Why do people Snowboard? (Final Section)

"Does this mean that I should just walk around feeling depressed and lonely, then?"
Absolutely not! Snowboarding is a far more constructive and positive way to deal with sadness anger and loneliness. The truth is, everyone experiences these feeling from time to time, but when these feelings are seriously hard to deal with, it's important to reach out to others and show them the way with Snowboarding.

"Snowboarding seems to be fun. I mean, people don't snowboard because it makes them feel bad, they ride to feel good, don't they? Very good point! Snowboarding does seem to be lot of fun, especially when you learn that new trick and stomp that fresh landing, seeing boarders carry on like they don't have a worry in the world. The reason why this happens is that Snowboarding causes our body to release certain chemicals that work their way into the brain. Once they get there, these chemicals change our brains natural balance, causing us to feel totally radical, happy, attractive and relaxed to name a few.
So, what's the problem then? Well, the problem occurs when our brain realizes that its chemistry has been tampered with. In order to get back to normal, your body body will have to neglect shredding which the brain doesn't want to let happen. When we neglect Snowboarding, we're no longer having fun.

Snowboarding is sneaky. It fools you by providing maximum fun times until you're addicted. I remember being at resorts, doing some crazy shralping, thining life couldn't get much sweeter. After a couple of weeks of that, Snowboarding was a permanent fixture in my life. Snowbaording had be cornered when I could no longer work up the nerve to go to work or school. I knew it had me when I was up all night watching on shred flicks unable to sleep.

An addiction to Snowboarding is the best addiction int he world, feed your addiction!

This article is written by Nev Lapwood, founder of www.SnowboardAddiction.com, the world's best online snowboard coaching.

Why do people Snowboard? (Continued again)

"Am I supposed to ditch all of my friends?"
By refusing to join your friends and Snowboard, you are sending a message: that you're not a follower. You're allowed to make your own decisions but you'll be missing out on a shit load of fun.

"Somtimes I fel kind of depressed, like things will never get better. If I Snowboard maybe that would improve my mood."
Not riding can be really hard. Have you ever felt really down, when you just can't seem to shake feelings of sadness or loneliness? What about really angry at some of the people in your life like your parents or teachers? When people first try Snowboarding, one thing they experience is a change in mood. All of a sudden, Snowboarding seems like the answer to many of life's problems! When we Snowboard to aviod unpleasant feelings we can't forget about the harsh realities of life and the unpleasant feelings cease to exist. This is what often leads to people becoming addicted to Snowboarding. You just want more and more of it.

This article will be continued tomorrow.
SnowboardAddiction.com is for hard core riders who are addicted to snowboard progression.
Check out the free sample lessons at www.SnowboardAddiction.com

Why do people Snowboard? (Continued)

(Continued from yesterday)

"So do I just pretend I'm not curious?"
No; curiosity is natural, and you shouldn't be ashamed of it. We believe that the best way to satisfy your curiosity about Snowboarding is by learning about it first. Watch a video, look at a magazine or observe other Snowboarders. Most people who get really involved with Snowboarding haven't bothered to learn about it first and it's addictive characteristics. Please learn about the risks and effects involved with Snowboarding before trying it.

"Some of my friends are starting to shred the gnar, and I don't want to feel left out. I want to join them."
We all want to feel accepted by our friends, and sometimes we want to impress people who aren't even our friends. Snowboarding satisfies both these needs, you'll be able to impress friends and non-friends with your shred abilities. Suddenly you might find yourself doing things that are harmful or risky just to stand out on your shred stick making the bold statement of how rad you are.

This article will again be expanded tomorrow.
In the mean time check out www.SnowboardAddiction.com to learn the best freestyle trick tips.

Why do people Snowboard?

Why do people still Snowboard with all the effects on your body, brain and behavior, let's talk for a little while about why people would even snowboard in the first place.
We've heard some people say that only stupid people Snowboard, while other people say that people snowboard to look like a rebel and most Snowboarders are consistently claiming it as the best sport ever!
If we could pinpoint one common theme running through most snowboarders heads, it would probably be this: people snowboard because they think it helps them deal with some of the more difficult parts of life. They are correct. Snowboarding solves all of lifes problems. It takes away pain and gives pleasure. If that does't make sense to you yet, it will.
Keep reading: I've tried to answer some of the most common questions asked about Snowboarding.

