"The Flow!!" - It's coming back.
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Photo by Neil Williman
It’s been a challenging year. But here I am, once again based in Verbier for the season with my eyes and my hopes set on being 100% and ready to hammer it on FWT 2021.
During the first couple of weeks I was invited to be a part of the Verbier Freeride Week, and thus took up the role of Starter, for the four events the week comprises of.
As is the way with freeride events, there was a fair amount of hiking to reach the start gate and in the case of the second event, a hike back out as well. Good training.
My role as starter allowed me the opportunity to see freeride from a different angle, while reminding me of the emotions and excitement of competing. Not to mention, that I was required to ski the venues at the end of the competition in order to get back out, which acted as a good jump into the deep end to kick off the season.
They were tiring days, although hugely fulfilling and certainly inspiring.
We lucked out for the final event of the week, the JFT stop at Bruson. Overnight we received a hefty dose of new snow!
Luckily, the event ran fast and I was able to get out and enjoy a handful of laps, soul skiing untracked laps for the afternoon. Finally, finding the flow again.
The fresh, near bottomless snow, allowed me to open it up and actually ski normally!
It was an amazing day after two weeks of struggling with hard, bumpy conditions. It was a much-needed reminder of the things I love about skiing.
However, it was only one day. Then I lost it again and my clarity and motivation fell to bits like bricks in mud.
The next week was uninspiring, skiing groomers and chopped up snow with a leg that although improving seems a long way short of where I need it to be.
So, I decided I needed to change tack.
I travelled to Chamonix to meet up with the families of Kiwi jr freeriders due to compete in the FJT 2* event.
Turning my focus toward helping the crew was once again motivating.
I am glad I could be there, it felt great to support the team!
Chamonix JFT with the KIwi JR crew
Harry Cookson, taking out 1st u16 ski
Next, I hit the road for Austria, to commentate the Freeride Junior World Championships in Kappl, alongside Neil Williman - Kiwi freerider and FWT commentator.
In the days leading up to the event, emotions were mixed, the high of coaching at Cham was replaced by the dissatisfaction and frustration that is born of struggling with my own limitations on snow.
Thankfully, I had agreed to present a competition prep and line scoping session for the competitors of the FJWC event.
I was lucky enough to collab with Emilien Badoux on this presentation, a freeride legend, coach and previous FWT snowboard world champion.
As with Chamonix, my attention was once again turned away from myself and onto others. Which as I am learning is an excellent respite from a slow recovery.
We were greeted by a full house of coaches, parents and athletes from around the world.
I feel honoured to be in a position where I can pass on my own knowledge and wisdom to others, and the icing on the cake was the feedback and praise we received after!
Finally, comp day came around and it was go time!
A huge snowfall over the previous two days delayed the event by a couple of days and left us with a unicorn style bluebird pow day in return.
As the event was to be replayed afterwards as a delayed live stream, Neil and I had the whole first half of the day to enjoy the snow, before heading into the booth to spin a solid 3-hour yarn.
It was a truly amazing day. Skiing deep, smooth snow with friends flipped me back into a state of positivity for the present and optimism for the future.
A much-needed reset.
PHOTO by Neil Williman
Commentating the event just topped it all off perfectly.
It was my first time commentating a live stream, so I was nervous.
However, having Neil there leading the way was ideal.
We had a bunch of fun with it and produced a result that I am proud of.
There you go!
One month of big ups and big downs.
I have learned lots and I know the next two months are likely to continue on a similar trend.
I reckon I just need to ride it out, instead of trying to swim against the flow.
Kinda like skiing lines, I’d say.
