Time flys…heres 17 year old ‘Jacob’ Koia appearing in our Fast Forward section way back in 2002…

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Where do you ride the most:
I live in Queenstown so mostly at Coronet or Cardrona. I make a few trips up to Hutt for comps. But Coronet has the best pipe.

Music choice:
Hiphop. My favourite artist is probably Swollen Members and all the Battle Axe crew.

People who inspire you:
A.J., Mad Child, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Method Man.

Riders you respect:
Trevor Andrew, Sansalone, Danny Kass, Mark Frank, Terje, Heikki Sorsa and my P.P.P Set.

Favourite tricks:
Cab corked spins, and Melon air to fakies in the pipe.

Overseas travels:
Last year I went to Japan and California with Deb from Sub 20 and AJ. We had a good 7 weeks or so, they really looked after me. Then I was off to Sappada Italy with the NZ Junior Team for the World Champs, that was a great experience. Right now I’m chillin’ in Whistler B.C.

What other sports are you into?
No other sports really. I used to skate but I flew off Sammy B’s vert ramp at a party and landed on my head. So I chucked that in and got some turn tables a few months later.  So I’m gettin’ into that.

Any horror stories or setbacks?
Yeah, every Nationals I seem to crash in all my runs. I think I’m cursed, maybe this year will be better.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
With a bit of luck, getting paid to ride. And like most people, I’d like to go to the Olympics. But like anything, it takes time.

What matters most to you?
My momma, she helps me out heaps, family, friends, travelling, having fun and riding well.

Koia the Destroyer. What do you say about a kid that never talks? Nobody rides harder, slams harder and gets up for more than Jake does. This past season in Whistler I’ve seen Jake turn more than a few heads; now he’s set to take Aotearoa snowboarding to the next level. Turn your eyes to the skies, JK is on his way. – Cam Hansen