Westbound Boarder

Tim Windell, Creator of Windells Camp

I’m a huge fan of Tim Windell and recently had the rare opportunity to catch up with him. I say rare as the dude is constantly on the move especially with the Winter Olympics coming up and the wrap up of the Winter X-Games. Tim is the proud owner/operator of Windells Camp - The Funnest Place on Earth.

Windell’s operation is located on the western slopes of Mt. Hood Oregon. Ideally located between Sandy and Welches, Windells Camp occupies a former motel complex, and sits on 53 acres which include Oregon’s largest indoor skate park, a sick assortment of concrete skate features, a foam pit, an Olympic-size trampoline, an outdoor BMX/Freeride dirt circuit complete with the largest assortment of ramps, jumps, rails you name it! The place is constantly evolving and while I was there, the crew had a cement mixer on site and was busy building new features that will undoubtedly prove to be nothing short of incredible.

Tim began skiing at the ripe old age of 3 back in Colorado. As a boy, he enjoyed such places such as Breckinridge, Vail, Steamboat and Winter Park. During Tim’s teenage years, his skiing improved so much that he literally hit a plateau. He felt as though he wasn’t getting much better at it and he began to look for other snow sport opportunities. This is when snowboarding first emerged on the scene. Tim found this new sport to be both challenging and exhilarating. Needless to say, Tim rocked the snowboard world and took countless titles.

However, as Tim explained to me, he began to notice that the younger guys were catching up and he found it difficult to both compete and train at the same time. So, with this in mind, Tim opened up his first training camp in Whistler BC and then finally in Oregon around 1987.

Foam Practice Pit

One of the key ingredients to Tim’s success is the location. One of the greatest things Wendells has to offer is Mt. Hood’s year round snow. There are several companies that offer similar type programs but Windells is unique as it is sequestered away by itself and really is sort of an island unto itself. Yeah, an island of fun! Tim has taken great strides in keeping his campers safe and secure. His is a multidimensional approach that takes into account the physical, mental maybe even spiritual well being of each and every camper. I guess when you churn out as many world champions as Tim Windell has over the years, (16 USA Olympic Medalists, 137 X Games Medalists, top 10 men & 8 of the top 10 women on the Dew Tour) you see this method as the only one in which to employ.

One of the most fascinating things to me was the school that is located on the campus. I think a common misconception is that Windell’s is all fun and games. It is the Funnest Place on Earth to be sure but it also has a serious side as well. Many of the young folks that come to Windell’s come with the need for an alternative education program. The academy students are enrolled in a fully accredited program that will allow the student-athletes to go to college and pursue professional careers. They work at their own pace in a very low key, comfortable environment… I’m a fan.

Snowboards, anyone?

When asked how women have progressed in the snow sports, Tim responded with an enthusiastic, “exponentially”! Women he said “have really stepped up their games. Gold medalist Kelly Clark for example is now un-reachable.” He went on to say the women have much more accessibility then they once had, they’re legit and getting better all the time.” Recently during a Holiday training camp, most if not all were women! He went on to say that there is more camaraderie with women; they’re great ambassadors of the sport and very supportive to one another.

So, in summation, what a great privilege it was to spend a little time with Tim Windell. Truly a visionary and all around great guy. If you ever get the opportunity to enroll in one of his amazing camp sessions, do it! Because, in the words of Warren Miller, “If you don’t do it this year, you’ll only be one year older when you do.”

For those of you looking for adventure this summer, what better place to find it than at a world renowned snowboard camp. Attending snowboard camp (okay, they allow skiers too), is the best way to push your skills to the limit while snowboarding at America’s only summertime resort (Timberline Lodge).

On top of siiick summer riding, you get to board with the pro’s, improve you skate skills (something I never thought I would do until I attended Windells), demo the 2010 gear all the while getting a tan. Still need convincing? Check out our reviews of the funnest places on earth; High Cascade Snowboard Camp and Windells.

