AAS NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcome to the NEWS and EVENTS page for Adaptive Action Sports. You will find a mixture of  upcoming and past events, news and videos that all relate to Adaptive Action Sports. Upcoming events will be listed directly below this message and in the EVENTS tab! Thanks for stopping by!

YEAR IN REVIEW SHOW!

Check out our year in review video, recapping all of the AAS happenings in 2012! Thanks to Oscar Loreto, AAS Athelte/Special Projects Manager, and his crew for putting this together!

Mid Year Review Show from Adaptive Action Sports on Vimeo.

Co-Founders Amy and Daniel are "Amazing Racers!"

Make sure to tune in Sundays evenings on CBS to watch AAS Co-Founders Amy Purdy and Daniel Gale as they race around the world for a chance at millions!!

Click here to read more about Amy and Daniel on the ESPN website.

WELCOME CPRA CONFERENCE GOERS!! Click here to find your clue!!!

AAS' Elite Snowboard Training Program

Adaptive Action Sports is extremely proud and honored to serve the adaptive community with another winter season of world-class competitive snowboard programming.

AAS has played an active role in helping to establish snowboarding as a Paralympic sport. We did this, in part, by focusing the world’s attention on the sport by organizing the Adaptive Snowboarder X race that has been included for the past two years in the ESPN Winter X Games. Public attention to adaptive snowboarding has also been drawn by AAS-sponsored snowboard training camps and races which have been held in connection with various USASA competitions since 2005.

AAS has produced the most accomplished US adaptive snowboarders in the world including: WSF World Champion Evan Strong; the top ranked US female snowboarder Amy Purdy; X Games competitor Brandon Robins; and USASA National Champion Calob Leindecker. This season AAS will be offering a new “Adaptive-Snowboard” training program to continue its unparalleled track record.

Our Pipeline and Tier Concepts: For the past several years, AAS has been anticipating the eventual recognition of adaptive snowboarding as a Paralympic sport. In response, we have developed our snow programs to continually: (1) welcome new participants and (2) provide training that allows individuals to improve their skill sets in accordance with their specific abilities and interests. As a result, AAS athletes include those at the introductory through elite levels.

Our Introductory/Intermediate Pipeline Training Camps: In 2012-2013, as we have in past seasons, we will offer several Pipeline camps. In addition to meeting the immediate snowboarding goals of individual participants at all levels of expertise, these trainings will create an environment for advanced participants to decide if they want to take it to the top by training and perhaps competing for a spot on the US Adaptive Snowboarding Team.

Our Elite Para-Snowboard Training program, initiated in 2011-12, is for individuals who have potential and commitment to compete for a spot on the 2014 US Para-Snowboard Team. The program in 2012-13 will deliver ongoing instruction and coaching – according to individual training plans (ITPs) – to four military/veteran participants and approximately seven non-military participants. The ITPs will include: (a) an on-snow training and coaching program at Copper Mountain Ski Resort with full-time access to a dedicated boarder cross course; (b) a top quality inclusive and integrated life style and cross training regimen; and (c) where appropriate, an at-home supplemental practice program to be monitored by AAS program staff. The ITPs will be based on principles and techniques from an adaptive boarder cross manual, the development of which is currently being spearheaded by AAS.

Training at the elite level will include instruction by internationally-recognized Olympic-level snowboarder cross coaches who will be selected for their ability to work with adaptive athletes. AAS Instructors and Coaches, under direction of the lead AAS coach, will reinforce training provided by the Olympic-level coaches.

If you are interested in participating in these groundbreaking snowboard programs, make sure to check www.adacs.org early this fall for dates and sign up information. You can also email us for more details at info@adacs.org.

Amy Purdy posters are back! Support the cause!

Amy Posters are back! These posters have been popular in schools, offices and medical facilities! Inspire your clients and students and support a good cause at the same time! Funds raised will go to support Adaptive Action Sport programs for youth, young adults and wounded vets so they can get involved in action sports like skateboarding and snowboarding.

