Standing Rock I Yoga for Cyclists I Switchback I Event Calendar
Dec 2016/Jan 2017 Issue #94
SNOWBOUND winter resort guide
big wave women
at Pe‘ahi and Mavericks
chris burkard
adventure photographer
winter eastside climbing
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WINTER
ALPENGLOWSPORTS.COM
Table of Contents
Photo: Bear Mountain Resort
departments
6 7 8 10 15
editor’s note
A Ripple in the Force
inBox / sWitChBaCk Readers sound off
ear to the ground News & notes
epiC
Standing Rock
gift giving guide Holiday wishlist
25
event Calendar
Events at a glance
features
12 14
Winter ClimBing
Rocky fun on the Eastside
Yoga for CYClists Six essential poses
18 20 22
Photo: Chris Burkard
Photo: Paige Laverty
Photo: Bruce Willey
Photo: Lauren Gregg
Winter resorts
Your guide to the best spots for snowsports
Big Wave Women
Women take on surf comps
Cover Photo
Capturing the moment
Sean Cronin at Kirkwood Mountain Resort where he is enjoying steep skiing among large volcanic spires.
Photographer Chris Burkard
Photo: Bligh Gillies/Aurora Photography
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CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
The best way to explore Tahoe’s winter wonderland. Discover the fun and tranquility of cross country skiing this season.
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4 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017 AdventureSportsJournal2016.indd 1
11/18/16 8:17 PM
asj contributors what was your favorite outdoor adventure in 2016?
leoniesherman
I feel about outdoor adventure the way Peter Croft feels about climbing: my best outdoor adventure is the one I’m about to embark upon. Or the one I just finished.
havenlivingston
Teaching an adult friend how to surf. The thrill of her excitement when she first stood up was one of the best feelings ever. My most memorable adventure was a three hour portage on the Mokelumne River.
chrisvanleuven
Getting the local’s tour at Turkey Tail in South Platte, CO with hardman 67-yrold Jimmie Dunn. Dunn established all of the steep, sustained routes we climbed that day more than 40 years ago.
chrisburkard
The best adventure I had was the last one. I went to Joshua Tree to shoot a highliner walk a line that was directly in front of the supermoon. It was the most hectic, fast paced shoot I have ever done.
laurengregg
brucewilley
My first time checking out the epic mountain biking of British Columbia was an unreal experience this year. The trails lived up to their world-class reputation and the whole area was just beautiful.
There I was at the base of the Eiger, storm and fury. I checked my boots to be sure the laces were tied. It was only then I realized my toddler had just shit her pants. I had forgotten to bring an extra pair. Maybe next time.
derrickpeterman
Re-discovering my favorite running trails at Almaden Quicksilver Park in Santa Clara Country. I used to run them all the time years ago. It was like meeting an old friend.
PUBLISHING + EDITORIAL PUBLISHER Cathy Claesson cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com EDITORIAL/MARKETING Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com EDITORIAL Michele Charboneau michele@adventuresportsjournal.com INTERN Joe Spota CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Leonie Sherman, Haven Livingston, Chris Van Leuven, Lauren Gregg CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Leonie Sherman, Chris Burkard, Bligh Gillies, Bruce Willey, Lauren Gregg, Paige Laverty, Dan Severson, Nick Gregg, Peter Morning, Peter Long, Called To Creation, Kaori Photo, Julie Cahill, Nikki DiSanto LAYOUT Cathy Claesson & Michele Charboneau WEBMASTER Brooklyn Taylor brook@adventuresportsjournal.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cathy Claesson I 831.234.0351 cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com EVENTS & DISTRIBUTION Matt Niswonger matt@adventuresportsjournal.com
All content © Adventure Sports Journal 2016. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editors.
ADVENTURE SPORTS JOURNAL PO BOX 35 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 Phone 831.457.9453 asjstaff@adventuresportsjournal.com
michelecharboneau
Living on the road all summer, traveling the western US with my pup Seabee. Working the California Enduro Series races and enjoying a ton of mountain biking in some truly amazing places.
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5
Editor’s Note
..........
A Ripple in the Force Our response to The Donald
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n the wake of the 2016 presidential election it’s clear that know my strong feelings on the matter. How selfish to ignore the California sees the world through a completely different lens temperature and CO2 data and the strong warnings from the than the rest of America. By a huge margin, we rejected Donald scientific community for the sake of convenience and the continued Trump and his pessimistic worldview. No hard feelings America, but profits of the petroleum industry. It’s maddening and insane given we are headed in a completely different direction. the very real economic and environmental benefits of clean energy Most Californians passionately rejected Trump’s divisive vision for policies as demonstrated right here in the Golden State. our country. Now as he prepares to be sworn in as our 45th president On the other hand, some ASJ readers have sent emails telling me he seems to be shifting his view and softening his rhetoric on certain to tone down the politics in my editor’s note and let ASJ remain a campaign promises like putting Hillary in jail and building a wall pleasant escape from the realities of the world. I find this challenging. along our border. Whatever. Changing your tone after the election Personally I don’t see a way to separate the two. If you climb, ski, only undermines the power of everything you say moving forward. hike, surf, bike or enjoy any form of outdoor adventure how can you California voters have made it abundantly clear that we don’t buy avoid taking sides when one presidential candidate is completely what you are selling. wrong on climate change and the other candidate is completely For the most part we see diversity as a strength, we care about right? the environment, and we are just not that worried about the rest of In addition, I don’t see a separation between environmental issues the world taking advantage of us. During the campaign Trump kept like climate change and social issues like the disgusting misogyny, saying, “the rest of the world is laughing at us racism, and xenophobia that reared its ugly because of the deals we make.” California’s head during the campaign. Our addiction response? “Bro, you need to relax. You sound to fossil fuels and our addiction to hate and really insecure when you say that.” fear are two linked issues that humans must Another way to understand how California is address. The future of our planet and our completely immune to the Trump phenomenon species is at stake. is how we react to his trademarked catchphrase With this in mind, for the first time ever we “make America great again.” That phrase sent a journalist to another state to cover doesn’t even make sense for someone from an important story that is both social and California. Everyone knows that too much time environmental at its core. Longtime ASJ editor spent thinking about the past causes regret. Leonie Sherman traveled to South Dakota to Inversely, too much time spent thinking about witness the conflict at Standing Rock firstthe future causes anxiety. Happiness is found hand and write about the ongoing protests rght in the middle, as a “right now” experience of the Dakota Access Pipeline. We are excited and people in California get that. to expand our coverage to include an issue Happiness is experienced in the present Happiness is only found in the present moment. Good outside of California that is important to our moment while waxing your surfboard on the times mountain biking with the family in the Lost Sierra. readers. Her excellent story The Freedom beach, or while clipping the anchors after a Runners of Standing Rock bears witness to successful redpoint of your favorite sport climb. For some people the importance of nonviolent resistance in the face of corporate and happiness is drinking a well-earned beer after an epic hike in the political greed. forest or laughing with friends after watching a sunset or a cup of What are your thoughts? Should ASJ continue down the path of tea after yoga. expanded coverage for environmental and social causes? Or is it The point is, regardless of how much money you make, or how you better to keep outdoor adventure separate from politics? You know feel about immigration, or terrorism, or climate change, we feel it my thoughts, what about yours? Send me an email or comment necessary to remind ASJ readers that nature is always right there in directly at the end of this article when it gets posted online. the present moment offering us a chance to get out of our head and Welcome to issue #94. We are seeing the snowflakes fall and into the adventurous moment. looking forward to a snowy winter (I hope). Here at Adventure Sports Journal we have been discussing what the appropriate level of political involvement looks like for a California Thanks for reading. outdoor publication. Should we be political? What do ASJ readers think? — Matt Niswonger On the one hand it seems almost impossible to stay out of politics. matt@adventuresportsjournal.com With a climate change denier (or at least a climate change flipflopper) running the country, how do we stand by while the future PS My original editor’s note was voted down and rejected is being robbed from our grandchildren? I’ve written about climate by the editorial staff as too polarizing and weird. In case change quite a bit in previous issues, and long-time ASJ readers you find it interesting you can read it online by going to adventuresportsjournal.com/editors-note-trump-wins/
Beer Worth Earning // BY NEW BELGIUM BEN & JERRY’S CHOCOLATE CHIP By Derrick Peterman ce cream and beer is an unlikely combination, but New Belgium Brewing and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream pull it off with their winter release of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale. They’re partnering with Protect our Winters (POW), an outdoor sports organization devoted to raising awareness for climate change. In addition to a portion of the beer’s proceeds being donated to POW, the three organizations are planning a series of rallies across the country with letter writing stations, POW athletes
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6 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
speaking out about the dangers of climate change, raffles, and of course beer and ice cream. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale is brewed with chocolate, vanilla, and brown sugar added to a Blonde Ale base. The resulting light golden brown ale suggests cookie dough in liquid form, without being heavy or syrupy sweet. It’s a tasty, refreshing way to support a good cause. newbelgium.com/beer/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough
Armchair Adventurer
By Chris Van Leuven
A
ward-winning photographer (and adventurer) Carl Battreall gave new meaning to the phrase “labor of love” when he spent 10 years capturing images of one of Alaska’s tallest and most inaccessible mountain ranges for his latest book Alaska Range: Exploring the Last Great Wild. “There are only three roads that access 80 miles of the range,” Battreall told Adventure Sports Journal. “Ninety-five percent of visitors go to the 90-mile road in Denali National Park, but that’s just a little chunk of the range.” Printed on recycled glossy paper, Alaska Range is a collection of images and essays inspired by Battreall’s adventures across glaciers, tundra, rivers, and mountains in the 650-mile Alaska Range. His shot of The Citadel in the Neacola Mountains, located in the southwest corner of the Alaska Range, inspired top British alpinists Matt Helliker and Jon Bracey to attempt the peak’s unclimbed 1,200-meter ridge. A film was made of their attempt called “Citadel.” Published by Mountaineers Books. 172 pages; $30. Available on PhotographAlaska.com and Amazon.com.
