Snowboarding, while a popular and ever growing winter pastime, is still a niche sport. So it was with interest that I read about the Roxy All-Star Snowboard camps for women only in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. If there is a niche within a niche, this is it. And was the absence of males actually going to improve my boarding abilities, or was this just an excuse to hang out with girls with similar interests?
The optimistic brochure boasted that whatever my expectations, they would be surpassed. By the end of the two-day camp, I was assured, I would be "sure to conquer any obstacle on the mountain", or simply have enjoyed "freeriding with other ladies who share their passion for the snow".
It appeared to be a win-win situation. I had never really boarded with women, and couldn't necessarily see the advantage of it. Yet after a few frustrating years of being stuck on a plateau, I was willing to try anything to improve. This time, I would try it with the girls.
The camp director, Tany Girimosvic, tried to explain the benefits of riding in all-female group: "The focus is just about being women and riding and having fun; supporting each other and trying things you haven't done before - trees runs, powder, things you wouldn't do alone. I hate to say it, but without guys, there is less attitude, everyone is cheering each other on and not competing against one another - that's a big thing."
On the first day of camp, I turned up excited and optimistic at 8am for the pre-ride registration, held in Merlins Bar at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. But suddenly, clutching my board, I had a moment of fear I haven't experienced since the first day of school. There's no denying that girls are a social gaggle. Swallowing the lump in my throat and giving my outfit the once over (Burton yellow jacket, very this season's colours), I walked in to be registered and found a sight that could constitute every male boarder's fantasy.
With the groups ranging in experience from 1 - 6, beginners to experts, I was anxious about which category I would put in. Although I have boarded for roughly eight seasons, I cited a lack of confidence, and, with relief, managed to get myself demoted to level five from level six.
After a slow morning due to a record number of girls being registered (74), we were champing at the bit to get out on the snow. Our group consisted of Emma, a 35-year-old sailing around the world with her husband; Sandra, an architect from New Zealand; Patti, from Seattle; and Tracey from the UK. Our instructor was Catherine from Vancouver.
On the chairlift, the others explained what persuaded them to attend an all-women's camp. Patti was keen to ride in a group "without testosterone". Sandra, also a good boarder, was doing a season and thought it would be a good way to meet other female riders. Tracey agreed with both: "Girls are more supportive. We all want to get better at boarding. There are no distractions, and we can try new things and not worry about the guys."
Each group plans its own programme, so after a warm-up run it was decided that for the next two days we would improve our style on blue runs, try black runs and, at Emma's suggestion, moguls. Then there was the issue of the terrain park - a dedicated park area with jumps, picnic tables embedded in the snow, handrails and a short boarder cross-run. However, being park virgins, there was an uncomfortable silence at this suggestion.
After our first run, it was apparent that the women in my group, despite all of their modest protestations, could really ride. With Catherine leading the way, ponytails flying under helmets, I was already having fun. And I was surprised. Sport, especially one such as snowboarding, is social. While cruising a run solo can be fun, what could be better than to be outside with your friends experiencing the mountains together. And it's even more fun with your girlfriends.
By late lunch, after some blue runs and mogul instruction, my original aims had changed. I was keen to learn a new area like the terrain park, but I was just having fun riding with the girls. Which didn't mean the terrain park was off the list. After lunch, we lined up to do our first jumps. I've jumped before, and my male friends usually encourage me by saying "Hit it!", "Go big!" But now it was just about executing a neat, small jump.
While most boarders would say that 10 inches of air aren't so impressive, with all the back-slapping and cheering that was going on you would think that we were Olympic champions. We were in the park for the rest of the day and the après camp party at Merlins, complete with beer jugs, T-shirts and video analysis turned into a celebration.
On day two, we unanimously voted to head back to the park. Catherine, impressed by our enthusiasm, also decided to teach us some "tricks that are easy but make you look like a slope goddess". We were riding backwards (switch), doing little jumps on a slope and over small objects (ollies), 180 jumps (from nose to tail), and leaning up on the nose of your board (nose rolls).
Although we had all come to the camp with different objectives, we were leaving satisfied. Of our group, two were returning to the camp for the third time, another was visiting for a second occasion, and the first-timers were keen to come back.
By the end of day two, my general riding had improved and I had tried out some new disciplines. We also swapped information about boards and bindings, where to find helmets for small-headed girls, and discussed why boarding with women is so rewarding. The reason is simple: it's because it happens too rarely.
Way to go
Getting there: BA (0845 7733377, ba.com). flies to Vancouver from £504.40 for March, £492.40 for April. From the airport, it is a two-hour bus ride to Whistler (perimeterbus.com)
The two-day Roxy All-Star Snowboard camp costs C$219 (excluding lift tickets). It runs five camps each winter for novice to advanced adult, and the remaining dates for 2003 are March 15-16 and April 12-13. The camp includes guided instruction, video analysis, après reception, equipment sessions and prizes. Further information: whistler-blackcomb.com/mountain/school.
Where to stay:
Coast Whistler Hotel (coasthotels.com) has double rooms from C$255 a night.
Further information:
Country code: 001.
Time difference: -8hrs.
Flight time London-Vancouver: 9hrs, 20mins.
£1 = 2.30 Canadian dollars.
