March 1, 1999

By Wacky Readers

Our readers rule. For real-we're not just sucking up so you'll like us better like those other "arty" snowboard magazines. We actually really care about you, our gentle and well-meaning audience, and we don't mind if some of you can't spell, or even write very well. We can't do this all the time, so please don't flood our mailbox with requests, but in order to fully express the extent of our love ... favors and free stuff for everyone this month! No, no-you're the best ... no, you are!-ed.

We're Sponsors!

Listen, I have this big brother-his name is Ian Gill and he is almost eighteen. I have learned almost everything I know about skating and snowboarding from him. He is the best in the world, but he can't get any sponsors. He's one of the most hardcore skaters and boarders you will ever meet. He is totally my idol-has been for the longest time and always will be. If you know any companies that would like to sponsor him I would be very happy. He spends all of his time and money on skating and boarding. He has had so many broken bones and surgeries, it's not even funny.

P.S. He is also very nice and has never done any drugs.

P.P.S. He has no idea that I'm sending this, and his birthday is coming soon.

Trevor Gill

Flagstaff, Arizona

Sponsors are a little hard to come by these days, Trevor. Some of today's most impressive snowboarding talents are finding themselves in just the same boat as your brother. Our hearts are not made of stone, however. While Ian may or may not be the best snowboarder in the world, one thing is for certain-you're probably one of the world's best little brothers. Tell Ian we're sending him a free Atlantis snowboard, and that we wish him a very happy birthday.

We're Champions Of Justice

I just wanted to write in and tell you guys how a stupid little company called Sportsworks completely ruined my season. I returned a pair of boots to them. They said they would send them to the manufacturer and get replacements for me. I finally have everything else I need for this season, so I quit my job and waited for my boots to come-only they never did. When I called Sportsworks, some guy picked up the phone and told me they had gone bankrupt and were out of business. He also told me that they had done this to other people, too-taken orders, warranty returns, and money, and not given any of it back. I just wanted to say, "Thanks, Sportsworks, for ruining my season."

Can you guys help?

Brian Connole

Howell, Michigan

Don't let the shitbags get you down. We told your story to our lovely and helpful friends at Northwave, and they're going to send you a pair of boots to ride in this season. There really is a Santa Claus after all!

We're Super Impressed

In 1995, my husband, two kids, and I moved to Bend, Oregon. I always dreamed of learning how to snowboard, but I was nineteen years old, married with two kids, and money was very hard to come by. Then at Christmas my good friend promised to teach me. I was so excited, but on my trip back from my parents' house (January 5) my tiny Escort with my two kids inside was struck on Highway 26 by a semi truck. It took out the driver's side of my car, trapping me inside-bleeding and counting my breaths for three hours as the snow fell and I waited for the jaws of life to free me.

My kids were okay (thank god), and I was life-flighted to the nearest hospital. I had multiple injuries, but the one that crushed me was my right leg-both lower bones broke through the skin. I lost about 60 percent of my kneecap and severed all the tendons in my knee. This postponed my dream to ride for a long time, but it turned this passive, boring housewife into a fighter.

I refused to be one of those people who use injury as a crutch-those who look back on life and say, "I wish I would have." I worked really hard to rehab my knee-got it to about 45 percent of normal strength. Last December, against the wishes of my doctors, husband, parents, and friends, I went up to Timberline. I came home bruised and battered, but it lit a fire in my heart. I loved it so much, my husband bought me a board even though he hated me snowboarding.

On my second trip, I broke my arm. I missed a month, but was back up as soon as I could. I fought against the odds and ran with a dream. I can't jump or get all crazy, but I fly with the wind and feel at peace. It's the only time when I can forget the pain. Please tell others not to stand down-live for the moment. Fight for your dreams. Thank you.