Posters are $20 which includes shipping. All posters will ship after September 15th 2012! For shipment or order issues please email the store manager at shop@adacs.org


The first poster is the original Amy Purdy Element Skateboards "Power to the Planet poster which appeared in Teen Vogue last year.

The Quote reads : "When we embrace the things that make us unique, our true and remarkable capabilities are revealed. Live Beyond Limits - Amy Purdy"

The second poster is from an Element Skateboards ad for the Amy Purdy Signature Skateboard which was available in 2009.

The quote reads: " Instead of thinking of how we are limited, lets begin to think of the unlimited possibilities Live Beyond Limits - Amy Purdy"

MIghty Mud Dash!!

AAS Proudly Welcomes the Mighty Mud Dash as it's Newest Partner and Supporter! 

Mighty Mud Dash is the Ultimate 5K Adventure Mud Run that is currently spreading nation wide.   Mighty Mud Dash’s 5k mud run gives you the opportunity to test your grit, determination, and pure might against the most innovative obstacle course there is.

Oscar Loreto - AAS Skater - Single Below Knee Amputee

 When running our 5k adventure mud run challenge you can expect to tackle at least 20 obstacles filled with colossal mud pits, death defying cargo nets, large walls and our nationally recognized Mighty Valley.

This October 20th a handful of Adaptive Action Sports athletes will be attending the Mighty Mud Dash in Houston Texas to test their "Might" against the muddiest course in country including AAS Special Projects Manager/Skater Oscar Loreto.

The AAS group will also demonstrate their awesome skateboard skills on site. This is the perfect opportunity to come join our amazing athletes, contribute to our cause and challenge yourself to the ultimate mud obstacle course! 





To get involved in our Mud Run all you have to do is show your Might by signing up at www.MightyMudDash.com

AAS needs your help on Oct. 20th! If you are interested in volunteering at the AAS booth please contact AAS Special Projects Manager Oscar Loreto at Oscar@adacs.org.

Winning with Mud!

Seriously this looks like unreal fun! Unleash the inner 12 year old!

"WE GOT MIGHT YES WE DO......!"

RISE ABOVE: FEATURING BUDDY ELIAS

We are so grateful for the support that  900 films has given us through there documentary series "Rise Above" which is featured on Tony Hawks YouTube channel The "Ride" Channel. So far they have featured Adaptive Action Sports Founder Amy Purdy, Adaptive Action Sports Athlete and Special Projects Manager Oscar Loreto and now Adaptive Action Sports advocate Buddy Elias. Make sure to check this one out, a perfect video to stress  why to never give up on your dreams and to advocate against smoking! Way to go Buddy, you are a true inspiration to everyone who know you and your story! Check It Out!! 

PART TWO OF "RISE ABOVE" FEATURING OSCAR LORETO JR.

Don't miss this! Make sure to watch Oscar Loreto, AAS Special Projects Manager/Skater, in this awesome two part series presented by the Ride Channel on Youtube.



If you didn't get to check out part one scroll below to find it. Congratulations and thank you Oscar. Thanks to Devin Loreto, Robert Brink and all the folks at Ride Channel for your ongoing support of AAS. Nothing but love.

Live Beyond Limits
www.adacs.org

AAS SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER OSCAR LORETO ADDRESSES THE IASC

Adaptive Action Sports Special Projects Manager Oscar Loreto has been asked to address the International Association of Skateboard Companies at their  annual Summit. Oscar who is also a long time athlete and advocate to AAS is digging deep to create new programs and more resources for for adaptive individuals interested in skateboarding.

Coming off 6 years of fantastic programing that included events with X Games, Dew Tour, Challenged Athletes Foundation, The Extremity Games as well as an up and coming relationship with The Street League - just to name a few - AAS and Oscar are poised and dedicated to growing the sport of "adaptive skateboarding."

