Jan 16

Jan 16 Keeping Your SUP Stoke Alive in the Winter

I don't know about you, but I couldn't live in a place without seasons. I love the change of seasons. I anticipate them. Even though I know I'll miss the SUP community as summer draws to a close, when fall rolls around I look forward to what's about to come.

Winter.

When the temperatures drop, plenty of people are still SUPing in the area. But me - my water's frozen. From about September through March I'm volunteering with the National Ski Patrol at a local mountain, Whitetail Resort.

I love the Patrol for many of the same reasons as I love SUP. The camaraderie on the mountain is a lot like the SUP community. Snow days feel the same as a day with killer waves. Fresh snow at the mountain elicits the same excitement as when Swell Info shows green. Blue bird days are the same on the water as they are on the mountain. It's all water - it's all the same - it's just frozen.

But apart from all of that, there's nothing more gratifying (and stoke-inducing) than being able to help someone - from medical issues to equipment issues. And this translates into my summer activities, too. Having the training and experience to be able to respond to all sorts of medical situations makes me feel more confident as an instructor and a coach.

Having the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the winter helps my stoke level all year long. I don't feel burnt out with just one activity year round. And while she's not a patroller, I think Meredith would agree - switching up activities and spending time with communities of friends is a fun way to keep yourself looking forward to things and keeping your mind and body active and ready for the next season.

The Whitetail Ski Patrol is always looking for skiers and snowboarders to join our ranks. Every year we have a ski-off where we evaluate and bring on a new class of patrollers. Mark your calendar for February 24 and visit https://whitetail-skipatrol.com/join-the-patrol for more information and to register. Gaining the skills and experience to do this job is something you'll never regret. Whether on the mountain or some day in your personal life, you'll be able to make a difference in someone's life, and that's a pretty remarkable thing.