Travelling can be a big part of snowboarding.  If you get clued up on becoming a refined travelling snowboarder then it could make your trip that little bit easier.  Icelandic volcanic ash you say… no big deal!

Ditch that old bag

Travelling to a new snowboarding destination can evoke a mix of excitement and anxiousness.  Will I be late for my flight?  Will I get charged excess baggage for all my stuff?  Well, first things first you need a decent bag to put all of your prized snowboarding gear.  Rome SDS and Dakine offer a warm welcome to your snowboard paraphernalia.

Check out a fine selection of quality luggage HERE via Rome SDS & HERE via Dakine

Receive a tip

If you’re new to packing up your life into a board bag and jetting off for the a full winter season then some simple words of advice won’t go amiss.  Try not to travel to a destination that, believe it or not, still bans snowboarders!  Or, perhaps avoid busy times such as ‘spring break’ to avoid huge lift queues or maybe plan your trip to coincide with ‘Gaper day’ during early Spring.

Check out some simple tips HERE courtesy of Snowboard.lifetips.com

Check out the Check-in

You’re rocking up to the irate looking check-in staff at your departure airport.  Your new board bag filled to the brim with fresh equipment and clothes, suddenly a bead of sweat forms on your brow.  Am I going to be charged daylight robbery excess baggage fees!?  Try to smile.  Here goes…

Get clued up about excess baggage HERE via ehow.com

Daydream about a dump

You’ve made it past the check-in desk with no charge for excess baggage which now means you can perhaps afford a pre-flight beer and afterwards possibly a quick browse on the Internet on your laptop.  Wi-fi is becoming freely available for all you snowboarder facebook addicts (myself included!) Try to break the addiction for five minutes to check the snow forecast at your destination.  Is it dumping?  Will you arrive to fresh powder or a crisp blue bird day?

Check out if it’s dumping at your destination HERE courtesy of Snow-forecast.com

The journey is the destination.  Enjoy snowboarding and try to enjoy getting there.  One you arrive at your destination let your ‘journey’ begin!

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Do you want to be freed from the shackles of 9 to 5 office life? If you become a snowboard instructor the perfect method of lifestyle could unravel…

Teach & get high

Becoming a snowboard instructor can be a way to mix your passion for riding with a fun job that may or may not feel like work.  Some instructors make a career out of it and spend time training to pass exams to get to the higher rungs of instructor certification.  An example is CASI level 4 (Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors) This is the highest level where you act as a trainer of other instructors perhaps within a snow school or directly for CASI evaluating potential instructors.  Other snowboarders may just teach for one season because in their eyes the disadvantages may outweigh the benefits.

Check it out some advantages of being a snowboard instructor HERE courtesy of Snowboarding-essentials.com

Taste the opinion rainbow

The opinions of other snowboarders about the pros and cons of being an instructor are as vast and varied as a mixed fruit salad.  Some are random, funny or occasionally misguided without having first hand experience.  Instructors generally stick out like a sore thumb at ski resorts often forced to wear bright coloured snow school uniforms.

Join the pros & cons discussion HERE via shredunion.com

Cons to being a Pro

If you’ve ever thought about becoming an snowboard instructor then it could be a good idea to not only research your options regarding training, certification or best gap programs, but, to also discover other insights into the pros and cons.  Try not to take it as gospel truth as the sources may not be too valid, however, some opinions may be warranted by real life instructors who have actually been there and done that…

Read a more concise thread on the pros & cons of being a snowboard instructor HERE via goneboarding.co.uk

A freestyle method

Experienced instructors gather tools to help them teach a better lesson or provide a quality training session for other instructors.  Examples of these tools may be teaching methods (the structure of the lesson not the trick!)  or a specific drill or tactic used as a teaching aid to help new students.  A more material tool that may also be helpful and fun can be a mini bendy snowboarder type doll called ‘freestyle max’ .  It contorts to various shapes mimicking a snowboarder.  This could help to reinforce teaching, plus it can easily fit into a snowboard jacket and be whipped out at anytime.

Check it out HERE via Freestylemax.com

People from all walks of life ride for various reasons.  For fun, for fitness, for their holidays, for the season.  Others do it as a way of life and enjoy living and working in the mountains possibly as instructors.  Whatever your method just live and let live.  Life is for living, live it!

