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When Ricardo Cotto, a veteran snowboarder and passionate turn-seeker, first encountered Elevated Surf Craft, he knew he had found something extraordinary. A lifelong snowboarder who started his journey on a Snurfer in 1988, Ricardo’s connection to the slopes is undeniable. Today, as an Elevated Surf Craft rider and ambassador, he brings his decades of experience and love for the sport to every turn he carves.
Bryan Murray and Aaron sat down with Ricardo to talk history, quiver, the joy of the turn and more. Listen to the full interview with SurfQuest here:
Growing up in metro Detroit, Ricardo began his snowboarding journey on local municipal hills and toboggan runs. He later moved to Chicago, where he discovered more accessible slopes. Despite the flat terrain, his passion for snowboarding only deepened. "I’m chasing turns every chance I get,” Ricardo shared, reflecting on his 30 to 40 annual days on the hill.
In 2017, Ricardo’s journey with Elevated Surf Craft began after he stumbled across the brand in a magazine. Intrigued by the focus on snow surfing and unique board shapes, he reached out to founder Aaron Lebowitz. After acquiring his first Elevated board—a Soul Motion Goldfish with bamboo sidewalls—Ricardo’s perspective on snowboarding transformed. “It ripped in pow, groomers, and everything in between. I was blown away,” he said.
Ricardo’s Elevated quiver now boasts nine boards, each suited to specific conditions and styles. Here’s his take on some of his favorites:
Soul Motion Goldfish (147 cm): This was Ricardo’s introduction to Elevated Surf Craft, and it didn’t disappoint. He recalls waist-deep powder days at Bear Valley where the board performed flawlessly, allowing him to rip turns effortlessly.
Powfish: This board became Ricardo’s go-to for spring slush and groomers. Its full camber design provides exceptional edge hold and stability, perfect for carving up Midwest slopes.
5'1 Redtail Hawk: For two to three seasons, this board was Ricardo’s primary driver. Whether in deep Montana powder, Tahoe groomers, or even the occasional park lap, the Red Tail Hawk delivered consistent performance and versatility.
The 5'5 Egg Snowboard: Ricardo calls this mid-length board his standout choice for 2023. “It holds every turn, even in fast, dry snow,” he said, recounting a perfect day in Wisconsin.
The 5'0 Shortboard and 5'4 Step-Up: On icy days, Ricardo turns to the Shortboard for its unparalleled edge hold, while the Step Up’s reverse taper allows him to carve through tricky terrain with precision.
For Ricardo, snowboarding is about more than just getting down the mountain—it’s about the art of the turn. Whether laying trenches on groomers or navigating spring corn snow, he emphasizes maximizing every moment. “I don’t like wasting time. I want every turn to count,” he said. Elevated boards have allowed him to progress in his riding while staying true to his passion for clean, efficient lines.
As an ambassador for Elevated Surf Craft, Ricardo is a fixture at his local hill in Chicago, often fielding questions about the unique boards he rides. “People are always curious—‘Is that a powder board? Why is it so wide?’” he shared. He loves sharing his experiences and encouraging others to explore the world of snow surfing.
Ricardo’s story is a testament to the versatility and craftsmanship of Elevated Surf Craft boards. From the Midwest to the mountains, his dedication to the sport and the brand showcases the joy of snow surfing and the endless possibilities it offers.
Whether you’re chasing turns on icy groomers or waist-deep powder, Ricardo’s journey proves there’s an Elevated board for every rider and every condition.
Listen to the full podcast here!