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The North Wind

The North Wind

The North Wind

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Rachel Pott
Rachel Pott
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I am a marketing major about to start my second year at Northern Michigan University, however, this will be my third year in college. I previously attended a small community college...

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The North Wind is an independent student publication serving the Northern Michigan University community. It is partially funded by the Student Activity Fee. The North Wind digital paper is published daily during the fall and winter semesters except on university holidays and during exam weeks. The North Wind Board of Directors is composed of representatives of the student body, faculty, administration and area media.

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Camp to teach the art of snowboarding

At a time when the snowboarding season is in full swing, students may wonder where they can go to learn new tricks and techniques.

It is for this reason that Casualties Skate, Snow, & Surf is hosting their ninth annual Bootcamp on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Marquette Mountain.

“Bootcamp is an instructional snowboard event, meaning it is designed to teach people skills and tricks, maneuvers-basically, improve your snowboarding skills,” said Andy Jones, co-owner of Casualties. “It’s not a competition; it’s just simply a way to improve on your riding whether you’ve never snowboarded before and just want to learn how to do the basics or if you are a more advanced rider who wants to learn how to do tricks and just kind-of polish your style.”

Jones said the event is formatted to give snowboarders an ample amount of time to learn from experienced coaches.

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“The coaches are a variety of people, we have a handful of Casualties crew members who may be sponsored riders for our shop or experienced people who have been riding for 10 years or more,” he said. “We also get a lot of regional riders who are sponsored by some of the companies that we do business with.”

Jones added that professional snowboarder Aaron Biittner, who is sponsored by DC Snow, a big-time snowboard company, will be joining the coaches at Bootcamp.

“Aaron is very personable, he relates to the kids that are coming out,” said Stan Kosmider, East Coast brand manager for DC Snow. “He is one of the progressive up and comers. There is raw talent in whatever he does. He just has a natural ability for the sport and an overall passion.”

Kosmider said that because Biittner is so easy going, less experienced snowboarders will get the chance to find out what it takes to be a professional rider.

“In the social environment, he doesn’t have a big ego, he’s just one of the guys,” Kosmider said. “When pro riders get these egos, it deters people from them. Aaron (Biittner) gives the kids hope that they can accomplish something of magnitude.”

Senior hospitality management major Sadie Leversee said she has enjoyed spending time with professional riders at the last two Casualties Bootcamps that she has participated in.

“Yeah, I did get to spend some time with the pros, they were riding around the camp all day giving tips and just hanging out with everyone,” she said. “It was really cool to hang out with them. They were all really awesome and down to earth.”

Leversee said the Bootcamp includes a morning of instruction, a cookout, an afternoon of more riding and prize giveaways at the end of the day. She said she thinks the event is a wonderful experience for any level of rider.

“It’s a great chance to get to know other people and progress your riding abilities,” she said. “The groups allow the riders to focus on what they want to learn individually.”

The group is an excellent setting for progressive riders to develop their abilities, Jones said.

“When you are in groups like that it gets a little bit competitive,” he said. “People tend to push each other and it’s just a confidence booster.”

Jones added that Casualties tries to focus a good deal of attention on female snowboarders during the event.

“We always take special care of the ladies, because we know that snowboarding can be kind-of a dude-fest,” he said. “Bootcamp is an event where there are always a lot of female riders and we like to take care of them because we like to see that side of the sport continue to grow.”

Kosmider said DC Snow is excited to be a part of an event that is doing so much for the snowboarders in Marquette.

“The fact that Casualties is giving back to the community is an awesome thing,” he said. “An event of this magnitude is awesome to be a part of.”

Casualties Bootcamp costs $35 for NMU students or $45 for non-students and starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with registration available from 9 to 10 a.m. Pre-registration is suggested and can be done at Casualties Skate, Snow, & Surf from now until the event. DC Snow will be sponsoring an after-party for individuals ages 18 and up at UpFront & Company with doors opening at 9 p.m.

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