The End Is Near

I came across this article on Ellery Hollingsworth, the 17-year-old snowboarder from Darien, CT. It touches on how she got her start, the support of her family, dedication and more. She is becoming a female star in snowboarding and has a shot at competing in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Though she has a ways to go in terms of air, she’s getting up there with Clark, Bleiler and the likes in technicality.
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A Lesson on the Sport of Snowboarding

I found this article, written by high school student Hannah Pederson, about her first lesson in snowboarding. It was her two friends, experienced snowboarders and skiers bringing her to the top of Alyeska her first time ever on a snowboard. Their advice to their friend was to “Turn your board down the hill and lean towards your back leg a little.” To the average newbie that instruction, or lack of, will send them on their face when trying to “turn the board down the hill” or on their backside via an out of control manual. Now, I’m an independent person and a fan of doing things on your own. There are people who are athletic and catch on fairly quickly, but there are also those that don’t. From seven years of observation working at a mountain I’ve seen countless people attempt snowboarding on their own, and I applaud them, but for the amount of frustration and pain your putting yourself through wouldn’t a lesson be a small price to pay? It’s not that I think there aren’t people that can’t learn on their own or don’t have that natural ability, but I hate to see someone turned off from the sport. It’s exciting, fun, good exercise and to see someone give up on something that gives so much back is sad.

Vacation Rentals for Snowboarders, Skiers and Surfers

I was reading an action sports newsletter and I discovered a new website launched this week aimed at snowboarders, skiers and surfers looking for vacation rentals and property owners looking for more exposure. Solikai, which means “sun and ocean,” is the first website geared toward the adventurers who want convenient, affordable rentals. Vacation rentals allow for an adventurer to be close to the action and their family and friends. It’s just starting out and has some good places, but I expect once it gains popularity it will be a valuable resource. I found a more in depth article here.

2009 Season Tally

I had 34 days on snow this season. It’s not that impressive, but it shows me how much time I dedicate to the sport. Most of that was weekends working and riding and a few fun days here and there. My last day riding, was a Wednesday, spent at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, NY. It was Mount Peter Day at Belleayre and a lot of friends and co-workers played hooky to ski and ride. It was one of my best: perfect spring snow, flawless blue skies and heavy progression. We explored the whole mountain and I don’t recall disappointment on a single trail. We carved the steeps, played in the park and worked on our goggle tan. Fears were faced and conquered on the c-box and 40 foot up-flat rail.

50-50 to Boardslide at Belleayre Mountain

A friend who wasn’t working at the mountain this season left me a comment about the pictures posted online from our last day:

“The biggest thing I miss about working at the mountain is the progression you get from working and riding with people who have the same objectives”.

And she’s absolutely right. It’s motivating as hell. If I leave the mountain unhurt or with energy to spare, I don’t feel I’ve pushed myself enough or progressed at all, even if it was a perfect day. The biggest thing that forces me forward is the people I ride with, their experience and tips (it’s even better since most are instructors). I had someone tell me to “get out of your f*cking head” because I could be so much better. It’s nice to have someone be so critical and it’s eye-opening because they are completely right. They see what I can’t and have no problem telling me.

I was kind of looking forward to getting out riding again, but the weather was not on my side, nor time. I am content though that I ended my season with such a progressive day. How many days did you ride this season and can you call it a progressive one?

Major Problems and a Site Overhaul

If anyone has made an attempt to come back after my long disappearance, I thank you. Something that is still completely confusing happened to my blog. I have it fixed now because I basically reinstalled Wordpress. Oh what fun.

My main point here is that I want to turn this into more of a photo blog. It is going to be mostly on snowboarding I hope, but I (like most people), have other interests. Look for a revamp in the upcoming weeks and some actual content now that I’m live again!