So quit dragging your feet and let us know what camp you choose, you can’t go wrong either way!

It’s my birthday today, and I’m in DC (for work), and of course Mrs. Accountant (aka, Dani) is, well, doing super fun, accountant-like Tax Day things, so I’m going to make this post short and sweet today.  In our quest to uncover new great boardsports camps for y’all, Danielle came across this great resource.  Called ‘Girlie Camps’ (approriate title for our cause, yeah?) this site features several camps across the board (no pun intended).  From snow to skate to surf, Girlie Camps hosts several awesome camps all throughout Europe (they have camps in all different countries - London, Berlin, France are only a few), so if you want to test your boundaries and head East (far, far, East) check out Girlie Camps.

As the European Girlie’s put it themselves, ‘do you have a passion for action sports, adventure, meeting new friends or improving your language skills? Then welcome to Girlie Camps 2009!’ Girlie Camps features Ski, Snow, Skate, Surf and even Kite Surf Camps; which range from Surf camps in the South of France, and Spain, Snow Camps in Les Duex Alps and Skate Camps in the UK, Germany and Spain.

Girlie camps bring you everything you need to partake in the joy of snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding and skiing. With camps available for all levels and all ages, each girlie has her own opportunity to attend one of the many Girlie Camps. The cost of your camp includes everything you need from lodging, lift tickets, gear and even meals. The exact items included do vary slightly depending on which camp you select, although one thing is for sure; world class instruction is included!

The Girlie Camps were born when creator, Marika, decided to create an outlet for all women who share a passion for board sports. As you have already heard Andrea and I discuss in our Wicked Wednesday Camp Posts, the key to improving your board skills lies in learning with the girls. Riding with other ladies who are there to encourage you, challenge you and cheer you on is the best way to improve your skills, hands down.

Whether your skills are non existent or you want to take your spin to the next degree, there is room for improvement. Just listen to Girlie Camp enthusiast Cathrine Stiller, “This [camp] has been the most developing snowboard riding ever! Just chilling with girls and learning form each other has done so much for my confidence as a rider and as an individual person.” Ms. Stiller could not be more right! Just attend a snowboard camp and spend a week with the girlie’s to see for yourself!

So if you are up for a real camp adventure and one that is halfway across the world, Girlie Camps are where it’s at Summer 2009. Check out the web site for exact dates, pricing and details. Girlie Camps spells it all out for you, from the airport, to transportation - so if you start saving now, there really are no excuses not to attend.

Does the thought of the dwindling winter depress you? Is the spring slush and disintegrating parks getting you down? Well we understand - and boy do we have some great news! Westbound Boarder spoke with the gals at MGT last week and the land of the endless winter has been unveiled. So wipe the tears away and dust off your passport, because we’re taking you to the deep powdery slopes of Bariloche, Argentina.

The reasons are never ending as to why you should attend a South American Summer Session (SASS). To name a few - the unique Argentine cultural experience, free Spanish lessons, tours of the nearby cities (including Buenos Aires), transportation to and from the airport, the resorts 15 minutes from a private world class hospital, you get to learn for the industries very best boarders and skiers while experiencing world renowned backcountry terrain, the mountain is their park and the endless winter would be all yours. But wait there is more! With a 5:1 camper coach ratio you are guaranteed to take your skills to the next level, whether it is your board skills, Spanish speaking ability or your avalanche safety skills (because you will get it all at SASS!)

On top of the endless perks that SASS brings you, this resort has over 40 lifts and 1,500 skiable acres (and that’s not even including the endless backcountry stashes!) With 4 summer sessions, there is bound to be one that fits your schedule and your pocket book (if you start your saving now ;)).

So Instead of riding the slushy (albeit enjoyable!) parks of Mt. Hood and Whistler Blackcomb during the USA summers, hop that plane you never thought your would to Argentina for an experience of a lifetime at one of the South American Summer Session’s.