INBOX
Fan mail, feedback, ideas & opinions Letters to the Editor
In response to “Uncomfortably Numb” in ASJ #93
JUST DO IT I really enjoyed reading your Editor’s Note, “Uncomfortably Numb.” The struggle between living life with adventure and passion, and ... doing the “right thing” is a personal conflict that I, and so many others, know all too well. Reading your article brought me back to my days in Bend, OR, Telluride, CO, and Tahoe when I was skiing my ass off, mountain biking endless trails, rock climbing, and fly fishing western streams. It was an amazing feeling to be able to throw my belongings in my truck and move to a new town. There were times when I referred to my life as “poverty with a view,” but having that element of risk in my life compensated for a lot of things I didn’t have. Now I have all the other things I didn’t have before – money, a home, a loving wife, and two beautiful little kids. I know where my focus is, where I need to be, and I love my family beyond words. But not having that element of outdoor passion and risk does nag at me daily. I realize that so many people would kill for the “stable and secure” job that I have, but sometimes the grind seems crippling. I realize that I’m going through one of the most challenging times of family life (no sleep, diapers, constant home repairs, and having no time), but I fear that I’ll slip into a numb and unfulfilled life that optimizes so many of the people I work with. Don’t get me wrong – I totally plan on being an active dad and exposing my kids to the outdoors. I want them to experience a sunrise from the top of Mt. Shasta and the nervous excitement of pushing their limits. I know I need to ... “Just Do It.” Thanks for listening to my rant Matt! Any advice from someone who’s had kids & pushed them to take risks?! — Jon Bivetto, Santa Rosa
Join the Tribe
THE REAL TRAGEDY Fear is a very powerful drug. Addictive, often debilitating, it can drive one to make some of the best, or worst decisions of their life. In the action sports arena fear, failure, and fear of failure are dominant and necessary characteristics. Not doing, or bailing off of something purely out of fear is a very sharp double edged sword. While it guarantees survival, at what cost? It can be very demoralizing, leaving one feeling useless, cowardly and can really screw up your mental progression as an athlete. My close friend, employer and inspiring guide, the late, great Randall Grandstaff used to say “You could put cottonballs in your ears, put on a helmet and crawl into bed. You might never die. But at what cost?” A long boring life is not a life worth living. I have lost many friends in the pursuit of our passions and I don’t consider it tragic. Randall, McKonkey, Osman, Potter, Pereyra, the list goes on. If you could ask any of them if they would reconsider with the knowledge that it would eventually kill them, I can say with some certainty that all of them would carry on with the pursuit. Tragic is pro snowboarder Jeff Anderson bonking his head in a hotel lobby, tragic is my close friend Lindsay Brooks dying in a car accident a few months ago, tragic is the guy who works his whole life and all he has to show for it is money. So as I sit here, with my badly sprained ankle on ice from a fall on El Cap last week, which resulted in me spending two days getting down and literally crawling back to the car, I ponder my lost friends, my many close calls, and my future as a 43-year old skier and climber. The future is exactly that, the future. It’s unknown, it’s scary and exciting. But if there is one thing that I absolutely, 100% know for certain, it’s the comforting fact that in two months, I’ll be back out there with as much passion, drive, and fear as I have ever had, and I can’t wait. I’m glad to hear that you didn’t quit climbing Matt – it is the right decision. — Josh Pearlman, Santa Cruz
Van Living Crystal & Jeff Robertson • Le Grand Adventure Tours
“We’re nomads living a life of travel and running a business in our converted Sprinter van. We own an adventure tour company, Le Grand Adventure Tours where our team takes you skiing, biking or surfing from Japan to Santa Cruz or to Europe. Vanlife allows us to work while continuing our personal search to find the next great single track, a new surf spot along the coast or new coffee shop around the corner. Our van is a 2016 170 Sprinter 4x4 XL made by Roadtrek, which has been converted into a fully livable mobile sports garage. Shower/ bath, kitchen, fridge/freezer, solar, gear and everything we need to be mobile. The van has enough room for daily yoga, a morning espresso and a king size bed to fuel the working nomad lifestyle.”
Cover Choice
We asked you to help us choose this month’s cover shot, and these were our top four choices provided by Aurora Photography/Vail Resorts. Votes came down to 2 & 4, and although we were amped to feature a woman on the cover (@Brad AndDom said it well: “Girls getting shreddy are the best!”), we went with the popular vote – #4, an epic shot from Kirkwood Mountain Resort by Bligh Gillies.
Share YOUR story about living on the road. Email us at staff@adventuresportsjournal.com.
Switchback
Oct/Nov: The Van Life – Is it for YOU? Looks like the nomadic lifestyle is a winner, whether in reality or in your dreams! 51% — Dreaming of it ... 43% — Heck yeah – already living the dream! 5% — No way – I need my roots
Our next question is: Do you feel the election is going to affect the adventure sports community? Tell us how. Chime in at adventuresportsjournal.com/switchback-election.
Submit Your Stories & Photos ASJ is here for YOU – our reader! We value your feedback and contributions, and appreciate you getting involved!
Send us: Story ideas • Trip/race reports • Van living images Shots of your favorite place to hang a hammock • Guide stories Pictures of your adventure hound Plus: Follow @ShareThisWave • Tell us how you “Earn Your Beer” Respond to our articles and editor’s note Email: info@adventuresportsjournal.com adventuresportsjournal.com 7 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
EAR to the GROUND News & Notes
separately sold pieces that are designed to work together to create the most universal camera carry solution on the market. “My goal with this series was to create something that I’d be comfortably taking on 95% on my trips,” says Chris Burkard. “I wanted to create a durable, multipurpose series of bags that work together to suit my shooting style, and Mountainsmith, a brand with a reputation for building tough, long lasting products, was the perfect partner to collaborate with on such a project.” The Mountainsmith T.A.N. series is available now on Mountainsmith.com as well as ChrisBurkard.com and select retailers.
Surf Dog Ricochet
Ed Note: Read more about Chris Burkard on page 22.
Surf Dog Ricochet to Star in 3D IMAX Film Surfing dog Ricochet is one of five dogs who will be starring in the new 3D IMAX film Superpower Dogs, a family adventure film presented in association with the California Science Center being released worldwide in the spring of 2018. Ricochet’s role in the film will showcase how she balances boards … and lives. As the canine Ambassador for Surfers with Disabilities, she’s the only SURFice dog on the planet who provides therapeutic assistance while creating unique surfing experiences that empower kids with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors & veterans with PTSD.
run courses, participation was too low to make it economically feasible. In a ripple effect, low participation affected exhibitor, sponsor, and camping revenue. The financial losses proved too great to run the event without water levels high enough to hold it in one location. Founder co-founder Terry Davis anticipates returning the event to its former glory once California’s drought is over and water levels are normal. “There is not another event in the world like Wildflower and we need it in our sport,” Davis asserts. The same drought conditions have also affected Lake Lopez in San Luis Obispo, cancelling Scott Tinley’s Triathlon for 2017. Learn more at adventuresportsjournal.com/ wildflower-triathlon-2017-cancelled.
Learn more about Surf Dog Ricochet at adventuresportsjournal.com/surf-dogricochet-canine-ambassador-for-surferswith-disabilities and learn more about Superpower Dogs at superpowerdogs.com.