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Who needs mountains anyway

If you happen to live in a country with a distinct lack of snow but you still want to fulfil a desire to go snowboarding then all is not lost.

Certain countries supply a demand for snow sports enthusiasts wishing to ride conveniently without the need for real snow or mountains.  Snowdomes are effectively massive fridges that churn out real looking and feeling fake snow. The UK boasts several indoor slopes to cater for a growing appetite for snowboarding.  Other snow-less countries also provide this popular service.  It’s not the real thing, but it’s something at least!

Check out a list of Snowdomes from around the world  HERE courtesy of Natives.co.uk

Where it all began

There’s always an original.  The humble origins of the UK snowdome began in 1995.  The Tamworth Snowdome was the first indoor artificial snow-slope and it is still going strong.  Not only does its loyal patrons enjoy the slope any time of  year it also provides a venue for some fun snowboarding events and comps that draw competitive riders from the UK.  It all helps to build and strengthen a culture of British snowboarding.

Read about a recent comp  HERE via snowboardclub.co.uk

Homegrown talent

The UK is known more for producing world class footballers than snowboarders.  However, this is changing.  There is a new breed of British rider brought up on a healthy diet of indoor snowboarding, rails and a relaxed yet progressive approach to shredding.  Indoor snowdomes are a catalyst for propelling a passionate and talented UK snowboarders to ride hard and push their scene in an other wise mountain-less country.

Check out the creme de la creme of UK riders in the UK HERE via Whitelines.com & Standing Sideways

At what cost ?

Snowdomes are a good thing for pushing the sport of snowboarding.  However, they come at a cost to our environment.  The energy needed to run these giant fridges can take its toll on mother nature.  Does the benefit outweigh the cost?

Read more about the in’s and out’s snowdomes HERE via onsnow.co.uk

Snowdomes serve a need for snowsports fun seekers when a snowy mountain is not readily available.  They help to grow the sport which is a great thing. However, it’s important to consider the long-term environmental costs of these energy hungry massive fridges.  Surely we want to be able to ride the real thing in many years to come.

NONSTOPsnowboard.com

For some snowboarders Spring can be the best part of their season.  Sun, snow and smiles are abundant this time of the year.  Embrace this lively spring time because before you know it your winter is a distant memory and you’ll be craving that next time you get to strap on your snowboard and go for a shred.

Gaper fools day

Spring time brings warmer conditions with many sunny weather days and no longer needing sweaty base layers.  Another aspect of Spring is ‘Gaper Day’.  Many ski towns across the globe witness groups of  grinning snowboarders and skiers dressed to the nines in 80′s retro ski attire.  Eye popping  bright neon pink one-piece suits and slick old school spandex race suits are worn to make fun of snowboarding’s past.  It’s normally a friendly and happy sunshiny Spring day. April Fools day in Breckenridge Colorado is traditionally the unofficial big gaper day. However, it has been banned by the resort due to too much unruly behaviour in the past.

Read about it  HERE courtesy of AngrySnowboarder.com

Skim the surface

The annual ‘Pond Skim’ is a crowd favourite at spring time.  Brave competitors often scantily clad in bikinis (sometimes even the male skimmers!) launch themselves at breakneck speeds into a man made pond filled with ice cold water.  Some make it to the end unscathed and dry.  Others are not so lucky and emerge drenched and cold but smiling.  All in all it’s a fun spring event.

If you’re up to the challenge get some tips on pond skimming HERE courtesy of Snowboarding.about.com

What’s that on your face ?!

The dreaded goggle tan rears its head at springtime.  You either love it or you hate it.  Some people embrace their goggle tan and wear it with pride albeit looking like a startled raccoon.  Others try to hide it by using the services of a local tanning salon to balance up their goggle shaped pale upper face.  Whether you like goggle tans or not they are pretty funny.  Binding company Flux did a best goggle tan facebook contest and good friend Daryl Smith won a brand new pair of bindings for the most people ‘liking’ his outrageous goggle tan.  He fully deserved to win.

