Over the last year or so Signal has been scouring the talent pool for girls snowboarding, sifting through the masses to find a few female shredders to invite into the Signal family. Today we would like to introduce you to one of the girls that we know everyone will be talking about very soon. So ladies…and dudes, we would like you to meet Signal team rider, Melissa Riitano! We asked her a few questions about her history and women’s snowboarding in general and here is what she had to say…

When did you start snowboarding?

I started snowboarding right around 13 ish

Where did you learn to snowboard?

Good ol’ Great Divide, MT

When did you know this sport was “for you”?

After I hit my first rail and didn’t fall. Just had the most excited, stoked feeling.

What does the future hold for girls snowboarding?

Less sandwich making and more shredding ha! But really, chicks are sick now a days we are making our own style and our own way. It’s just going to progress so much every year!

If there was any where in the world you could snowboard at where would it be?

Japan for sure, always wanted to go there!

Favorite people to ride with?

Wow there are too many faves…. but to name a few. My best friends Mariah and Danyelle, my boyfriend, and my mom.

Whats your favorite part about snowboarding?

Just riding with my friends on any kind of day, having fun laughing, just no better feeling.

Who do you think has the best style in snowboarding?

I’d say Corinne Pasela best style on rails. Kjersti Buaas on jumps. And Scott Stevens for dudes.