Boarders hit the slopes
By Dibya Subedi
Cabell Midland High School
One of the thrills of winter is heading down the snowy slopes of ski resorts in the state, but some adventuresome athletes in the area prefer to do this on a snowboard rather than skis. With a season that begins around Thanksgiving and runs, weather allowing, through March, snowboarding is becoming a popular activity for teens.
“There’s nothing like it. You have to try it for yourself to fully understand how amazing it is,” said Cabell Midland senior Brandon George.
Several local snowboarders stocked up on equipment through granted Christmas wishes and are now heading out to preferred spots in the state like Snowshoe and Winterplace resorts. Both spots boast a range of lessons so that beginners as well as seasoned snowboarders can keep conquering the slopes.
Cabell Midland senior Chase Shockley has been snowboarding for about six years. He says the sport is “only dangerous if you do something you’re not ready for.” To help prevent that from happening, the ski resorts code their slopes by color, with green generally being the easiest and black or double black being the most difficult.
Be warned, though — George said that the first time snowboarding is the toughest. “If you are interested in snowboarding, then stick with it. Go more than once,” he recommended.
When you do go, it’s important to be safe. This includes wearing the proper gear (the right type and amount of clothing as well as a helmet and proper boot bindings), taking lessons (preferably from a professional) and avoiding over-exhaustion, which can lead to injury.
As far as expenses, snowboarding can be fairly pricey when you’re first starting out — especially if you have to rent equipment each time you go. Shockley estimates that he’s spent about $900 on equipment, which includes his snowboard, boots and bindings. But he claims that once you have what you need, it will last for a long time.
In addition to the cost of the equipment, you also have to consider the cost of admission to the slopes. At resorts in West Virginia, a single day ticket costs at least $40.
So with all of these things to consider, why do these guys do it?
“[It’s] a getaway from my normal routine,” said junior Nick Stewart.
George likes the fact that the sport is always evolving. “The pros are always pushing the limits of the sport, and it keeps progressing,” he said. “You must always be innovative.”
In order to keep up to date on the sport, the boys follow the progress of professionals through events like the Winter X Games and the Winter Olympics. They watch videos and read magazines about the sport.
“Snowboarding is my one true love. It’s the best thing that I’ve ever done,” said Shockley. “I think everyone should snowboard at least once in their lives.”
