Morzine

I fly off to Morzine tomorrow for the season! I've pretty much done all my packing now, yay, so I'm glad that's out the way. Flight's at 6.30am so I'm sure I won't be getting any sleep tonight! I'm so excited to go, mixed with other emotions...I'm going to miss Sam and my girlies...and everyone! I will be making and keeping a different blog to this one, updating it as much as I can with photos and news of how everything is going, so you will hear from me next when I'm there - bye bye England.

Chalet Host

So, yep, my plans have changed...visa stuff with Whistler was never going to work, and by the time it would have been sorted I wouldn't realistically be out there until March! I had to make a decision about what to do so I applied for lots of last minute chalet girl jobs and bar work. Due to a friend that's out in Morzine at the moment she kindly helped me out with links to forums which had jobs advertised, and that's where I got into contact with a guy who runs a big family run chalet who needed a waitress/housekeeper/cleaner. So to cut a long story short, I got the job and fly out on Thursday! Literally over the moon! I know it's going to be hard work (60 hours a week!!) but it'll be worth it, at least I don't have to do any cooking, I get to do lots of boarding, meet up with mates who are already there/going out at the end of January and whenever else, woop woop! Big smile! 

IEC

Heard news today that the IEC visa has now opened for 2012 applications...meaning as of now I can officially apply for the visa I've been waiting for. It was weird I thought I'd be super excited when I heard this news - but instead I found myself going through all kinds of mixed emotions - happy and sad. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a worrier anyway, or because I know it's something I've never done before. I also think it's because I'm at the stage in my life now where I just want to move forward, get a job with a salary and have proper independence. Really can't wait to get away from home, definitely feeling the pressure still living with the parents. When everything is confirmed and my flights are booked I'm sure I'll feel better about going, but at the moment I'm upset to leave. 

Chill In The Air

The weather has certainly turned colder now, and I absolutely love it because it means layers and lots of warm woolly clothes! I got given an ear warmer headband from a friend for my birthday and I adore it. Would really recommend getting one girlies. I've seen a lot of people wearing fur ones which look funky. Not only perfect to wear fashionably around town, but ideal for on the mountains too. 

Here's mine....> > > >

Finally!

I have news!!! Visa info for IEC has finally been released! Even though I don't know the date I can send it off yet...I'm able to fill everything in and have it all ready so when they notify me I can just send everything off. Boom...Canada here I come then! (hopefully I'll be eligable... :S, fingers crossed!)

France or Canada...?

I'm literally in such a dilemma about what I should do season wise...sooo, I'm going to weigh up the pros and cons for each country:


Canada Pros:

• Lotttttsssss of snow and pow pow!
• Language won't be a barrier
• It's a bigger and better resort
• Can visit Vancouver
• I've never been before
• Longer season

Canada Cons:

• Expensive
• Harder to find jobs/accommodation
• Need a visa
• Far away
• Busier

France Pros:

• Cheaper
• Don't need a visa
• Easy to find accommodation/work
• Could book it asap if I wanted to

France Cons:

• Can't speak french
• Shorter season
• Unreliable snow

Ahhh...people please HELP ME decide!!!!

Chopping and Changing

My plans are literally all over the place at the moment. Canada visa dates still haven't been released and who knows when they will come out...I have a bad feeling it won't be for a while yet as they have been changing the whole system recently - meaning bad news for me and my 'plan' to go out there for the end of January. I'm starting to think now that a more realistic option for me would be to go to a European resort - I hope my friend is wrong when she told me that there is going to be a crisis in the alps because of the lack of snow that's expected...errr that's certainly not what Whistler is experiencing, apparently 3rd snowiest November on record for them! So we'll have to see what happens but I know I'll be excited whatever, just can't wait to be living in the mountains for a few months being able to board whenever I want... :D . Bought myself a snowboard wheelie bag today, almost have everything I need! 

Jealous!

