He has finally got a shift!!

11th July 2010
Consious my last post was pretty much, “i did this, i did that blah blah blah” I got kinda bored reading it over, so will try and make this one a littler more succinct keeping it down to the interesting points.
Yesterday was a great day on the hill, sunny and fresh snow, however guess what – I was on ski’s....again. We had the morning with Kyle are ski instructor and he helped us with drills to improve our own skiing and to help us teach. I found the whole concept of us teaching skiing quite bizarre and scary, but with no personal liability laws over here in NZ anything goes, you don’t have to be qualified to instruct. Due to the shortage of ski instructors and the fact that next week will be busy because of good weather and school holidays, the school need to be ready for any kind of lesson.
In the afternoon I shadowed a couple of “Discover Skiing” lessons, which incorporates, learning your skiing equipment and how to stop and thats pretty much it. Having shadowed a kids ski lesson with Katherine McKenzie a Scottish chick who I am undecided about in terms of what she is like, and an adults one with Sharni (who is super cool) I think I can do it. People perceive you as a hero when you are in the red snow school jacket so as long as you sound like you know what you are talking about then you are golden for sure.
Today I rode around the mountain in the morning it was such a beautiful glorious day. Sun was shining, snow was soft and it was super nice. I had a sweet box session in the afternoon with Matt Arnstein, he is a super nice guy, 24 and done 2 winters in Canada teaching. He is a solid rider and does some really good experimental stuff on the box. Definately more creative rider than me and it should be cool to ride more with him because hopefully some of that can rub off on me for sure!!
Thats about it in terms of what I have been upto, some other good news is I finally am on the snow school Rosta which means I might actually be teaching, hopefully I ll have some boarding lessons! I am pretty happy to get going on that front, I really want some experience teaching.
In terms of my general time in Ohakune/Turoa, its been interesting to say the least obviously the beginning was difficult with no luggage a new place, and living in accommodation which wasn’t the most settling (no internet, box room with a bunk bed) however over time, I got my shit together, moved into a new place, pushed on and received all my luggage, met more people and started making face in the snow school and riding, so its gotten much better. I wouldn’t say Im 100% yet though. Not exactly sure why it might be because I am worrying about my overall ability as a snowboarder and whether I can do the whole course and teaching, there is also my physical ability, my knees and back aren’t in the best shape so thats a worry too.
The place itself is amazing, the stars at night send me crazy, you just don’t get a beautiful skyline like you do here in the UK. Its incredible, I just stand out in the cold star gazing, not believing what I am seeing. Some of the cloud formations and the sun sets are indescribable I love it. Its a good place.
I have met some good people, but I have met a lot more who aren’t that nice either and thats what taints the place for me a little. I was discussing the snow school locker room environment with a collegue on the snow sports careers programme and it is very cliquey and there is an us and “them” vibe between the newbies and the people who have been there a while. Some of the returners don’t make an effort they aren’t really worth bothering over. I have met other returners who are just not my type of person. I cannot name names but its not the nicest environment for a new recruit to join. I am breaking boundaries and trying to meet and be nice to as many people as possible, with some sadly its not reciprocated, or they just don’t bother. Rudeness is something that bothers me greatly and I feel that sometime in the locker room for sure.
Thats all I can think about in terms of the blog right now. In terms of short term plans for life, I am more thinking about doing a northern hemisphere winters with my sights set on Hakuba Japan. I have an interview with a school called Evergreen outdoor centre in Hakuba and fingers crossed that pulls through, unfortunately I got knocked back from an amazing snow school in Niseko villiage japan so I don’t have my hopes set too high. I will try my best!
Thats all people
Peace and love - Koo