World Cup SBX Argentina

Aug/Sept 2018

Have been training hard working on a few techniques and re assessing my boards - Ushuaia at the bottom of Argentina has been really amazing, hospitality and course have been excellent to get the season started. https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=ushuaia+argentina&client=safari&rls=en&dcr=0&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiRma_vi4_WAhXEW5QKHcBnDRQQsAQIVg&biw=1260&bih=671

Enjoyed exploring Buenos Aires for a couple of days on route to Ushuaia lucky how the Air New Zealand flights arriving from Auckland fell. Really interesting history - took a bike tour around the city. https://www.google.co.nz/search?client=safari&rls=en&dcr=0&biw=1260&bih=671&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=buenos+aires&oq=buen&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i67k1j0l3.155085.167480.0.169191.23.14.1.0.0.0.466.2244.2-6j0j2.8.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..15.7.1596.0._FXlU4r5QUs

Yesterday spent the day travelling back to Bariloche via Buenos Aires for the first World Cup of the 2017/2018 season. https://www.google.co.nz/search?client=safari&rls=en&dcr=0&biw=1260&bih=671&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=bariloche+argentina&oq=barilo&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.0l4.84332.88820.0.91090.18.13.0.0.0.0.575.2208.2-5j0j1j1.7.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..11.6.1754.0..0i67k1.Us9jILsNE58

Looking forward to the first races - this will be my biggest season of my career with the Olympic Goal at the end.

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.

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. 

SBX Training Colorado, USA

Oct 2016

It feels like I haven't left Colorado, back into the daily habits.

But coach Ross, has decided to mix it up a bit which is great - so we have been doing Ninja training skills, high altitude training hiking up some of Colorado's famous 14'ers, as well as gym work.

This was a view from top of Mt Elbert. Cold day but the snow arrived the next day.

http://www.14ers.com/photos/peakmain.php?peak=Mt.+Elbert

Really keen to get some more time on snow - waiting to hear if we can get an extra training camp organised or stick to the Pitzal training camp before Montafon World Cup in Austria in Nov/Dec.

Working hard - One Day at a Time.

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.

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.

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

-----

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.

Hiking / Camping Trip - minus DOG!

24th Apr 15

Diving going great - down in Dunedin, did my first night dives on Thursday night and I was really looking forward to getting home to hang with Dog - hike and mountain bike for the weekend.

Got a call from friends inviting me away for the weekend. BAD news - the Dog not allowed to come.

Arrived home - unpacked and then started packing again. Felt really bad - but as you can see Dog was determined not to let me out the front door.  Going to miss him but hey - take every opportunity.

Early Snow in New Zealand

13th/14th Apr 15

Arrived back in Queenstown for a couple of days and now I've headed down to the coast to get started on the practical side of my Rescue Dive course. While I was travelling and competing I completed all the E online theory assignments - so it's time to hit the water.

Unfortunately, I was looking forward to a warm beach experience but didn't expect the snow to hit so soon.  Hopefully a sign of an awesome southern snow season.

Here's a shot of Queenstown yesterday and the drive into Dunedin from the coast this morning.

Diving cancelled today, the major southerly, snow & swell put an end to it. Can't say I was too upset. Off to buy a new pair of diving gloves - using the leather cray collecting ones yesterday but started to loose the feeling in my fingers - seriously cold wind chill when you are wet!!

Community Trust of Southland - Sports Scholarships

6th Apr 2015

Super stoked to find out I have been successful in receiving a Sports Scholarship from the Community Trust of Southland - which will help cover my costs of competing at my first World Cups in Switzerland and Spain.

It is terrific that the Trust helps so many local athletes - to achieve International experience and success. Link through and find out how the Trust helps lots of different groups and athletes throughout the region.

Thanks very much for your continued support, greatly appreciated. Duncan.

USA, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Spain - Season Finished - Homeward Bound.

4th Apr 15

Can't believe it, the season has finished. Have had an amazing season - obviously my World Cup start 10th and overall World Cup ranking of 24th are my highlights.

The last few races were challenging as it's an adjustment getting back onto the smaller modified courses. I think I like the big ones! If I'm honest I have to say my legs were starting to feel it after all the competing and travelling.

I have learnt heaps this season - lots more to learn - thanks Ross and Jan ISTC.