So...I've heard Whistler is having some absolutely sick snow fall lately...well jel! But...I'm so happy because thanks to a friend who has some vouchers left I get to go snowboarding at MK again on tuesday! Woop! Feel so comfortable on my board now and as it's only been in snow domes I've ridden on it, cannot WAIT to shred up some proper runs come end of January. Hellloooo Whistlerrrr...although will be really sad to leave :( 

Tunes

Been listening to a fair few songs from the Art of Flight recently, not only a sick movie but has a great soundtrack to it too. My favourites:

• Young Blood - The Naked And Famous
• No Way - The Naked And Famous
• Intro - M83
• The Three Corners of The Earth - The Fire Shall Devour Us

I really want to find out what kind of music people listen to when they're on the mountains shredding it up...would be interested to know :) thinking about creating some play lists...

Blues

Ahhhh deary, massively getting snowboarding withdrawal! Especially after seeing all the pictures on facebook of beautiful snow which is rapidly covering Whistler, season begins on the 24th! Still no word on dates of when the IEC visas are going to be released. Until then I get to stare some more at my board which is propped up in the corner of my room and hope some snow will fall here during December...hmm, will that be likely?! 

Remember Them

I know this has nothing to do with snowboarding, but I just wanted to write a little piece on Remembrance Day, as it's important for us to think about all the troops who lost their lives fighting for our country in 1918. I think it's incredible that we had, and still have, such heroic people out there who are willing to put their lives at risk to save what they love most.

Apres-Ski Fashion

D&G 2010 

'Apres-ski' the swanky way of saying 'after skiing' makes it seem like after a long day on the piste you go back to your chalet and prepare yourself for the night ahead. Now in a girls world this would include: taking a long hot shower and scrubbing from head to foot, straightening or curling your hair with immense precision, then the long haul procedure of immaculately applying make-up before picking out something sophisticated to wear for the evening. The image of sophisticated evening wear for a mountain resort I am imagining right now is this.....>>>

But how unrealistic this is. Maybe there are some people who make a real effort and look like this, maybe in Gstaad, but the apres-ski 'fashion' I know is the board/ski pants you've worn that day or jeans, with high tops or moon boots and a T-shirt or hoodie with a flat peak or beanie hat. So pretty casual compared to the above!

Mountain Fashion

Alpe D'Huez - 2001

Another thing I love about being in a mountain resort is observing all the different people and the gear/clothes they wear whilst on the piste and apres-ski. 

I can still remember the first time I ever went skiing, I was 11, and sported my mum's 25 year old vintage orange all-in-one ski suit which incidentally had a massive 'A' (for Anne) stitched onto the right bum cheek, probably from where she'd fallen over so much! 

When I had grown out of that I followed the more modern trend and bought something a bit 'cooler' seeing as I was at that awkward teenage phase, so I moved onto red pants with a purple and white jacket. 

Cardrona (NZ) - 2004

Les Carroz - 2011

I find it interesting to compare the importance of labels when you're older and more fashion conscious, as it was something I seemed oblivious too when I was younger! Now I own matching black, white and grey pants and jacket by Nikita. Within the snowboarding world especially it's all about the good makes, like Burton, DC, Oakley, Volcom, Westbeach...the list goes on, and I am very aware of the vastness of these brands when I go to a resort and observe what people are wearing. Our world is full of advertising, and I sometimes wonder why? Most people everyday are completely unaware of the fact that they are a walking advertisement from simply buying and wearing a pair of Nike high tops or Levi jeans for example, even high street clothes. It is a vital way in which the word spreads and trends start. 

I remember last year it was all about the fluorescent colours and trying to be as bright as possible on the slopes, I thought that was an awesome look. I wonder what this season will bring, and how many people I'll count who will be wearing those funny hats with what looks like brightly coloured hair protruding out the top! 

Horror

If you're thinking of watching a scary movie tonight, seeing as it is Halloween, why don't you watch 'Frozen'. It's a skier and snowboarder's worst nightmare about 3 teenagers who get stuck on a chair lift. Haha, it's a shockingly crap movie as far as scary movies go and pretty predictable, but there are lots of parts which will make your toes curl...enjoy! 

