Teen snowboarder Charlie Tanner is using a busy Aussie winter to prepare for his shot at global glory.

Charlie, 18, grew up in Thirroul, in a family of sports enthusiasts. Like many kids on the Illawarra coast, he took up surfing at a young age but, in Year 5, he started competing in Interschool Snowsports, entering events such as the Giant Slalom and Bordercross. Taking out a place in the top three nearly every time, Charlie showed great talent and became passionate about making the switch from sea to snow.

“I still surf every day when I'm home, however I do prefer snowboarding,” Charlie told the Illawarra Flame. “Both require a sense of balance and core stability, board control, and movement – carving is essential in both.”

Charlie soon became a rising star in the snow scene, so much so that in 2024 he was recognised in Transfer Snowboard Magazine as one of the Top 10 Australian snowboarders to watch.

His success so far isn’t just a result of countless hours of practice on slopes, such as Threbo and Perisher, he’s also travelled to Japan, Canada, Austria and Germany to compete and gain valuable experience.

In Canada, he performed a trick – a frontside 1080 – that some called a world-first. X Games organisers reposted a clip of the feat and it went viral.

“I wouldn't call it a world's first, however X Games called it that and shared my reel,” Charlie said. 

But the snowboarding lifestyle is about much more than online fame for this young athlete. 

“It's been great experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, making connections within the sport, even working in a rental shop in Myoko (Japan)," he said.

“Getting to ride world-class mountains all over the world with my mates is just the best.

“I recently had my 18th birthday in Canada and my brother came over to celebrate with me, which was really cool.”

There’s no shortage of action this winter for Charlie. July kicked off with the Subaru Sydney Interschools Snowsport Championships (from July 11 to 15) and the Perisher Parks Showdown (July 19), followed by the Thredbo Triple Crown, which includes Rail Jam (July 21), Slopestyle (August 1), and Big Air (August 25) events. 

Sponsorship has been vital for Charlie and he recently signed a deal with Australian snowboarding apparel brand Yuki Threads, who he’s keen to represent here and in Japan. His other major sponsors, Capita and Boost, have been key supporters.

“Without my sponsors' support, pursuing this path would be very difficult,” Charlie said. 

“Each of these is a fantastic opportunity to connect with brands and fans while sharing my passion for the sport.”

This winter, Charlie is focused on spending as much time as possible in the snow fields of Thredbo and Perisher. 

“I’ll spend time in the gym doing snowboarding-specific training, as well as hours upon hours of reps on the snow by myself and with coaches,” Charlie said. 

When he’s home in Thirroul, he plans to keep working on his balance and board skills by skateboarding and surfing. To reach his peak physical condition, the teenager would also like to team up with BaiMed team, a physiotherapy and exercise physiology clinic in the Illawarra. 

Charlie has his sights set on qualifying for the Freeride World Tour, an elite international series held on some of the world’s most remote and challenging mountains, between 2028 and 2030. To work towards that goal, he will continue competing in Freeride events in Thredbo, New Zealand, Canada and Hakuba in Japan over the rest of the year and into the coming season.

Charlie wants to introduce others to the sport he loves and has completed his Level 1 Snowboard Instructor Certificate.

“I have to get some hours up shadowing my coach this season and then I hope to coach some little groms,” he said.

As Charlie continues to chase big dreams on the world stage, he remains grateful for all the people who have helped him along the way. 

“Without my mum and dad, none of this would be possible,” Charlie said.

“I’m so thankful for their support, as well as my friends and the community who like and share my posts, it all means so much to me.”

Follow his adventures on Instagram @charliedtanner