"I want to try Snowboarding because I'm curious about how it'll make me feel."
The mystery of Snowboarding and how it can transform people's feelings moods and behavious is pretty interesting. Being curious is natural, and some people are willing to take great risks to satisfy their curiosity. Although Snowboarding is very unpredictable - you just never know what to expect from it. Many people young and old who don't plan on getting themselves hooked on Snowboarding quickly find themselves imerssed knee deep in it.

This article will be expanded tomorrow.
Written by Nev Lapwood, founder of SnowbaordAddiction.com
"The world's best online Snowboard Coaching!"

Program Updates

Hi Everyone

I've been down boarding in NZ for the past while sneaking in some of the Southern Hemi winter.
I'm back in Whistler now and winter is approaching fast.

The Snowboard Addiction program is being improved all the time and I wanted to let you know that an updated version is now available.
If you've purchased the program in the past and you'd like to download the newest version "free of charge," email me back at this address (info@SnowboardAddiction.com) and I'll send you out a fresh download link.

If your going to be in Whistler this winter, please enquire about having some private coaching.
Would anyone be interested in participating in a Snowboard Addiction camp?

For some of you this latest version will have significant updates from when you originally downloaded it. For those of you who have recently purchased it, there may not be many changes.

I am also currently working on:
- a new handplants lesson (filmed this summer at Camp of Champions)
- Halfpipe lessons (filmed last month at Snowpark New Zealand)
- a whole new series of videos for the "learn to Snowbaord" program
- re editing some of the other videos (like the grabs lesson)
- making all the videos available in both regular and goofy
- updating the podcasts.

I'm hoping to have all these changes made before winter (December) so will send out an e-mail when it's all looking smooth.
Updates at the moment are still free for all of you. Once I have to program to an outstanding level, I'll probably start a small yearly charge for updates.

Other stuff:
I have also created a full quality DVD with all the best video lessons. Hopefully it'll be selling in shops soon. Let me know if you want to order a copy.

Send me your feedback.
Until then...

"Feed Your Addiction!"

Nev
www.SnowboardAddiction.com
+1 604 966 7956

Fresh snow in Whistler

Winter is getting closer everyday up here in Whistler. Went I looked out the window this morning there was a fresh white covering up on Blackcomb. 10cm of fresh fell up top and they had to close the top of the mountain bike park which is still operating at this time of the year. Not a huge snowfall but enough to get that buzzy felling of winter circulating around town. The new Burton website is up at www.Burton.com check out all the fresh gear that you can be rocking this winter.
See ya in Whistler

That's It, That's all World Premiere

That�s It That�s All World Premiere

By: George Crosland

Director, Co-Producer, Cinematographer, Editor � Curt Morgan
Co-Producer, Professional Snowboarder � Travis Rice

Starring: Travis Rice, Nicolas Muller, Terje Hakonsen, Jeremy Jones, John Jackson, Mark Landvik, Pat Moore, Scotty Lago, Bryan Iguchi, Jake Blauvelt, Danny Kass, Kyle Clancy, Mama Rice and more

Locations: New Zealand, Valdez, Munich, Tokyo, Jackson�and more�all filmed in Hi Def, 35 mm, super 16

Around 6 seasons ago a young man, known at the time by few people Bryan Iguchi being one, went to the Superpark and finagled his way in somehow (with the help of Danny Kass maybe?). At that point in time no one had any idea what was about to be released upon the snowboarding world. That young man was Travis Rice and since then he has come to be one of the most influential riders of our time. Only history will tell, but he could become the most influential of all time, or most certainly a 10 year period in the history of snowboarding. A bold statement, yes but few who know would argue the above statements.