Always Dream Big

When I first decided to put skiing behind me and take up snowboarding it didn't go well. I had my first few lessons on a dry ski slope in the middle of Wales in a group of 15 and was pretty much ignored, then I decided to go to France and try it out there. It was only a 10 day holiday anyway, and I spent the first few days on the baby slope over thinking how to turn because on the proper runs I could only pendulum down them and felt like I was holding my friend up. This resulted in (and I'm not exaggerating) a bum that was black and purple from falling over so much. I was fuming from frustration and decided it was best for me to just ski for the rest of the holiday - I felt like I had failed. 


Even though those first few experiences of starting out boarding weren't that great, I got back on the horse so to speak, and decided to get a proper lesson after uni...it all seemed to flourish from there, and now I'm confident for the season ahead. 


I know from experience that taking up a hobby and sticking at it is the hardest thing to do. I've tried endless things from playing the clarinet (got to grade 3 then quit to my dad's disappointment) to ballet and tap. But I do really regret giving everything up that I was good at and not succeeding further with it, so I guess with snowboarding I want to stick at it and dream big. I have so many people that inspire me, and it would feel like a great sense of achievement if one day I could be someone's inspiration. 

Me skiing in Les Carroz

Bailey

Oh my goodness, came across this on youtube today and had to mention her. This little girl is 5 years old and is jaw droppingly incredible at snowboarding! She started when she was 4 and already has a sponsor (Eternal). What an amazing role model to young girls out there, even I'm inspired by her! She's going to go far...check out all her gear as well, cute little DC pants and her tiny Burton Board...what a ledge! 

Tricks

Went to Milton Keynes snow dome again yesterday. I'm feeling really comfortable on my board now, so thought I'd try some little ollie's - to my amazement I landed some, although I did manage to take someone out on one of my attempts! Oopsy! I also tried spinning 360 whilst slowly moving which went surprisingly well, and buttering (putting all my weight on my back foot and lifting the front foot whilst moving)...was a really successful day all in all, especially as I tried all of this and came back in one piece! Managed to devour a whole chicken at Nando's afterwards too! 

buttering

Cross Country Snowboarding

How mental is this....don't really know if this is a joke or not?! 


Dude at 2.11 has literally made my day! haha...check it out...

New favourite word - Skootch!

Choons...la la la

The world would be a very dull place without music, and I spend a lot of time listening to it, so I was just thinking about what songs I'd listen to when I'm out snowboarding in Whistler. I'm a rock, drum & bass and dubstep girl so here's a few that would be in my playlist: 

• I Can't Make Your Decisions For You - We Came As Romans (from album: 'Understanding What We've Grown To Be' - worth a listen!)
• Biscuits - Unicorn Kid (from album: 'Sugarfest!' - this is electronic/chip music, some would think it's slightly nuts, nah, it's right up my street and good for being hyper to!)
• First Of The Year - Skrillex (from album: 'More Monsters and Sprites' - didn't really rate this artist until I heard some of his tunes turned up on a sick sub...literally gave me goosebumps all over, it's pretty heavy dub but they are headbangers, this one is my favourite.)
• Take A Look Around - Limp Bizkit (from album: 'Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water' - old school, but you gotta love it!
• Kids (Dagga Remix) - MGMT (this dub remix is awesome, I first heard it in a snowboarding movie, so it's quite fitting.)
• Cinema - Benny Benassi (I think this tune is mint and means a lot to me as it always puts a massive smile on my face, Skrillex remix of it is ace too.)
• As The Sun Goes Down - InContext (this dubstep mix is sweet)
• Levels - Avicii (had to mention this tune because it's one of my favourites!) 

...want to mention so many more, but I would be here forever if I did. Happy listening!

    

Girl Power!