Check out the contest  HERE via The Flux Binding Blog

Give slush a good boot

Spring brings out a certain type of snow to your favourite snowboarding hill.  Slushy snow brings a new challenge to your riding.  This heavy wet ‘snow’ leaves your once dry snowboard boots drenched after a day of shredding spring slush.  Gone are the days way back in the heart of your winter when that light fluffy pow snow would feel like silk under your feet.  Welcome to Spring slush where each turn can be a tough workout.  This heavy wet snow can still be fun if you’re up for the challenge.  Remember to bring an extra pair of fresh socks with you!

To learn more about types of snow including slush click HERE courtesy of the ABC of Snowboarding

In sunny spring conditions if you don’t want your face to end up looking like old rhinoceros skin then try and remember to wear sunscreen!

NONSTOPsnowboard.com

Just a bit of personal news:  I just passed my CASI level 3 certification.  Stoked! It’s a pretty good feeling and a great relief that I got ‘er done! Thanks NONSTOP Snowboard for starting me off on my snowboarding journey.  Teaching is fun, and so is snowboarding.  A solid blend of skills and fun… plus there’s always new fun tricks to learn!

Anyway… on to # 14

Tricks: Food for thought

There are a plethora of snowboarding tricks out there.  Some originate from skateboarding.  Take the McTwist for example.  Pro skateboarder Mike McGill invented it way back in ’84.  There’s also the stalefish brought to us by skate legend Tony Hawk and borrowed by snowboarders.

If you don’t know your roast beef from your melon click HERE for details via snowboarding.com

Learn how to tip

Some people like things to come with all the bells and whistles.  Others prefer a no frills kind of deal.  When it comes to snowboarding trick tips there are both kinds.  Just as some riders opt for learning how to perform the perfect backside 180 off a jump, there are others who have a appetite for more tech heavy tricks like a nollie backtail switch up sameways on a rail.  Snowboarders are part of a community of people wanting various things out of their riding. A preference of riding style or learning style can dictate whether a trick tip will be helpful.

For some no frills trick tips by snowboard-city.com click HERE

Touch & Feel your trick tip

This Spinning trick tip video is brought to you by snowboardaddiction.com.  An online freestyle training company founded by Kiwi rider and coach Nev Lapwood.  This media approach to learning allows its viewers watch the basics in a simple step by step method that breaks down the trick into easy to understand components.  Nev does a sound job of presenting spinning tricks in a clear and direct way by providing near perfect demo’s to compliment his presentation.  Take nothing away from this valid coaching option.  However, there is no substitute for real-life instruction.  Sight and hearing are important senses when learning new snowboarding tricks, but so is touch.  Not meaning you need to be touched by your coach or instructor!  Specifically the feeling of snowboarding is key.  As is the smell of the fresh mountain air, or the taste of clean wet snow (the aftermath of a good slam where you eat it! )

Make up your own mind by viewing it HERE via snowboardaddiction.com

To see footage of JP Walker explain a backside 50-50 click image

To do or to teach that is the question

Some pro rider trick tips can be inspiring and others can be confusing at best.  It’s impressive the immense skills shown by top professional snowboarders.  However, when an unsuccessful attempt to share their knowledge with mere mortals things can get lost in translation.  A Majority of top riders just ‘do’ snowboarding and that’s what they excel at.  Occasionally when they try to explain ‘how’ it can serve to highlight a lack of teaching skills.  So, does this bring some truth that “those that can, can’t teach” ?

Check out some helpful & not so helpful pro trick tips HERE courtesy of Transworld

Snowboarding is expressive and so are tricks.  One man’s meat is another man’s poison.  If you like to tweak a good ‘ol tindy, just do it.   If you enjoy grabbing melon go for it. Whatever makes snowboarding more fun for you will fuel your passion.  Ahhh! that’s the trick!

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A brand is what distinguishes one company over another.  Successful snowboarding brands capture a particular rider by not only offering their products but also their ideals of snowboarding

The big B

Burton snowboards is the worlds biggest brand.  In 1977 Jake Burton Carpenter started building snowboards in his shed and hasn’t looked back.  He has cornered the market by offering a massive selection of products; boards, bindings, outerwear, clothing and accessories to a mainstream audience.  Beginner snowboarders are well catered for which is a good thing for the future of the sport.  On the flipside, more ‘core’ riders are dismissive of Burton’s mass corporate structure.

