Hello shredders!
Below is a short clip I put together summing up what I do and why I do it. If you have any questions about training with me at Rookie Academy, get in touch. Cheers!
Category Archives: Rookie Academy
Coaching | Now online with BK PRO
It’s an exciting time to be a coach. Especially when technology mixed with a dream lines up to create something unique and engaging.
I will be part of a team coach Bud Keene has put together to initiate coaching through his new online application BKPRO.
If you are training towards an Instructors exam or need some feedback on your carving, freestyle or bumps this will be an invaluable resource.
Look for my free & paid rider tip videos throughout the season ahead. If you have any questions about how you can get involved, just ask!
Countdown to Interski, Argentina
To represent SBINZ and travel with such an awesome team gets me stoked. Especially when the next trip will be to Argentina 2015 during September! Earlier in 2014, myself and 5 other fortunate souls were chosen to represent the hard work that the SBINZ team have put in over the years.
Every four years the world of snow-sports instruction sends a team to the Interski conference. Up to 35 nations will showcase their development in skiing, snowboarding and telemark. It is an exciting time for us because we will showcase to the world the teaching theory, riding style and our unique outlook on snowboarding and it’s instruction.
For me, it will be the most unique learning environment I have ever been in. The opportunity to discover new tactics and technical information is literally world-class. With over 10 years in the instruction world I have had the pleasure of meeting many inspiring instructors, athletes and management that have all taught me something unique. In Argentina, we will have the chance to further out skills and bring home to our New Zealand instructors a fresh insight on how we can better the sport.
Bring part of Interski will also be a massive celebration for snowboarding and the people that make it what it is! The count-down has started and we are stoked to be part of it. Stay tuned on the New Zealand blog over the next year and follow the path we take with NZSIA. If you are intersted in sponsorship opportunities please get in touch with me.
Treble Cone Export 33 Banked Slalom
The Treble Cone Export 33 Banked Slalom was another successful event. The event pulled in 60+ riders in open and maters categories. Local and international riders enjoy attending each year shredding for a prize pool of $2000 plus spot prizes thanks to Never Summer & Candy Grind.
It was local talent that stood on the podium this year and I was honored to stand next to some good friends – a great way to celebrate my Birthday! If there was an official world circuit in this event I would sign up in a flash. Until then, I will continue training in boarder cross, coach Paralympian Carl Murphy part time and work with Rookie Academy.
Check out the hi-lights by John-Jo at Flashworks Media. Thanks to 360queenstown-wanaka and Thierry Huet Photography for the images.
Treble Cone Export 33 Banked Slalom VIDEO
Treble Cone New Zealand, Export 33 Banked Slalom: Image – Treble Cone Ski Area
Richie Johnston – Banked Slalom Treble Cone Thierry Huet Photography
Back on board with Neversummer & Candygrind
Carl at Winter Imports works hard to ensure that Instructors and leaders in the industry are looked after. He provides the support necessary and helps out the best he can, especially to qualified instructors.
Winter Imports New Zealand
Winter Imports New Zealand
Really looking forward to the Treble Cone season ahead and riding on Never Summer again! Any questions on the gear, just ask.
Arigato Japan
A rainy day in Wanaka is perfect for wading through hundreds of video files searching for the moments worth remembering! Here is a short video of the hi lights stitched together with some Oriental beats to go with it.
2013 Winter Season: One to remember!
That feeling you get when the pressure is on… deep in the belly and mind. My deep breathes attempt to calm the roller coaster of nerves. As I visualize the course below, flashes of red and blue flags fade away as the mist rolls in over Treble Cone. The NLP skills were coming in handy in both competition and in instructor training.
Treble Cone Opening Day
We were fortunate to enjoy some of the best opening conditions in ten years. Treble Cone put on a great day with lines stretching as far as the Motatapu Shutes. Enjoy the video below made by Jase at Basket Productions.
Ride Tips: Intro to off piste
John Jo from Rideclass Productions spent an hour at Treble Cone going through a couple of tips to work on feeling better in variable snow. Below is a 4 minute video… Have a fun last few weeks of the season! Visit Rookie Academy for more information.
Snowboard Improvement: Stance and Balance riding off piste. from Rookies on Vimeo.
The New Zealand Snowboarder Banked Slalom
The most anticipated competition day of the season had arrived! Over 60 competitors enjoyed a beautiful sunny day at Treble Cone, which was a nice contrast to the gloomy days in previous seasons. As I left my group of Rookies I’d been training during the morning, I headed for Shooter to complete my first run. The top section rode well, however as I approached the 3rd to last gate my board dug itself into a rut and I crashed into the bank. My left shoulder took the impact and ended up tearing a ligament, my AC joint A disappointing first run with the chance of a redemption run not an option. The next few weeks will involve physio, patience, rest and strengthening. Onwards and upwards!
Watch the video below – At 3 minutes 57 seconds, John Jo from Ride Class Productions captured a section of my run.
New Zealand Snowboarder Magazine Banked Slalom from Treble Cone on Vimeo.
Richie Johnston 