I>Offer up free goods, and everybody pays attention. Since we started this snowboard-for-a-good-letter giveaway, the mail has been a lot more fun to read, and we thank you. This month's winner was sent in before the contest announcement, however. A message of warm fuzzies, straight from the heart. For that we thank you, H. Flores. Enjoy your new MIA snowboard.-ed.

Free ... Verse

As a baby I had heart problems and was a bit small, so my mom never let me do normal childhood activities for fear that I would get hurt. My other brothers and sisters had trophies and pizza night with their teams. I was usually confined to playing indoors where I wouldn't get warm or cold. When I was fifteen, my first boyfriend snowboarded, and I swore I wouldn't try it. It looked so difficult, and I was always scared to do anything physical where I might get hurt. My mom and I started to spend time at a cabin in Big Bear, California, and one day I decided to learn how to snowboard. I sat for an hour and watched snowboarders come down the beginner hill. Then I maneuvered the beginner run until eight at night-side-slipping, only to be interrupted by getting the wind knocked out of me.

That day I came home with a sense of accomplishment. Every single one of the giant, purple bruises was like a medal of honor that I would proudly brag about and show to anyone who would look. For me snowboarding has been an amazing opportunity. It has made me a strong person, and I needed that in my life. I was tired of being weak. People ask me how I can go snowboarding by myself, and my answer is totally selfish: When I'm snowboarding nothing else matters. My head is completely clear. There's something about being alone with my ideas that sets me free.

H. Flores
[email protected]

There Once Was A Dude Named Dionne

I'm nineteen and I love to ski and snowboard. I'm moving from Wasaga Beach, Ontario to Whistler, B.C. Only, as hard as I try, I feel real stupid on a snowboard. I've been snowboarding three years, and I can't ride switch and I can't pull any tricks except ollieing over small jumps. Can any of you hardcore riders give me some pointers so I don't make a complete fool of myself as Dionne Delesalle or Devun Walsh pass by laughing?

Nykky Simmons
Wasaga Beach, Canada

Nykky, first and foremost, we would never laugh at you or anyone else for learning how to snowboard. Don't worry about what anyone thinks but you, because snowboarding is all about fun. We are both happy that you are moving to Whistler and hope we can give you some snowboard tips in the near future. XOXO-Devun and Dionne

Who Liked To Wear Purple Neon

I am writing because I have a complaint. I have been boarding for almost seven years, and until just last year I have stayed at local resorts like Bear, Snow Valley, and Snow Summit. The riding has always been perfect, even though we don't always have the best snow. Last winter I went on a trip to Utah. I was stoked because I have seen pics in your mag and had heard great things about Utah. But when we got there it was freezing cold, and the snow was crappy. Worst of all, there were no hits whatsoever!

Also, I see ads in your mag for my local resorts where they show these massive hits, but when I got to the resort, the hit is either marked off or not even there at all. What's up with that?

Jeff Bennett
Chino Hills, California

He Stomped All His Tricks

Okay, can you answer just one question for me? What the HELL is a "switch Haakonflip"? Because in this ad by Fresh Jive (only under a more "hip" name-FJ Gold) it has a picture of a guy-I think it's Kurt Wastell-doing this "ultra-cool and new trick." Did this guy make up a new trick, or should we ask Terje to contemplate on this for us? If you could clear up this mistake (??) for my friends and I here in Utah, we'd be grateful. And come winter, maybe we'll be bustin' out this new trick. You never know.

P.S. I wonder if he learned it at camp like the rest of the kids.

Kim Riffle
Park City, Utah

Kim, the ultra-cool and new trick you are talking about is simply an inverted fakie 720 rodeo flip-which is a Haakonflip. A switch Haakonflip, however, would be a forward-to-fakie 720. After consulting with our buddy Terje, we decided this trick is indeed his. We both hope to see you bustin' this trick next winter.-D& D

P.S. Actually, Kurt told us himself that he perfected this trick at Camp Chug-n-Chuck-a camp we frequent year after year.

People Screamed, "That Kid Rips!"