Check out more HERE & HERE for all things Burton courtesy of snowboarderguide.com & snowboardgo.com

A collective addiction

Rome snowboards was started by two ex-employees of Burton.  In 2001 the Rome Snowboard Design Syndicate was set up as a backlash to corporate snowboarding (i.e, Burton!) The success of Rome SDS lies largely in it’s core values of listening to the common rider and giving them what they want, as opposed to the other way around.  Guerrilla marketing tactics such as fly posting helped to launch the brand to it’s intended core audience.  Rome has built its brand through an aversion to the mainstream.  However, it’s expanded to such an extent that it is now in danger of alienating the very customers that have grown with the brand.  Becoming a casualty of it’s own success may be imminent.

Check out more about the syndicate  HERE via theclickworldwide.com & their new boards HERE courtesy of communities.canada.com

Peel the layers of technology

Lib Tech are known for their dedication to technological development which will help the higher end rider.  This brand brought ‘Banana technology’ and ‘magna traction’ to the snowboarding world and has benefited by being and industry leader with regards to technology.  The ultra talented uber pro Travis Rice rides their boards.  The best boards for the best riders? If you buy into the Lib Tech brand then you’re buying into technology fit for advanced snowboarding.

Read more about Lib Tech HERE via prlog.org &  boards HERE courtesy of  southofthenorthblogspot.com

Technine is a brand that appeals to the ‘Gangsta’ snowboarders.  Although this may sound like an oxymoron as the average snowboarder is extremely detached from inner city ‘thug life’ it still holds some merit.  It is essentially the style of riding and style of expression that is important here.  Technine represents the grittier side of snowboarding.  Riders keen on sporting double XL jackets and huge baggy pants while jibbing urban rails or shredding perpetual park laps at the their local hill are the captive audience of the Technine brand.

Check their steeze HERE via milosport.com & a new rider signing HERE via whitelines.com

You may buy a particular board because you like the graphics.  Or you may choose a board because you like what the company stands for.  Whether you’re aware of it, or not, these days riding a board created by a specific brand speaks volumes about what type of snowboarder you are and the ideals you identify with.  All this shouldn’t matter as it’s all just about snowboarding.  Or is it?

NONSTOPsnowboard.com

Style in snowboarding is many things.  It comes in all shapes and sizes.  Style can be described as the way an individual expresses themselves. The following snowboarders epitomize style in their own way.

Skateboarder style – Jed Anderson

Jed Anderson is a young Canadian snowboarder who has exploded onto the world shred scene with unbelievable rail riding skills. His natural ability on a snowboard is almost Jedi-like.  The highly technical tricks he performs are done with ease.   Jed has a unique skateboarder-style.  But don’t be fooled into thinking he can only ride rails, last year he proved himself an accomplished halfpipe rider by winning last years Burton Canadian Open at C.O.P Calgary.

Check out Jed’s Jedi skills HERE courtesy of Transworld Snowboarding

Progressive slope-style – Eric Willett

Eric Willett is a relatively new name on the international snowboard stage.  With quiet confidence Eric has worked his way up the busy slopestyle competition ranks claiming regular podium finishes.  His latest victory, and it’s a big one, was yesterdays European X Games Gold medal.  When a rider can consistently land a double backside rodeo, frontside double cork and any variation of 1080 spin during a run surely he can be classed as progressive.  He has pushed this  high level even higher.  Todd Richards of Omatic snowboards saw Eric’s potential and quickly signed him to their pro team.  Look out for more progression from Eric Willet in the not too distant future

Witness Eric’s acrobatically and progressively smooth run HERE courtesy of Superstoker.com ALSO: his winning  X Games Europe run HERE via BSAsnowboarding.com

Technical style – Torstein Horgmo

Torstein Horgmo is an exceptionally talented snowboarder hailing from Norway.  There must be something in the water because this rider possesses arguably the highest technical ability on a snowboard.  He is known for cleanly stomping huge technical spins and jibbing large and difficult street rails both switch and regular.  Not only does Torstein showcase immense technical ability but also a precise smooth style on any terrain.  In a technical sense his style is pretty flawless!