Mountainsmith Partners with Chris Burkard on New Line of Adventure Photography Packs Mountainsmith – which crafts iconic backcountry equipment and recreational outdoor gear – recently launched a new line of adventure camera packs designed in collaboration with legendary outdoor lifestyle photographer Chris Burkard. The Burkard T.A.N. series, which stands for “Tough as Nails,” is comprised of five
Kaori Photo
Wildflower Triathlon Cancelled Tri-California announced that it will not produce its iconic Wildflower Triathlon for 2017 – nor any of its other triathlon events – due to prolonged drought, the economic climate, and a decrease in triathlon participation. Although the event planner pulled out all the stops to produce quality Wildflower events in 2015 and 2016 with alternate swim, run, bike, and
Tom Moulin
Red Rock Canyon Under Threat of Development Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) – a popular Las Vegasarea destination for outdoor enthusiasts across the globe – is under threat of a
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massive housing development project that includes 5,000 homes. Clark County Commissioners are currently considering a request to rezone land that’s currently deemed rural, which would result in the destruction of Red Rock’s landscape, bringing pollution and traffic to the area and enraging the two million visitors who use the RRCNCA each year as a destination for climbing, hiking, biking and camping. The proposed 2,010-acre high-density development is on land that borders RRCNCA. Clark County Commissioners will decide the fate of Red Rock Canyon on December 7, 2016. Save Red Rock (SRR) is a grass roots organization committed to protecting the rural, recreational, and scenic nature of Red Rock Canyon. The organization has a long history of success in safeguarding the area. Learn more at SaveRedRock.com.
Crossing Bhutan Documentary Raises Funds for Non-Profits A community showing of Crossing Bhutan on January 27, 2017 in Santa Cruz will raise funds for the Santa Cruz High Cross Country Team and the Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs. The film tells the story of four veteran athletes and their journey to explore Bhutan’s enigmatic policy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) by making the first-ever 485-mile, border-to-border crossing of this isolated kingdom entirely by foot and bike. Learn more about the film at crossingbhutan.com, purchase tickets for the Santa Cruz showing at brownpapertickets.com/ event/2715782, and discover other community showings at facebook.com/ CrossingBhutanCommunityShowings.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Santa Cruz February 23-26, 2017 to exhilarate outdoor enthusiasts with amazing big-screen stories. Journey to exotic locations, paddle the wildest waters and climb the highest peaks. Get your tickets today and be taken away to the most captivating places on earth. This stop on the world tour is hosted by UC Santa Cruz Recreation and proudly sponsored by Adventure Sports Journal. For ticket information visit recreation. ucsc.edu. For the full tour listing, visit banffcentre.ca/banff-mountain-filmand-book-festival.
Dan Severson / Epic Rides
Epic Rides Carson City Off-Road
The 2nd annual Carson City Off-Road – scheduled for June 16-18, 2017 – will again be the third stop in the Epic Rides Off-Road Series. Following the Whiskey Off-Road and Grand Junction Off-Road, the sold-out inaugural (sold out) event welcomed mountain bikers of all skill level to enjoy a 15-, 35-, or 50-mile backcountry loop. The scenic routes take riders up the Eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada, offering expansive views of Lake Tahoe, Washoe Valley and the Carson Valley while featuring portions of the Tahoe Rim Trail and connecting some of the area’s favorite (and challenging) pieces of singletrack, double track, gravel roads and the occasional paved segment. With Carson City’s main street recently renovated, downtown is now purposebuilt ready to host a massive bike party including three days of event festivities. Immerse in the area’s silver mining heritage and be welcomed by its modern day appreciation for the outdoor enthusiast. Registration for the Carson City Off-Road opens January 1, 2017. Act fast to receive early registration benefits. Learn more at epicrides.com.
Called To Creation
California Enduro Series Announces 2017 Schedule
The California Enduro Series (CES) announced the 2017 race schedule, promising another extraordinary year of enduro racing. Celebrating its fifth year, the series introduces two new venues and welcomes back a favorite from the 2015 lineup. The upcoming season also sees the return of the successful Golden Tour with a $24,000 cash purse for Pro categories. Returning for 2017 are the popular Golden Tour events at China Peak, Northstar, and Mammoth along with the Toro Enduro and the Ashland Mountain Challenge. The series also welcomes back a popular venue from 2015 – the Wild Wood Adventure Enduro on the Mendocino coast. New additions for the 2017 lineup are the Mammoth Bar Enduro in Auburn and the Crafts and Cranks Enduro at Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake. With the expansion to eight events, 2017 series points are based on the top six results of the eight races. Learn more about the series at californiaenduroseries.com. 9 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
EPiC: Environmental Partnership Campaign
FREEDOM RUNNERS OF STANDING ROCK Spiritual runs for political purposes By Leonie Sherman
I
t’s a long drive from Santa Cruz to North Dakota, but we only stopped for food, gas and sleep on our 1600 mile journey. We were eager to join thousands of people gathered on the banks of the Missouri River, half a mile north of the Standing Rock Reservation, to protect drinking water and indigenous sovereignty. Due to a militarized road block we couldn’t even find the camp. We pulled in at a gas station outside Cannon Ball just as a white van painted with “Crazy Horse Company,” “100% Warrior Society” and “NoDAPL” disgorged a dozen subdued young men with wild eyes. “We just came from the front,” a guy named Tyler explained. “A rubber bullet broke my arm.” He held up his bandaged left forearm; an x-ray the next day confirmed his diagnosis. “I had this tear gas mask, so I could breathe OK and I got right up front, but then one of them bullets hit me right in the jaw. Pow! It knocked out a tooth.” “We come from the Pine Ridge Reservation, in South Dakota,” an earnest, smiling man named Julian Running Bear told us. “We went down to Flagstaff to support this 15-year old kid named Riley Ortega, he wanted to send prayers from his home to here. So we all ran from Flagstaff to Standing Rock to bring his prayers to this place.” “This place” being the Oceti Sakowin camp. On a windswept prairie, hundreds of indigenous people and thousands of their non-indigenous allies are resisting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, where it would cross the Missouri River, just upstream from the Standing Rock Reservation. Transfer Energy Partners, the company in charge of construction, promised to begin delivering oil to a refinery in Illinois on January 1, 2017. Failure to do so could trigger a contract renegotiation, cutting into corporate profits. A spill, leak or rupture in that pipeline would dump crude oil directly into Lake Oahe and the Missouri,
“These are spiritual runs for political reasons,” explains Marcella, who participated in native freedom runs from 1977-1981. “We ran across the state of South Dakota to support the family of a political prisoner in Sioux Falls. We’d been taught the way we help each other is by sacrificing, so we ran.” 10 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
affecting the drinking water for millions of people. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has reported 3,300 such incidents since 2010. That same year, a pipeline spilled more than 800,000 gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan, leading to a clean up effort that lasted years and cost more than a billion dollars. “It’s not really a question of if there will be a spill here, but when,” Marcella Gilbert, a Cheyenne-River Sioux who has been living at the camp since August, points out. “We aren’t just doing this for our people who live right downstream, whose drinking water will be contaminated by a spill,” says her mother, Madonna Thunderhawk, who has also been in camp since August. “We’re doing this for all the rest of the people who live downstream as well, for all of us whose waters will be affected by an accident here.” “Of course, originally they planned to put the pipeline north of Bismarck, but that was too close to their water supply,” Madonna continues. “So they re-routed it here, thinking ‘it’s just a couple of natives, what can they do?’ These people who are building this pipeline, they don’t know who they’re dealing with. They don’t understand how powerful our young people can be.” A dozen of those powerful young people stood before me at that gas station. Clouds of our breath hung in the air between us as they explained the logistics of their 1,300 mile run, which took just eight and a half days. “We started with about 15 folks, but by the time we got to Standing Rock there were over a hundred of us,” explained Graham, a Navajo native from Shiprock, who joined the run on its second day. “We carried sage and corn and a sacred staff more than twenty years old, from my uncle,” explained one of the young freedom runners, Griffin. “We pray while we run. In the past five months, I guess I’ve run almost two thousand miles.” “These are spiritual runs for political reasons,” explains Marcella, who participated in native freedom runs from 1977-1981. “We ran across the state of South Dakota to support the family of a political prisoner in Sioux Falls. We’d been taught the way we help each other is by sacrificing, so we ran.”
