World Heli Challenge Interview – Maria Kuzma

Maria (left) and her sister, World Heli Challenge 2009 womens ski Champion Janina. Image:: Harro

Rider interview | Bex Sandys

Maria Kuzma has been dominating NZ big mountain riding for the past two years. Blitzing the field with a clean sweep of all three events at last year’s World Heli Challenge, she travelled north that same week to take out the title for the Export Extremes at Whakapapa. Riding as a Kiwi, but born in Brisbane, Maria could one day become another Trans-Tasman pawn, like the Pavlova or Phar lap.

An architecture student and free ride champion, Maria’s talent is limitless.

When you first signed up for the WHC what did you expect it to be like? And how did your expectations measure up to the reality?

I think I did have a thought in the back of my mind that it was going to be amazing but I didn’t really have anything to compare it with – so I was just super stoked to even be allowed to compete. The competition totally blew all my expectations away – it was so amazing, the whole atmosphere of the competitors and the event location was just unbelievable.

What motivated you to sign up for the WHC?

I actually signed up for the competition the year before – my sister was the one telling me I should do it. So I had actually been waiting for the competition to start for a whole year before!

The WHC had a seven year break, what was your reaction when you heard Harro was bringing it back for 2009?

I’m a bit of a grom when it comes to the old Heli Challenge crew – I remember talking about it with some people in Europe who used to compete in it – quite a few people knew about it overseas which surprised me and made me even more amped about it and made me want to compete in it a little bit more.

How do you prepare for an event like this?

I prepare for this competition just by riding as much as I can, keeping fit (training), and trying not to get sick or injured.

Image:: Harro

Of the three events; downhill race, big mountain, and freestyle, which is your favourite and why?

It’s a bit of a toss up between big mountain and freestyle – I love big mountain but have never competed in a freestyle competition that is held outside of a terrain park – so in that respect I liked the freestyle competition the best.

Are there any special techniques you use to give you an advantage in this event?

I guess I just try and enjoy my run rather than stress out about it – at least it’s a lot more fun that way.

When did you do your first ever heli board?

WHC – pretty mean first heli board trip.

Have you ever been to any other events similar to this?

I do compete in big mountain competitions – so in that respect it is similar – but being in the WHC was the first time I was able to get into a Heli for snowboarding.

Do you still get a buzz when you get in a heli?

For sure – heli pilots are rad! If I was born again I’d want to become a heli pilot.

What’s the best thing about the WHC?

Showcasing NZ’s backcountry to the world – it was televised quite a lot overseas and people were pretty stoked with NZ riding because of it.

Looking back at last year’s WHC (2009), what were some of the highlights for you?

The highlight was winning all three events.

What do you see in the future for the WHC?

Hopefully the competition gets bigger and better every year.

Weather has a major role to play in this event. What’s your favourite activity on a bad weather wait day at heli challenge?

Harro actually planned a lot of separate activities for this case – bungy jumping etc – but I would rather just sit in a sauna and relax!

Is there anything you would like to add?

Just that Harro is awesome for putting his all into the competition!