I wasn't aware about this until today, but there is a movie called "DropStitch" featuring ONLY girl riders, some of the best! It took 12 months to film in different locations all over the world. They made their first self-financed film in 2003, but now the cutting edge girls only shredding returns. I think it's awesome, eliminating gender discrimination...because you know what, I think girls are just as good at pulling off sick tricks and enjoying the pow as any guy! 

Snowboard Fail

Something to make you laugh....

Shaun

Another of my favourite rider's is Shaun White. He's a two-time Olympic gold medalist and is ridiculously sick at half pipe...check out this video.

...I find it incredible how riders pluck up the courage to try something like a half pipe. It looks terrifying, pretty solid and if you had to bail...ouch! I guess with every fall it makes them stronger which pushes them further. 

'Sans Peur' - without fear.  

Goofy or Regular?

As everyone knows a 'regular' stance is with the rider's left foot at the front of the snowboard, 'goofy' is the opposite stance position where the right foot is at the front, like in skateboarding. 

I'm goofy and proud. Apparently it's the 'less cool' looking. Errr who gives a s**t! Okay so regular is the most common stance...but meh, most good snowboarders can ride switch anyway which means they can ride both ways. 

I like being Goofy!

Never Lose Your Confidence

Went to Milton Keynes snow dome again yesterday for a snowboarding afternoon. I felt like I was progressing really well, being able to switch from my edges faster and more consistently - which was ace. However, after I took a break and got back on it for some reason I got into the habit of turning my shoulders which inevitably made me fall over, and consequently I really hurt my coccyx. I lost all my confidence. That's probably the worst thing to have happen, especially when you know you can do it. After a couple more runs of throwing wobbly's I focused more on keeping my shoulders straight and using my head to guide me. I did spend a while over thinking about what I should be doing, but at least I left with a smile on my face when I could do it again! I guess these things happen when you're practicing something new, it's a good learning curve - you learn and get better by the mistakes you make.      

Roxy Love

Tried out my new board the other day at Milton Keynes snow dome. Not sure how long this deal will last for because it was for the summer, but it's only £25 for 4 hours slope time - bargain! Took quite a while to get there, but was definitely worth it. Haha, I was actually quite worried because to get to the top of the slope there is only a button lift (which to remind everyone are those small black disks on long metal poles which you put between your legs and it pulls you along) and I've seen how many fails and bails have happened on them....like the one above...HAHA, what a tool.


Fortunately I didn't fall over on it once or make a tit out of myself - I was very glad especially as right next to the lift all the really good freestyle riders were grinding rails and getting some serious air! So yup that was a success along with how much I am even more in love with my board! 


Compared to the board I had my lesson on at Tamworth, it's rapid!! - a very well waxed surface and the edges are sharp (I have magne-traction on my Ollie Pop board, which is where the edges are wavy like a butter knife, this creates additional contact points and a greater edge hold). I found after a while the snow became quite icy, so my board was kind of perfect for those conditions as it continued to still have ridiculously good grip. It also has BTX Banana Traction (rockered design underfoot for greater nose-to-tail contact) and new C2 Camber (which is basically 2 cambers, one under each foot - camber means the curvature of the base of the snowboard which effects handling and carving) The rocker/camber definitely made it more stable, and overall I think it's a board that won't limit what you want to do on it. Can't wait to get back on it! 

A Little Something Motivational...

I came across this quote today, and wanted to share it: 


'The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.' 
- Lao Tzu (Chinese Philosopher)


I know it doesn't really have anything to do with snowboarding, but I feel with everything I've been through over the past couple of months what with me desperately trying to organise Whistler, and other things that have gone on in my life, it's important to remember to always believe in yourself and be motivated in the things you want to achieve in life however good or bad your world is swaying. 


I thought this would be a good quote to remember, especially when things aren't going so well, because it shows hope that when you actively try and get somewhere and get the ball rolling it can, and will, open so many doors through which you'll be able to achieve so many things you may never have thought possible. 


