Account Login/Registration

Access KelownaNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

Young Entrepreneur Series: The science of snowboarding

Growing up in Scotland, Fraser Johnston always had the desire to snowboard, but receiving proper instruction and riding quality terrain was a constant struggle.

“I learned to ski on a dry ski slope, like astroturf,” laughed the founder and head trainer for Watch & Ride. “The desire to ride world-class mountains like Big White, Silver Star, and Sun Peaks is what brought me to B.C.”

<who> Photo Credit: Contributed.

Johnston has now created Watch & Ride, a snowboarding instructional app that allows users to receive proper instruction anywhere, anytime and at a lower price point than public lessons on the ski hill.

<who> Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/watchandride

“Watch & Ride is a virtual snowboard school, the idea behind the app is to provide people easy access and cheap tuition to snowboard lessons.”


<who> Photo Credit: Contributed.

Like most confident young athletes, Johnston considered himself a pretty good snowboarder with little to learn when he began his instructor training program. But after six seasons of instructing at Big White, he realized proper technique can be learned at every level on all different types of terrain.



advertisement



“When I learned how to teach snowboarding to others, starting with the basics and all the way up to advanced riding, it really opened my eyes to the science of snowboarding,” said Johnston.

<who> Photo Credit: Contributed.

“I was like many snowboarders, I learned from a friend and maybe took one lesson. While the desire to learn was enough to make me a good snowboarder, I was a dangerous rider. If you never learn the proper technique you’re often out of control and can be a hazard to yourself and others on the mountain.”

Blowing out his shoulder for the fourth time was actually what provided Johnston with the time to focus on creating Watch & Ride.

<who> Photo Credit: Contributed.

Now, after partnering with Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops, Watch & Ride is ready to launch into its first full snowboard season.

“Most people can't afford multiple days of lessons, but when you sign up for Watch & Ride, snowboarders can dive into the five main how-to’s of snowboard instruction in an easy to learn and affordable format,” explained Johnston.

Johnston is still a believer in hands-on instruction too, those who sign up for the Watch & Ride program will also receive 25% off a lesson with an instructor at Sun Peaks Resort.

“Hands on is a great way to learn but there are time restrictions, affordability issues and some people don’t feel comfortable learning in groups. With Watch & Ride snowboarding can take a lesson whenever, wherever and for free after signing up,” said Johnston.

Are you interested in learning or improving your snowboard skills this winter? Watch & Ride is giving away 100 free memberships to start the season!

1. Click this link
2. Create an account
3. At the checkout insert the "kelownanow" coupon code for your free membership
4. Start learning and improving



If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.

If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.


Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to news@kelownanow.com.




weather-icon
Tue
19℃

weather-icon
Wed
15℃

weather-icon
Thu
10℃

weather-icon
Fri
8℃

weather-icon
Sat
8℃

weather-icon
Sun
9℃

current feed webcam icon

Recent Livestream




Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on Youtube Listen on Soundcloud Follow Our TikTok Feed Follow Our RSS Follow Our pinterest Feed
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy