.

“In 2010 he took some lessons and he then when he was 14 he competed in his first Australian national competition in 2015.

“He had a hand fracture last year so he couldn’t compete in the Australian national competition but he travelled to New Zealand in October where he finished third.”

Mr Mason said Lachlan was able to train in Perth by using trampolines or surfing.

“Peak Trampoline has been a great supporter and he goes there twice a week to practice,” he said.

“He is constantly on his surfboard as well, which helps him when he can’t get to the snow.”

Mr Mason said his son had a relaxed attitude to snowboarding.

“He comes from somewhere different from the other kids but he has a good attitude and he has a real intense desire,” he said.

“He is actually skiing with broken bones in his feet, he was devastated when he found out but then he was told he could actually compete.”