PHOTOS “A lot of these boys never ran before this,” Main image: Lakota runner, Julian says, with a smile freedom run, 1984 (Larry Long). Middle: Iroquois protector of obvious pride. “Some waving flag from the front lines of these guys had never (Leonie Sherman). Bottom: Pine left the rez before. Some Ridge Runners praying together of them spent their whole before heading to the front lines days drunk. But they’ve (Leonie Sherman). been sober this whole trip and they want to stay that way.” He pauses. “We pray together every morning. They’re learning about their heritage and the right way to be. They’re learning the treaty history. They’re asking me to find other runs for them to take part in, for when we go back to the reservation, to help them keep living in a good way.” Julian hopes to oblige by organizing a run along the boundaries of the Great Sioux Reservation, created by the Fort Laramie Treaty in 1868, and ratified by Congress, making it the law of the land. The Great Sioux Reservation encompasses the entire state of
The land is all we’ve got. We don’t have anything else left.”
PHOTOS Top Left: Elders leading a march from Oceti Sakowin camp to the front line camp along Highway 1806 (Lakota People’s Law Project). Above: Sunset at Oceti Sakowin camp (Lakota People’s Law Project). Top Right: Looking out on Oceti Sakowin camp from Facebook Hill (Leonie Sherman).
South Dakota west of the Missouri River. According to the treaty, natives are guaranteed “absolute and undisturbed use of the Great Sioux Reservation”, including jurisdiction over who can pass through or settle there. The document is specific about potential renegotiation: “No treaty for cession of any portion or part of the reservation herein described....shall be of any validity or force....unless executed or signed by at least three-fourths of all the adult male Indians.” “It’s all about the land,” says Madonna, gesturing at the brown rolling hills and bristling tipis of Oceti Sakowin. “People come out here with a lot of different agendas, but for us it’s always been about the land. Our ancestors are buried here. We come from here. We grow up here. This isn’t about climate change for us, it’s about the place we call home.
Getting Involved
What can a reader of Adventure Sports Journal do to support Oceti Sakowin? Every native person to whom I posed this question had the same response: “Come to Standing Rock!” “Come with a skill,” suggested Marcella Gilbert. “We need lawyers, law students, folks with medical or legal training, doctors and medics.” Help is also appreciated in the communal kitchen, chopping wood and with carpentry to prepare shelters for the bitter cold winter months. “Come for the long haul,” says Madonna Thunderhawk, Marcella’s mother. “We need folks who are willing to risk arrest.” “Come willing to help out and be willing to follow instructions,” continues Marcella. “Don’t just show up and expect to be taken care of. Don’t expect a warm place to stay unless you already have connections here.” Every indigenous person I asked discouraged tourists, folks coming for a couple of days to snap photos and check out the scene. “If you don’t want to help out, what are you doing here?” was a common refrain. If you can’t afford the time to come visit, cash donations to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe are appreciated. Donations can be ear marked for porta potties, dumpsters and propane, which are the greatest needs at camp. Learn more at standingrocksolidaritynetwork.org. —LS
D
o you have a favorite non-profit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship and access for the outdoor sports community throughout California and beyond? Nominate it for our Environmental Partnership Campaign (EPiC) program for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of Adventure Sports Journal (ASJ)!
EPiC
Adventure Sports Journal’s ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP CAMPAIGN
ASJ’s mission is to provide inspiring coverage of California’s epic terrain, and to help the outdoor sports community preserve and maintain access for future generations.
Email us at info@adventuresportsjournal.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and/or visit our website for more information:
adventuresportsjournal.com facebook.com/ASJmag instagram.com/ASJmag Photo: Jim Wilkinson-Ray
11 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
Climbing in a Winter Wonderland Rocky fun on the Eastside By Leonie Sherman • Photos Bruce Willey
F
or California climbers the intersection of the Owens Valley, the Great Basin and the Mojave desert form a dramatic paradise of stone. Whether you want to boulder, clip bolts or belay from your bumper, you can scratch that itch on the quartz monzonite and volcanic tuff between the friendly towns of Bishop and Lone Pine. The Alabama Hills, Owens River Gorge and Happy and Sad Boulders showcase the diversity and quality of climbing available during the coldest darkest months in the rain shadow of the fairest range. Marty Lewis and Peter Croft have penned several Eastern Sierra climbing guides, which provide detailed and hilarious beta. What follows is only intended to whet your appetite and stoke your enthusiasm to drop whatever you’re doing and head for the Eastside. The Alabama Hills With their shaggy quartz monzonite boulder piles and cliffs, laid back regulations and abundance of well protected sport routes, the Alabama Hills have something for every style and level of climbing. The rock can be crumbly, scabby, rough, like crunchy peanut butter spread on a brittle cracker. But it can also be sharp hardened patina plates. The weather is sunnier and milder than Bishop. The approaches are rarely more than ten minute strolls and a decent espresso is less than 15 minutes away.
12 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
You can fill many happy days clipping bolts or scrambling around in the Hills. Locals have worked out intricate bouldering sequences they’re happy to share. But the real charm of the Alabama Hills is in the lack of crowds. You’ll rarely have to share a route. Amy Ness is the perfect ambassador for this surreal wonderland. She can tell you where to climb when it’s howling down from the mountains or blowing in from the south, which corridors will provide protection and which will turn into roaring wind tunnels, and which faces get
morning and afternoon sun. She’ll happily rope up with competent strangers or you can just hire her for the day. When I met her almost a decade ago she was enthusiastically exploring and studying the area; now she’s the founder and chief guide at the Whitney Basecamp Climbing School. She taught me to love the Hills. Now that’s her job. Though on their way to National Monument status, the Alabama Hills are currently managed by the BLM. 2 You can help preserve these lands by staying in established campgrounds. Tuttle Creek on
PHOTOS Opposite page, far left: A raven keeps an eye on Caroline Schaumann as she climbs the Shark Fin in the Alabama Hills. Clockwise from top: Getting happy in the Happies, Schaumann rises above the rim; Doug Robinson warming up the Smoke’s Rockcourse in the Buttermilk; High fives after one of Matilda Schaumann Willey’s first climbs. This page, left to right: Mary Devore reading her selfpenned book in the Owens Gorge; Boulders that make all of the Owens Valley Happy.
the Horseshoe Meadows Road is popular with climbers. And when life in the Hills gets too gritty, windy or cold, you can find the best tea selection on the Eastside, a decent fish taco and a bar with a genuine shuffle board just a short drive away in the charming town of Lone Pine.
The Owens River Gorge A hundred and ten miles north of Lone Pine is one of the Earth’s largest calderas – a valley 20 miles long, ten miles wide and up to 3,000 feet deep. Like all calderas, it was formed following a massive volcanic explosion that caused the underlying magma chamber to collapse. The Long Valley eruption lasted only a few days, but it covered an area larger than Cuba in stifling ash, which quickly hardened to welded tuff. Then the Owens River carved a gash through it, leaving sheer walls 600 feet high. Forty years ago some dirtbags with harnesses wandered onto the scene and now it’s one of the most popular sport climbing areas in the state. So, of course, climbers love to complain about the Owens River Gorge. How the sunniest routes are often crowded, it’s really just a damp hole in the ground and the Sierra is all about granite anyway. But volcanic tuff features positive holds and sharp edges, and the Gorge offers California’s longest routes on the stuff. The climbing is unremittingly steep and the rock is super polished, almost glazed. That means you can climb all day without chewing up your fingertips. Most routes are well bolted, so if you pop off while working a sequence, you’re not going to slam into anything. This allows even an inexperienced climber to safely engage with the pure athletic challenge of perfecting technique. Moves are well marked by the chalk of those who have come before. There’s only blank smooth tuff between holds, so climbing in the Gorge is reminiscent of following tape in a gym. Tiny crimping holds require hand and foot strength. Climbing here is not in powerful dynamic bursts, but more like a delicate sustained ballet.
There are some moderate climbs, but the best are in the 5.10-5.11 range. For someone of my modest abilities the Gorge offers the opportunity to pump out my forearms, watch the incredible grace of skilled climbers and be humbled as I thrutch, flail and grovel my way up long vertical routes.
