SBX World Cup Argentina first up in 2017.

 1st July 2017

Hey thanks for checking in apologies for the delay.

It's been super busy since I got home.

Super stoked to be in the NZ Winter Olympics Long List Team (which means I will find out in January if it's all go). Working hard.

In the meantime there has been lots of planning papers to complete, medical and gym assessments.

Now its getting some on snow training and full on gym sessions.

Sorted on the Board shed this season - so there will be more of this leading up to the first World Cup in Argentina in Sept.

https://www.facebook.com/duncancampbell.nz/videos/1179771142091874/

Thanks for the support and watch this space.

2017 World Snowboard Championships, Sierra Nevada, Spain

12th Mar 2017

Wow I'm feeling pretty happy with how my first World Snowboard Championships turned out. Got a few lucky breaks, kept on my feet and came away with 5th on the day.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me to this point especially my parents, Skeggs Foundation - great wax job by Ross ISTC and thanks to Wanaka Physio for the help prior to my event.

Having some time out for a few days prior to the Veysonnaz World Cup early next week.

To save the cost of return flights to USA and back I was given the opportunity to catch up with Dad's little sis Mary and husband Tony and meet my little cousins Eleanor and Stephanie who I haven't had the chance of meeting before. Yorkshire Beverley in Britain is an incredible place - so much history.

Visited Captain Cooks house today and checked out Whitby - really nice area.  Thanks for the trip Mary.

FIS Snowboard & Freestyle World Championships 2017, Sierra Nevada, Spain

8th Mar 17

Arrived into Sierra Nevada - had a great road trip down from Barcelona via Valencia.  My allocated room is on the mountain which is great, so I took the opportunity to get out and explore the mountain - awesome views - all the way across Mediterranean Sea to Morocco!

Definitely spring conditions very warm and the snow looks brown but its actually as a result of a sand storm which came through! Not something we have to deal with in New Zealand.

Had a great day climbing and riding around the Sierra's - got back to the base and was super hungry and check it out - the locals had put on a traditional Shrimp Polenta for everyone - delicious!
I really like Spain - people, food, scenery.

World Cup SBX 2017

27th Feb 17

Check out this photo - I was optimistic when I noticed the 11:11.

So whats been happening - since January I have been fighting various infections and the head has been crazy sore. 3 visits to US Doctors and 3 lots of antibiotics (which I hate taking, really knocks me around). Plus 7 international flights - I got back to Colorado and thought my season was over.

Splitting headaches no matter what I took or tried.  So I finally (with some firm requests from folks back home) headed for the A&E at the St Anthonys Summit Hospital Emergency in Frisco.

Super impressed with the doctors - really keen to sort through the possible problems (keeping in mind I hadn't had a crash, concussion wasn't on the list of possibilities).  Lots of worrying thoughts going through my head - until they set up the IV and I laid down to chill - I noticed the clock - 11:11 I think it's supposed to be good luck? so after a few hours they let me out. But come back if I wasn't improving in the next day or so.

The first day I felt a bit better, brought a new humidifier at 9/10,000 feet the altitude can get you sometimes. But no so back I went and I'm pleased to say that once again St Anthony's Doctors were awesome - CT Scan and some investigation showed up some severe inflammation and fluid pooling going on, but no tumours etc so I believe these Doctors have got my situation sorted.  Awesome!!

Hence I'm leaving tomorrow - for the last three World Cup/World Championship SBX events of the Northern Hemisphere. La Molina Spain and then Sierra South Spain, then Veysonnaz Switzerland. Watch this space hopefully I'll have a lot more energy - being sick for over a month - takes it out of you.

The Challenges of international sport. Watch this space.

FIS World Cup SBX Bansko, Bulgaria 2017

4th Feb 2017

Wow, I have had a great time in Bansko, Bulgaria - here's a couple of photos.

The pre night Bib distribution function:-  It was a shame I couldn't  speak to the young girl who I was paired with.  22nd on the day - 38th overall World Cup rankings - top half of field.  Feeling stronger as long as I can get this sinus infection under control - the joys of travel. Really looking forward to the next four world cups.

Finish area of the World Cup Course.

Bansko, Bulgaria, FIS, SBX World Cup 2017

31st Jan 2017

Hi, I have arrived in Bansko, Bulgaria for the first FIS World Cup held in Europe in 2017, we flew Denver, Atlanta, Frankfurt, Sofia - always love arriving in a new place.

