Like I think I’ve said somewhere earlier, when it’s too cold to be standing knee deep in snow-fed rivers, the snowboard comes out and we head for the hills. That’s not to say the fishing comes to a complete stop, and on more than one occasion I’ve watched the sun rise over the Tekapo canals and been on the board in the afternoon. That’s one of the great things about living in this part of the world. There’s four ski fields within a two hour drive, and the closest for me is fifty minutes from back door to boots on the board.

To be fair, the fields aren’t that big by world standards, but they’re generally laid back, pretty friendly, and great places to spend a day. Access roads can be a bit daunting if you’re not used to that sort of thing but you do get some spectacular views, not that you should take your eyes off those roads for a second. Still if you take care, and have the right gear you shouldn’t have a problem.

I’d have to say I do enjoy my snowboarding but it’s also fair to say my younger years are long behind me. Suffice it to say, there won’t be much talk about back flips or rodeo cowboys from me. All I’m hoping to do here is share a little about how it is in this part of the country with those passionate about the sport who just get out there for the sheer joy of it. If you’re thinking it’s something you’d like to do then maybe you’ll learn something that may be helpful. Or, if you live far away and are wondering what its like down here then some of what we’ve got to say may be for you.

If you’re a pro, then lets talk, as with most things the more I discover the more I find I just don’t know. At the risk of getting to philosophical, I guess life is all about learning and growing as a person.

Bare in mind the season in this part of the world is never particularly long so the snowboarding blogging will generally be around the months of June to September.

That’s my hope anyway, so keep shredding and stay frosty.