Mike's Skiing Blog

I know that Stand Up Paddle Surfing is really popular in surfing capitals such as Hawaii and southern California waters and I have occasionally caught some YouTube videos of Stand Up Paddle Surfing competition. In fact, there is even a Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine. So, the rollover to fresh water Stand Up Paddling seems like an easy adaptation and on flat water sounds like it could be fun on a hot summer day.

However, to join a bunch of these self-propelled surfbords into a contest to balance and paddle the length of Lake Tahoe begs for a compelling reason to be a contestant. Well, recently 27 world-class athletes were inspired to stand up and paddle 21 miles of Lake Tahoe to raise awareness and funding for victims suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other war-related injuries.

According to Tahoe.com this event was the brainchild of Truckee residents James Woodruff and Rob Gaffney and big wave surfer and stand up paddler Dave Kalama. James Woodruff is the brother of Bob Woodruff - who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a roadside bomb attack that struck his vehicle while working as a TV journalist in Iraq for ABC News.

During Bob Woodruff's recovery, the Woodruff family recognized a need to help returning injured U.S. service members beyond what the U.S. government was providing, and his family established the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation to assist in the long process of recovery and offer long-term support to help reintegrate TBI victims back into their communities. Rob Gaffney, himself an extreme skier, took up the cause as a friend of James Woodruff and gathered support in the Tahoe ski community.

Under the guidance of Dave Kalama the grueling 21 mile Lake Tahoe Stand Up Paddle was put together. The “pain” of this 21.6 stand-up paddling was to symbolize the pain returning war veterans and other victims of brain-related injuries face as they attempt to re-enter life.

Truckee ski racer Darron Rahlves, top snowboarders Jeremy Jones and Nate Holland, and extreme skiers Julian Carr and Arne Backstrom were among those who took up challange. Launched from Camp Richardson just after dawn at 7:10 am landed together at Kings Beach.

Rob Gaffney told Tahoe.com “It greatly exceeded my expectations, and I think the one thing that was really cool for me was watching everyone and seeing how they were really interested in this cause.”

If you would like to donate to this worthy cause visit the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation.

_{Stand Up Paddling Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images}

The best way to count down the days to the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver is with a computer clock for your desktop.

Omega, the official timekeeper for the Games events offers not only a countdown clock on their website, but provides both a Mac Gadget and a Windows Gadget download. When you are clocking winners in 100's of a second you better be sure you have a dependable timekeeping device and the Olympic Committee has entrusted Omega with that responsibility since 1932.

That's over a half century of measuring ski races where that hundredths of second determines who gets a lifetime of Gold.

_{Image Copyright 2008 OMEGA SA}

Aside from being on Britian's Olympic team what does skier Alain Baxter have in common with cyclist Rebecca Romero, hurdlers Colin Jackson and Jacqui Agyepong, and heptathlon athlete Denise Lewis? Why, for various reasons they all appeared naked for camera shoots, of course.

Baxter became the first Briton to win an Olympic skiing medal in 2002 but was stripped of his bronze and banned for a 3 month period when a trace of lev-methamphetamine was found in his sample. The Scot, had the suspension lifted on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after he proved the trace was from an over-the-counter Vicks inhaler. However, the medal was never returned because the drug was, in fact, in his system, no matter inadvertently.

The naked camera shoot is for a calendar Baxter hopes will spur interest by potential sponsors for much needed training funds. At one time rated 11th in the world in slalom Baxter has slipped to 130th yet has high hopes to return to Olympic form in time for the 2010 Vancouver Games - if he can get into serious training.

Married in 2006, Baxter's wife Sheila is said to have told him he needed more exposure on his comeback trail. I'm not sure if Sheila thought he'd take her advice to the "Full Monty."

Anyway, here's hoping Alain can raise enough for a good racing suit and anyone that might want to pass the lad a pound or two see Alain Baxter - The Highlander.

_{Alain Baxter Photo Copyright Mike Hewitt/Getty Images}

Last month, we got a look at some of the top 08/09 Women's Skis. Now, it's time to turn our spotlight on what's new for the men this season.

