Back on the snow again and 2009 has already exceeded all expectations not to mention the amount of potential it holds… Not only have I recently been taken on board by Mountain Dew as an ambassador but I am venturing out into the world. Currently I’m working at a small “isolated” ski resort in rural Japan living as close on traditional as it gets (somehow vaguely like the Jetsons – so futuristic but so far behind..) hence sleeping on a 2cm mattress on the floor, a rice sack for a pillow, NO INTERNET and of course the good ole squatter toilet newly knighted “the throne” ..Oh and I’ll also define ‘work’ – ski instructing in JAPANSE both of which I have never attempted before my arrival!!

All this to fund my travel through Europe and Canada, and add depth to my bag of trix. Now that I’ve pretty much recovered from my ankle injury the plan is to try my hand on those how do you say in your language, ‘kickers’? And possibly even dabble in the half pipe but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves…

Basically I’ve come away to learn how to turn… yes, jibing take a backseat!! Okay I admit it… there’s a high possibility I may have introduced my skis to the park – WATCH OUT!! But to regain composure I’ve had my board deal to some epic pow excursions, owww the excitement!

Right, so naturally a bit about myself, 2005 was when I first fell in love with snowboarding. I stoke out over the majority of sports and I’m transfixed with travel and adventure, and for the record I’ve mastered the art of chopsticks!!

Along with Mountain Dew I’ve also recently jumped on board with Lower and Skull Candy, as well as riding for Underground Skate; Oakley; and Pyramid Distributions – 686, Drake, Northwave and Bakoda – all of who I must say have been frigging awesome!!

Some of my top achievements took place last NZ season; placing in all 10 events entered which were eight first’s and two seconds – including winning the Parklife Invitational as well as the Snowpark Mountain Dew night sessions final, collecting my round the world ticket cheque. I also received New Zealand’s Riders Poll 2008 Rookie Snowboarder of the year award and then selected for the open NZSBU development squad. Stoked!!

I would have blogged earlier but to my surprise internet is ridiculously scarce to get hold of – if any at all where we are, didn’t quite meet my naive expectations of Japan!!

But as for now will just have to jam with the Japanese ninja’s in the south at Hachi Kogen and will bring you up to play as soon as we do the bee line north for Niseko, Hokkaido early March and snake some internet!!

…what a hard life!

Get amongst it!!

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