Didn't see much of Sofia as we drove straight out to Bansko but the only way to describe Bansko (from my point of view is like a mini Las Vegas in the snow and mountains) everyone very friendly, food awesome, really cheap compared to USA/main stream Europe, don't think I'll be speaking the language anytime soon! Very challenging, admire those that speak multiple languages.

Looking forward to checking out the sights in Sofia on the way out to next World Cup in Germany.

Staying in a sweet hotel with most of the other World Cup athletes, full field so it's going to be an interesting race.

They say this World Cup was to be a sprint race (which I haven't competed in before) but checking out the course its like a mini SBX course and they reckon times instead of .50sec - 1.10sec it could be down to 20 - 30 seconds!! As my Dad says it takes him that long to get out of the armchair! Ha. Official's discussing how to time the races down to 1000 sec's, rather than 100's. Watch this space.

Big mountain steep but narrow. Bansko in the distance. 

Montafon World Cup, Austria

11th Dec 2016

Have had a great couple of weeks training and racing at Pitzal, Austria - two practice races in my first Europa Cups. I'm happy with how I'm feeling considering I haven't had much snow time leading into the season.

We are packing up today and preparing boards for the shift to Montafon for the first World Cup.

I realise it's going to be a very tough season with all Olympians, World Cup and new athletes seeking an Olympic 2018 spot, but I'm determined to be in the mix and all efforts are going towards a great race season.

I have really enjoyed my stay here in Pitzal it has been great - awesome training course,  hotel and the food has been terrific!!

Thank you Pitzal have a great Christmas and Winter season.

Training shot, blue sky days.  Photo Credit: Ross Hindman, ISTC. 

Pitzal Glacier Austria - Europa Cups.

29th Nov 2016

Great flight over the ditch on Lufthansa, to Munich and then a quick drive down to Innsbrook and up to Pitzal.

Amazing location to be competing and training, view from the top of gondola.  We are here until the 12th Dec when we shift to Montafon for the first World Cup.

I'm doing a couple of Europa Cups really looking forward to getting back on a track for the first time in months actually on snow!

Montafon World Cup trip next week!

Nov 16

Can't wait to get back on snow it's been a busy month keeping up with the physical, balance and altitude training in preparation for our departure on the 26th November for four weeks in Pitzal for training and racing Europa Cups and the first World Cup of the season at Montafon.

Big season - Link to Calendar.
http://data.fis-ski.com/snowboard/calendar.html?place_search=&seasoncode_search=2017&sector_search=SB&date_search=&gender_search=m&category_search=&codex_search=&nation_search=&disciplinecode_search=SBX&date_from=today&search=Search&limit=50

Had a cool hike the other day - wasn't that long but really interesting Mt Sherman 14,036 Ft lots of history. Came across this ghost town (just like out of the old westerns) where the miners used to bring in gold, silver and lead for sale and shipping.  

I do appreciate the amazing places I get to see and the people I meet on my travels. 

Frankton Flyer Magazine Interview

30th July 2016

Got a call for a interview with the local magazine "The Flyer" - thanks Sue for the opportunity.  Check it out.

Balanced life at present - Studying Hard + Playing Heaps

July 16

I've been super busy getting some studying done - Business Management Course thanks to High Performance NZ Education Grant but also I have managed to do two courses towards my PPL Helicopter Theory exams and 1 for CPL Commercial - thanks to Lois for lending me her apartment in Chch!

It's been tough for someone who hasn't ever been to high school - so it was a fairly big challenge getting ready for the exams. I have to say some of my stress management sports practices did come in handy - pleased to say I have passed all so far.

Took the opportunity thanks to Air New Zealand Airpoints programme to meet up with Dad and the crew in Bluff for an awesome fishing trip last weekend.

So calm the first day,  Dad and I managed to get out past Stewart Island to the West and having been escorted by a pod of dolphins - we scored lots of amazing fish, paua and crays for the freezer. Including the 60 cm plus blue cod. Just shows what the various species can become if they aren't over fished.

Exploring back country NZ with overseas friends.

17th May 16

I looked at the web today and thought wow the time has gone so quick since I got back - sorry for no posts, have been busy doing some study courses and also keeping fit at gym and out hiking and exploring this awesome area.