The Happy & Sad Boulders If you want to fondle volcanic tuff but the weather has turned foul, head for the Happy and Sad Boulders. When the wind howls through the alpine zone and the temperature plummets in the Alabama Hills, chances are you can comfortably explore quality problems just outside of Bishop. The sheltered valley and low elevation means these areas tend to enjoy decent winter weather for a hundred miles. The tuff here is deeply pocketed with sharp edges, burly jugs and a wealth of positive holds. After four decades of love, all the breakable stuff has already been broken off, so the rock is solid unless it has rained directly on the boulders. In that case, you’ll want to wait a few days for things to dry out; tuff becomes saturated quickly. There’s a huge range of problems to accommodate all abilities. Where the Buttermilk is famous for sphinctertightening highballs, the Happy and Sad Boulders feature fun gymnastic problems not too high off the ground, making it a friendly area for transitioning from indoor climbing to the real thing. On a busy winter weekend you may find over 100 cars in the parking lot, but the supply of boulders is nearly endless and there’s more to explore on the rim. It’s rare to find yourself alone at the Happies or the Sads, but you won’t ever feel crowded. And the people who do show up are respectful of the environment and each other; there’s hardly any trash and climber care has preserved the plants and petroglyphs in the area. Much of the land around Bishop is owned by the LADWP, whose early century theft of the region’s water decimated the farming communities of the Owens Valley and transferred the horrors of overpopulation 250 miles south. Camping is prohibited on their land, but the BLM and climber volunteers operate the conveniently located Pit Campground, which offers sweeping vistas of the Volcanic Tablelands and distant snow capped peaks. For $2 you can park your vehicle and socialize with an international array of climber dirtbags. Whether you’re escaping the rain of the coast or the snow of the mountains, you’re an experienced pebble wrestler or just learning the lack of ropes, you want to pull hard on polished patina or learn to love tuff, the Eastside offers a winter climbing bonanza for anyone willing to make the trek. See you out there! 13 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
Yoga for Cyclists Six essential poses to help keep you balanced and injury free By Lauren Gregg
I
f you are an avid cyclist, you and your body are well aware that long hours in the saddle lead to tightness and soreness. Of course cycling is great for your health, but staying in the same position for hours on end and practicing the repetitive motion of pedaling can also have adverse effects on your body, like creating tight hamstrings that can pull hips out of alignment. The best way to deal with this is adding yoga into your routine. Stretching the hips is key for cyclists, and after spending so much time hunched over the handlebars, bending your back the opposite direction can really help balance you out. The more flexible you are in general, the less injury prone you will be. Since flexibility, core strength, and balance are the foundations of cycling, yoga is the perfect cross-training exercise. Yoga will improve your cycling and your overall health. To get started, try out these essential poses for cyclists.
Nick Gregg
“Since flexibility, core strength and balance are the foundations of cycling, yoga is the perfect cross-training exercise.” Peter Morning
q Pigeon with Forward Fold
t Fire Log
Start on all fours. Bring your right knee up toward your right hand and tuck it under your body by sliding your left leg as far back as possible. Keep your hips square with the front of your mat. The farther you move your foot forward, the deeper the stretch in your hip and glute will be. Beginners can stay here, or if you are comfortable walk your hands forward and relax down over your front leg. Breathe deep and stay in the position anywhere from ten seconds to five minutes. Repeat on the other side.
Sit with both legs outstretched. Slide your left foot under your right leg and place it next to your right hip. Then, stack your right leg on top of your left and bring your right foot on top of your left knee. This can be an awkward pose to practice at first, but it is an amazing stretch for your hips. Beginners can stay here, or if you are comfortable try walking your hands out and folding forward over your legs.
p Standing Forward Fold Stand up straight, inhale your arms up over your head, and exhale and reach down towards your feet. Keep your back straight, but feel free to bend your knees slightly if it is more comfortable. Feel the stretch in the backs of your legs, and try to fold your body over as far as your body will allow. This move will help with the hinge position required for cycling.
t Low Lunge with Back Bend
Place one knee on the floor behind you, while keeping your front knee stacked straight above your front ankle. Inhale and bring your arms above your head while bending your back slightly backward to a point that’s comfortable. This move stretches your legs while also working as a counter-balancing stretch for your back.
14 ASJ ASJ—June/July — Dec 20162012 / Jan 2017
q Cobra Lie on your belly with your legs together and your palms flat on the floor under your shoulders. Breath in and, with your elbows close to your sides, press down and lift your body up off the floor. Hold for two to six breaths, and exhale and release to the floor. This is a great stretch for your back.
p Camel Kneel with your knees hipwidth apart. Place your hands on your lower back, and gently lean back while you exhale. Beginners can hold this position, but if you are comfortable try reaching back and grab your heels. To release, bring your hands to your back and inhale back into a kneeling position. This is a powerful stretch for your quads and lower back.
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15 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
Skier Logan Vadasz, photo: Max Rainoldi.
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16 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
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17 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
Snowbound Winter Resort Directory
Diamond Peak Ski Resort Incline Village
Avg Snowfall 300-350" Skiable Acres 655 Lifts 7 Trails 31 Terrain Parks 2 Scheduled Opening Day Dec 15 Passes $469 Adult $249 Youth/College season Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) South Lake Tahoe 25, Carson City 25, Reno 27, Sacramento 135, San Francisco 225 What’s New? 50th anniversary, more bonus days, expanded snowmaking system Learn more at diamondpeak.com **********
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
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inter is here and it is time to hit the slopes. With many winter resorts already open, and others not far behind, the stoke is high for some downhill delight. ASJ is here to help you keep track of the best spots in California/Nevada to get your turns in. Enjoy! ************************************************************************
Boreal Mountain Resort Soda Springs
Bear Valley Ski Resort
Avg Snowfall 400" Skiable Acres 380 Lifts 10 Trails 33 Terrain Parks 7 Scheduled Opening Day Oct 28 Passes $349 – $499 season Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Sacramento 88, San Francisco 175, San Jose 207, Reno 45 What’s New? New grooming machines; unique new features to Neff Land terrain park; LED slope-lighting project; enhanced food & beverage options; re-mixed full day ski and board lessons Learn more at rideboreal.com
Dodge Ridge Ski Resort Pinecrest
Avg Snowfall 300–500" Skiable Acres 842 Lifts 12 Trails 67 Terrain Parks 3 Scheduled Opening Day Weather dependent Passes $48 – $72, under 5 free day Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) San Jose 161, San Francisco 163 and Santa Cruz 187 What’s New? Summer lift access mountain biking to debut as early as September 2018 Learn more at dodgeridge.com **********
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Bear Mountain Big Bear Lake
Avg Snowfall 100" Skiable Acres 198 Lifts 12 Trails 28 Terrain Parks 2 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 24 Passes $59 – $99 day Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Los Angeles 100 What’s New? Renovated F&B locations, new in-resort signage Learn more at bigbearmountainresort.com 18 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
Bear Valley Ski Resort Bear Valley
Avg Snowfall 224" Skiable Acres 1680 Lifts 10 Trails 77 Terrain Parks 3 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 26 Passes $33 – $79 day Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Sacramento 123, San Francisco 178, San Jose 176 What’s New? New terrain and guest facilities improvements Learn more at bearvalley.com
China Peak Mountain Resort
Donner Ski Ranch
Avg Snowfall 325" Skiable Acres 1400+ Lifts 9 Trails 55 Terrain Parks 1 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 25 Passes $250 – $450 season Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Fresno/Clovis 60 What’s New? Total overhaul of food & beverage outlets Learn more at skichinapeak.com
Avg Snowfall 30" Skiable Acres 505 Lifts 8 Trails 52 Terrain Parks 1 Scheduled Opening Day Dec 15 Passes See website for options Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Reno 25, Sacramento 90, San Francisco 175 What’s New? New management; new lodge on back side Learn more at donnerskiranch.com
Lakeshore
Norden
Mammoth Mountain
Northstar California Resort
Avg Snowfall 400"+ Skiable Acres 3500+ Lifts 28 Trails 150 Terrain Parks 11 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 10 Passes California Pass (Mammoth,June, Bear, Snow Summit Mtns) $849 season Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Los Angeles 310, Reno 170, San Francisco 320 Learn more at mammothmountain.com
Avg Snowfall 350" Skiable Acres 3170 Lifts 20 Trails 100 Terrain Parks 7 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 18 Passes Season passes start at $479 adult Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Reno 32, Sacramento 100, San Francico 186
Truckee
Mammoth Lakes
Diamond Peak Ski Resort June Mountain
Avg Snowfall 360" Skiable Acres 4800 Lifts 29 Trails 97 Terrain Parks 2 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 18 Passes See website for options Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Reno 60, Sacramento 100, San Francisco 190 What’s New? On-mountain shared workspace for remote professionals; customized private on-demand lessons. Learn more at skiheavenly.com
