Snowboarding rocks!

God knows that we “the born and raised in the Equatorian line” don’t think on freezing cold as a desirable weather, much less on snow sports as a weekend plan. Except for having the chance to wear a nice jacket and boots (and maybe a nice hat). But that only applies for shopaholics (and fashionistas… and unfortunately wannabes). Me, a graceful lady who grew up between 10°C and 30°C, I bare and even enjoy cold temperatures. But the frosted windows and the gray days are really a turndown for any party activity I intend to do.

The landscape

Well, let’s say I was wrong. I wasn’t aware that one of the benefits of living in a city with 4 seasons and located next to the world’s longest continental mountain range “Los Andes”, is that winter sports are part of the enjoyment of its population (and its visitors, in my case). Now, the coldest season of the year has an appealing: SNOWBOARDING!!!

I decided to go for snowboarding ‘cause that was my favorite game on Play Station. Plus, I like speed and trying new things (And well, I guess the fact that my company has a snowboarding group also helped). But yes, I joined the group and today was my FIRST DAY practicing a winter sport!!!

At the ski park

Snowboarding is the COOLEST SPORT IN THE WORLD. Is like surfing on ice or skateboarding surrounded by white hills instead of high columns of concrete. And in case you’re wondering if I’m an extreme sports freak, the answer is NO. I’ve never done surfing, neither skating, nor gotten even close to a board before. Don’t even like playing sports (that’s because I hate sweating). My parents know I’ve tried them all: tennis, basketball, skating, BMX, volleyball… and didn’t become a fan of any of them. What can I say? Sports don’t like me!

Me ON the board

With all of my sports history against my real intentions I still decided to give it a try. For my own surprise, I have a natural (and until now hidden) gift for snowboarding: I’M BALANCED. It means I can stand on the board without falling down (at least, not too many times). If it wasn’t good enough, I found out I DON’T SWEAT while doing snowboarding. And if I do… I can’t tell! (How cool is that?). Besides, compared to water sports, winter ones don’t dry your heard down. And you get a beautiful sight of the landscape while practicing them. That’s what I call “perfection”.

My first day with a board on a ski park was for sure one I would never forget. I can’t describe you how it was like, ‘cause there’s nothing I can think of to compare it (and I’m kind of good with comparisons). To begin with it, you need a few tons of clothes to go there: a special jacket, special pants, special glasses, special boots, special everything! Then, try to get yourself down from an ice hill with a slippery board on your feet (no problem, pretty cool until now). And then, try to go back up with the damn board on your feet again (not so easy, uh?).

I did this about 15 times. And though I made it down many occasions without falling down, the “going up” part is still my martyrdom. But it was all worth it. The mixed feeling of freedom and control is totally worth it for the pain my ass is feeling right now.

So, summing up all the benefits I’ve decided: snowboarding is my favorite sport to play. Who would have thought my preferences were so far away from the equator? J.

Farellones on the back