For starters, last season I actually had the opportunity to ski the 08-09 Head Mojo 94s that I'm holding for my Christmas in July photo - and yes they are my new skis! These are Twin Tip, 132-94-119, and are available in a range of sizes, from 166cm to 187cm.

Definitely in the mid-fat category, Head's sandwich construction for the 94's make for a durable, firm yet surprisingly light ski that handled well on the groomers I tried and can't miss in any but the deepest powder.

I asked Guest Author Tony Crespi, a former Ski School Supervisor and Development Team Coach, who loves testing skis and writing about them, to give us an overview of some of what he liked in the 2008-09 Men's Skis. Tony presents some of the best skis to look for in Powder, All Mountain Expert Cruisers, and All Mountain Performance Cruisers. No matter where you ski, or what your most common snow conditions are, there's something here for everyone.

As I have always said and as Tony reiterates - Demo, Demo, Demo. Skis that are great for one person may not be so great for a person of a different size, or someone who might like a faster ski, or more of a carver type. Take in the information and personal opinion of expert testers, like Tony, and then be sure to demo two or three skis before putting your money down.

_{Image © Mike Doyle}

Are you considering taking your family on a ski vacation this season? It's important to choose a ski resort that is geared towards families and children. Not all ski resorts are suitable for younger or beginner skiers. There are some resorts where the terrain and services are geared toward satisfying the challenges of the advanced skier. Your vacation will be more fun if you visit a family-friendly ski resort that offers special programs, packages, and discounts for children.

Don't wait too long to book your trip. You'll need to book holiday and school vacation weeks early to get your first choice of airline and hotel or condo reservations. That's especiall true this year with airlines cutting flights and raising prices. Also, if you're booking ski school or lessons for your family, book them when you make your reservations, so you're sure to get a spot in the class.

Ski Vacations

• Family Ski Vacations
• Top Ski Vacations
• Ski Resorts
• Ski Deals / Discounts

Image © Mike Doyle

In early June, I mentioned the daydream of an enclosed ski area in Riverhead, Long Island. Well that dream is a little closer to becoming a reality - about $2,000,000 closer.

Recently, officials of Riverside Resorts turned over an unrefundable $2M to the town of Riverhead to initiate the environmental, engineering, energy, and other review studies necessary before the proposed project can began construction. The investors, led by Scottish home builders Baldragon Homes Ltd. and real estate developers Bayrock Group LLC, say the payment is a sign of their commitment to the project, which is being proposed for 160 acres of the old Northrup Grumman site.

Only 75 miles east of New York City, the resort will include, in addition to the 35 story ski area, an indoor water park, a convention center and hotel, a winery, equestrian trails, campgrounds, an artificial lake, and a spa surrounded by botanical gardens.

While, if all plans go as the developers see it, skiing isn't planned until 2013. Maybe you might want to makes some subtle inquiries into possible slopeside properties, but don't look for anything resembling an alpine chalet.

_{Dubai Snowdome Copyright Getty Images Chris Jackson}

These days, Jeremy Bloom, former college football standout, two time Olympian freestyle skier, and 2005 World cup mogul champion is working hard to make the 53 man Pittsburg Steelers roster. While football is his main focus, Bloom tells LancasterOnline.com (Intelligencer Journal) that he still finds time to check out the Summer Olympics action in Beijing.

"The Olympic Games will always hold a special place in my heart," Bloom said. "So I'm very excited for the Summer Games. I think we are sending a great team, and I'll be watching when I can." Being a part of the opening ceremonies at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City with the country's post 9/11 solidarity is one of his best Olympic memories.

Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles following a splendid, but shortened, college career at the University of Colorado, Bloom ended up on injured reserve with a hamstring injury before being released at the end of training camp. He was signed by the Steelers prior to their playoff game against Jacksonville last January and is competing for a spot in the Steeler receiver corps.