On route from Vancouver to Denver - then pack up and it's back to DIA in Denver and homeward bound.  First time I've flown out of Vancouver for USA.

The training won't stop - will be hitting the gym big time during the off season - it makes a big difference to on snow training.

Usually when I get home - I'm at a loss really - all go for so long and then - flat.

So this season I've decided to keep going - so I'm doing my Foundation Rescue Divers course in Dunedin for a month.  Have completed all the E Online Courses while travelling and now I can hit the ocean for the practical. I sat my Open Water a couple of years ago and it has been great being able to dive with mates, so I'm really looking forward to learning more and keeping up with the industry.

I found this shot, which pretty much sums up this season - lots of new experiences! 

Especially - looking down my first World Cup course in Veysonnaz, Switzerland! 

- Getting some Deep Breaths in - thanks for the advice back at the start Rachel Newton. 

Thanks for photo:- adamjohnstonphotograhy.com

Canadian Nationals 2015 - on the way.

31st Mar 15

My favourite airport food,  great to sit down and relax with some awesome San Franciso Chowder in between flights. Next one San Fran - direct to Kelowna, BC, Canada.

Looking forward to the last races of the season - can't wait to get home but should be nice to catchup with everyone who will be at Big White.

SBX World Cups - Switzerland and Spain

25th February 2015

Awesome - it is confirmed, tickets booked - I'm off to my first World Cups of my career, as mentioned Squaw Valley was cancelled due to the lack of snow so plans have changed quite a lot.

First stop is Veysonnaz Switzerland - then La Molina Spain - then back to the Canadian Nationals.
March and the start of April are going to be very busy and exciting.  I haven't been to either of these places before which is always pretty great checking out new spots. Watch this space.  Training has been ramped up - extra hard for the next two weeks - leave 9th March.

Big White, Canada

10th Feb 15

Hi been pretty busy with travelling, prep work and training but enjoyed a few hours free riding on Big White. It was a bit of a white out in places but really enjoyed exploring the mountain.

Found this lookout hut - couple of races coming up and then it is back to Summit for three intensive weeks training prior to my 1st World Cup at Squaw Valley, CA.

Being 18 does have some benefits - had a few great meals out at Canadian Restaurants, previously I would have been back at the room eating sandwiches!! Ha life.

X Games 2015

23rd Jan 2015

Wow, got an invite to spend a night in Aspen with one of the coaches Eric (his home town) which coincided with my birthday and the X Games.

Had an awesome time exploring Aspen with one of their renowned instructors. So much better exploring with a local. Snowmass runs were amazing, Aspen food terrific, hospitality plus.

Then dropped by to check out the X Games at Buttermilk and watch some of the action. Hopefully I'll be able to experience it from a competitor viewpoint sometime in the future.  Really needed the break things can get pretty intense - living and training with the Head Coach!

Now off to Canada: - Denver - Chicago - Montreal - Mt Tremblant. 

Check out my terrific icebreaker jacket - greatly appreciated at -28 c - thanks Aspen great times.

www.nz.icebreaker.com 

Thanks also to Eric's great folks.

SBX Nor Ams and World Cup 2015

Jan 19th 2015

Well it's coming down to the business end of the season, weeks have been filled with training on snow, waxing boards, gym and swimming.

But we leave on 25th Jan for Canada - Montreal - Mt Tremblant for the first North American Cups.

Then back to Ski Cooper then off to Big White in Canada again - so I've worked out that I only have two free weekends between now and coming back to NZ mid April.

Squaw Valley World Cup and Nor Am races - first weeks of March - it has been decided that I won't attend the China Junior Worlds this year, mainly because of date clashes, so it's my first world cup and then two more Nor Ams.

Feeling good - have put a lot of work into this season, so here we go.

What does the future hold?

Exploring Glacier Cave Pitzal Austria

Pitzal, Austria - Glacier Cave - Nov 14.

It doesn't look real - just shows how small we humans are against nature! Amazing Colours.

Pitzal Austria Training at last!

23rd Nov 14

AT LAST - the 10 LOST snow bags have been found and arrived in Pitzal. Awesome training on this tomorrow.

Looks great - can't wait.

Denver to Innsbruck

18th Nov 14

Finally made it to Innsbruck - unfortunately the squad is still looking for 12 pieces of luggage? Fingers crossed they will show up tonight at hotel.

A shot of Chicago Airport, pretty cool.