It's been a busy start to the year for 15-year-old Tess Coady, the talented Australian snowboarder from St Kilda, Victoria. This season Tess has been pushing her snowboarding at Absolut Park (Austria), training under the guidance of coach Chad Collier and the NSWIS Park and Pipe Team. She also managed to squeeze in a powder trip to Mt. Bachelor (USA), and compete at both the LAAX Open (Laax, Switzerland) and World Rookie Fest (Livigno, Italy). To cap off an incredible stint overseas, Australian eyewear brand Modest became the latest brand to add her to their team.

Tess has developed a style well beyond her years, which she attributes to riding with the likes of Josh Vagne, Jess Rich, Joss McAlpin, Tom Harveyson, Matt Cox, and Cassie Fortune. The pool of young and talented Australian snowboarders continues to expand as they make their mark on the snowboarding world, and it's great to see them supporting each other in this way.

As glamorous as it can appear, it's not always easy for a 15-year-old to balance training, competing, and studying for school, but Tess has the full support of her loving parents making this professional pursuit possible. This season Tess plans on living in Jindabyne, riding at Perisher, and competing at the Australian Junior Nationals and The Mile High. Tess is fueled by a pure love for snowboarding and riding with her friends, keeping her more than motivated as she chases her dreams.

You can follow Tess on Instagram: @tess_coady

Film: Marcus Skin, Chad Collier
Edit: Tess Coady