Read and watch more from Torstein HERE courtesy of cldfx.com

Backcountry style – Devun Walsh

Devun Walsh is a living legend in snowboarding.  He has been around for many years and is still going strong.  Devun Walsh can be described as style full stop.  His terrain of choice lies in the Whistler backountry where he goes big with the smoothest style.  Whether it’s a massive double cliff drop or a huge booter into powder Devun Walsh is almost guaranteed to deliver the goods with immense style.  His opinion on riders who huck quick 1080′s without style are far from complimentary.

Check out Devun Walsh’s views  HERE via Frontlipped

Every snowboarder has a different style.  Good or bad it is all just snowboarding.  The way a snowboarder rides is a very individual thing.  Some people like the taste of coffee and other not so much…

Live and let ride.

Check back next week for more

NONSTOPsnowboard.com

From Russia with Style

Halfpipe snowboarding has been embraced by the public.  After witnessing the superhuman skill of Shaun White performing his Olympic gold medal winning run surely people want more snowboarding at the Games?  A Slopestyle event allows riders to hit a course of jump and rail features to gain maximum scores for trick difficulty, amplitude and flow by the judges.  If slopestyle is accepted as an Olympic sport in time for Russia in 2014 then perhaps UK’s golden girl Jenny Jones might have a shot at gold.

Read more about it  HERE via bbc.co.uk/blogs

Speed versus Style on the slopes

At the next Winter Olympics would you rather see spandex clad hard boot wearing snowboarders racing each other around flags or progressive snowboarders landing big smooth jumps and stylishly jibbing rails ? The debate is on between PGS Parallel Giant Slalom and Slopestyle for the 2014 Games.  Without a doubt slopestyle is a more popular choice for many.  It feeds a hunger for pushing progression in snowboarding and its identity not only as a sport but also a culture. Snowboarding is more than just who can go the quickest it’s also the way we choose to ride.  PGS certainly has a place and let’s take nothing away from an athletes hard work and training.  However, it’s limited essentially to which rider is the fastest.  This surely has more ties with ski racing than snowboarding and it’s future.

Check more HERE and join the discussion via blog.thehouse.com

Under the influence of Slopestyle

Canada is not only home to moose and beavers it’s also home to many important slopestyle events.  On one hand there’s the Grenade Games held in Whistler B.C and on the other there’s the LG snowboard World Cup at C.O.P Calgary.  The latter holds a more official significance to the possible inclusion of Slopestyle at the next Olympics in 2014.  The former is less official but nonetheless strongly influential to the wider snowboard community.  (Mutterings of “4/20″ can sometimes be heard from Breckenridge all the way to Whistler) This LG contest was the first time slopestyle has been included at a World Cup event. This got the bureaucratic ball rolling towards satisfying criteria allowing it to become an Olympic event.

Check out the article HERE via CalgaryHerald.com

Slopestylers go big

Putting together a solid slopestyle run can be extremely difficult.  In comparison to halfpipe where the walls of the pipe are pretty similar and consistent for each hit, in slopestyle each hit is different whether it’s a large kinked rail or the third and biggest kicker of the course.  The rider has to have the skill to adapt and stomp each feature with style and flow.  Eero Ettala proved he is one of the world’s best slopestyle riders (he’s pretty good in the backcountry too!) by winning X Games gold.  He shows how he chooses to ride the slopestyle course at the highest level.  Maybe we’ll see Eero at the next winter Olympics.

Watch Eero’s epic run including his switch double backflip  HERE via Youtube.com

Check it HERE via HuckMagazine.com

Elite level snowboarding comes in many forms from slalom racing to halfpipe to slopestyle.  As long as you’re enjoying being on snow it must be a factor or we begin to forget the reason we all started snowboarding in the first place.  More snowboarding events at the Olympics or at any level will help to raise awareness for snowboarding and snowboarders. Surely this is a good thing for the future of this sport and lifestyle.

Check back next week for more.

NONSTOPsnowboard.com

Begin your path to park progression

Snowboarding can take many forms.  The extent of its creativity and progression is only limited by our imagination.  It’s amazing what can be done on a snowboard.  An increasingly popular part of snowboarding is park riding.  Many resorts across the globe allocate a good chunk of time and money on developing their terrain park. They cater for the strong need of riders to launch themselves off a jump or slide a rail.  Common sense and knowledge can help keep freestyle snowboarding fun and safe.  But, where should you start?