Looking to have a “More Good Time” at your next camp?  Look no further.  In our quest to educate you on the top snowboard camps for females each Wednesday with our Wicked Snow Camp Wednesday series, we came across a camp exclusively for women.  MGT  (More Good Times) Snowboard Camp for Girls, presented by Burton, is “intended for female snowboarders who want to have fun and progress their snowboarding skills, especially in the park and pipe.”  Finally!  A camp that’s caters to the more advanced rider!  Don’t get me wrong, I completely support beginners attending camps to advance to the intermediate level, however, sometimes it is nice to attend a camp that’s a little more advanced if you really want to improve your skills in the park.  This camp is meant for females who want to pursue snowboarding competitively or professionally, and it seems like an awesome way to start that journey.

MGT boasts a legit roster of professional coaches, including Alexis Waite, Tara Dakides, and Spencer O’Brien.  The coach to rider ratio typically stands about 1 to 5, so you’ll really get the attention you need.  And you’ll spend most of the two-day session focusing exclusively on the park.

Another cool thing this camp’s got goin’ on is “MGT Academy.”  Basically, the program is “designed to select one promising MGT camper and place them under the tutorial wing of the MGT pro coaches to give a head start on pursuing a snowboard career in 2010.”  The graduate receives gear, photo shots, video shoots, etc.  Two graduates are chosen per session, and at the end of the year they’ll all regroup to give a presentation on why they should “graduate with top honors.” The person chosen will get some new gear, a travel budget, and awesome lineup for 2010.  Sweet!

MGT offers three camps in the winter and two in the summer at various locations around the globe.  Winter locations included Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, AB and Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC, and the third session is set to take place April 4 - 5 at Mount Norquay, Banff, AB.  (Soo, if you still want to make it up to a camp before season’s end, now’s your chance).

Though dates and prices for the summer camp have yet to be announced, both will take place in August 2009, one at Timberline held in tandem with High Cascade, and one in South America alongside South America Snowboard Sessions (Danielle’s previewing this camp next week, so stay tuned!)  Summer camp prices include accommodations, however, lift tickets are not included so keep this in mind when you are budgeting your trip.  Au revior, and see you at Timberline!

UPDATE: I got a chance to catch up with Joanna, co-creator of MGT, tonight (we’ve been playing phone tag for a couple of days) and she told me a little bit more about the camp; so we’ve got the inside scoop right here.  Joanna started the camp seven years ago with riding buddy and pro boarder Leanne Pelosi (hey, that’s an idea; instead of attending camp, just start your own!) and they’ve been at it ever since.  She told me they started the camp for “purely selfish reasons” (hey, that’s fine by me if we all benefit from it, too!) -

Basically, back around the time they started the camp, there weren’t many lessons available just for female riders.  They had several tricks they really wanted to learn, so they put their necessity to action.  Since both girls were competitive boarders and had a large network of people in the industry, they got a good group of talented coaches together and started MGT.  One of the cool and unique things about MGT is that, year after year, they still manage to have awesome pro riders come back to staff the camps (Joanne even mentioned its fun to watch the star-struck campers on the first day).  The riders range in skill level, but they all have one thing in common - they’re passionate about snowboarding and they have high expectations to rise to their full potential, prepared with lists of tricks to master and all.  The camp concludes with a “Jib’n'Jump” Jam, where the coaches throw out their best tricks and the girls follow suit; and the best girl wins a prize!

So… where can you sign up?  I mentioned earlier that there’s still one winter camp left this season, but there are also two summer sessions as well.  In years past, summer sessions have always been held as separate sessions in themselves (just like the winter sessions) alongside camp partners, however, this year MGT will be part of High Cascade.  Students will attend and sign up directly through HCSC for Leanne Pelosi’s session, which is August 8 - 15 and is the session MGT is promoting.  