Travis has been working on the film That�s It, That�s All for 2 seasons. No expenses were spared and this was supposed to be the snowboard movie to top all snowboard movies that have come before it. That is a lot to live up to and of course this movie could not have been made without all the snowboard movies that have come along but understand, this is a bad ass movie. On Saturday September 6th the movie was un-veiled to the public. Well, not really the public but those those were lucky enough to get a ticket to the party at the swanky bar in downtown San Diego. This was a pretty well and poorly organized event. Only a few tickets were printed but then somehow there was a list so a ticket meant nothing and many very influential people were denied entry, which was the poor part of it. If you were on the list, you were set. Being sponsored by Red Bull and Quiksilver, no expense was spared. There were no riots, no huge lines, possibly the general public did not even try. Inside, it was a whose who of snowboarding, Travis, Danny Kass, Bob McKnight and on and on and on. They had a killer screen set up for VIP�s, free Red Bull and Vodka for all, small screens everywhere and I heard a Zimmerman photo gallery that was sick. Every one was feeling good or seemed like they were in a good mood to see the show.

So was the movie all it was hyped up to be, was it worth the millions it took to make, and was it worth the two years it made to make? In a word, yes. The opening montage alone was insane with no snowboarding even. Scenes of avalanches, mountain goats and scenery that would make National Geographic jealous, the cinematography was amazing. It goes to a scene with Travis, Mark Landvik and John Jackson riding Zealand, just having a blast and it goes on from there. Hearing the likes of Bryan Iguchi, Travis�s mom and other well respected people talk about Travis was very cool. The movie is all action but also part documentary. Not like documentary like your teachers make you watch but you do get a good glimpse into what helped Travis become Travis. One of the sickest things in the movies was Travis and crew �playing� in Jackson Hole, jibbing a 40 ft tall tree- amazing. Another favorite scene was Travis riding with Nicolas Muller and the Viking in BC. Of course Alaska with the king of Alaska Jeremy Jones was sick. Jeremy goes over the falls so to speak and talks about going to Alaska for the first time with $1200 and a 100 Cliff Bars. $1100 of his money went to heli time. There were scenes from the Tokyo snowdome that you would see on Fuel�s Daily Update but it gives you good glimpses in his life. Overall it lived up to the hype. I do not recall being blown away by any one part like say Johan in TB 5 but then again I was watching on one of the crappy little TV�s. It possibly seemed long with the focus being one thing which is different than your traditional movie with many various parts. Also it is possible that so much came so fast that it was hard to hard for my small brain to comprehend. Would like to watch it at home and get back to you. The music was kind of techno hardcore, not my kind of music but it matched the dramatic ness of the movie. For sure it was amazing, for sure it will be a new benchmark and for sure you should get it. Any rider should have it on heavy rotation; hell any film student should have it rotation for that matter - That�s It, That�s All

Director, Co-Producer, Cinematographer, Editor � Curt Morgan
Co-Producer, Professional Snowboarder � Travis Rice

Starring: Travis Rice, Nicolas Muller, Terje Hakonsen, Jeremy Jones, John Jackson, Mark Landvik, Pat Moore, Scotty Lago, Bryan Iguchi, Jake Blauvelt, Danny Kass, Kyle Clancy, Mama Rice and more

Locations: New Zealand, Valdez, Munich, Tokyo, Jackson�and more�all filmed in Hi Def, 35 mm, super 16

Around 6 seasons ago a young man, known at the time by few people Bryan Iguchi being one, went to the Superpark and finagled his way in somehow (with the help of Danny Kass maybe?). At that point in time no one had any idea what was about to be released upon the snowboarding world. That young man was Travis Rice and since then he has come to be one of the most influential riders of our time. Only history will tell, but he could become the most influential of all time, or most certainly a 10 year period in the history of snowboarding. A bold statement, yes but few who know would argue the above statements.

Travis has been working on the film That�s It, That�s All for 2 seasons. No expenses were spared and this was supposed to be the snowboard movie to top all snowboard movies that have come before it. That is a lot to live up to and of course this movie could not have been made without all the snowboard movies that have come along but understand, this is a bad ass movie. On Saturday September 6th the movie was un-veiled to the public. Well, not really the public but those those were lucky enough to get a ticket to the party at the swanky bar in downtown San Diego. This was a pretty well and poorly organized event. Only a few tickets were printed but then somehow there was a list so a ticket meant nothing and many very influential people were denied entry, which was the poor part of it. If you were on the list, you were set. Being sponsored by Red Bull and Quiksilver, no expense was spared. There were no riots, no huge lines, possibly the general public did not even try. Inside, it was a whose who of snowboarding, Travis, Danny Kass, Bob McKnight and on and on and on. They had a killer screen set up for VIP�s, free Red Bull and Vodka for all, small screens everywhere and I heard a Zimmerman photo gallery that was sick. Every one was feeling good or seemed like they were in a good mood to see the show.