Get acquainted with park riding HERE courtesy of ezinearticles.com

Imagine a city full of park

A quality terrain park can draw the discerning park rat to a particular resort.  Riding a reputable park compared to a lame one can be like the difference between  fine dining at the Ritz or chomping on a burger at MCdonald’s.  Quality is important.  Some parks are kept in pristine condition by a passionate park crew.  Others are simply left to deteriorate due to lazy park staff or lack of resources and funding.  A safe, fun and progressive terrain park can create good times for snowboarders wanting to push their freestyle skills.  At the highest level Park City Mountain resort, training ground of double Olympic gold medalist Shaun White is an example of venue providing a top quality terrain park.  It has certainly served Mr. White well!

Read more HERE courtesy of RideUtah.com

Where to park & ride ?

Choosing from the many terrain parks dotted around the world can be a tough decision.  Shall I go somewhere with a perfectly shaped pipe but with limited box or rails features ? or, opt for a resort that has a plentiful rails minus a halfpipe ? It’s difficult enough finding  the right mountain at the right time with good snow conditions let alone one with a progressive and well kept terrain park.  Perhaps find some help in the form of a park guide that will advise you on the best spots to get your freestyle fill.

Check out some top parks HERE via MySnowParks.com

Easy style it

It’s all good and well choosing your ideal terrain park to shred.  However, it’s in every body’s interest to learn about and practice terrain park etiquette and safety.  ‘Smart Style’ is an easy to follow guide to riding a park safely.  A simple example is ‘look before you leap’. It may seem obvious to scope a jump out before you hit it, but  it’s pretty impressive how many park users will hit a jump their first run through.  Consequences of this can be tragic.  Season ending injuries can be easily prevented by listening to ‘Smart Style’

Read more HERE courtesy of TerrainParkSaftey.org

Developing and mastering your skills in the terrain park can be very rewarding as well as extremely fun! However, before you step out of your comfort zone it should be a priority to be safe and courteous in the park.  It’s not just for advanced freestylers, but also for complete park beginners.  We all have to start somewhere, so to keep terrain parks fun for everyone get smart and easy style it.

Check back next week for more

NONSTOPsnowboard.com

 Banana or Pickle ?

What’s all the fuss about reverse camber snowboards?  If you don’t know your skate banana from your park pickle then perhaps it’s time to discover the pros and cons of  rocking a rocker board.  What is a rocker snowboard and what is it good for?

To answer this question and more check out this informative article HERE courtesy of  freestyle-snowboarding.com

Rocker & role reversal

When finding out about new things or developing your basic knowledge of a subject it’s good to get a varied perspective.  A female point of view with regards to the In’s and outs of reverse camber technology may differ from that of a male.  It’s these subtle differences that makes snowboarding so creative. Whether it’s Betty shredding the Alaskan pow or Jeremy jibbing a street rail both may profit from riding a rocker board. 

Read about it HERE presented by the girls at Shredbetties.com

ALSO: Watch former dictator Adolf Hitler strongly voice his opinion of reverse camber HERE (WARNING: colourful language!)

Are we edging towards rocker boards?

Torah Bright deservedly won Olympic halfpipe gold at the 2010 Winter Games.  Was she riding a rocker board?  If so, it surely had special edges to help her board grip the slick pipe walls.  Learn about magne-traction and various rocker board brands and technologies from down under.

Check out the article HERE courtesy of Australian website popmag.com.au

Choose wisely

If you’ve ever gone into a shop to buy snowboarding gear and a ’too cool for school’ assistant tries to give you some ‘advice’ then it might be a good idea to go elsewhere.  A good shop will have knowledgable staff minus the ignorance and arrogance.  The friendly assistant should ask you lots questions that will help them to help you get the right board for your wants and needs.  Be prepared before you spend your hard earned cash on a reverse camber board.  That’s if you’re sold on the idea…

For a forthright guide click  HERE (courtesy of boardreviews.com)

There are many different types of snowboards out there.  Amongst the various brands, models, sizes, materials, shapes, colours and cambers lies a board destined to be enjoyed by you.  Whether its your first or fifteenth board choose it wisely and it could make your day, and even your season.

Check back next week for more

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