Avg Snowfall 250" Skiable Acres 1500+ Lifts 7 Trails 35 Terrain Parks 2 Scheduled Opening Day Dec 10 Passes California Pass (Mammoth,June, Bear, Snow Summit Mtns) $849 season Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Los Angeles 310, Reno 170 What’s New? Kids 12 & under ski & ride free Learn more at junemountain.com
South Lake Tahoe / Stateline NV
June Lake
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Homewood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Avg Snowfall 450" Skiable Acres 2010 Lifts 7 Trails 64 Terrain Parks 3 Scheduled Opening Day Dec 9 Passes $589 season Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Sacramento 118, San Francisco 205 Learn more at skihomewood.com
Avg Snowfall 354" Skiable Acres 2300 Lifts 15 Trails 86 Terrain Parks 1 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 26 Passes See website for options Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Sacramento 98, San Francisco 182 Learn more at kirkwood.com
Homewood
Kirkwood
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Sierra at Tahoe Resort
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Twin Bridges
Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe Heavenly Mountain Resort
Learn more at northstarcalifornia.com
North Lake Tahoe NV
Avg Snowfall 350" Skiable Acres 1200 Lifts 8 Trails 60 Terrain Parks 3 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 18 Passes $279 – $529 season Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Sacramento 128, San Francisco 215, Reno 25 What’s New? Snowmaking upgrades; lift ticket and season specials; signature and special events Learn more at skirose.com **********
Avg Snowfall 420" Skiable Acres 2000 Lifts 14 Trails 46 Terrain Parks 6 Scheduled Opening Day Weather dependent Passes $439 season Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Sacramento 83, San Francisco 170 What’s New? Expanded sculpted learning terrain; sustainable, healthy food and beverage offerings; enhanced digital experience Learn more at sierraattahoe.com **********
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows
Sugar Bowl Resort Norden
Avg Snowfall 500"+ Skiable Acres 1650 Lifts 12 Trails 103 Terrain Parks 4 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 25 Passes $63 – $109; 5 & under free day Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Sacramento 90, Bay Area 175, Reno 45 What’s New? Website, kitchen, menu options, rental equipment, snowcats, uniforms, signage and more. Learn more at sugarbowl.com
Avg Snowfall 450" Skiable Acres 6000+ Lifts 9 Trails 270 Terrain Parks 6 Scheduled Opening Day Nov 11–18 Passes Tahoe Super Pass starts at $469 Driving Distance to Major Cities (miles) Reno 42, Sacramento 96, San Francico 196 What’s New? LOTS! Investments in snowmaking, grooming and avalanche mitigation technologies; new Tram Ticket Center; cutting edge app; and updated sustainability initiatives. Learn more at squawalpine.com
Devoted steward of the Stanislaus National Forest We are inspired by leaders who remind us that we are simply trustees, with a duty to preserve, protect and share this beauty, which is truly a legacy of our time here. —Andrea Young, General Manager, Skyline Bear Valley Resort Skiing Sunrise Bowl in 2003
Celebrating 50 years of naturally inspiring terrain, and announcing new intermediate trails at Sunrise Bowl www.bearvalley.com | fun@bearvalley.com | 209.753.2301
19 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
Bianca Valenti smiles her way out of a Mavericks bomb (Paige Laverty).
Big Wave Women Female talent in the spotlight at Pe‘ahi Challenge and Titans of Mavericks
O
by Haven Livingston
n a bright day in mid-November, a dozen big wave surfers made history and set a new precedent for all who will come behind them. These 12 intrepid women stood up to dangerously windy conditions at the Pe‘ahi Women’s Challenge in Maui and became the first women to compete in their own big wave event alongside their male counterparts. This was no demonstration event or token add on. This was a fully sanctioned, cash prize world championship event with two semi-final heats and a final produced by the World Surf League. This is what a growing number of women have been fighting for over the past few years. Welcome ladies, the world of big wave competition is officially open to you. While Hawaiian Paige Alms took the win, she reported to espnW.com that she felt like she won for everybody. Alms’ sister competitors included Andrea Moller, Keala Kennelly, Emily Erickson, Justine Dupont, Polly Ralda, Silvia Nabuco, Bianca Valenti, Jamila Star, Laura Enever, Tammy Lee Smith and Felicity Palmateer. Dupont of France and Palmateer of Australia took second and third, respectively. Andrea Moller, a Brazilian-American who lives on Maui, was one of the first women to tow-in surf and the first woman to ever paddle into Pe‘ahi. She was thrilled at the invitation to compete, yet also surprised that after so many years of waiting and asking for this, it was finally about to happen. “This is where I’ve surfed for over ten years and to see the history changing right here at home with women coming from all over the world was definitely emotional and I was very humbled and thankful that I was a part of this,” said Moller. 22 ASJ — Dec Dec/Jan 20 20162014 / Jan 2017
The women’s world championships at Pe‘ahi, also known as Jaws, was just a one day event, but the women’s field hopes it will start a tidal wave of support for true representation of women athletes in surfing. “That contest is making me want to chase my dream again to surf big waves and push barriers,” said Moller. “I think women are going to start charging and we’re going to see a big change in women’s surfing. Women are motivating each other. I came away thinking, I want to do better next year, and I know the other girls are thinking the same thing.” While Pe‘ahi was the only official event on the WSL big wave world tour for women this season, WSL Vice President of Communications, Dave Prodan, said the WSL commissioner’s office is working with athletes and event organizers to potentially increase the number of events next season. The women hope that eventually WSL will hold a big wave women’s world tour just like the men get. On the other side of the Pacific, tucked into the pit of a monstrous California wave is a different kind of big wave women’s story. Just days before the call to Pe‘ahi, Bianca Valenti was standing in front of the California Coastal Commission defending women’s equality in the line-up. The Titans of Mavericks big wave contest was under scrutiny for not presenting a comprehensive plan for
including women in the Mavericks surf event. During the 2015-16 CCC permitting process for the Titans event, surfing fan Sabrina Brennan introduced the issue of including women during public comment. Up to that point, less than a handful of women had been selected on the long list, and none had ever been selected as one of the final 24 competitors. Because the CCC is charged with maintaining equal access to public coastal resources, they couldn’t, in good faith, grant a permit that did not offer equal opportunity for women to compete against each other. Precedent for this decision was set in 1985 when the all-white men’s only Jonathan Club in Santa Monica was denied a permit to expand on public land because of discriminatory practices. The club sued all the way to the US Supreme Court and lost. Commissioners granted Cartel the 2015-16 permit on the condition that they return this year with a plan to include women. This fall, when the final list of Titans invitees was announced, there were no women included. Only after learning that the CCC planned to withhold the permit did Cartel concede to including a women’s heat at the last minute. At the November meeting where Valenti spoke, Cartel was requesting a four
year permit for future contests. Cartel’s COO Brian Waters and Committee 5 representative Cassandra Clark said that they still had no plan to grow a larger women’s field in the future because there aren’t enough qualified women. While the number of women who regularly surf Mavericks may be small, it’s a good bet that the recent women’s WSL Championships at Pe’ahi will influence more women to try. Coastal Commissioner Mark Vargas congratulated Cartel Management for evolving a world class event, but told them they should start acting like a world class organization. Cartel Management and the Committee 5, as well as the two new female additions who now make them the Committee 7, did not respond to interview requests for this article. Three weeks after the Titans opening ceremony and two days after the official opening to the contest window, the women’s heat invitees’ names began to trickle out through social media. The name of the last invitee was released towards the end of the CCC meeting in which Valenti spoke out. To everyone’s surprise, Valenti, the big wave surfer who had been championing women in the contest the most was missing from the line-up. She holds a place as an alternate. “I definitely expected to be invited as one of the six,” said Valenti. “But the big picture is that it’s a step forward. It’s not just about big wave surfing for women, it’s about human rights and now women get to be a part of the event.” Moller says that when she first started surfing Pe‘ahi, some men would ask her
Sao Paulo, Brasil Stance // Regular Board Length // 9' 8"
Emily Erikson
Haleiwa, HI Stance // Regular Board Length // 10' 0"
Jamilah Star
Santa Cruz, CA Stance // Regular Board Length // 9' 8"
Keala Kennelly Kauai, HI Stance // Goofy Board Length // 9' 8"
WOMEN OF MAVERICK’S FUN FACTS Sarah Gerhardt, the first woman to stand up surf at Mavericks. Gerhardt has surfed the break for the past 18 years, only missing one season due to pregnancy. Paige Alms, was the first woman to get barreled at Pe‘ahi in 2015 Hawaiian and she won the 2016 Pe‘ahi Challenge. Hawaiian Keala Kennelly, one of the hardest charging big wave surfers alive, took on Teahupoo and came out as the first women to receive the Pur Scot Barrel Award by the WSL.
Jamila Star is a highly decorated big wave surfer from Santa Cruz who has won the women’s performance award from WSL multiple times. Andrea Moller is a pioneer of women’s surfing at Pe’ahi and a professional water woman. Emily Erickson is the youngest of the six, but the Hawaiian surfer has been proving herself in big waves and was nominated for performance in the 2015 XXL Big Wave awards by WSL.