If you’d like to make a complete world vaca out of your summer camp this year but still ride with the awesome MGT staff, MGT’s other summer session will be held in tandem with South American Snowboard Sessions July 31 - August 16.  Aside from being longer and further away, the Argentina camp will feature more backcountry riding, during the country’s winter, and really foster a truly cultural experience.  It will be completely different than HCSC, but still, of course, a good time.

Well it’s Wednesday, and for those of you who don’t know, it’s time to talk snowboard camp. We warned you a few weeks ago that each Wicked Wednesday Andrea, Rochelle (our NEW contributing blogger!) and myself are going to be giving you all the dirt on upcoming snowboard camps. Last week Andrea told you all about HCSC and today it is all about Windells!

As a Windells alumni myself, I am here to tell you that this camp is legit. It is all included - from unlimited professional coaching and video review, a weeks worth of lift tickets, unlimited 2009 snow and skate demos, 3 square meals a day, all of your transportation & lodging, state of the art skate facilities - these guys will even pick you up at the airport!

On top of all of the aforementioned perks, there is more. This place is truly known for their quality terrain parks and dedicated coaches. The camp diggers work tirelessly to groom, sculpt, salt and perfect the snowboard park of your dreams, so you can really take your riding to the next level. With a low coach to camper ratio - you are assigned a coach that will work with you every step of the way, wherever it is on the hill that you want to focus your improvement.

Have we convinced you yet to get off your home hill and visit the nations only year round ski resort yet? (That’s right, Windells takes place at Timberline Lodge in Oregon, the USA’s only resort open all year long!!) Well, wait, there is more. On top of having state of the art terrain parks at your disposal and access to a plethora of coaches, you will have the opportunity to ride with the best snowboarders in the industry! Pros that we know you admire, such as Eddie Wall, Danny Kass, Todd Richards, Hannah Teeter and Kelly Clark frequently stop by camp to ride with you and show you how it is done!

Whether you ski, snowboard are young, old, boy or girl, man or woman, like spring, summer or winter riding, there is a Windells session that is just for YOU!! So take your riding to the next level and join those who for the past 21 years have made Windells the breeding ground for the best snowboarders around! (Oh! FYI, 92% of X-games medalists have attended Windells) That is right, the pros - before they were so - came from near and far to attend Windells and gain the skills and confidence in order to put themselves on the snowboarding map!

So check out the Windells home page, and get your butt to camp, because who is to say that you can’t lead the same path the pros have been blazing for the past 21 years?

Well, its Wednesday, and you know what that means… another Wicked Snow Camp Review!  In case you haven’t been following along, we’re profiling one of the top snowboard camps for females each Wednesday, every Wednesday, and this week we’re profiling High Cascade Snowboard Camp (HCSC).

Thought you couldn’t snowboard in the summer?  Think again.  Thanks to the glacier Timberline at Mt. Hood, Oregon sits on,  riders from around the world can enjoy the resort all year round.  And one of the most well-known camps in Oregon is back again this summer with the 20th Anniversary of their Signature Sessions.

High Cascade is “an all-inclusive 9-day summer snowboard camp determined to show you the best time of your life.”  What does that mean, exactly?  Well, at HCSC you’ll spend 9 consecutive days riding with some of the best pros in the industry, including Darrell Mathes, Tara Dakides (!!!), Jamie Anderson and JP Walker. (I’m pretty stoked about Tara Dakides coaching this summer.  Being the woman to basically up the anti for lady riders nationwide, if there’s one thing that would push me over the edge to attend HCSC it’d be her.)

You’ll spend the morning riding with your coaches and then have optional sessions in the afternoon, and later in the day (this is my absolute favorite thing about HCSC) - you’ll meet up with your coach for video training where they’ll analyze your riding from the day and give you tips on how to improve.  Back in the day when I used to compete, I found that video training was one of the best ways to see how you think you ride versus how you actually ride, and then tweak your style based on that.