Really enjoyed showing some overseas friends around our great back yard in the last couple of days. Had a lot of laughs and found some amazing spots.

Junior World Championships Rogla, Slovenia

5th April 2016

Had an awesome time in Rogla at the Junior World Championships (2nd out of 74), was feeling good and refreshed  after having had a break for a couple of weeks free riding and exploring Colorado mountains.

The snow was spring conditions a little slushy being so warm - weather was 5 to 15 celcius!

Won all my races up until the Final but congrats to Luca it was a great race.

A couple of days and Queenstown via Colorado - here I come, really looking forward to all the things I want to achieve during my off season but also just chilling in the mountains - hiking, camping or split boarding.

Time Flys - Veysonnaz to Slovenia

12 Mar 16

Well it's been a busy few weeks, months and if I have to be honest I'm really looking forward to getting back to NZ.

So after lots of contemplation - I have decided to skip Spain World Cup - chill out in Colorado and then attend the Junior World Snowboard Championships in Slovenia at the end of the month.

It's one event I haven't missed out on because of birth dates! - so really looking forward to seeing some new places and meeting lots of new people - enjoying being back in Summit County for some time out.

I ended up in a photo finish at Veysonnaz the difference between 28th / 40th - I got 40th!! Dam - so hey lots of awesome riders, the competition is tough, split second finishes and on the day results.  My turn is coming!

Ski Cooper Great SBX Training Course.

18th Jan 2016

Tough training days at Ski Cooper, Colorado - but designed to push us to the limit.

Speaking of limit - lost another board today!! Sorry Dad!.

But hey it felt good to nail the big double! Mouth guard a must. Feeling great - learning so much.

My new race suit from ONE Studio is awesome.

Busy couple of months coming up - off to Canada for two weeks, comps and training and then it's off to the Olympic Test event in Seoul South Korea on to Geneva for the Veysonnaz World Cup and then will take the rest of the season as it comes.

If anyone is wondering why I'm not at the Youth Olympics - I was born 3 weeks too late - turn 19 this weekend! All the best to everyone competing.

West Coast, New Zealand for the Holidays

2nd January 2016

Terrific break away - on the West Coast - Groper, Blue Nose and Crayfish. Plus Great Mates.

Best thing we ever managed to do was get a Westpac Card with both Air New Zealand Status and Airpoints - family puts everything through it - hence I get the chance to get home and save big time on excess luggage.

Feeling very lucky to have the opportunities I have - here's to an awesome 2016.

Montafon SBX World Cup Austria, Market Day

15th Dec 15

Last day in Austria - it's been a great trip with lots of training and racing - back to USA for more training and then on to the next races planned.

Have a Great Holiday Season - where ever you are in the World.

Cortina SBX World Cup Cancelled

6th Dec 15

So disappointed - just heard that the Cortina Night Race World Cup has been cancelled due to lack of snow. I was really looking forward to it, but that's how things go.

Montafon is still this on this coming week - but I believe the snow is soft.  So time to reorganise flights back to Denver earlier.

Swarovski Museum, Austria, Rest Day.

30th Nov 15

Had a great day exploring the Swarovski Museum - pretty amazing some of the displays.

Hows my Scary shot!

 It says: Largest Hand Cut Crystal in the World with 100 facets (310,000 carats) 1995.

SBX, Europa Cup, Competing and Training in Pitzal Austria

27th Nov 15

Here's an update - only if you missed the going's on at Pitzal via Facebook or Instagram

Unfortunately it's happened to me on many occasions, "getting boarder crossed" you get taken out by another rider who miss judges something! Dam it can be frustrating - but as they say that's SBX!

It was my turn today - sincere apologies Adam - didn't spot the deep rut and ended up in it and then upside down taking out one of my fellow competitors.

But on a positive note he was pretty understanding and we were both in one piece 'so far' no serious injury. We will both ride again!

My learning curve this week, I have to say has been pretty steep, I'm fitter than I have ever been but it's like I've got to learn how to use my body all over again, how I respond in different situations.

In reality I have only had approx a week on snow - pow riding, course and competing so with a couple more weeks of quality course training (I believe a new course, is being built by the World Cup crew for training) I feel confident this learning curve will come together for the up and coming World Cups. Always positive.