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.

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. 

SBX Thredbo Trip 2016

Aug 17th 2016

Unfortunately the ANC SBX races at Thredbo were cancelled but we have been enjoying having great time here - training and competing in their awesome Banked Slalom (rocking the retro look) informal race.
They have gone out of their way to assist us with both meals and setting up a pump track and start gates etc.

Still when nature decides its time to have a day off - I really had a great time exploring south east NSW - my Dad's old stomping ground. Fantastic bays and coastal areas - Fish N Chips at Eden was a definite highlight watching the clear ocean.

Back to Mt Hotham next week for the last two Aussie races and then home.

ANC Cups Mt Hotham Australia 2016

7th Aug 2016

Have really enjoyed the last few days at Mt Hotham, things were changed around a bit they decided to do both race qualifications on the 5th Aug and then both races on the 6th in case the weather packed in.

So qualified 4th and 5th - then finished 5th and 6th respectively - happy with my preparation - tired after the double race day - but to be expected - 12 full on races - something to continue to work on.

We were supposed to race at Thredbo but it appears there isn't enough snow for a race course so the event has been put back on Mt Hotham at the start of September! So decisions to be made - after chatting with Aussie friends and coach - I've decided to travel to Thredbo (as this was all prepaid) for some on snow training and then back to Mt Hotham for the last couple of races. All good practice leading into the season.

Feeling pretty relaxed and looking forward to enjoying the journey.

Climbing Wall - Training, Splitboarding,

June 2016

Having fun getting into some wall climbing, great for the upper body strength, meeting lots of new people.

Also out split boarding with DOG! he had a ball, loved it.  #reallife terrific.

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.

Pyeongchang South Korea, Olympic Test Event,

22nd Feb 2016

Apologies for the delay since my last post - have been working hard on technique, with some new boards, hopefully it will all come together soon.

I arrived into South Korea yesterday, really well sorted airport at Incheon International Airport - had an awesome night at the Hotel and now we are on a really nice bus (full wifi on board) heading to the Olympic Test Venue in Pyeongchang province.

As they are testing all their systems - all our boards and luggage is being taken to athlete village via other vehicles.

Took this quick shot from the bus - up is definitely the go over here - saving land.

With Senna Leith ISTC USA team mate. Enjoy the day where ever you are.

Prince George - Tabor Mountain, Canada

29th Jan 2016

Just arrived into Prince George BC Canada for training and racing over the next 10 days.

10 hours flying to get here Denver/Calgary/Vancouver/Prince George, but really like experiencing a new mountain and area to explore.

This is what the local newspaper is saying about the next few days. We are all being treated really great.

http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/sports/noram-snowboardcrossers-descend-on-tabor-mountain-1.2160487?utm_content=buffer87ed3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

So I'll keep you posted how it all goes.

Europa Cup, Pitzal, Austria

24th Nov 15

Freezing conditions here today at Pitzal -20 C serious layering required.

It was supposed to be the official training day for the first Europa Cup - but the Race Officials decided that with 136 male competitors, they needed to get into the qualifiers as the forecast weather tomorrow wasn't looking good. So it was on! awesome getting back into Race mode.

Short day turned long but happy to get through to top 64 for the heats tomorrow.  Biggest field I have ever competed in most of the Olympic/World Cup guys, Nationals and Juniors all using event as a stepping stone to other events.

Only one Chopper required today, so fingers crossed the course will take it easy on competitors tomorrow - only the start of the season!

Small segment video over on:-

www.facebook.com/duncanshreddernz

Training hard in Colorado

28th October 2015

The season is moving fast and I haven't even hit the snow on a board yet.  A Basin opens tomorrow but that will be hectic with thousands out there.

So it will be more strength and conditioning training, "Yoga" yes getting into this with my yoga teacher squad mate, Brooke - but excellent for stretching out those muscles. Goal is to continually increase muscle mass - for speed, endurance and injury prevention.

Had a trip to Denver to buy up groceries at Costco - wow seriously big set up.  What we would pay a hundred dollars for in NZ was only $22 USA. So the guys brought up on some serious roasts to go with the healthy vegs etc.

Here's a shot showing the snow is arriving slowly, with more predicted in the next week, out walking off the gym session.

Getting bags and gear sorted for the 6 week trip to Europe soon so can't wait to get racing again!!

West Coast NZ trip and off to the airport

10th-13th Oct 15

Pictures say it all.

Awesome last weekend away with the crew on the west coast fishing didn't have a lot of luck we were after the big fish - scored octopus, crays, cod etc but no Bluenose. Tried spearfishing but the seals weren't having a bar of me poaching in their spot - super friendly.

Sleeping in the boat waking up surrounded by terrific scenery, as we weren't getting a lot of action on the fishing front I had to make it look good for the camera!! Ha.

Sunrise!

If only!

Had a blast swimming with some NZ fur seals.

Sorted! A couple of carabiners and I can haul all the gear on my own!

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Big thanks to:  Skeggs Foundation (F), Torpedo7 (E), Community Trust of Southland (F),  SnowsportsNZ/HPNZ (T-S/C/P/N), The Remarkables (T-On snow), Icebreaker (E), Bruce Grant Trust (F) and Alpine Health & Fitness (T-Gym) for assisting me with my World Cup and Olympic Goals. 

