However, fate spares no man and like many top-level athletes Pat got injured twice. Although his season suffered, his determination remained unaffected and using this drive, he worked hard to come right back to forefront of the scene as soon as his boots were laced back up, climbing podiums and sabring champagne bottles. “When I’m training and it’s getting tough, I remind myself why I’m doing all this. Snowboarding is my motor. Then I know that the next time I launch, I will be stronger. This simple thought makes me reach new heights.”More than just a sport, snowboarding is a lifestyle. Being passionate by nature, his stoke is expressive and his energy contagious; having him around guarantees a good atmosphere. When he starts playing the guitar with a smile on his face, right away you feel obliged to nod your head approvingly. “When I ride, play or when I drive I go into another world. My concentration kicks in and everything disappears, I don’t think any more. I live.” He is a unique spirit.

When we talk about the future, he reflects : “My future, adulthood, it shouts at me to live my youth to the fullest. And to say that it’s already been eight years of trying to make my dream come true.” Hearing these words, you realise what he’s all about . It’s this thirst for freedom that feeds his snowboarding and this ability to be committed heart and soul to what he is doing that makes him unique. He is not just following the paths of life that present themselves to him, he is taking to the airways and taking us along with him. In 2011, Pat was the 1st man on earth to land the Switch Backside Triple Cork 1440.