29 March, 2006 (Wednesday)

My friend Emera (kids Ski School) finally took me out for my first snowboarding experience. I’m sore, but still intact. She tells me that I'm not her worst student ever. So full of compliments. I wonder if it's a Canadian thing, or maybe she's been hanging around Australians for too long? ...Probably been hanging around Australians for too long.

Going snowboarding
After getting back from the Ridge, Ryan (from Sydney) fixes me up with rental boots and a board. The board is a 158cm with flow bindings (goofy stance). The boots are soft, and compared to ski boots almost like walking in oversized normal footwear; surprisingly light and flexible.

As promised, I meet Emera in front of the Village Centre. It is a warm sunny day and Emera has an iced donut in hand - afternoon sustenance. She takes me out to the flats outside of the Swiss Bear (in the main village) and gives me a quick run down of strapping in and skating. We then back-edge down the kids slope. It gives me a feel for proper stance and balance.

Five minutes of me goofing off and we start down Hummingbird. By a third of the way down I'm sweating heavily, with my sleeves rolled up and my iPod tucked (safely) away. It takes about 20 minutes to stack my way down the run. As the end of the season approaches, especially on sunny days, the snow starts to get slushy. It means that it’s easier to catch an edge (and land on my backside), but at least it's a softer landing. A forgiving way to start.

I get the hang of edging from side to side, and then try to work on keeping balance and turns. Emera tells me to keep my arms out for balance, and turn with my upper body. “Don’t look at the trees! Don’t look at the trees!” she screams as I gather speed. Of course I stare straight at the trees and almost ended up eating pine needles.

After making it off the lift without too much drama (I manage to travel a good 10 metres before falling) my second time down takes half as long. I'm falling less and getting a feel for turning. Still, it feels wrong to be sliding down with my face to the mountain. Toe edging goes against my skiing instincts.

The third time takes maybe 5 minutes, and we are done for the day. My tailbone is a little bruised and I have ice burn on my knuckles from landings and levering myself back up, but Emera is a very patient teacher. All in all, I enjoyed the experience and think I'll have to give it another go. Just have to find the opportunity before this season is done and dusted.