FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2026
Carlsbad, CA

Hall-of-Famer Todd Richards Takes Pro-Tec Snow to the Next Level

Legendary snowboarder and skateboarder brings decades of expertise to elevate Pro-Tec Snow

Pro-Tec is proud to announce a renewed partnership with Todd Richards, one of snowboarding’s most respected and versatile figures. A lifelong rider, Olympic athlete, broadcaster, and driving force in action sports culture, Richards brings decades of experience and an authentic connection to the roots of skate- and snow-style progression.

Hailing from Paxton, Massachusetts, Richards honed his skills on the challenging slopes of Wachusett, Gunstock, and Stratton—East Coast mountains that helped forge his versatility and technical precision. A former skateboarder turned snowboard trailblazer, he rose to prominence as halfpipes were just emerging in the sport. Richards’ competitive career includes multiple X Games medals—including gold at the very first X Games in 1997—numerous US Open Halfpipe titles, and representing Team USA during snowboarding’s Olympic debut in Nagano, Japan, in 1998.

“We’re incredibly stoked to have Todd joining the Pro-Tec snow program, especially now that he’s fully committed to making helmets non-negotiable,” said Adam Taylor, Pro-Tec’s Global Head of Sports Marketing and Team Manager. “It’s an authentic partnership, and we’re focused on building a strong snow team together while creating epic, meaningful content with our riders.”

Beyond competition, Richards has become one of the most recognizable voices in action sports, serving as a live commentator for major events including the Winter Olympics, Dew Tour, Nitro Games, and the US Grand Prix. For five Olympic Games, he has been NBC’s lead snowboarding commentator, bringing the excitement and expertise of the sport to audiences worldwide.

Richards’ roots with Pro-Tec run deep, stretching back to his early skateboarding days. He will serve as a key Pro-Tec brand ambassador—partnering to help re-establish and grow the company’s Snow Business and lay the foundation for future expansion.

His deep authenticity, long-standing industry relationships, and unmatched understanding of the global snowboard community make him the ideal partner to help guide Pro-Tec Snow into its next chapter. Reflecting on the partnership, Richards shared on Instagram:

“This season I’ve been fortunate enough to partner up with Pro-Tec and help revamp their snow program. We’re going to get some new talent on the team, push design, and make rad products to Pro-Tec ya head. When picking out a helmet, Pro-Tec was the obvious choice.”

Adding to a landmark year, Richards has been selected for induction into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Class of 2025—recognizing not only his innovations on a snowboard, but his lasting impact on the culture that surrounds it. He will be formally inducted on April 11, 2026, in Park City, Utah.

About Pro-Tec: Pro-Tec is the original action sports helmet and protective gear brand, founded in 1973 and trusted for over 50 years by generations of riders worldwide. With unmatched global brand loyalty in skateboarding and a strong legacy rooted in BMX and snowboarding, Pro-Tec has become synonymous with style, safety, and progression. Today, Pro-Tec continues to innovate and evolve, honoring its heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern protective design. Over the past year, the brand has accelerated its re-entry into the snowboard market, launching a full catalog of new and optimized products engineered specifically for today’s riders. As the go-to choice for athletes who demand authenticity and performance, Pro-Tec remains committed to protecting the action sports community—on the streets, in the parks, and on the mountain.