Out & About: Off-Season Training
Tavo Sadeg working out his flips on Lake Tahoe, California. pc @tavo.sadeg
Big mountain freeriding doesn’t simply require an expert’s skills, it also demands an athlete’s performance. An uncanny combination of strength, stamina, conditioning, and balance that allows riders to sustain massive g-forces while turning and still stomping cliffs with precision. In my mind, there’s no doubt that competitive freeriding is for truly elite athletes.
Looking from the outside in I often wondered, ‘What does it physically take to get to this level?’ Thankfully, I got some answers to my question from Tavo Sadeg, the 2022 men’s snowboarding junior freeride world champion. Here’s a summary of what he had to say.
Other Options
Without a year-round snowpack in Tahoe to train on, Tavo looks for other ways to keep active in the off-season. He believes consistency is the key to performing his best. For Tavo this means getting back to the basics, having fun, and recuperating after a long season.
“Mr. Smiles” Tavo Sadeg enjoying the sunshine in Lake Tahoe, California. pc @tavo.sadeg
Back To The Basics
Tavo says that his physical performance starts with proper nutrition. He describes his diet as “not super strict” but still anchors around fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins as his primary food sources. He generally avoids artificial ingredients and drinks plenty of water each day without additional vitamins or supplements.
When it comes to his general fitness and conditioning Tavo plays around with a variety of different activities. Skateboarding, hiking, climbing, and wake surfing all fall into his regular summer schedule. He also includes a daily routine of full-body stretching and bodyweight exercises (both in the morning and again before bed) which he says, “is simple, but works… and helps me stay in shape!”
Conditioning without matching strength won’t keep you on the mountain very long. Tavo knows this too. That’s why he addresses this problem with regular gym sessions 3-4 times a week. He focuses on mostly “squats and core exercises” and then does shoulder work - “to help to prevent injuries when I fall.”
Tavo Sadeg (right) and friend Ozzie Kroop (left) ramping it out at dusk in Lake Tahoe, California. pc @tavo.sadeg
Specialized Training
But freeride isn’t just about strength and conditioning. These freeride athletes also need time to practice their tricks. Much of this work is done on dry land in specialized training facilities like Woodward Tahoe. Here athletes use trampolines and rope-assist devices to advance their skills in a safe environment. Tavo says Woodward’s Air Track trampoline is where he practices most of his new tricks. He also uses their ramps and foam pits to work out his speed and timing.
Woodward Tahoe (adjacent to Boreal Mountain Resort, California.) – A specialized 34,000 square foot training facility for athletes ages 7 – 18 years old who want to practice their skills in snowboarding, free-ski, bmx, freestyle mtb, scooter, and skateboarding. pc campwoodward
Transition Period
When the seasons start to change and old man winter emerges on the horizon Tavo leans back into dry-land training and works with his Palisades Tahoe Snowboarding Team. Hiking, jumping, squatting, and other ‘snowboarding-specific exercises’ replace summer routines and help transition Tavo back into riding shape. (And we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us this year!)
Tavo Sadeg going for it (clothes and all) Lake Tahoe, California. pc @tavo.sadeg
Thanks for following along! We are back tomorrow with a peek at Tavo’s in-season training schedule and then hear more about his injuries and thoughts on recovery. See you then!
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!
Tavo Sadeg (second from right) relaxing with friends on another great boat trip, Lake Tahoe, California. pc @tavo.sadeg