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S an to
Julie C ahi
Nikki Di
Andrea Moller
Paige Alms
Kauai, HI Stance // Regular Board Length // 9' 8"
event at Pe‘ahi was considerably high. CNN, ESPN and Huffington Post all covered Paige Alms victory and the women’s event. Moller, Valenti, Kennelly and Alms have founded the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing (CEWS) to work on improving equality for women in surfing. “We have an agenda for how we can pave a better future for women’s surfing,” says Valenti. That agenda spans equality in professional contests to desexualizing women in surf media. As one of CEWS first
Santa Cruz, CA Stance // Regular Board Length // 10' 0"
Alternates
Bianca Valenti San Francisco, CA
what she thought she had to prove. The truth is, these women love surfing and that’s why they’re there. “Before it was maybe just me asking local Maui organizers (for a women’s event), but then you see Bianca asking for Mavericks and women in Europe surfing big waves. They could either fight to keep women out or they could give us a chance and see where it goes,” said Moller. The WSL doesn’t release viewer information, but Prodan reported that the media interest in the women’s
Sarah Gerhardt
Wrenna Delgado Haleiwa, HI
achievements, they built a ground swell of support for getting the women’s heat in Mavericks. “The women know that they are stronger together,” said Moller. “Over the past two years as we joined together to argue for a contest we got to know each other and found a common dream to travel together and surf the world. We all – the men and the women – have that passion that brings us together.”
21 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
Capturing the Perfect Moment World traveler and surf photographer Chris Burkard by Chris Van Leuven
Award-winning photographer Chris Burkard shares his thoughts on cold-water surfing, his purpose, and his children’s book The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth.
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PHOTOS Main image: Mount Vsevidof in the Aleutian Islands, 2013. This stretch of coast remains one of the most wild and untouched places Chris Burkard has ever been to. Above: Self portrait. Opposite page left: Surfing in 40 degree water in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. With towering mountains and the dramatic sun seeping color in from behind the clouds, Dane Gudauskas, does his best to stand out amidst the untamed Arctic coastline. Opposite page right: Keith Malloy paddling out deep in Russia on the Kamchatka Peninsula, 2012.
22 ASJ — Dec Dec/Jan 20162014 / Jan 2017
e’s always going somewhere. For more than a decade legendary surf photographer Chris Burkard has sought out inspiration while interacting with the natural world. When Adventure Sports Journal caught up with Burkard over the phone he was hurriedly packing for a family climbing trip to Yosemite with his wife Breanne and their two sons. He says that the trip was just a quick getaway – he hoped to climb the smooth, southwest face of Half Dome via the route Snake Dike (which he did) – before departing from his home in Arroyo Grande to New York City. A Sony ambassador, Burkard was scheduled to speak in New York on the company’s behalf “about social media and the importance of sharing your voice on the digital platform.” From there, he would head to Iceland to help produce a film with six-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore and the band MGMT. Twenty six: that’s the number of times Burkard has visited Iceland – known for its expansive glaciers and beautiful landscape – to capture surfing stills and video. His work is familiar throughout both the surfing and climbing world, and his images have graced more than 30 magazine covers worldwide. “I set out to find the places people had written off as too cold, too remote, too dangerous to surf,” he said at a TED Talk in 2015. On January 14, 2015 Burkard captured images of climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson as
they completed the free Dawn Wall on El Capitan, in Yosemite, known as the most difficult rock climb in the world. Since 2006 he’s won ten awards for his images, including the Red Bull Illume Award (2010), second place in The World Open of Photography (2012), People’s Choice Winner at the Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown (2013), the Visionary Photography Award from the PhotoImaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (2016), and Land Category Winner at the Salt Surf Photo Contest (2016). Photography and film is just part of the equation. Burkhard has also published five books: The California Surf Project, The Plight of the Torpedo People, Distant Shores, High Tide: A Surf Odyssey, and The Boy who Spoke to the Earth.The California Surf Project is about a surfing road trip down Highway 1 in a Volkswagen bus; The Plight of the Torpedo People is about worldclass bodysurfers; Distant Shores is about surfing on six continents; High Tide: A Surf Odyssey is a collection of photos from Burkard’s surf travels from the Arctic Circle to the Caribbean and more; and The Boy who Spoke to the Earth is a children’s book. In the digital world, Burkard has more than two million followers on Instagram (@chrisburkard). He’s also a public speaker and calls his 10-minute TED Talk “The Joy of Surfing in Ice-Cold Water” “one of the hardest and most challenging things you’ll ever do.” It has been viewed over 1.5 million times. These days Burkhard has expanded his search to find meaning and inspiration to include warm-weather and other more exotic landscapes and pursuits, such as ocean diving in the Aegean Sea, mountain biking and canyoneering in Switzerland, rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, and viewing wildlife in Denali National Park. The world is his subject.
Early Years Growing up in San Louis Obispo, Burkard was an obsessed bodysurfer and stand-up surfer (“body surfing is my favorite”), and he frequented Pismo Pier every chance he got. He picked up a camera seriously at 19 and began capturing images of surfing. Although he would have attended college if he’d had the opportunity, “it just wasn’t in the cards for me,” he says. “I valued education. That was always very important to me. There was an alternate path to [education]. I did internships, and made sure I was able to get outdoors [instead].” At age 20, he interned at Transworld Surf magazine as a photo editor. “I poured everything I had into it. At the latter end of 20 I knew what I wanted to do. I knew this was it. I was stoked on what I knew and what I wanted to do. And I set my sights on those things.” It was also around this time that he married Breanne, whom he met while still in high school, and then at age 21 in 2008, he was hired as Senior Staff Photographer at Surfer. Though successful as a surf photographer, he was hesitant to photograph activities that he didn’t know well. To Burkard, this fear of the unknown held him back, but “as I started to shoot more action sports, I realized that I didn’t have to know the sport inherently, so that was cool and refreshing and at the same time it opened me up to a lot bigger world,” he says.
His Faith and Purpose Burkard sees a connection between his spiritual life and chosen profession. A member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, he mentions his faith on his Instagram page and has been profiled in many LDS-specific news sites including those in Deseret News and Huffington Post. He finds a larger meaning in his work beyond merely clicking his shutter in wildly inhospitable environments. “In photography, if you find a purpose for your work, or a greater vision or a mission, whatever you want to call it, it gives fulfillment to what you’re doing,” he says. “This way you aren’t aimlessly clicking shutters.” Faith helps drive him. “My work always has spiritual undertones. The more spiritually minded we can be the better.” Although he never served a mission for his church, he is all the more motivated to impact people through his work and public speaking. “I take seriously that I talk with thousands of people on a daily basis. I consider what I’m portraying in the world around me; this is one of the concepts of the [The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth] book. I didn’t want to pass on this inherent fear of the unknown. I want kids to explore.”
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23 ASJ — Dec 2016 / Jan 2017
The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth Looking over the coffee table books Burkard has put together, there’s an obvious theme: surf, surf, surf, surfing in Russia … and then The Boy who Spoke to the Earth, written by Burkard with illustrations by Disney Interactive artist David McClellan. The book uses illustrations of arches, thick forests, steep waterfalls and more – heavenly places – while the story is about a boy asking the Earth where to find happiness. Some of the illustrations resemble the amazing places Burkard’s visited. “I wrote it for my kids first,” he says. “It was more meant to be [about] things that I learned along the way, and hoped to share with people.”
Cold Water Photography
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Burkard opened his TED Talk from March 2015 with a story from Lofoten Norway, where the water was “hovering right at freezing. The air, a brisk negative 10 with wind chill,” he says as he described his selfie on the screen, calling the image a sign of “pure joy.” The day he captured the image it was so cold that he could feel the blood rushing away from his extremities to his vital organs. His face is beet red and his cheeks are pushed in by his thick, snug wetsuit. However, when on stage it’s hard to believe he’s the same person. His face doesn’t have that same look – no windburn, no chapped skin, no visible scars. There are no signs that he’s spent years in some of the harshest conditions in the world. We asked Burkhard why, after starting his career shooting surfing near warm beaches, he now refers to himself as a cold-water fanatic. “I think it was compounded thing,” he says. “I was losing the enjoyment of going to places that … didn’t seem very fulfilling or rewarding. I sought out places that I thought would be more unique and have a [greater] level of adventure to them. I [also] knew there was greater money to
“I set out to find the places people had written off as too cold, too remote, too dangerous to surf.”
