Courage and Conviction with Cami Nogueira

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION WHEN YOU SAW THE NATURAL SELECTION TOUR COURSE?

My first impression was a mix of excitement and intimidation. The terrain was incredibly rugged, and it was clear that it would require a lot of focus and skill to navigate. But at the same time, it was inspiring—the kind of challenge that gets your adrenaline pumping right from the start.

HOW WAS THE NATURAL SELECTION TOUR DIFFERENT FROM OTHER EVENTS YOU'VE COMPETED IN?

NST felt rawer and more unfiltered than most competitions. It wasn’t just about nailing the biggest tricks, it was about riding with style, flow, and creativity—pushing yourself and the course in ways that felt unique. I think there was a big gap between Rampage and the other freeride competitions, and this event came to fill that space.

AFTER YOUR RECORD-BREAKING JUMP AND SUBSEQUENT CRASH AT RAMPAGE, WHAT WAS YOUR MINDSET COMING INTO THIS EVENT?

After Rampage, I took three months off the bike to recover physically and reset mentally. That time away gave me perspective and allowed me to focus on being stronger, both physically and mentally. Coming back, I had a more calculated approach—there was no rush to push my limits right away. I wanted to make sure I was mentally and physically prepared for each challenge.

HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR RIDING ON SUCH HIGH-STAKES TERRAIN?

After a couple of crashes in training, my mental preparation going into finals was focused on staying calm and trusting my instincts. I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself to perform perfectly but rather to stay within myself and take it one section at a time. My focus was on riding smart and finding my flow.

YOU'VE BUILT A REPUTATION FOR CHARGING MASSIVE LINES—WHAT DRIVES YOU TO KEEP PUSHING EVEN AFTER SETBACKS?

The drive comes from the passion I have for the sport and the challenge of overcoming adversity. Every crash and setback teach me something new, whether it’s about the riding itself or about how I handle tough situations mentally. I don’t let those things define me—I use them to fuel my next push.

WHEN YOU’RE STANDING AT THE TOP OF A MASSIVE LINE, WHAT’S GOING THROUGH YOUR HEAD?

I focus on staying present. My heart’s racing, but I know I have to trust my instincts and training. I block out distractions, focus on the line ahead, and remind myself that I’ve done everything to prepare for this moment. Once I commit, it’s all about staying in the flow.

WAS THERE A STANDOUT MOMENT FROM NST THAT YOU'LL NEVER FORGET?

The biggest highlight for me was actually making it through my final run. After crashing a few times in training, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was determined to give it everything I had. When I crossed the finish line and realized I had won, it was surreal. The whole experience of fighting through the setbacks to end up on top felt like a true testament to perseverance.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO UP-AND-COMING FREERIDERS ABOUT PUSHING LIMITS WHILE STAYING SAFE?

The key is to progress gradually and build confidence over time. Don’t rush into anything too big too soon. Understand your limits, but don’t be afraid to step outside of them in a controlled way. Stay grounded, be mindful of your body, and always ride within your skill level to avoid unnecessary risks.