News - 2009
Arrived in Kimberley
Left Heathrow this morning with all my bags packed for 3 months in Canada. Good job my Dad was on the ball, they forgot to tag my sit ski, without that the season would have been a pretty dull one. The flight out with all my ski gear is always a nervous one, last year it took days to get my sit ski from lost luggage in Calgary. I managed to get a few hours sleep on the plane though.
30 Dec 2009
It’s getting colder in Maidenhead
A sure sign that winter is here this morning when I woke to find a frosty day. I used to hate waking to weather like this because the trip to work would be a nightmare, not sure where some people learnt to drive. This morning was different, put the kettle on and had a nice cup of tea instead; I got better things to think about these days. Once I was nice and relaxed I could start preparing all the gear I need to take with me to Kimberley.
16 Dec 2009
A new beginning
After 10 years of working at the same company I’ve finally left to spend more time skiing and more time doing volunteer work. I had a great time at my previous company but I was unable to head off for a ski season or disappear off to teach wheelchair skills at the drop of a hat. I was lucky enough to work with some great people and create some innovative products, but you know when its time.
11 Dec 2009
It's snowing in Kimberley
Great news, but it was something that was always going to happen, its start to snow in Kimberley. I’ve been waiting all year to see the slopes change from grass back to snow and ice. Pretty sure the people in Kimberley won’t be as happy as I am but can’t wait now for the first lift ride up again on the chair.
30 Oct 2009
New Zealand Winter Games
Well done to all GB team at the New Zealand Winter Games http://www.wintergamesnz.com/ , Great to see some good results and points scored ready for Vancouver 2010. Looked like the weather was pretty wild out there, no matter though I wished I was there with the development squad. Maybe one year that will happen, we will just have to wait and see.
30 Aug 2009
Snow Centre
Finally made it to the Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead! Always a bit worried going somewhere new and not knowing what the facilities are going to be like, but I had already chatted to some guys who had been there and they assured me it was great. I wasn’t disappointed, simple to get to, close to my house, really helpful staff that didn’t freak out because I was in a wheelchair.
13 Aug 2009
New Ski Boot
After Kimberley and the number of crashes I had there it was obvious that I needed a better boot to link my sit ski with my ski. The original boot was made of tough plastic, but when your bindings are 30 DIN, damage is bound to happen when you come out of the ski at speed. I contacted a UK company and they have made me a solid aluminium boot. I picked it up today, they did a brilliant job and I can’t wait to try it out, I think a trip to the indoor snow dome is on the cards.
30 Jun 2009
Drag lift solution
I needed to find a solution for using drag lifts with my sit ski if I’m going to use the indoor snow domes in the UK, it will be useful to have when I’m away as well. After months of thinking I’ve found the solution (I think, yet to be tested). I borrowed the technology from sailing and have bought a device for releasing spinnakers’ under high tension, this should work with a couple of carabinas’ and 3m of climbing rope, what could possible go wrong.
23 May 2009
Skiing Future
Still trying to decide if I should pursue skiing for more than the great season I had in 2008-2009. I had a remarkable time in Kimberley, not just the skiing but with all the people I met there. It really gave me a break from my day job and has given me lots to think about. I’ve worked at my current job for nearly 10 years now and its time I make up my mind about how my future will go.
16 May 2009
