Tosh Krauskopf has joined the ranks of world-class snowboarders like Olympic gold-medal winner Shaun White with his addition to the Burton stable of athletes.
For the eight-year-old, snowboarding has been a way of life for as long as he can remember.
"There was no other option for them," Tosh's father Jason said.
"I can't ski."
Tosh, and his six-year-old brother Toan, used to run around the yard and go tobogganing in their snowboard boots when they were very young, to get them used to the feel, Jason said.
"Tosh's first boots were up to his knees," he laughed.
"They don't know anything else."
"This is how they have grown up ever since they could talk — it's just natural for them."
And with the developments made by board makers over the last few years, snowboarding is now way more accessible to children, Jason said.
Tosh started learning the sport at the age of two, on the small slopes at Hudson Bay Mountain.
He then progressed to a harness and leash held by a parent and by the time he was four, he was on his own, closely supervised of course.
He is a well-rounded boarder, not only focused on the terrain park but also on the other aspects of the sport, Jason said.
"I like riding the park and the power and doing jumps," Tosh said.
As owners of Rayz Board Shop, the Krauskopf family often becomes acquainted with representatives from the companies of the gear they sell.
Burton became aware of Tosh's skills through this association, which led to the sponsorship.
Tosh receives a Burton snowboard, boots and bindings as well as other swag as part of the sponsorship arrangement.
"As a parent, I couldn't be prouder," Jason, who also volunteers as a coach for the Smithers Ski and Snowboard Club, said.
"I feel stupid sometimes because all I do is talk about my kids and take pictures of them."
The challenge now is to help Tosh continue to develop his skills, Jason said.
"We need to keep him motivated and keep him riding with boarders better than he is."
"I can't show him any more."
"I'm bigger and faster but as far as technical riding goes, I can't show him anything anymore."
Jason credits the ski and snowboard community in Smithers for Tosh's development as well because they all look out for each other and help out in any way they can.
"He's got a lot of big brothers and sisters up on the mountain," he said.
And a lot of young riders like Tosh are members of the Smithers Ski and Snowboard Club, which has given them a solid foundation to build on.
"There's a great support network here," he said.
"There's a huge community of little snowboarders."
"They all push each other and have a lot of fun."
In addition to Burton, Tosh receives a lot of support from the Smithers business community, specifically Hudson Bay Mountain Adventures, Skeena Cat Skiing and Rayz Board Shop.
Tosh is also sponsored by California-based Electric Goggles.
Tosh has his sights set on becoming a professional snowboarder and dreams of one day representing Canada at the Olympics.