Jess Kimura: The Uninvited Force Reshaping Women’s Snowboarding

When you think of snowboarding pioneers who have redefined what’s possible for women in the sport, Jess Kimura’s name belongs at the top of the list. From her hometown roots in Vernon, British Columbia, to international acclaim as a filmmaker, mentor, and X Games medalist, Kimura has carved a legacy that extends far beyond the halfpipe.

Who Is Jess Kimura?

Jess Kimura is a Canadian professional snowboarder, filmmaker, and advocate whose career spans over a decade of groundbreaking achievements. Born and raised in British Columbia, she grew up riding the rugged terrain of the Canadian Rockies, developing a fearless style that would later earn her multiple TransWorld awards, including Women’s Video Part of the Year and Rider of the Year honors. In 2018, she added a silver medal at the X Games Real Snow competition to her resume.

But Kimura’s influence goes well beyond contest podiums. She is perhaps best known for creating the Uninvited film series—an all-women, urban street riding collection that has become a cultural touchstone in snowboarding.

The Uninvited Film Series: A Platform for Change

The Uninvited series isn’t just a collection of snowboard films; it’s a movement. Kimura launched the project to address a glaring gap in the industry: the lack of representation and opportunities for women in street riding and backcountry filming.

Each installment of Uninvited features a roster of emerging and established female riders, showcasing their skills in urban environments, natural terrain, and creative setups. The series also includes a world-premier shred competition, giving participants a direct pathway to sponsorship and professional exposure.

“I wanted to create something that didn’t exist when I was coming up,” Kimura has said. “A space where women could ride together, support each other, and get the same level of production value and crew support that the guys have always had.”

The impact has been profound. Riders who appeared in Uninvited have gone on to secure major sponsorships, film full-length parts, and inspire a new generation of female snowboarders.

Mentorship and Community Building

Beyond the camera lens, Kimura is a devoted mentor. She regularly travels with women riders, sharing gear, crew support, and professional opportunities that many young athletes would otherwise lack access to. Her approach is hands-on: she’s been known to drive hours to meet up with up-and-coming riders, offer feedback on their lines, and help them navigate the often-intimidating world of professional snowboarding.

This commitment extends to mental-health advocacy. Kimura has been open about her own struggles with anxiety and the pressures of competition, using her platform to normalize conversations around mental well-being in action sports. She frequently speaks at events and on podcasts about the importance of community, self-care, and finding balance in a high-stakes career.

Equipment and Style

Jess Kimura’s riding style is a blend of technical precision and raw creativity. She is known for her smooth, powerful approach to urban rails, handrails, and natural features, often incorporating unique spins and grabs that set her apart.

Her equipment choices reflect her commitment to performance and versatility. Kimura frequently rides Capita Pro boards, including the Equalizer 154, Equalizer 146, and Birds of a Feather 143 models. These boards are designed for all-mountain and freestyle riding, offering the pop, stability, and flex she needs for both park laps and backcountry missions.

For eyewear, she relies on Smith Performance products, particularly the Squad XL goggles, which provide the clarity and field of view essential for navigating variable light conditions and complex terrain.

Awards and Recognition

Kimura’s trophy case is impressive, but her most meaningful accolades are the ones that reflect her impact on the culture:

- TransWorld Women’s Video Part of the Year (multiple wins)

- TransWorld Rider of the Year

- X Games Real Snow Silver Medal (2018)

- Founder and Creative Director, Uninvited film series

These honors recognize not just her riding ability, but her vision as a filmmaker and her dedication to elevating others.

Why Jess Kimura Matters

In an industry that has historically marginalized women’s contributions, Jess Kimura stands as a transformative figure. She has proven that women’s snowboarding can be just as creative, technical, and compelling as men’s—and that representation isn’t just about visibility, but about creating real opportunities.

Her Uninvited series has become a blueprint for how to build inclusive, high-quality content that serves both the athletes and the audience. Her mentorship has launched careers. And her willingness to speak openly about mental health has helped destigmatize a topic that many in action sports still avoid.

The Future of Jess Kimura

As of 2025, Kimura shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to film new projects, mentor young riders, and advocate for systemic change in snowboarding. Rumors of a new Uninvited installment circulate regularly, and her social media channels offer glimpses of upcoming collaborations and trips.

For anyone interested in the evolution of women’s snowboarding—or in how one person can use their platform to create lasting change—Jess Kimura is a name worth following.

Keywords: Jess Kimura, Uninvited film series, women’s snowboarding, Capita Pro snowboard, X Games Real Snow, TransWorld Rider of the Year, Canadian snowboarder, female snowboard mentor, urban snowboarding, Smith Squad XL goggles