Rakai Tait

This past winter, in the midst of a very turbulent time in our collective history, I had to make a difficult decision, whether to continue to pursue competitive snowboarding or to change tack and pursue other avenues. With support of loved ones and close friends I was able to confidently decide to hang up the bib and continue my education at University of Otago bringing my wonderful partner in all things, , to New Zealand with me.

I am so grateful for the experiences that I’ve had in the competitive snowboard world. I am so thankful for the community and the many friends that I made along the way. I can’t thank and the enough for allowing me to and represent Aotearoa at the Olympics. I can’t thank enough the sponsors that have helped me throughout my journey. So many good people in snowboarding. I am thankful for my parents, and and their love and support through everything and all the expensive travel. I am incredibly grateful for all my coaches who taught me to love all of snowboarding and helped show me what I was capable of. I especially want to thank for always being in my corner and and . you’re the f**kin’ man Boydy and I have to much love and respect for you man!! Thanks for everything you have done for me!

I am by no means done with snowboarding but I am finished with the competitive halfpipe chapter in my snowboarding. I am really looking forward to all the opportunities that lay before me and I am still very much looking forward to the NZ season ahead!

Thank you snowboard fam!!

Ps. I tagged everyone I could think of that helped me along the way in case you’re wondering why you were tagged and I’m sorry if I missed anybody!