Replying to I'm Returning to Snowboarding

Dear Newschoolers,

I am so excited that fall has arrived, the temps are dropping, and winter is just around the corner. This time of year always has so much energy, and I'm sure that you feel the same way. The cold wind on your face as you walk out the door in the morning reminds you of the lift rides up the mountain, clanking your skis together as you dream of boosting a straight out mute grab off a side hit before even getting to the park. I can't wait for those moments. But something has recently changed in me. I have been feeling something different these past couple of weeks. Don't get me wrong, I'm still stoked to ski this winter. I have everything ready to go, I just need to put my rack on my car. My skis are waxed and ready, boots are fitted to bindings, poles still clipped together. Everything is ready.

But I think I need a break for a minute.

I have loved skiing from the minute I first stepped into bindings. And I always will... Nothing will ever take that love from me. Year after year, its the same routine, and a great routine at that! It's just that I feel like I need something else in my life this winter. Something more. My mind recently reflected on my younger years, when I was first introduced to snow sports. Snowboarding in the backyard of my Massachusetts home on a Walmart snowboard that you slide your feet into... Progressing up to a real board when I was 7, and learning how to ride better each year. And then, all the sudden, the switch happened my sophomore year, when I swapped my board for a buddies skis during a cold night at Wachusett mountain. You know thats where my love for skiing occurred. It always will be. But I need my original love back in my life. It was bound to be.

You know I will always love skiing. I will never give it up, not for the life of me. But I need to give snowboarding another try, and this is the year to do it. Wether I'm on one board or two, you know its just about the feeling. I just want to go fast with the snow under my feet, standing forwards or sideways. You know that. You know thats what I crave. I just want to try something new, I need to return to the roots of where my love started.

I hope you understand. This is not personal; it never has been, and it never will be! I just need to explore my loves and interests, and be able to express myself in the most natural way possible. I'm beyond excited to spend time with you this winter, and I hope that you'll be able to help me see this through. I love you so much.

-grantlewis_dntm