One of my favorite quotes about snowboarding is by Jake Burton. He said
“The passion to ride. It’s what drives us to wake up before the sun, load up our gear, and head to the mountains while our neighbors sleep. It changes the meaning of “Winter Storm Warning.” It drives us to question what’s possible and never, ever take no for an answer. It creates unlikely friendships, unforgettable days, countless stories, and a culture devoted to standing sideways and having fun.”
When did it stop being about fun? When did snowboarders start bashing other snowboarders because they ride groomers? Because they ride east coast over west coast? Because they ride 10 times a year versus the 150 times a year?
When did snowboarding become such a competition, to push each other down and prove you know more/ride better than the other snowboarder?
Lets bring back the fun…when you spent days with your friends making laps on the mountain where you like whether it’s hiking the halfpipe, lapping the terrain park, hiking backcountry or just freeriding on groomed runs.
I know the season has ended or soon to be ending for most of us…don’t you miss the good times, hanging on a chairlift, waiting to drop in, getting first powder turns on your favorite run, feigning for more snow or for classes to cancel so you can ride. It’s not about anything but the ride…so lets enjoy it.
I was talking with a friend about how snowboarding is such a spiritual thing for me, to be on snow and forget about the world around me. Forget about troubles at home, fights with friends, guys that suck. The second I hit snow, my mind is relaxed and each turn is a way for me to mellow out, take in the beauty that surrounds us on the mountain and be thankful that I have this in my life.
I made this blog about having fun. For me, having fun being an average rider is all I need.
Marc
May 6, 2008 at 6:20 amThat’s a great quote. It includes a loved one’s three favourite words: Winter storm warning. Here’s to being a part of something much bigger than the structure defined by society (i.e. work, social expectations, etc.) and having a hell of a time doing it. I’m already looking forward to winter and to riding with you again.
Anonymous
May 6, 2008 at 10:40 amFeel The same way about shredding, good post and keep on livin the dream!
BigNolDogg
May 6, 2008 at 11:09 amGreat post, i agree completely….There is something about bombing down an empty run and only hearing the wind through the trees and your boards skating across the snow, that stays with me all year!
Anonymous
May 7, 2008 at 12:59 amI agree completely with your blog. Very well said. The only thing I dont agree on is how you can say this stuff about snowboarders who bash others, yet you constantly support a forum poster (elsnowboarder) when he CONSTANTLY bashes other snowboarders for what they like to ride, and how they ride it. He also uses the amount of days he gets to ride against someone who doesnt get to ride as much. It doesnt make sense to me. Please take this into account and stop treating him like he is the king of snowboarding. You should let him read this blog because he has apparently forgot what snowboarding is all about.
yeeeee
May 7, 2008 at 5:01 amYea, el sucks!
Shayboarder
May 7, 2008 at 8:46 amThanks Marc, Anonymous, Big for the comments.
I’ll set the record straight on El and I. We dated for two years; we broke up two years ago. We live in separate towns, have separate lives and do not speak to each other online or in real life. The negative behavior by him and others is exactly what I’m talking about in this post, it gets old and I’ve dealt with it for so long. I’ve had the amount of days of riding a year, used against me as well so I empathize completely. I know it’s not about that. Unfortunately people still believe we are together or good friends, that is not the case. Like any ex in your life, you try to move on and get away from them. It’s harder with snowboard.com, since I do actively get involved in forum stuff. I do not take in his opinions or treat him like the king of snowboarding. He does read this blog unfortunately.
I’m just trying to move on with my life and that includes not having him in it.
Anonymous
May 7, 2008 at 2:38 pmGreat post, Shay! Ride on!
David
(old-guy, East-coast, groomer-riding noob)
ps – I can’t believe you’re still riding!
Shayboarder
May 7, 2008 at 3:41 pmThanks David! Yep A-Basin here in Colorado is open till June 8th tentatively…so still got the season here on weekends. I’m hoping to ride in August at Hood as well, just waiting to plan the trip.
Brent
May 7, 2008 at 8:43 pmIMO I couldnt agree more Shannon. Once you get on the snow, pop some music on & just let everything go. ride, get away from it all. live for the moment and enjoy having the freedom.