So it’s that time of year again, a time where the leaves turn to their red, yellow, and brown colors. Soon those leaves will fall on the ground, and in time they will be covered by snow, something that gives a lot of us so much pleasure. Either way we’re all getting ready, whether it be mentally or physically preparing, we’re “down for da cause” cause winter is just around the corner. But before that first big snow fall, before we rush to opening day, and before we strap in for that first time in the NEW season we should really re-evaluate, and I mean re-evaluate OURSELVES. Sounds deep, haha, yeah I know, but hear me out.
For the past few years life’s experiences have taught me a thing or two, and I can’t wait to learn what the next 5 will bring my way. So far, I’ve seen so many different people live in so many different ways. From Europe, to Australia, to the Caribbean, to South and North America, there are significant differences in culture. None the less, no matter how different we all may be, we all have basic needs, and we appreciate the power of love, respect, and happiness. I’ve seen shitty things, and I’ve seen great things, the great and good inspire me to write this, because lately I feel like there is not enough of that “good” going around, especially in the snowboarding world. First of all ask yourself; WHY DO YOU SNOWBOARD? I don’t care if your Tara Dakides, Travis Rice, the 40 year old mom who picked it up two years ago, the washed up chick working other angles of the industry, or the kid who’s only be on shred a few times. What drives you to sit on that chairlift in freezing cold wheather, what makes you want to sit through those houling winds? (Sometimes I think we’ve all lost our minds.) I mean, what inspires you to bounce back, injury after injury? What gives you that drive, that strength? Whatever your answers may be, I hope they are sincere, good and honest, and I hope that they make you better. I hope snowboarding makes you a better person! Get grounded. Think about it. I’ve seen friends gone pro and change, there is not much that is grounded about them anymore. I’ve seen friends ditch their friends for film crews and photographers. I’ve seen people kiss ass, and I mean a big fat ass. I’ve heard a lot of shit talk about someone else, (please shut it, maybe your jealous?) I’ve heard girls in the snowboard world talk more about diet’s then snowboarding. Eat, food is good for you! Are you model’s or snowboarder’s? I’ve seen people get caught up, to a point where they are consumed only by snowboarding. It’s all they can talk about. Well this is the reality check. Snowboarding is not life, it’s a part of it!
There are so many kids out there these days who would do anything for that free snowboard, but for the wrong reasons. For those chasing the dream and sending out 10 emails to the same team manager of a company per week to get sponsored. Wooaaaa…take it easy! Trust in yourself and give that team manager a brake. IF your good, don’t tell people you are, show them. Basically just shut up and snowboard. And as for the team managers, be honest with that kid, be honest with your team. False promises alter relationships. It’s a businees yeah, we all get it, but have some integrity. And same goes for the companies, ask yourself what are you doing for snowboarding, and if you don’t know; THERE IS A PROBLEM! Riders, photographers, filmers (crew’s), team managers, magazine editor’s, events co-ordinator’s, company owners, please re-evaluate! I guarantee that if you do, we will all have a better season!

In order to ride a line properly, it is important to study it. Take the time to view it from all angles. Really sit there and stare at it. Don’t rush. Just embrace it! The more angles you look at it from, the better. As you stare try and memorize it in your mind, because on the way down you do not want to experience a blank. It will be more comforting when you know where you are. Read the snow, the slope, and also look for your safety zone, for a way out in case something goes wrong. Things may not always turn out the way you expect them to so you have to be prepared. Also pay attention to details. A divit or bump in the snow that may appear small from the opposite ridge, may in fact be very large. What appears as a roll over may feel more like a drop when you hit it with speed. Be aware!

It’s a good idea to take pictures of the lines that you want to do so you can take them home and study them. Once you look at something for a very long time you may start to see things that you have never seen before.

The more studying you do, the more enjoyable the descent will be. Get creative, be safe, and have fun!