I'm sick of people bitching about everything they think sucks! From what they hate about skiers to why TWS photographers don't go to their resorts (because they suck). Take your own damn pictures! Or how people brag about being the best snowboarder in their age group and how soon they are going to turn pro. I mean, I'm not the best snowboarder, but damn it, I try-and that is more than half of you can say. All you do is buy all this expensive shit and sit on the hill lookin' cool (trying at least).

And don't e-mail me at "get off your ass and snowboard.com."

Matt Huette
Dansville, NY

Then They All Snorted Some Freon

I have a friend who has a time-share cabin at the base of Heavenly Ski Area. I was up there with him in late May, and we were out one evening at the local Kmart when we came across a board that was made by a company called Variflex. It was a cheap plastic board with plastic edges in a little box, with bindings that looked like they would fall apart after one day of learning. Now, some people would get angry and say that is selling out, but I said to myself, "Man, this is cool. This board may be a piece of junk, but at least it is trying to bring snowboarding to everyone."

Snowboarding has been labeled by the magazines and ads as a sport for people who have high household income and a nice car. I think lots of people have been turned away because they think that they can't afford it, or because they don't think they'd look good on the mountain. The Variflex board helps bring it to the people without a lot of money. That's what it's all about.

I just wish that everyone could enjoy snowboarding no matter what their race, color, background, income or anything else.

"Stones"
[email protected]

The object of snowboarding is simple-to have fun. The issues that you are concerned about-race, color, background, and income-don't matter, because anyone who is really interested in snowboarding will find a way to snowboard. And that doesn't mean buying a cheap-ass snowboard that isn't even allowed on a mountain because it doesn't have metal edges. Keep shredding and don't worry about it so much.-D& D

P.S. Where did you get the name "Stones"?

So Dionne Went On A Stroll Through Heaven

It's truly touching to see your magazine give shout-outs and tributes to fallen comrades. My condolences to their families and friends out there that have lost someone who brought great memories and laughs to their lives. Not just words can tell a story, but a photo can be priceless for remembering someone. Many props to the people who take these pictures and also to those who write the articles. When you ride extreme terrain, you take extreme risks. Riding can take your breath away, but it's often easy to forget that there's unmarked shit out there-rocks, stumps, cliffs, etc. Then Mother Nature steps in with avalanches, wind-blown ice patches, whiteouts! I've ridden for five years and do treks to the backcountry. Use transceivers, and always go with someone in case they have to dig your sorry ass out of a jam!

Anyhow, thanks for remembering the great ones.

Mark Schnoor
Denver, Colorado

Met Another Ripper Named Todd, We Mean, Devun

I read your magazine a lot, and I am impressed by the pictures and articles, but I was reading the letters in the September issue, and it seemed like everyone had something negative to say, from other readers to pro riders like Todd Richards responding to a letter in a manner that seems to put snowboarding on a lower plane. I just think that they should think about what they are talking about-snowboarding, something they love and should respect!

I have some questions. I am trying every season to become a better boarder. I think I am doing a great job, and I am seriously looking at become a pro rider. My question is, how do I get started, and what do I need to do to get sponsors?

You are doing a great job. No disrespect to T. Richards.

Tom Polifka
Fort Collins, Colorado

First of all, Todd Richards was not putting snowboarding on a lower plane. He was simply defending himself against someone picking on him personally. By the way, Todd is The Man. In regards to getting sponsored: always push yourself to the next level, and meet the people around you-not by kissing ass, but by working hard. And remember: double grabs are horse shit.-D& D

And They Wrote Some Letter Responses

I am so excited for the snow to fly that I took Tide laundry detergent and sprayed the hill at my Grandmother's house and hosed it down so it got slippery. Then me and my bros surfed down it. It's not totally like boarding in snow, but it helps the jones, and it's just as fun as the X-Games in San Diego. If you would like, I can have my friend take some pictures and I'll send them to your magazine.

Billy Jarvis
[email protected]

Send pictures immediately.-D& D

P.S. You should try out these other upcoming X-Games sports: kneeboarding, roller-skating, bungee-snowboarding, and tricycle barrel-jumping.

Letters (which may be edited for clarity and space) should be sent in marked: Letter To The Editor, TransWorld SNOWboarding. By snail-trail mail: 353 Airport Rd., Oceanside, CA 92054. By FAX: (760) 722-0653. By e-mail: [email protected]

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