Skateboarding, Smiles & Setbacks
Tavo enjoying another magnificient Lake Tahoe sunset. pc @tavo.sadeg
Snowboarding is undoubtedly Tavo’s dream and passion, but for now it’s still a seasonal pursuit. Thankfully, the Lake Tahoe area offers an incredible number of other opportunities to get outside and stay active during the summer months.
Beautiful sunny day on Lake Tahoe, CA. pc @tavo.sadeg
Tavo likes to go hiking in the mountains enjoying the natural beauty and finding some time to exercise. He also loves to hang out skateboarding with friends working on his turns. He says many times they will find their way to Alpine Meadows to do some roller-boarding and then when the lake warms up add in some sunset wake surfing sessions. Some of Tavo’s best memories are on the lake with friends - sometimes just jumping or flipping off the piers.
Some of his lesser strenuous and more light-hearted hobbies involve fingerboarding. Tavo says he enjoys learning what kind of tricks he can come up with and the creativity involved. He plays in casual tournaments with friends and readily confesses, “It’s just so much fun!”
Tavo flipping out on Lake Tahoe, CA. pc @tavo.sadeg
All Smiles
It’s that kind of playful, joyful exuberance his coaches see too. Head snowboard coach for Team Palisades Tahoe Wes Pyatt has been working with Tavo for almost 13 years now. When asked about Tavo’s easy-going and happy demeanor Pyatt explains,
“Tavo is the kind of guy who shows up for practice when it’s raining and still has a smile on his face. He has that kind of enthusiasm and passion for the sport.”
Mr. Smiles himself, Tavo Sadeg. pc @tavo.sadeg
That’s probably helpful to a world-class athlete like Tavo who needs to perform at a high level consistently. It’s also quite a challenge when considering the many setbacks Tavo has had to deal with in his young career.
Serious Setbacks
On closer look, Tavo’s road to snowboarding success has been anything but smooth. Despite almost half a dozen wrist injuries and/or fractures, multiple concussions, and numerous sprained ankles, including one last season that left him hobbling on a cane for months, Tavo has always found a way to battle back and ride again. And apparently, all while keeping a smile on his face too. (I honestly admit, I have yet to come across a single picture of him not smiling. They must be out there somewhere, right? lol)
Tavo recovers from his third major wrist injury while keeping spirits high. pc @tavo.sadeg
Heart Of A Lion, Skills Of A Champion
Don’t be fooled by that friendly smile his friends, coaches, and teammates all seem to love. Come competition time Tavo shows up with the heart of a lion and the skills to go with it. Stay tuned tomorrow as we wrap up this introduction and take a closer look at his amazing return to the 2022 Junior Freeride World Championships!
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!
Tavo's favorite sport without snow… skateboarding. pc @tavo.sadeg