Another really cool thing about HCSC is that the camp has optional sessions just for girls, coached by girls, so if you find it intimidating to ride with guys, you absolutely don’t have to.  Sometimes it can be helpful to have a female coach because they understand how women learn and how they need to be taught.  They also have adult camps (this year June June 15 - 23 and August 8 - 15) if you’re 21 and up and don’t want to hang with the kiddos all week.  ALSO (yes, there’s more) they have awesome photo and video workshops if you want to learn the creative art of photo storytelling or filmmaking straight from the pros.

HCSC has a ton of fun activities in store, including dodgeball, trampoline sessions, paintball and white water rafting (check out what a typical day might look like here), but of course the focus is on the riding.  I must admit, the camp is a little spendy, but its pretty much all inclusive so you get a lot of bang for your buck. (Heck, just a summer pass at Timberline can run you nearly a grand!)  And from what I hear, HCSC is one of the best snowboard camps to stretch your ability and really get you to the next level.

Fore more information about HCSC, visit the Web site, and check out the dates and pricing here!

Well it’s Wednesday, and for those of you who don’t know, it’s time to talk snowboard camp. I warned you last week that each Wicked Wednesday Andrea, Rochelle (our NEW contributing blogger!) and myself are going to be giving you all the dirt on upcoming snowboard camps. Our goal is to give you all the information you may need to make an informed decision about which camp to choose. So here it goes!

Do you live near the best resort in the world? Or are you planning a trip to Whistler-Blackcomb before winter is up? If you are lucky enough to answer yes to wither of the aforementioned questions, well now you are even luckier, because Whistler-Blackcomb is bringing you Roxy Women’s All Star Snowboard Camp, on March 7th and 8th and April 4th and 5th.

This is an opportunity for just the girls to, ‘get to that next level fast.’ Whether you are looking to improve your freeriding or want to excel in the park, this Roxy Women’s Camp is where it’s at. For only $179 bucks you get to spend 2 full days at Whistler-Blackcomb (lift tickets, muffins and coffee included!) with Roxy’s top female coaches and demo the latest ROXY snowboard gear. Oh, and to top it off, at the end of the day you will receive professional video analysis so you can really take advantage of the days lessons (you may even take home a few prizes!)

One thing’s for sure, you will improve your snowboard skills and make some friends. You really have nothing to loose with this one as two days of Whistler lift tickets alone would cost more than this ROXY camp. So as long as you are at least 19 (but under 100) and you are not a complete beginner (you have to be able to carve down the hill), well, then welcome to Roxy All Star Snowboard Camp!

As we find ourselves in the dead of winter and are snowboarding our lives away, it’s hard to imagine where we will all be, come summer time (okay, so it’s not that hard)! Anyways - with that being said - I am here to tell you exactly where you should be this summer.

Some call it the ‘funnest place on earth’ and some call it Windell’s - we at Westbound Boarder call it snowboard camp and are hoping that you call it your summer plans! Whether it be Windell’s or High Cascade Snowboard Camp, or one of the many other wicked winter, spring or summer board camps- we think you should seriously consider attending one.

My senior year of high school I attended Windell’s Snowboard Camp and I have never been the same snowboarder since. I rode with the pros in the sun for a week straight, refined my snowboard skills, made some new friends, learned to skateboard (something I never thought I would do!!) and was able to demo the best gear around! I look back on my Windell’s camp experience as one of the best times of my life and I cannot wait to attend snowboard camp again someday.

The reasons are endless as to why you should get on board and earn the cash it takes to attend snowboard camp - and we are here to help you make the decision a little easier! So without further ado, I introduce to you, Wicked Snow Camp Wednesday’s!

Be sure to tune in each Wednesday as we feature one of our favorite snowboard camps so you can make an informed decision about which camp you are going to attend this summer - and get excited because we have camps from all over to tell you about - so where ever you are from there is a camp that you can call home this summer!

Have you been to snowboard camp before? Tell us where and let us know what you thought by leaving us a comment or shooting us an email, www.westboundboarder@gmail.com!