So was the movie all it was hyped up to be, was it worth the millions it took to make, and was it worth the two years it made to make? In a word, yes. The opening montage alone was insane with no snowboarding even. Scenes of avalanches, mountain goats and scenery that would make National Geographic jealous, the cinematography was amazing. It goes to a scene with Travis, Mark Landvik and John Jackson riding Zealand, just having a blast and it goes on from there. Hearing the likes of Bryan Iguchi, Travis�s mom and other well respected people talk about Travis was very cool. The movie is all action but also part documentary. Not like documentary like your teachers make you watch but you do get a good glimpse into what helped Travis become Travis. One of the sickest things in the movies was Travis and crew �playing� in Jackson Hole, jibbing a 40 ft tall tree- amazing. Another favorite scene was Travis riding with Nicolas Muller and the Viking in BC. Of course Alaska with the king of Alaska Jeremy Jones was sick. Jeremy goes over the falls so to speak and talks about going to Alaska for the first time with $1200 and a 100 Cliff Bars. $1100 of his money went to heli time. There were scenes from the Tokyo snowdome that you would see on Fuel�s Daily Update but it gives you good glimpses in his life. Overall it lived up to the hype. I do not recall being blown away by any one part like say Johan in TB 5 but then again I was watching on one of the crappy little TV�s. It possibly seemed long with the focus being one thing which is different than your traditional movie with many various parts. Also it is possible that so much came so fast that it was hard to hard for my small brain to comprehend. Would like to watch it at home and get back to you. The music was kind of techno hardcore, not my kind of music but it matched the dramatic ness of the movie. For sure it was amazing, for sure it will be a new benchmark and for sure you should get it. Any rider should have it on heavy rotation; hell any film student should have it rotation for that matter - That�s It, That�s All

Powder Landings (continued)

Here’s a few helpful steps incorporated with pro quotes:

1) Ride powder as much as possible so you know the feeling of how it rides. ”You’ve just gotta ride powder heaps, and a lot of switch.” Nick Brown, Burton pro rider.
2) You’ve definitely got to have your trick on lock in the park before you take it to a powder booter.” Anthony Leffelaar, Sapient pro rider.
3) “You have to be thinking of how you want to land throughout the whole spin.” Nick Hyne, Ride pro rider.
4) Throughout the trick your weight and body position should be exactly the same as if you were in the park. As your approaching the landing you weight should be evenly spread over both feet then:
5) “Just before you land, push the board forward under you so that all your weight is over the back foot.” Travis Rice.
6) Keep your body upright with the weight over the back foot until you’re riding away casually in the pow.

Your board and where you’re standing on it plays a big part. A bigger or wider board helps for sure. The more surface area in front of your front foot, the easier it is, and likewise a small tail will sink easier. Some people prefer a board with a softer nose to pull up. But before you set your bindings way back or buy a super directional board, what about landing tricks switch? Some tricks are much tougher to land in powder than others, switch landings being harder, and landing where the last 180 is blind, super difficult. That’s why you see a ton of Cab 5’s and frontside 5’s. Backside 5’s are pretty mellow in the park, but real tech once you’re in the deep stuff.
It’s not uncommon for a backcountry kicker session to end with no tricks ridden out, even for the “big dogs.” Landings also don’t last very long, depending on the type of jump, and number of crew hitting it – you may only get a handful of hits before you’re dropping into a spa pool like crater. There’s also the often sketchy run in and shovel-built kicker transition to deal with too, however landing into freshies is about the best feeling you can get snowboarding so just tighten your goggle strap and go for it!

