Snowskating is the modern epitome of urban revolution,
blended with the adrenaline, serenity, and beauty of outdoor winter
freedom. Snowskating is purity defined: pure challenge, pure
intimidation, pure flow, pure balance, pure cool, pure
embarrassment, pure rebellion, and pure
joy.
In terms of physical construction, a snowskate is defined as
(wikipedia) "a hybrid of a skateboard and a snowboard". Pictured
above is a snowdeck, which is a modified skateboard deck, sitting
atop a wide, short, steel-edged ski. There are other types of snowskates, but the
snowdeck is the weapon of choice for anyone (like
me), who wants to enjoy an all-around full-mountain experience.
In other words, the Snowdeck is the Katana of the
Snowskate World!
By attaching a bungee leash to your belt buckle (this keeps the
leash from dragging on the ground), snowdecks are authorized to be
ridden at many modern ski resorts.
In terms of spiritual challenge, the snowdeck bears similarities
to Hattori Hanzo's Sword in Kill Bill. On one hand, the blade can
deliver swift justice to deserving foes, but on the other,
the power of the weapon can consume you in
frustration.
Such is the case in the following video. Friends are seen
cruising at a local skihill, in near perfect conditions. Until
2:03, where Joey eats some fresh.
When you're in the flow on a snowskate, however, all heads will
turn. Kids with Christmas snowboards will exclaim inquisitively
"What's THAAAT?!" to apprehensive parents on the lift. Snowboarders
at the halfpipe queue will nod in cool approval, and students
snaking down the hill in the ski school will take their eyes off
their leader to admire the brave, graceful, snowskater.