Secrets for the Slopes

After spending years at high elevation in blizzards, to spring sessions and everything in between, I’ve found a few products that allow me to make the most of my riding time and focus on fun.

Thirty-two boots: Women and men shoes are designed and sized differently- snowboarding boots are no exception. Women’s boots are designed to fit women’s calves for the most functional and comfortable fit. I highly recommend thirty-two brand snowboarding boots. After a couple days on the slopes, the inner lining of the boot will mold to your foot, personalizing the fit and allowing longer hours on the slopes. Plus it’s easier on your tired feet!
Anon Goggles: Goggles are also gender customized, a women’s model will better fit your mug and prevent fogging. Anon has released some radical models this season. To add some flair to your face, check out their new line with rad patterns and colors. www.store.burton.com/goggles
First Layer: Keep your bum warm with first layer pants, worn under your snowboarding pants. These are vital if you have a buddy who loves to give powder showers. This lining keeps snow from going down your pants and keeps your legs warm and snug without creases to cause discomfort.
Da Kine Visor: This visor is awesome. When you’re caught between putting your hair up and wearing a knit beanie, this product is sublime. The Da Kine knit visor keeps your ears warm and blocks snow over your goggles while leaving room on top for a bun or pony tail. I’ve gotten many compliments on this visor that is both functional and stylish.


Photo sources: http://www.store.burton.com/, http://www.thirtytwo.com/

SwellZ and SnoW

October 28, 2007
Today I woke up around ten, eyes still closed, reached for my phone on the window sill and called Surfline to see if the waves built enough over night for the XCEL Pro to be held. The event was given a lay day, contest organizers waiting for a swell to hit Sunset Beach.

I rolled out of bed, slipped on my bathing suit and found a lonely yogurt cup for a quick breakfast. I popped in a Rolling Stones CD and drove to the east side, to my favorite beach on the island, Makapu’u. The isolated-cove like beach had sets of waves breaking and creating a sea of white wash on the shore line. Body boarders were dropping knee and getting shot down the line, into the powerful close outs. With the exception of firing north shore days, Makapu’u often has the biggest waves on the island.

Watching the waves build and break, nature’s display of power and everyone having fun in the water, I was stoked. I saw the craziest drop ins from the skinniest local boys. They were super ballsy, dropping in on these steep, close-out waves and taking the consequences.

I cruised with my four girl friends all day, skim boarding, digging for crabs, playing with turtles and having a mad jam session with drift wood and lava rocks. We were hanging out on the isolated rocks, laughing and having a good time when this random guy hikes over with a tri pod and digital camera. He asks to take a picture of us, trying to get us to gather together and pose. We say no, he tries to convince us for a few minutes. We all spread out, pulling our hats down and flipping him off until he retreats to his buddies who watched the episode from the beach below.

Across the Pacific to the other side of the boarding spectrum, two inches of snow blessed Boreal at Tahoe, the storms have calmed down with ZERO inches of snow in the summit. Mother Nature must be waiting for me to book my flight. Thanks.

I watched coverage from the 2007 Vans Triple Crown at Northstar, (last March) which got me stoked for the powder to come. The video showed true Northern California Snowboarding, sunny skies, clear view of the Lake Tahoe backdrop. I wish my old room mate could see this video. Colorado born and raised, it took me a few weeks to convince her that there was snow in California! Actual, nature derived snow. In Colorado, rumor has it all snow in Cali is man-made. Book a flight Colo kids and shred some Golden State snow!

Anyway, the park looked super shredable. Competitors flew through the Terrain Park, super stylee in the Slope Style Event. Quick clips flickered of various boxes and rails that have left an impression on my noggin, buttocks, as well as annihilating my ex-boyfriend’s Siadic Nerve.

Watching Elena Hight throw back-to-back 900’s at my local park inspires me to step up the game this year. My talent might be a little rusted from the island 80 degree weather but I plan on grabbing my polka dot goggles and shredding some pow come December.

A breezy, buzzkill to your slope time or a spirit-lifter? You choose.

Fun Things to Do on the Ski Lift:
1) The “Winter Wonderland”: Kick snow onto people bellow you. This is an oldie and a Goodie. See your friends below you? That cute someone from the Gondola? Ski Patrol, if you dare? Tap the edge of your board to your free boot and give others a snow shower.

2) Yell random names and phrases at people bellow you on the slopes. “Brad!!! There you are!!!” Or,“Kathy! Mike broke his neck you gotta meet us at the emergency care center!” You fly above and away, leaving them confused, worried and a bit disturbed.

3) The “lazy boy”. It can be a lonely, cold, ride if you end up flying solo. At least you don’t have to cram on the lift with a few others and a bunch of crap, get comfortable! Stretch your tired, free leg across the bench, perch your board in whatever manner you feel right with, lower the bar and bust the mp3 player!

4) The “Booze and Cruise”: Bring a little liquid courage to the slopes? Enjoy your beverage until you exit the lift. Chug, chug, chug!

5) Point to every random aspect of the run and tell your buddies all the superman moves you’ll be doing. “See that rock? I’ll back flip off the foot of powder on it, onto the fallen tree, backside 50-50 and land switch stance.”

No Can Do:

1) Call your lover back home (no one wants to listen to that crap).
2) Tell stories of breaks and benders (bad ju-ju).
3) Talk about how you used to rip when you were little…sure buddy.
4) Ask other people to hold your gloves, goggles, etc. so you can take a picture or reapply Chapstick.
5) Don’t drop anything! Sit still, squirrelly pants, get whatever you need at the top.