Early in 2008 I faced a decision about whether to take my snowboarding up to a whole new level – competing nationally. The thought was so exciting, but the reality was I was scared of pushing myself and financially in no position to take on all the necessary travel.
So I up and quit snowboarding.
Looking back on it now, I know that there were a lot of other factors behind my decisions, but I wasn’t able to admit to them at the time. Or perhaps I was completely clueless. At this point, who knows and who cares.
Three seasons later, and outside of a little blip of a day, my board remained stashed away. Until now. Because we are making a comeback!
As soon as I strapped in at the top of the hill, I knew, without question, that my love for snowboarding is still strong. I love flying down the hill, going crazy fast. I love making turns through the powder. I love getting air off of anything I can. Heck, I still love going ass over teakettle when I can’t stick the landing of a (mini)cliff jump.
When I’m living in the moment, it is so absolutely, astoundingly thrilling. It’s when I’m standing around that old habits start to creep in. The little voice that says “be cool, use the right lingo, talk big”. But I recognize it for what it is now – my ego trying to take back control – and I’m working on letting it go. To remember that I ride for the pleasure, not for the attention.
This season, I’ve committed to jumping back into snowboarding wholeheartedly. I’m taking my coaching courses, hooking up with the local team and dedicating most of my weekends for the rest of winter to being on the hill. I can’t wait to get started.
I'm Mandy - but I masquerade around the interwebs as Manderz.
A twenty-something, wife & puppy mama, I love to start projects I may never finish, day-dream & express my creativity in ever-changing ways.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Have fun snowboarding! I’ve done it like 4 times before and still can’t get the hang of it then for days afterwards I cannot walk at all! It’s fun though and a great workout!
I remember the constant falling when I first learned how to board – which started all over again when I entered the park. I’ve also noticed that this time around, my body aches for quite a bit longer than it used to.
Love reading about your passion! It’s so important to do it for the right reasons, and your heart really seems into it, which is also super important. I’m really excited for you that you’re getting back into it! Have fun :)
I really hope to keep those “right reasons” in the forefront of my mind – especially since my ego played such a huge role in the past.
So excited you’re starting to snowboard again! There are few things which give people joy in life, and it seems like boarding is a joy-maker for you. :)
We’ll have to plan a trip sometime!
Yes we totally should! A bunch of friends are heading to Kimberley first weekend of March. That is pretttty far for you though, yes? What would be good locations?
That’s so awesome! I love boarding, though I’m not very good at it, and don’t do it very often. It’s so much fun!
To be honest, I think some of the best tales come from the falls – and the better you get, the less you fall.
YAY! Good for you girl!
I’m glad you’re trying to focus on doing it just for you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
I most certainly will. I’m hoping I can actually get some pictures of me too!
I had no idea you were that big into snowboarding…. competing nationally? WOW!
Being a skier and snowboarder myself, I can relate to the thrill one gets from being on the board! (I got my instructor’s license for skiing when I was in college!) So glad you’re getting back to something that you love so dearly :)
Beginning of March is bad timing for me. Maybe an end of season trip when all the powder hits? I can fly into Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver so anywhere “convenient” from there would work!