PHOTOS Top to bottom: Soaking up the last minutes of sunlight behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland, 2014; Gazing into a glacier, Iceland, 2014.
be made shooting what people hadn’t seen before. That’s what drew me there. I wanted to bring back this new, unique thing.” One of his videos in Iceland opens with the sound of wind blowing over the mic and him walking along the shore in hideously cold conditions. “I’d trade white sand beaches for icebergs any day.” Anyone who is familiar with filmmaking knows it takes hours or weeks to capture footage. In Burkard’s case, this means getting continually lashed by frozen ocean water. “One of the worst things ever on these cold trips is getting warm. That’s a totally tedious process. I never look forward to it. I don’t think I’ll ever figure this out.”
It All Comes Together On Burkhard’s Instagram page, certain images and captions catch the eye. And these aren’t necessarily his surf photos, which these days aren’t his major focus. Just as compelling are his images from sport climbing in Kalymnos, Greece, swan diving from a bridge in Lavertezzo, Switzerland, and early morning surfing by the Pismo Beach Pier. One image we keep coming back to is his shot of Pete Mendia, under a fanlike wave, riding evergreen and sky-blue water in South America. It’s one that Burkard says has won awards including the Red Bull Illume, an international action and adventure photography contest. Of it he writes: “When it all does come together, nothing really comes close to shooting a perfect wave. It’s hard to describe. In the moment it is a mixture of bliss and fear. Because you never know if what you imagined shooting is as good as the actual image.”
Adventure Events Calendar Biking December 3 — MTB Skills Core Fundamental, Skyline/Skeggs Point Master and improve your skills in this one day MTB course. ASingleTrackMind.com
15 — CCCX Central Coast, Fort Ord, Series Finale, CCCXcycling.com 28 – 29 — MTB Skills Core Fundamental, SFolsom/Granite Bay See Jan. 14 –15 description. ASingleTrackMind.com
Hiking
Hike & Wine Tours, Napa and Sonoma 3 — Sacramento Cyclocross, Miller A dynamic and memorable experience! Park, #7, SacCycloCross.com Tours feature: scenic, thrilling hikes led by a local trail guide; amazing views 10 — MTB Skills Core Fundamental, and breathtaking trails; wine tasting at Sonoma See Dec. 3. ASingleTrackMind. boutique wineries; and a gourmet wine com lunch. ActiveWineAdventures.com 10 — Sacramento Cyclocross, Gibson Park Ranch, #8, SacCycloCross.com 18 — Series Awards, Yolo Brewing Company, SacCycloCross.com 31 — CCCX Central Coast, Toro Park, #7, CCCXcycling.com
January 1— Registration for Carson City Off Road Opens Act fast to receive early registration benefits. epicrides.com. 14–15 — MTB Skills Core Fundamental, San Diego Master and improve your skills in this two day course. ASingleTrackMind.com
Run/Walk December 3 — Bah Humbug, San Ramon. 5K info @ onyourmarkevents.com 3 — Death Valley Trail Marathon and Half Marathon, Titus Canyon, EnviroSports.com 3–4 — The North Face Endurance Challenge Championships, San Francisco, thenorthface.com/en_US/ endurance-challenge
10 — Hark the Herald Angels Half Marathon & 10k, Angel Island. EnviroSports.com
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10 — PCTR Rodeo Beach, Sausalito. 8 Km, 20 Km, 30 Km, & 50 Km, Enjoy vistas of the Pacific Coast as you climb Coastal trails.PCTrailRuns.com 11 — Jingle Bell Rock, Santa Cruz.. 5k walk/run benefit for Toys for Tots. FinishLineProduction.com 11 — Santa to the Sea, Oxnard. Half, 2 person relay and 5K fun run. SantaToTheSea.com
AIARE Avalanche Level 1 // Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain 3 Day Best for those who want to be mobile in the backcountry. alpineskills.com 25 — Christmas Day Pancake Breakfast with Santa Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, Eat breakfast with Santa and ski with Santa too. Tahoedonner.com 28 — Equipment Demo Day. Industry reps will be on site with demo gear for you to try and will be happy to share their knowledge about what equipment is right for you. tahoedonner.com
January
1 — PCTR Woodside Trail Run, Redwood City. 10 Km, 19 Km, 37 Km, & 50 Km, Run the beautiful trails inHuddart 31 — Torchlight Parade on New Years & Wunderlich Parks. PCTrailRuns.com Eve, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area. Ski in a parade at night by torchlights. http://www.tahoedonner.com/crosscountry/events/
Miscellaneous January
27 — Crossing Bhutan, Santa Cruz The film tells the story of four veteran athletes and their journey to explore Bhutan. crossingbhutan.
4 — California International Marathon, Folsom. runcim.org
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January 7, 14, 28 — Intro to Backcountry Skiing, 1 Day This 1-day seminar is perfect for alpine skiers who want to learn to use convertible touring bindings, as well as telemark skiers ready to ski the backcountry. alpineskills.com
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Discover the best of
March 4–5 — MTB Skills Core Fundamental, San Luis Obispo Master and improve your skills in this two day course. ASingleTrackMind.com
March 5–12 — Engelberg-Andermatt Freeride Ski Tour, Engelberg & 8 — Equipment Demo Day See Dec. 28 Andermatt Switzerland. Engelberg The Freeride Mecca of Switzerland. description. tahoedonner.com Andermatt- a Hidden Gem With Expansive Advanced Terrain. Ski Big 7-16th — Japan Ultimate Powder Descents in The Alps. 844-LE GRAND Tour, Furano, Central Hokkaido. (534-7263) www.legrandadventuretours. Experience the legendary deep snow com of Japan on our powder explorer ski Tour. Ski the deepest snow of your March 18–25 — Matterhorn-Zermatt life. 844-LE GRAND (534-7263) Ski Tour, Zermatt Switzerland. legrandadventuretours.com Engelberg Explore the Vast Terrain Along the Switzerland & Italian 18-27th — Japan Ultimate Powder Border. Endless Skiing Surrounded Tour, Furano, Central Hokkaido. See By Glaciers & Dozens of High Alpine Jan. 7-16 description. 844-LE GRAND Peaks. 844-LE GRAND (534-7263) (534-7263) legrandadventuretours.com legrandadventuretours.com 16 — Skogssloppet, 15K & Kids 2K March 20 — Rumble in the Your chance to try your hand at a Ranchlands Mariposa, A 82-mile rolling ski race and support a great cause. route through the Sierra foothills not far Tahoedonner.com from Yosemite Valley. superproracing. com
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Feb 4, 18, 25 — Intro to Backcountry Skiing 1 Day This 1-day seminar is perfect for alpine skiers who want to learn to use convertible touring bindings, as well as telemark skiers ready to ski the backcountry. alpineskills.com Feb 12 — TD Challenge Tour/Race A tour or a race – you choose your fastest way to Drifter Hut, Hawks Peak, Euer Valley Cookhouse and return. Lunch and raffle included in entry. 10 a.m. start. tahoedonner.com/cross-country Feb 18–27 — Alpenglow Mountain Festival, Tahoe City. A nine day celebration of human powered mountain sports. alpenglowsports.com Feb 18–19 — MTB Skills Core Fundamental, Marin Master and improve your skills in this two day course. ASingleTrackMind.com Feb 20 — The Tainthammer Los Banos, 10 miles of the amazingly worst California Central Valley roads we could find. superproracing.com Feb 23, 24, 25 & 26 — Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz, Ignite your passion for adventure with amazing big-screen stories. ucscrecreation.com Feb 25–March 4 — Murren-Jungfrau Swiss Bliss Ski Tour, Jungfrau Region Switzerland. Ski Around Three of the Most Iconic Mountains in the Alps - The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. 844-LE GRAND (534-7263) www. legrandadventuretours.com
March 26–April 2 — Chamonix Ultimate Experience Ski Tour, Chamonix France. Ski 3 Countries in One Week-France, Italy, Switzerland. Experience the Aiguille du Midi, the Valley Blanche, Verbier and Courmayuer. 844-LE GRAND (5347263) www.legrandadventuretours.com April 1–2 — Mt. Whitney (14,494’) 2 Day This is the best route for a good ski descent from the summit (or near the summit) of Whitney. alpineskills.com April 2 — Oakland Running Festival Oakland. Marathon, Half Marathon, 4-Person Relay, 5k, & Kids Fun Run. nationally recognized as the Bay Area race to run by Competitor Magazine. oaklandmarathon.com April 29-30 — Race SLO, San Luis Obispo. 2017 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! $25 Early Bird Discount ends 5/8. Come back to #EnduranceTownUSA in 2017 for the 6th running of the SLO Marathon, Half Marathon + 5K! Register today!. Have fun, achieve your goal, finish strong, PR, and enjoy the journey. We’ll offer you advice and support all along the way. In the end, you can be proud and we will too, of you, hanging that medal around your neck and cheering your every step. slomarathon.com
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