Vee Challenge – to learn how to snowboard in Switzerland
Name – Isabel Meacher
Age – 26
Job – researcher
From – Hertfordshire
A dream trip to Switzerland, I've waited and waited since last year for this. Finally, I was able to learn how to snowboard. I was so excited; I wanted to taste the lifestyle of those funky adrenaline junkies who are always on the slopes with white panda eyes and with their crazy attitude to life.
I was very much looking forward to being part of the Norwich deaf group; they have been doing these kinds of trips for the past three years. Most of them are already experts on the slopes. Matthew Talbot, the organiser of the trip is a friend of mine and he asked me to join the group.
Laax, the resort town I stayed at is a lovely place. Bars, restaurants and hotels are everywhere. Friendly people of all ages, from youngsters to the elderly take part on the slopes either skiing or snowboarding. To my amazement I saw little children already experts on the slopes. They put me to shame.
My first session learning how to snowboard was kind of crazy, the board trapping both of my feet and I kept falling over and over. Despite my frustration and lack of fitness, I kept going. I think I was nervous going down the slope without realising because I broke my wrist skiing on dry slopes back at home when I was 11 and I've never bothered again till now. It was so enjoyable doing the lesson, learning how to do the basic moves and having a right laugh. The second session was okay, I managed to do some steering on the slopes but the board was putting so much pressure on my knees, it hurt,
It was fantastic to feel the sun and crisp breeze on my face and breathe in the cold fresh air. It did my skin and hair a lot of good. I felt really refreshed and it was so much fun.
I had the most wonderful time; my only regret is not practicing snowboarding at Milton Keynes, the Xscape Dome near where I live. The reason for this is because I felt I kept everyone in the group back by being totally inexperienced. If I had learnt enough before going to Laax, I would have enjoyed the whole experience a lot more and gone up in the mountains more often.
I am definitely doing it again sometime next year. But this time, I hope to be more experienced.
Name – Isabel Meacher
Age – 26
Job – researcher
From – Hertfordshire
A dream trip to Switzerland, I've waited and waited since last year for this. Finally, I was able to learn how to snowboard. I was so excited; I wanted to taste the lifestyle of those funky adrenaline junkies who are always on the slopes with white panda eyes and with their crazy attitude to life.
I was very much looking forward to being part of the Norwich deaf group; they have been doing these kinds of trips for the past three years. Most of them are already experts on the slopes. Matthew Talbot, the organiser of the trip is a friend of mine and he asked me to join the group.
Laax, the resort town I stayed at is a lovely place. Bars, restaurants and hotels are everywhere. Friendly people of all ages, from youngsters to the elderly take part on the slopes either skiing or snowboarding. To my amazement I saw little children already experts on the slopes. They put me to shame.
My first session learning how to snowboard was kind of crazy, the board trapping both of my feet and I kept falling over and over. Despite my frustration and lack of fitness, I kept going. I think I was nervous going down the slope without realising because I broke my wrist skiing on dry slopes back at home when I was 11 and I've never bothered again till now. It was so enjoyable doing the lesson, learning how to do the basic moves and having a right laugh. The second session was okay, I managed to do some steering on the slopes but the board was putting so much pressure on my knees, it hurt,
It was fantastic to feel the sun and crisp breeze on my face and breathe in the cold fresh air. It did my skin and hair a lot of good. I felt really refreshed and it was so much fun.
I had the most wonderful time; my only regret is not practicing snowboarding at Milton Keynes, the Xscape Dome near where I live. The reason for this is because I felt I kept everyone in the group back by being totally inexperienced. If I had learnt enough before going to Laax, I would have enjoyed the whole experience a lot more and gone up in the mountains more often.
I am definitely doing it again sometime next year. But this time, I hope to be more experienced.