Powder Landings

Have you ever wondered why magazines and videos use mainly backcountry shots over park ones? It’s because jumping into powder is a whole different ball game, it’s what the big boys do!

The impact of landing in powder pushes your board under the soft snow, slowing it down, while your body’s momentum continues to travel forward, sending your weight over the nose. If you let the nose go under, then you’ve just ruined the landing, and 15 minute hikes in waist deep sow are pretty draining. If you don’t stop your spins and stomp straight, your board will turn sideways and catch. Even a subtle weight shift or turn of the head after touchdown can send you into a hyper extending tomahawk down the landing.
The difficulty of landing and riding out in powder is something a lot of us don’t understand, because not too many of us get a chance to ride powder, let alone build jumps into it. The skill is honed and perfected over years of powder freeriding and backcountry jumping. It’s the difference between the freshest kid off the plane from Finland, and the riders like Travis Rice and Devon Walsh. It separates the good riders from the best.

Stage three: Snowboard Addiction

Addiction is the most hard core stage of snowboarding, when the user experiences an utter sense of desperation to continue shredding, despite repeated attempts to cut back.

At this stage:

- Snowboarding is the most important thing in the person's life; other things that were once important, like school family, other sports and interests become less important.

- The Snowboarder often has been "cut off" by important people in his or her life.

- The Snowboarder surrouds him or herself with other Snowboarders that replace non-Snowboarding family and friends.

Snowboarding is an awesome addiction, feed it!

Learn to Snowboarding with the best at www.SnowbaordAddiction.com

Stage two: Regular Use

Regular use is when Snowboarding starts to show up more and more often: when you notice that you’re thinking about snowboarding and talking about shredding or shrelping alot, and when you realize that most of your friends are snowboarders, it’s fair to say that use has become regular.

Other Qualities about regular use include:
- Snowboarding automatically, without thinking about it
- Starting to find it difficult to enjoy social situations without Snowboarding
- Some areas of life are becoming affected (i.e. school, family, money)

Snowboarding is good, feed you Addiction!

Learn how to snowboard with www.SnowboardAddiction.com

Stage one: Experimental Shredding

Experimental use is the stage when someone is trying snowboarding for the first time. It could be on a holiday or with a friend. It is almost always with other people. The “experimnetal stage” is very brief and is charactierzed by:

- Curiosity about Snowboarding

- A belief that Snowboarding won’t lead to any harm

- A socail atmosphere

After experimenting with Snowboarding, a person makes a decision about whether or not to do it again. If the decision is not to, the person will go back to non-use. If the decision is to do it again, the person moves on to……Stage two: Regular Shredding

Check back tomorrow for: Stage two.

In the mean time, remember to feed your Addiction!

www.SnowboardAddiction.com

...but I won't get addicted!

Nobody wakes up one day and discovers they are addicted to Snowboarding. Snowboarding becomes a part of our lives through a slow proces. Each time you move from one stage of Snowboarding to the next, you are doing so for one and only one reason: because you choose to do it. Not because school is a drag, your friends made you do it, or your parents are making life difficult. Over the next several days I will describe in detail all of the different stages of Snowboarding. As you will see, Snowboarding can become out of control so gradually that we don’t even know it is happening.

Snowboarding is rad. Feed your Addiction!

www.SnowboardAddiction.com

Volcom Peanut Butter & Rail Jam

Volcom Peanut Butter & Rail Jam
30th March 2008 @ Mount Seymour

Volcom knows how to host rad contests. They are a company that does their best to relate to snowboarders and keep the sport fun. FREE entry, FREE food, FREE T-shirts for everyone and lots of prizes! Snowboard Addiction head coach Nev Lapwood and ripping student Dan Gerstner decided to head on down to Seymour and represent in the comp scene.

(click here for: Volcom Peanut Butter & Rail Jam comp review, results & photos)

Snowboard Addiction Pro Endorsements

Travis Rice, Simon Chamberlain, Mason Aguirre
and others give their support for
"The World's Best Online Snowboard Coaching!"

Toronto Snowboard Show 07

Snowboard Addiction at the Toronto Snowboard Show
with Nomis/Stepchild pro rider Simon Chamberlain