Bea Kim Snowboard: The Next Super Star of Halfpipe Snowboarding

Bea Kim Snowboard is a rising talent in the U.S. Snowboard Halfpipe Team, now in her third season and her first at the pro level. She joined the rookie team in 2022, following the same path as many snowboarders before her by training with the Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team.

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Mammoth Mountain, located over five hours north of her hometown Rancho Palos Verdes, has also been the training ground for Olympic snowboarders like Chloe Kim and Maddie Mastro.

Bea Kim Snowboard: Early Life

Bea Kim Snowboard was born on January 25, 2007, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Bea Kim has swiftly carved out a name for herself in the competitive world of snowboarding. At just 16 years old, this remarkable athlete has already left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing her extraordinary talent and dedication.

Since she was seven years old, Kim and her family made regular snowboarding trips to Mammoth, typically once or twice a year. When she was nine, a pivotal moment occurred during one of these trips. They coincided with the JLA Banked Slalom event, and Kim, entering on a whim, unexpectedly won the bronze medal, altering the trajectory of her life.

Kim Bea Snowboard’s journey began with the Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team, where her passion and skill were nurtured from a young age. Her rapid progression in the sport earned her a spot on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, a testament to her hard work and exceptional abilities. Over the past three seasons, Bea has continued to rise through the ranks, capturing the attention of the snowboarding community with her fearless performances and technical prowess.

Career and Records

Bea Kim caught the attention of the U.S. Snowboard Team, known for scouting talent from the Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team. She began her journey on the rookie team, where she competed for two years, achieving notable successes such as a silver at the Junior World Championships and multiple podium finishes in the NorAm Cup. Recently, Kim progressed to the pro halfpipe team, becoming one of only four women and eight members overall.

In February 2023, she received her first invitation to compete in the Dew Tour, marking only her second pro-level competition. During her fourth run, Kim executed an impressive series of tricks, including a method air, frontside 720 melon, Cab 540, switch backside 540, and Cab 720 stale fish, securing a commendable third-place finish.

Bea Kim, the 16-year-old snowboarding sensation from Rancho Palos Verdes, California, has rapidly ascended the ranks in the snowboarding world. Her career highlights include a 6th place finish in the Halfpipe at the 2022 Copper World Cup and a silver medal at the 2022 Junior World Championships in Leysin. Bea has also achieved four podium finishes in the RevTour series and secured a notable 3rd place at the 2023 Dew Tour in Copper. With her remarkable accomplishments, Bea continues to make a significant impact in competitive snowboarding, inspiring young athletes worldwide.

Bea Kim Snowboard, the youngest member of the US Women’s Halfpipe Snowboard Team, is aiming for her Olympic debut in 2026. This year, she secured her first World Cup podium in Laax, Switzerland, and ended the season ranked third overall in the World Cup standings.
The Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team at Beijing’s Secret Garden, securing third place. Teammate Bea Kim finished just behind her in fourth.
On February 2023, U.S. Snowboard Team rookie Bea Kim earned her first pro-level podium, finishing third in the Dew Tour halfpipe.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard has officially announced the recipients of the 2023-24 Snowboard Awards.Most Improved Bea Kim, Earned her first World Cup podium at the Laax Open in her first pro season and Finished third overall in the 2023-24 FIS Women’s Halfpipe World Cup rankings.
Kim’s career surged forward once more as she clinched her maiden World Cup halfpipe podium at the LAAX Open, securing second place.
The Dew Tour and X Games have a different atmosphere compared to the World Cup circuit,” Kim explained. “For one, the fans create a unique environment, and the field is smaller with only six to eight girls, unlike the World Cup which includes a qualifier before the final. These events are special to me because I watched them growing up, so being a part of them feels surreal.
In 2022, Kim met action sports agent Yulin Olliver at an event hosted by Soy Sauce Nation, which started as an online community for Asian Pacific Islander (API) snowboarders and has since grown to include various in-person events.
Bea Kim Snowboard’s top-level run currently includes a frontside 720, Cab 540, switch backside 540, Cab 720, and frontside 900. As she prepares for the Milano-Cortina 2026 qualification period, she plans to develop these tricks into even larger rotations.

One of Bea Kim Snowboard’s standout achievements includes securing a top-ten spot at the prestigious Copper World Cup. This accomplishment was soon followed by a silver medal at the Junior World Championships, further cementing her status as a formidable competitor on the international stage. Additionally, Bea has dominated the NorAm Cup circuit, claiming four podium finishes and consistently demonstrating her competitive edge and determination.

Despite her competitive success, Bea Kim Snowboard remains grounded and passionate about inspiring others. Her podium finish at the Dew Tour and successfully landing a crippler are notable highlights of her career, but it is her dedication to motivating young girls to pursue their dreams that she considers her proudest achievement. Bea’s influence extends beyond the slopes, as she serves as a role model for aspiring athletes, encouraging them to break barriers and reach for their goals.

Bea Kim Snowboard: Sponsorship

Currently, Bea Kim Snowboard is sponsored by Nitro Snowboards and Smith Optics and serves as an ambassador for Hydro Flask and Protect Our Winters (POW), aligning with her passion for sustainability. She enjoys buying secondhand clothing and considers vintage shopping one of her hobbies outside of snowboarding.

Bea Kim Snowboard’s commitment to the environment is equally impressive. As a proud member of the Protect Our Winters Athlete Alliance, she is deeply involved in efforts to preserve the natural landscapes that she cherishes. Bea’s environmental advocacy underscores her understanding of the importance of protecting the very playgrounds where she hones her craft and competes.

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Bea Kim Snowboard is not only a snowboarding prodigy but also a passionate advocate and an inspiring figure for young athletes. Her journey from Rancho Palos Verdes to the global snowboarding stage is a testament to her dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit. As she continues to push the boundaries of her sport and inspire others, there is no doubt that Bea Kim’s star will continue to shine brightly in the world of snowboarding.

FAQ

Who is Bea Kim?

Bea Kim is a half-pipe snowboarder. She was born on January 25, 2007, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Bea Kim is a rising talent on the U.S. Snowboard Halfpipe Team, now in her third season and her first at the pro level.