Bubble Of Non-Reality

August 22nd, 2009

Whistler poisoned me with its charm, its beauty and potential for fun - and I’ve been contemplating what life is all about ever since I left.

Read more »

Helmets, Body Armour and Staying Alive

April 19th, 2009

The sudden and very tragic recent death of Natasha Richardson, wife of actor Liam Neeson - from hitting her head whilst skiing in Quebec, deeply saddened me and left me feeling frustrated. If she had been wearing a helmet she would still be here…

Read more »

The Beauty of the Beast

March 4th, 2009

80 cm of fresh must have fallen in the week. We knew it was puking in Innsbruck the day we left but the week before must’ve seen a shed load of snow as well because the mountain was smothered in deep snow from day one.

But when the sun came out after a few days of riding almost waist deep powder, we quickly acknowledged the threat of the beauty that immersed us.

Read more »

Is it Actually Possible to Prepare for your Snowboard Trip?

February 9th, 2009

Problem:

Every year I spend three out of six days riding in agony. The pain is mostly confined to the bruising around my ankles as a result of an unadulterated battering from my Burtons which slows me down and leaves me infuriated…

Read more »

Hiking into the Backcountry - Somerset, England

February 9th, 2009

It was described as the worst snowfall in the UK for 20 odd years. But I’m pretty sure all those who got to slide around in city parks, making the odd igloo and jibbing the odd picnic bench, would consider it the best?!

Read more »

Where in the World are you Riding this Season?!

January 13th, 2009

During the year, not a day goes past without my thoughts wandering in and out of the clouds of the day dreaming world and wafting towards high snowy passes that lie beyond my reach and out of sight, many miles away…

Read more »

The Power of Film

December 17th, 2008

“Watching snowboard movies makes you a better rider!”

I spluttered out laughter when my friend declared this quite seriously, but then quickly reverted to having an open mind that truth could prevail…

Read more »

Snowboard Nova Scotia? Discover the ‘Land of Trees and Lakes’

October 25th, 2008

I’ve just come back from another week in Nova Scotia – the Canadian province I have re-named the ‘Land of Trees and Lakes’ due to the region being smothered in a rich blanket of trees punctuated with cool clear, fresh and salt water lakes.

Read more »

The Ketchup Smugglers - The World’s Worst Snowboarders?

September 15th, 2008

Photo by Gordon Joly

“When I see rain, I think…What a waste of perfectly good snow”

This was one of many comments, which had me nodding at my laptop and publically crying tears of laughter – these guys are funny, British wit at its most parched…

‘The Ketchup Smugglers’, consisting of Jack Rabbit, aka film maker Paul Lappin, Bald Eagle, Lone Wolf, and Big Bear can’t understand why sponsorship eludes them – after all they can get a good 3 or 4 inches of air? Nevertheless this short movie shows how they manage to dodge the paparazzi and learn how to jump turn having had only a Tenants Special to start the day.

With clever editing - one of them comments on Lone Wolf’s “riding ability…as an accomplished rider” as he tumbles through the pow – and a complementary soundtrack, teamed with the guys’, board-clutched-close-to-the-heart, sincerity this is one hilarious amateur concoction!

I can’t believe they managed to keep a straight face throughout – these guys’ talents obviously aren’t just confined to their tremendous board sliding skills.

I’m sure they’ll do their new sponsors, their local fish n chip shop and hair salon proud!

You can see for yourself that these guys really could be, the world’s worst snowboarders on: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=aqe2QvnriCs

Carving the Concrete: Can’t Snowboard? Long-board!

September 8th, 2008

I have sorely missed the sun this summer - its warming energy infuses inspiration into me and enables the fulfilment of my persistent craving to be outdoors. Activities we poor Brits normally have to endure under grey skies and rain can, let’s face it, be far better enjoyed when the sun shines… Read more »