Funding, Training (Strength and conditioning/Psychology/Nutrition/On Snow/Gym facilities), Equipment/Clothing it all helps, thanks again - greatly appreciated.

Bags are out again, time to pack!!

Oct 2015

Getting all the bags out and starting the packing process. Countdown less than two weeks now.
Off to the NH for a big season - feeling great - fit and keen to get into the World Cup Season.

Stoked to be recently nominated (1 of 3) in the NZ Snowboarder of the Year category.  All the best to all nominees in all categories.

Reviewing a few recent shots from an awesome split trip I had up in the Richardson Mountains north of Queenstown, New Zealand.

 Tent base camp - great view to wake up to!

 The split - great for fitness.

The ride back to the tents top left!! Awesome!

SBX Mt Hotham, Australia

Flash back shot

In between racers - fence sitting - great weather at Mt Hotham, Australia ANC SBX Champs Aug 15

Split Fest - Temple Basin New Zealand, Keeping Fit.

11-13th Sept 2015

Awesome few days at my first Split Fest held at Temple Basin up in Canterbury NZ.

Apologies for the lack of posting - I have basically been doing lots of gym, running, biking and I really like the fitness you gain split boarding - so took the opportunity to shot up to this years Fest.

Met some amazing people - lots of things to learn and great new places to go exploring.

Here's a shot of the cabin we were staying in as we left early Saturday morning to go touring.

 Temple Basin hut - had a few learning curves on the "nut-cracker tow".

My favourite NZ mountain bird the Kea - was also up early looking for OPPORTUNITIES!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxoCuRuHlt8

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Had a day to get back to Queenstown so went exploring around this amazing country - ended up driving over 3 Alpine Passes in one day. Left Temple Basin and headed over Arthurs Pass down the West Coast then over the Haast Pass back to Queenstown via Crown Range.  

Ha, by the time I got to Bruce Bay on the West Coast - I was keen to stretch the body - so had some entertainment with the Go Pro - good thing, I don't think anyone was watching. 

Here's my best attempt at Karate Kid.

St Josephs Primary School Visit, Queenstown - promoting Sports.

21st Aug 15

Had a lot of fun visiting a class at St Josephs on Wednesday - lots of great questions asked by the group.

Took them through a virtual SBX race - lots of pumping, tucks and jumps, got a surprise when the teacher from the downstairs classroom came racing in - she thought the ceiling was going to come down on them because of all the awesome racing going on upstairs!!

I was surprised that the crew - thought 'The Dog' was coming in with me - as you can see he was very disappointed to be left at home, maybe next time?

 Thanks to teacher Debbie - for the event shots.

 

Winter Games 2015 Queenstown

19th Aug 15

Having a fun afternoon today - speaking at the St Josephs Primary School in Queenstown, about my sport SBX and encouraging everyone to come and watch one of the many events at the Winter Games.

Thinking about my career so far, I realise how lucky I've been - my sport has allowed me to meet a diverse range of people, visit some amazing places and experience things that I may not have been able to do.  Taking every opportunity - my motto " Go 4 it! "

 Great fun my 1st AFL match at MCG Melbourne - after ANC Champs 8/15.

Amazing accommodation/location in Austria Nov 14 - training & competing in Europe.

Awesome Colorado sunset as I leave the gym in Silverthorne, Colorado 2015.

Remote training locations - to practice, practice, practice! Ski Cooper, Colorado.

SBX ANC Races Mt Hotham, Australia

6-7th Aug 15

Wow couple of great race days, good to catchup with so many other riders that I haven't seen for a few months.  First day was cancelled due to visibility and then it was on for the 6th not the best weather but good and bad day - going really well but I tried to take on Alex "Chumpy" Pullin in the semis and came out second best so had to accept 5th on the day 1st in small final. Happy with my qualification time.

http://data.fis-ski.com/dynamic/results.html?sector=SB&raceid=12367

Day two - well it's one of those things - boarder crossed caught between two riders and my tail was pushed out so - finished 6th.  Great learning - congrats to all the other riders.  But now looking forward to the next week of training.


31st July 15

Packing - leave tomorrow - really looking forward to finally making it to Hotham for the ANC Races.

Hopefully, will get some awesome shots.

Diaries Downunder, The Remarkables, New Zealand Snowboarding,

21st July 2015

Great day up The Remarkables riding and filming with the Diaries Downunder crew, will be interesting to see what comes of the days shoot.

I don't think people realise how much time goes into making a small video clip. But hey great fun - thanks for the days riding.

Getting some on snow practice in before I leave for Aussie next weekend for some training and competing. I have actually tried to get to these Aussie events for a few years and this will be the first time (fingers crossed) I make it.

Snow Season New Zealand

July 2015

Had a day off from training so took a trip down country to Bluff (bottom of New Zealand mainland), usually come down with Dad and crew on fishing trips around Stewart Island, but Dog and I visited a few spots I used to with G Dad. Dog was itching for a run so we headed out around the point (behind sign post). 

Back in Queenstown a great pow day up The Remarkables. Wasn't the clearest days but awesome snow.

Countdown - off to Australia for Races and Training 1st Aug.