Red Bull Upspring puts 14 promising young snowboarders together with pro boarders at an intensive workshop in Flachauwinkl, Austria.
As well as working on expanding their range of tricks and honing their technique, the boys, who range in age from 10 to 15, can also find out what awaits them in a future as an elite athlete.
It’s the brainchild of snowboarder Nicola Thost, who won gold for Germany at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. “The Upspring workshop is a great experience for the kids,” said the 32-year-old. “In addition to their snowboarding skills we aim to teach them how they can develop their talent and what they can expect in a career as a snowboarding professional.
“We look at such subjects as health and career management, as well as working with the press and sponsors. But most of all we want to encourage them to develop ways that help them to retain their love for the sport.”
'The boys just don’t seem to get tired' – Werner Stock
But while the pro snowboarders are trying to prepare the next generation for life at the top, perhaps nothing could prepare the professionals for working with a group of lively boys.
“We have been here for a couple of days now, and have had a full programme,” said an exhausted Werner Stoct, “and yet no matter how much they have done, the boys just don’t seem to get tired.”
“Sometimes we have to curb their enthusiasm,” added Marco Smolla. “But I guess it’s normal at their age.”
But their hard work was paying off and Nicola said it was astounding to see the big improvements the youngsters made in such a short time, whether on the rails, in the half pipe or on the kicker or jib lines.
“I must say I am extremely proud of the kids. It is impressive to see what they have learned both on and off the snow in such a short time. Throughout the last five days they have all had a great deal of fun and that’s what counts.”
Red Bull Photofiles
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