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!