A strong group of Vancouver Island freestyle skiers were on hand for the final day of water ramps on Blackcomb, Sept. 21.
There were three different groups: Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy (from Mount Washington), the BC Development Freestyle Team and the Vancouver Freestyle Ski Club. Over 25 athletes participated in this last day, flipping and flying and spinning and twisting.
The event brought kids from all over B.C. ranging in age from 10 to 17 years. “It was so rewarding to see the older kids mentor the younger ones,” says Shane Harle, a teacher at Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy. “Some of the more experienced athletes performed some extreme tricks inspiring the younger ones to try new things.”
With such good weather this summer, the water ramping has allowed athletes to hone their jumping skills. And with Podium of Life offering a promotional “Try Freestyle” program to locals, there have been a number of kids hit the ramps for the first time. In fact there have been 16 kids from Whistler hit the ramps for the first time, Harle noted.
– Podium of Life Snow Sports Academy
