My latest skill to learn from the internet. Surfing inside a barrel.
In 2011 I learned to become an intermediate level snowboarder after a few youtube videos and 5 or so trips to the mountain. When I arrived at the level of carving straight down the blue runs, landing average jumps, and dodging trees in the glade’s deep powder it was time to move on.
Night Rappelling off Ammonite Falls
Something I absolutely discourage is learning to rappel without professional guidance. I was trained in rock climbing and belaying, but rounded out rappel specific techniques on the internet. I am all about back up plans, always. If I don’t have one prearranged I will make one at the slightest hint of trouble. Whether its a broken down car in Mexico, or a blizzard canceling all flights out of New York, or catching a snowboard edge while cruising at 70km/h I am quick to adapt. This is why rappelling is horribly dangerous in my personal opinion. There is no chance to grab tree branches, or dive roll at the bottom, if anything goes wrong beyond your device and equipment failsafes thats it. After the major 50ft Ammonite falls rappel, and 100ft little mountain overhang where we didn’t know if the rope went all the way to ground (this is why you always tie a knot in the end so you don’t drop off the bottom) I was more or less done with this sport unless the skill is required in the future. Its a handy back up plan in itself.
Always seek professional guidance, and plan your escape route.
So that was 2011 this is 2012. Hopefully my wakeboarding and snowboarding skills will somewhat help me achieve my surfing goals quicker. I’m sure surfers will tell me its impossible and it will take years, its worth a try anyways maybe I’ll get hooked and stay years. I have surfed several times on the west coast of Canada so I have some sort of base. I am so looking forward to the warm Costa Rican water this weekend.
