“You can never match the rush you get being airborne,” said Chris Coosemans, who was born an adrenalin junkie.
He discovered his calling at seven years old and has been riding snowmobiles ever since. “I was always pushing my little 300 harder than guys on the big sleds,” Coosemans said. “I upgraded a couple years later and built a ramp when field kickers just weren't enough.”
Coosemans is an independent man. He seeks adventure and is unapologetic about doing things his way. “For the most part, I ride alone,” he said. “Riding alone lets me do my own things in my own style. No coach, no rules.”
Through the years, Coosemans has carved out his niche in the sport. “Coolest thing hands down has been ramping,” he said. “Although the mountains in B.C. are fun, I think ramping is a little more unique and definitely takes more skill and willpower to make yourself do it—and do it right. Bonus: people think it's badass.” Hard to argue with that logic.
Ramping has a high risk-reward factor, and Coosemans has remained mostly unscathed—with one exception. “Last winter was my first serious injury,” he said. “During the first ramp hit of the season, I overshot my entire landing ramp. I wasn’t used to the speed. I covered 110 feet of distance and launched roughly 35 to 40 feet high to land flat. I shattered part of my right ankle, bruised my left heel bone and fractured five fragments in my spine.”
Although the injury broke Coosemans’ bones, his resolve for his favourite sport hasn’t wavered whatsoever. “I would love to try snocross, hillcross and freestyle,” he said. “I’d practice ramping more if I were to enter a freestyle competition. My dream is to get sponsors and be in a couple shows.”
There’s no lack of ambition within Coosemans. Judging by his photos, he’s got the skills to back it up.