In Olympic freestyle skiing and college football Jeremy, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, always gave 110% and if he can stay injury-free on the pro football circuit he has a good shot of helping the Steelers into another playoff round.

_{Freestyle photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Steelers headshot photo/Getty Images}

Olympic gold medalist Julia Mancuso and silver medalist Gretchen Bleiler might not be competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, but they are certainly in the midst of the action. Both have taken on journalist assignments for the duration of the Games.

Mancuso, Gold Medal winner in Torino, Italy, in 2006, is a lifestyle correspondent for NBC's Olympic lead-in show called "The Ozone," which airs Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Her segment, entitled "Julia's Beijing Must List," follows her around as she explores Beijing as a winter Olympian at the Summer Games for the first time.

Bleiler, recently named Best Female Action Sports Athlete at the 2008 ESPY awards, isinterviewing athletes and providing morning wrap-up sessions at 9:00 a.m. ET daily for the online Yahoo! Sports Olympic Wrap-Up.

Mancuso's segments also will be available online at NBCOlympics.com and she will be updating her blog regularly.

_{Photo of Julia Mancuso Copyright Agence Zoom / Getty Images}

If you are in the Lake Tahoe region this weekend, make your way over to Squaw Valley USA on Monday night for a high rise camp out under Mother Nature's Perseid meteor shower.

The Perseids are an annual happenning, beginning in late July and stretching into August. However, there is always one night that the viewing of the shower is at its best and this year, that evening falls on Monday, August 11. The main event night pretty much guarantees sky wathchers will be presented with colorful fireballs, occasional outbursts, and almost always, long hours of gracefully streaking meteors.

On Monday evening, Perseid Meteor Shower campers can upload the Cable Car between 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Arriving at High Camp, guests have the option of a sun set hike around Squaw Valley's upper mountain peaks or eating a special dinner at the mountaintop cafe.

Professional stargazers will be at the 8,200' High Camp site providing viewing telescopes and an informational briefing. At 10 pm, the meteor shower viewing will begin and in the morning, from 7 am to 8 am, campers will enjoy a continental breakfast before taking the Cable Car back down.

The Perseid Meteor Shower Family Campout is subject to selling out so reservations are required. If you can't make this event you can still explore the wonders of the night sky during one of Squaw Valley's summer Stargazing Sessions each Friday and Saturday evening in July and August. More information is available on Squaw Valley USA.

_{Perseid Meteor Shower Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images}

The 2009 U.S. Alpine Ski Team, which includes 12 Olympians and three World Championships medalists was named recently, according to Alpine Director Jesse Hunt.

Speaking of the 46-member Team (25 men, 21 women) Director Hunt said, "This is an amazing group of athletes that clearly stepped up to the next level last season. On the World Cup we had tremendous results with Ted and Lindsey taking titles as well as a first World Cup win by Marco and podium performances by Julia, Scott and Steven. This positions the Team well and gives us great momentum going into the 2009 World Championship season."

The 2009 U.S. Alpine Ski Team (with date of birth, hometown and club program)

A TEAM

Men
Jimmy Cochran (5/29/81; Keene, NH; Cochran's/Mount Mansfield Ski & Snowboard Club)
Ted Ligety (8/31/84; Park City, UT; Park City Ski Team)
Scott Macartney (1/19/78; Crystal Mountain, WA; Crystal Mountain Alpine Club)
Steven Nyman (2/12/82; Provo, UT; Park City Ski Team/Sundance)
Marco Sullivan (4/27/80; Squaw Valley, CA; Squaw Valley Ski Team)

Women
Stacey Cook (7/3/84; Mammoth, CA; Mammoth Mountain Ski Team)
Julia Mancuso (9/9/84; Olympic Valley, CA; Squaw Valley Ski Team)
Kaylin Richardson (9/28/84; Edina, MN; Team Gilboa)
Resi Stiegler (11/14/85; Jackson Hole, WY; Park City Ski Team/Jackson Hole)
Lindsey Vonn (10/18/84; Vail, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail/Buck Hill Ski Team)