Laura Milne

Troutdale, Oregon

You're an inspiration to us all, Laura. Since you already have a snowboard, we're giving you some professional coaching, instead. So you can get the support you need to push your snowboarding goals as far as you want to go, the generous and caring people at Windell's are kicking down a free session at one of their adult snowboard camps at Mt. Hood this winter.

We're Really Sorry

I haven't had a chance to go boarding lately-which is odd because I live an hour from the closest snowboard park. The last time I went I was fourteen. My mom got cancer shortly after that and my life has only got tougher since then. I couldn't go once my mom had cancer because I had to go help my dad at the family business. Within the next two years, two close cousins of mine died. When it seemed like things were finally going to cool down, my father had a stroke that left him speechless and paralyzed on the right half of his body.

That was four months ago. I quit my job to run the family business, but had to get rehired so I can provide money for the family. I'm nineteen now, and when I feel overwhelmed I find a lot of peace reminiscing about the last time I was allowed to be a kid-whether it was skateboarding or snowboarding. I remember the snow and the people and the meaningless challenge of just trying to not fall. These thoughts are the one and only reason I have coped so well with the last years because I know that one day everything will mellow out. I'll head up to Snow Summit and make another attempt to get to the bottom of a seemingly endless hill just so I can feel the same way I felt five years earlier.

Adam Sever

Los Angeles, California

Not everybody has time to drive to the mountains, but everyone's got a curb outside their house. The cool folks at World Industries are sending you a complete skate deck, Adam. It's not snowboarding, but it's something you can do to keep your head together until you can get back to the slopes. A lot of responsible, real-job-having "adults" still skateboard-this building's full of 'em. Don't let the "real world" kill what's inside of you. We're giving you a subscription, also, so you have a monthly reminder to never give up. Hang in there.

We're Sexist Pigs

I'm sure every boy who could get his hands on your December issue was stoked to discover that they may be able to win a date with a Reef girl, but what about all us female riders? If the contest prize was a date with Jamie Lynn, I am confident that I could come up with the sappiest sob story you've ever read. Thanks for the interview, I think Jamie is an amazing person and an incredible rider. Let me know if you ever offer a contest to win some quality time with him.

Robyn Trask

Via Internet

Okay, so I'm really annoyed right now. I'm thumbing through your December issue, and I'm super happy when I see "Win a Prom Date," and then I find out that the date you can win is a girl! Ah hem ... do you people think that only guys read this mag? Why can't I try to win a Reef boy? I'm a cool girl. I snowboard. I deserve a date, too.

Kelly

NorCal

You're right-we suck and we're sorry. So all you disappointed ladies out there who are currently mail bombing our So Cal office, please put down your pens and turn to this month's Yellow Sno.

We're The Personals Section

I am currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. I'm in Arizona and can't find your magazine anywhere. The rules by which I choose to abide by include, but are not limited to: no calls home except on Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Christmas, and no snowboarding-for two years. None. I've been riding since '93 and missing two seasons is tough. So for all you who get mad because you can't land your tricks, or some skier cuts you off, just be glad you're on the snow. I survive day to day only on mail. Please print my address. If anyone would like to write and/or send me photos, please do.

T. Sorensen

1871 E. Del Rio Drive

Tempe, Arizona 85282

Hi! I'm a small girl from Poland. I have been riding snowboard something about two years. I am fifteen years old. I have an enormous request to you. I wrote a poem, and I dream to see it in your magazine. It has no title, but it says everything about me:

Somewhere, among the glaciers/ someone is waiting for me/ he doesn't know my name/ but he knows that I belong to him/ he sometimes looks at the sky/ he tries to see my face/ but he can't.

Please, wait until you fall asleep/ then I'll come and wake you up/ with the frosty mind/ you will see me with the board in my hands/ you'll understand who I am/ the girl from your thoughts/ the wind will tell you my name.

Please give my address under my poem, because I would love to correspond with someone who loves to snowboard as much as me.

Kate Kumalska

UL. Jordana 28

41-808 Zabrze

Poland

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]