Don't feel afraid to turn to someone for help as well. Everything always works out. :) 

My Inspiration

A bit about Erin Comstock: 

• Grew up in Lake Tahoe 
• Began skiing at the age of 2 and racing at 4 years old
• At the age of 12 she was obsessed with snowboarding
• Sponsors: Roxy, Vans, Active, Park City and Rockstar Energy 
• She started competing at the age of 15 and has been in lots of competitions since as well as being in numerous films and on the front of magazine covers
• She's 33 now and still travels around the world snowboarding
• Stance: Regular
• Favourite Trick: BS 540's and BS 180's

It's awesome there are talented female snowboarders out there, big inspiration!

Roller Coaster

Organising Whistler is literally turning out to be a roller coaster ride. Gawwwd. Now I'm not going until the end of January! Spoke to a really nice girl yesterday on the phone and she was telling me about how she did it last year, and that visa's for the new year came out on boxing day. I really hope this is the case for 2012 one's because then (well my plan is...) to go out late January when I have my visa and stay out there working until the end of the season. I guess at least I have a good job I enjoy for the time being where I can earn money up until I go. Positive to take out of it, I'll have more money saved to take away with me. 

If you're enjoying watching snowboarding video's, if you haven't already, check out another of Curt Morgan and Travis Rice's films. This one was made in 2008....

Preparation

So I'm booking my single flight to Vancouver this afternoon, leaving on 8 December. There is so much to sort out though, after that I need to arrange my transfer that will take me over to Whistler, then have to book somewhere to stay. My thoughts on that are a hostel for a week and then hopefully I'll be able to find proper accommodation. I also need to remember to buy travel insurance as well. 

It sucks I'm from England really, I always envy those who have learnt from such a young age due to them living near mountains - it being second nature to them. It's such an expensive sport to love and want to do a lot though, sob, it will be gutting if I come back quite good, and then not be able to go out again for a while. I guess for me it will be a hard hit back into reality when I return. 

I was thinking the other day though how awesome it would be to just work in an amazing mountain resort, but then it occurred to me what would I do in the summer months...dad chipped in...could always go to New Zealand when our summer is their winter...ideal! 

Who knows, might become a pro, get sponsored and be able to do it for the rest of my life...hmm in my dreams! 

What Is Possible...

Watched 'The Art of Flight' last night and words literally cannot express what a jaw dropping film it is. For starters the cinematography is overwhelmingly brilliant - nothing but the best from state-of-the-art film making equipment. The soundtrack is awesome too, exactly as I expected, including Ghosts N' Stuff (Nero Remix) by Deadmau5...absolute choon, have a listen below. Everyone check out this Travis Rice and Curt Morgan film, you will certainly be blown away and gripping the edge of your seat as the best snowboarders of our time go on their quest of riding untouched mountain ranges - John Jackson, Travis Rice, Scotty Lago, Mark Landvik...absolute legends!

'Cool'

Within the world of snowboarding and skiing it seems there is much debate over which is 'coolest'. To be honest, speaking from a girl who used to ski and now boards, I think both are incredible sports and both are as 'cool' as each other. So now we've got that cleared up...I can talk about how boarders (and equally skiers) make themselves look awesome on the slopes. 

Here's a check list:

• Baggy pants - girls check out Nikita clothing, I have the Isotope pants in black/grey/white, they are awesome.
• Matching jacket - Again this is personal preference but I think matching jacket and pants look good, I have the Cyclops jacket .....take a look....>>>
• Gloves/Socks - Warm hands and feet = happy you. (I know because I'm the girl with bad circulation in those two places!) Make sure you buy thick gloves with an inner glove. It makes all the difference. If you know you suffer from cold hands, Burton do some really great gloves, as well as Dakine. A lot of people would recommend Mittens, depends on your preference. If you want dexterity in your hands and fingers don't get them. Don't forget to wear a pair of decent thick woollen socks, only wear one pair at a time though, common misconception by many thinking that if you wear two or three pairs your feet will be warmer. Wrong. 
• Beanie/Helmet - Don't listen to anyone when they say wearing a helmet is gay. It's a lot 'cooler' to still have a brain that works if you end up wrapping yourself around a tree or rock! So please, especially for beginners...wear a helmet! Two brands I'd recommend: Bern and Red.
• Goggles - Lets face it sunglasses are not appropriate eye wear for the mountain, especially when you're pro-ing out all over the place, hehe, sooo decent goggles are essential. I have a pair of Dragon's (only thing is they don't do fully mirrored lens) so if you want a pair like that go for Von Zippers. Another good make are Electric. A word about Oakley, massively overpriced. Also don't forget about the different coloured lenses you can get...do some research before you invest in a pair. My lens is pink ion which is best suited for bright sunny conditions. 
• Bandana - Not really essential, but definitely something to wear to keep your nose warm, although to be honest, I have one and it kept it warm for about half an hour before all the condensation from me breathing made it soaking, ha, so yeah. Although saying that I've heard this Oakley Europe bandana is pretty good and keeps quite dry. To be honest, bandanas are always good to wear around your neck anyway to keep it warm. Plus...they always look cool when you're geared up and have your goggles on! 

Oakley Europe Bandana
in Blue

Everyone knows what an expensive sport snowboarding and skiing is, so don't expect outerwear and accessories to come cheaply, although the wonders of the internet and discounts! If there is something you find you like in a shop, make sure you jot down the full name of whatever it is and check on the net first before buying it...odds are you can find it cheaper on there.  

Edge to Edge

So I had my snowboarding lesson yesterday at Tamworth snowdome. Not only did I get an extra hour for free because the instructor I was meant to have called in sick...but I was in a group of only four and the instructor, Andy T, happened to be a complete legend - declaring me recreational standard by the end! :) 

Can't wait to try out my
Ollie Pop board now!

I always found 'turning' really hard. My failures previously were due to me trying to swing my whole body round to turn the board - fatal error! Andy told me to stop thinking about it as 'turning' the board and think about it in terms of just changing your edges. That way helped me a lot, and when I was managing to do it successfully, it really occurred to me how important but fairly effortless just looking in the direction you want to go is, as well as keeping your arms glued to your side, (to stop you corkscrewing around as you'll unbalance yourself if you move your arms around a lot = falling on your arse) and the slight movements in your toes and heels enabling you to switch edges. I think everyone should call turning a snowboard, edging!


I guess everyone gets taught in a different way, but I most certainly would recommend any beginners to have a lesson there. It's pricey, but every single penny was well spent. Lovely atmosphere, instructor's that actually know what they are talking about and an easy place to get to. Plus, I tried out my new boots and they are spot on, can't really fault them in anyway. Great day! 

A Happy Post

Erin Comstock - Roxy rider
and massive inspiration!

Even though I'm still annoyed with myself for not being able to get my IEC visa...I've come to the conclusion that there is light at the end of every tunnel however rubbish it is, meaning I'm still going to Canada! Yay :D . Apparently British Citizens who have owned a passport for over 10 years, as of this June, don't need a temporary visiting visa and can stay just over 6 months without one. So that's what I'm going to do, go for a few months funding myself with money I make back home. That means one thing - more time on the slopes, hopefully I'll be a pro by the time I come back. Eeee. 


So excited for tomorrow though, two hour snowboarding lesson, I hope I don't make too much a tit of myself. I'll let you know....

A Rant

Well it looks like I'm not going to Whistler anymore to do a season. The IEC (International Experience Canada) visa I needed closed taking applications on August 9th. This however was not written in massive bold print on the Canadian High Commission's website or really seemed to be of importance at all. Then when I checked on the BUNAC website apparently they ran out of their 5,000 visas in July! 


I know it's my fault - I should have just applied a lot earlier and this will be one of the biggest regrets of my life. I just don't think it's fair, what happened to spontaneity, for those people after they finished school or uni to realise actually I do want to take a gap year or a couple of months off doing something I only really have one opportunity to do, and now is it, to find out that they can't do it because they came up with the idea too late. From reading forums and something which I'm going to pass on, BUNAC applications for 2012 IEC visa's will likely be opening mid-January (apparently that's what happened this year), but it takes a couple of months, meaning you won't actually get it until March some time. Meaning if you're reading this and thinking about doing a season in Canada for winter 2012 just apply asap as soon as applications open again. No one even told me this...so there you go. 


