An eleven year old from North Minneapolis has become an unexpected internet sensation after a single photograph captured the pure joy of learning to snowboard. Mickey Watkins does not have a board built for the sport, instead making do with a plastic tote bin lid as he slides down a local hill. It is not ideal and he admits it is hard, but it has not stopped him trying. Inspired by professional snowboarders he watched the previous winter, Mickey gravitated towards a photoshoot taking place near a set of stairs and a railing and began showing off his own improvised style.
The moment was noticed by photographer Mike Yoshida, who snapped a striking image of Mickey mid slide, eyes bright and smiling. Unlike many snowboard photos where faces are hidden behind goggles, this one showed emotion clearly and took people straight back to their own first experience on a board. The image was later chosen as the cover of The Snowboarders Journal, a decision that broke with tradition but felt right to those involved. The reaction online was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it one of the publication’s best covers. For Yoshida, it may be one of the most important photos he has taken, sending a simple message that snowboarding is for everyone and that all you really need is the urge to slide down a hill.
