Finally bought a split board! $1600nzd from small planet with bindings and skins. Went up Coronet Peak with friends Nat and Jono and my German Shepherd Kelcie and my bosses Jack Russell Elvis.
I’m glad Nat helped me with the skins, we got it figured out. We walked up Sarah Sue as it was closed due to lack of snow so I knew the dogs were OK. I was really surprised and mildly freaked out that I could walk straight up icy slopes that I thought would be too steep. These G3 skins are impressive!
Going up was definitely easier than snowshoes (which I hate) or just walking. I actually enjoyed going up, it was so quiet away from the open part of the ski field. This is definitely a good sport to get fitter.
At the top we had a look down greengates and I was full of tussocks and patches of snow. We decided Nat and Jono should enjoy a run down the M1 where it had been groomed and I would take the dogs down greengates.
It took longer to get down than up! As it was Kelcies first time seeing me snowboard she was freaked out. Biting my gloves and pants trying to stop me. So i was side slipping down. When the dogs weren’t too close I did a couple of turns. The combination of crusty snow with lots of tussocks and this new big board meant a couple of tumbles. Atleast the sun was shining! The snow ran out and Elvis was tired so board off and I started walking down with the dogs.
You know that amazing feeling when you feel on top of the world? Well I was feeling so damn stoked with my new hobby and how peaceful it was. And then i slipped in ice and hit my elbow on the edge of my board. It really got me right on the funny bone and I had to lye down I was so dizzy. Partially i think because i should have packed lunch for this adventure. Bought me back down to earth in a hurry, we were close to the car anyway, elbow fine.
Snowglobe 