Urghh, the one time I'm not as organised as I normally am and it costs me my dream of doing a snowboarding season in a country I've never been to and have always wanted to go to. Sods law I guess.


What I'm taking away from this pile of crap a situation is literally just be over organised when it comes to planning going off travelling. Correct research on good websites which gives you valuable information about what's needed in order to apply for visa's, jobs etc is vital and don't listen to anyone who says there's no rush.. otherwise you're bound to get disappointed. I hope this at least depicts the devastation and that you really never want this to happen to you...I don't think I've ever felt this flat before in my life, especially as a university graduate who's now lost in this world of unemployment and rubbish economic climate. Great.


Apologies for this rant. 

Comfy Feet

A good pair of snowboard boots = essential


I wanted a pair that felt really comfy, sturdy, had a good lacing system, were easy to get on and off and that looked girly - the girly girl I am! There's a lot to think about when buying a pair, especially your first so take time over it, trying on different makes allowing you to get a feel of them. Also be careful about sizes - make sure they fit when you're wearing thick suitable boarding socks AND don't forget a lot of them are in american sizes ie. a UK 6 will be a US 8.5 and so on, so just double check, especially if you're buying them over the net.

After doing lots of research, reading endless reviews, and trying on different styles...I found the boots made for me! They are the women's Nike Zoom Force 1 in turquoise and white. I will let you know how I get on with them when I try them out for real on Wednesday, but from walking around the house with them on they are everything I wanted in a boot (mentioned above). From the reviews I've read apparently they are one of the comfier boots around. The lacing system took me a while to figure out, but once I got the hang of it - simples! Nike's pretty new to bringing out snowboarding products but I think their stuff will be popular. Also a big plus their designs are awesome and they literally look like a pair of sweet high tops! Will be good for walking around the mountain in...even the resort...and who knows, just general day wear, or red carpet like Pharrell Williams...... HA!

Bargain Boards

If you're looking to buy some snowboard or ski stuff for this up and coming season, look no further than 'Bargain Boards'. A really good, reliable and easy to use website which has some cracking sales on. Not only that but delivery is speedy and everything I've bought has turned up in great condition. Lovely people as well who are right on the other end of the phone if you want to inquire about anything. 


Check it out: http://www.bargainboards.co.uk/ 

British 'Snow'

I'm looking forward to snowboarding in the UK next week, on actual real snow! A piece of advice to anyone wanting to learn how to board, either go to a real mountain abroad, or book yourself in for a lesson at a snow dome...because my butt was seriously damaged from the amount of times I attempted to turn, became optimistic that I was beginning to face down the slope and that it would be successful - but instead caught an edge. Dry slope is not fun, frustrating and makes it a lot harder than what it would normally be on snow. So yeah...can't wait to get back on it! 

Going to the snow dome at Tamworth near Birmingham, only about a 2 hour drive, so not too bad. But I have good news for guys and girls living in the South West...building will begin for a new Leisuredome this Autumn, which, when completed in 2013 will be the UK's longest indoor slope at 210m! Wooop...plus it will be based close to Weston-Super-Mare and the South of Bristol - ideal! 

The Art of Flight

Literally can't wait for this snowboarding film to come out...not long now, 8th September. 

Happy Summer's Over?

Am I happy summer's over...hell yes. Despite the fact we had our good weather in April (typical when I had to stay in and study), since then in this dismal English season we call 'summer' I've been wishing November was here already, meaning only one thing - Whistler! For those fellow snow and board lovers out there make sure you check out the film 'Chalet Girl', albeit fairly unrealistic the story line, it will leave you craving the mountains, powder and shredding! I can't stop watching it!