B TEAM
Men
Erik Fisher (3/21/85; Middleton, ID; Bogus Basin)
Tommy Ford (3/20/89; Bend, OR; Mount Bachelor Ski Education Foundation)
Kevin Francis (6/13/82; Bend, OR; Mount Bachelor Ski Education Foundation)
Tim Jitloff (1/11/85; Reno, NV; Park City Ski Team)
Tim Kelley (5/20/86; Starksboro, VT; Cochran's/Mount Mansfield Ski & Snowboard Club)
TJ Lanning (8/27/84; Park City, UT; Park City Ski Team)
Cody Marshall (11/15/82; Pittsfield, VT; Burke Mountain Academy)
Erik Schlopy (8/21/72; Park City, UT; Park City Ski Team)
Jeremy Transue (6/1/83; Hunter, NY; Green Mountain Valley School)
Andrew Weibrecht (2/10/86; Lake Placid, NY; New York Ski Education Foundation)

Women
Hailey Duke (9/17/85; Boise, ID; Park City Ski Education Foundation/McCall Ski Team)
Jessica Kelley (10/5/82; Starksboro, VT; Cochran's/Mount Mansfield Ski & Snowboard Club)
Chelsea Marshall (8/14/86; Pittsfield, VT; Green Mountain Valley School)
Megan McJames (9/24/87; Park City, UT; Park City Ski Education Foundation)
Sarah Schleper (2/19/79; Vail, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail)
Leanne Smith (5/28/87; Conway, NH; Mt. Washington Valley Ski Team)

C TEAM
Men
Chris Beckmann (10/9/86; Guilderland, NY; New York Ski Education Foundation)
Will Brandenburg (1/1/87; Spokane, WA; Schweitzer Alpine Racing)
Travis Ganong (7/14/88; Squaw Valley, CA; Squaw Valley Ski Team)
Tague Thorson (1/9/85; Park City, UT; Romark Ski Academy)

Women
Sterling Grant (6/1/87; Amery, WI; Buck Hill Ski Team)
Keely Kelleher (8/12/84; Big Sky, MT; Rowmark Ski Academy)
Julia Littman (7/21/84; Vail, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail)
Laurenne Ross (8/17/88; Klamath Falls, OR; Mount Bachelor Ski Education Foundation)
Kiley Staples (2/2/89; Park City, UT; Rowmark Ski Academy)

U.S. Alpine Development Team
Men
Michael Ankeny (1/17/91; Deephaven, MN; Buck Hill Ski Team)
Nick Daniels (4/5/91; Tahoe City, CA; Squaw Valley Ski Team)
Colby Granstrom (9/21/90; Lake Stevens, WA; Mission Ridge Ski Education Foundation)
Will Gregorak (9/30/90; Longmont, CO; Ski and Snowboard Club Vail)
Nolan Kasper (3/27/89; Warren, VT; Burke Mountain Academy)
Wiley Maple (5/25/90; Aspen, CO; Aspen Valley Ski Club)

Women
Felicia Byers (12/17/91; Sandy, UT; Snowbird Sports Education Foundation)
Julia Ford (3/30/90; Plymouth, NH; Holderness Ski Team)
Kayla Fry (5/1/90; Reno, NV; Team Savage Ski Racing)
Alice McKennis (8/19/89; Glenwood Springs, CO; Rowmark Ski Academy)
Jennie VanWagner (6/22/89; Traverse City, MI; Rowmark Ski Academy)

Reserve
Caroline Lalive (8/10/79; Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club)

The Team is currently gearing up for month-long training camps in New Zealand and Chile, with the World Cup season set to open Oct. 25-26 in Soelden, Austria. The annual swing to America kicks off Thanksgiving weekend in Colorado with the Aspen Winternational for women, while the men will race the harrowing Birds of Prey starting Dec. 2 at nearby Beaver Creek Resort. The highlight of the 08-09 season will be the World Championships scheduled for Feb. 3-15 in Val d'Isere, France.

_{Lindsey Vonn Image Copyright Don Emmert/ Getty Images}