Hello,
I will be the new snowboard captain for the next season. I joined the team in 2001 and I have seen how the number of snowboarders has increased since then. Also, the level of riding and experience has increased and today we have a very solid group of riders of both sexes. A very important part of this improvement is the upcoming training camp. Every December the training camp allows us to get back on the boards and ride with an excellent group of coaches; go back to basics and get our riding in top form - not only on the race course but as complete snowboarders, riding with confidence, safely on trees, pow, groomers, crud, bumps, skiers, park, you name it - with a smile on your face, having a blast. One thing that is very important during training camp is that everybody has an idea of what part of their riding needs review or improvement. This is the key for a successful session and your coaches need to know exactly that. Also, your feed back is very important to address any concerns that you may have. All suggestions and ideas are welcome. In the next few weeks it is also a good idea for some of us to get those legs back in shape. It is a great feeling to stand on your board with a pair of tree trunks and be ready rip it. Don't forget your equipment. This is the time to check that everything is still in good working order. Check the buyer's guide if you are thinking about new stuff and demo before you buy if you can.
For non-snowboarders:
I would like to talk to people that are interested in snowboarding and may like to learn it. It is not as hard as you may think and the training camp will be a perfect opportunity to give it a shot with good coaches and good, soft snow. As a general rule it will take about 3 days of lessons to learn the basics and start to link turns. Snowboarding is not a new sport anymore and people of all ages and physical abilities are able to ride. Also, the improvement of the instruction and the equipment allows them to teach it safely and without the pain that some of us endured years ago. If you are a skier the changes will be wonderful... comfortable and toasty boots, no poles, cool people, learn new lingo and best of all you can sit any time you feel like it! Take that skiers. If you think you may try it, just a few safety tips - get a comfortable helmet, wrist guards and padded shorts. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to help you.
If you are thinking of attending the training camp please let me know and tell me if you have any suggestions or concerns from previous camps and what kind of training you are looking for. Remember that there is always room to learn something new or refresh the basics. Sometimes just a little correction can improve your riding tremendously.
I am sure that everybody is looking forward to this season. I know I am. There is a lot going on these days and this is the perfect opportunity to forget about it and just ride your ass off and have fun.
Pedro