Fernie 11 Week Snowboard Instructor Course ‘07 – Week 1
by Finn Claxton
We’ve arrived! The first morning we get brunch at the OGS which is the NONSTOP headquarters in Fernie. After the brunch we are given a tour of the town by one of our instructors who show us all the hidden cafes, shops and bars. Next it’s into the shops to spend far too much money on brand new equipment (it is still a lot cheaper than Britain it just seems like a lot of money).
In the evening we had our welcome banquet at a local hotel. It is here where we are told about the different ways which we can take after we complete our level one course as well as being introduced to the rest of the instructors.
The next five days are our first lessons which run for five hours a day. On the first day I already saw an improvement in my riding and over the week my confidence increases as well. Our instructor is a level three and watching him ride is an experience in itself.
At the end of the week we get the weekend off to do whatever we want (which usually includes going up to the resort and boarding) however this weekend we have a group activity which is the OGS potluck (each house cooks a dish and you pick and mix from all the dishes available) which is a great chance to speak and mix with others who are on the course, it is also an excuse to drink and after playing shot foosball (Take a shot of vodka for every two goals conceded maybe drinking wasn’t such a good idea…