Recently Oscar was featured in two incredible videos that are both worth a look. The first is through SBC.Skateboard.Com and the second is the premiere episode of "Rise Above" on You Tubes' new RIDE Channel. Check them both out!

Oscar will be speaking on Friday if you'll be present at the summit or stop by the AAS booth to donate. You can also hit him up at Oscar@adacs.org.

IASC brings together skateboarding industry leaders for the 5th Annual IASC Skateboarding Summit, May 10th and 11th, 2012 at the Doubletree Hotel in Anaheim, California.

Along with two days of speakers, panels, roundtables and networking opportunities—all aimed at giving you the information and tools you need to improve your business, we are excited to announce two special events that will make your time at the Summit an event to remember.

Live Beyond Limits
www.adacs.org

HISTORIC DAY FOR ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARDING!

May 2, 2012 – Today, supporters of the sport of Adaptive Snowboarding were rewarded when the International Paralympic Committee announced that two Para-Snowboard medal events will be included in the Alpine Skiing program at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. The two events will take place March 7-16, 2014.  Qualification criteria will be published on May 28, 2012.

 

Evan Strong/New Zealand WC

Acceptance of snowboarding as a Paralympic sport is the culmination of international, national and local efforts over the last six years.   AAS, which took an active role in these efforts, helped focus the world’s attention on the sport with ongoing support from the ESPN X Games which has, for the past two years, included the Adaptive Snowboarder X race.   

Nick Baumgartner 2011 X Games Gold Medalist. Matt Morning/ESPN Images

Earlie

they too can have an opportunity at Olympic Gold! So pumped for you all!"

Public attention to adaptive snowboarding also resulted from a series of AAS adaptive events including the ASX training camps and races made possible through AAS partnerships with the United States of America Snowboard Association, Toyota, Loctite, Burton, Udos Oil, Freedom Innovations, Smith Optics, Element, Disabled Sports USA and others. The ASX race series, including the race at X Games, boasted the first-ever cash purses for participating adaptive athletes.  

 

Travis K/Keith D/Chris B - All Veteran Race at USASA Nationals 09'

In February 2012, France hosted a two-day World Championship featuring 40 Para-Snowboarders from 10 countries.  Gold in the men’s standing class was taken by Evan Strong, racing for the US, who finished ahead of New Zealand’s Carl Murphy and fellow American Mike Shea. The women’s gold was won by Bibian Mentel of the Netherlands, while silver and bronze went to USA’s Amy Purdy and Italy’s Sara Dorigatti, respectively.  Both Evan and Amy trained at AAS’ Crested Butte Adaptive Snowboard camp in 2011-12.  International points they have accumulated over the past several years puts them out in front in terms of selection for the 2014 US Paralympic Team.  

 

February’s event also included the sitting category for the first time, which is open to riders with physical impairment such as paraplegia and bilateral lower extremity amputation.  

 

In 2012-13, Adaptive Action Sports, Inc., will continue its winter adaptive boardercross training which includes beginner to expert programs with access to a full-time boardercross course, seasonal lodging and a full time staff of certified instructors and coaches.  For information concerning how to participate in this training, contact AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale at Daniel@adacs.org. 

Also, please visit www.adacs.org or www.facebook.com/pages/Adaptive-Action-Sports to learn how you can help incredible adaptive athletes prepare to pursue their dreams of becoming Olympians. 

ASX Training Camp at Copper Mountain Colorado 09'

 

Additional information on the 2014 Paralympics is available through www.sochi2014.com.

For information on the International Paralympics Committee, visit www.paralympic.org.  Or, telephone Craig Spence, IPC Director of Media and Communication, at 49-228-2097-230.  You may also email Craig at craig.spence@paralympic.org.  

 

 

To contact the WSF Para-Snowboard division, visit www.worldsnowboardfederation.org.  You may also contact Marco Sampaoli, WSF Press and Media Operations at marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org. Danny Buntain, WSF Para-Snowboard Chairperson, may be reached at 39-340-3285569 or 44-787-9336623.  She may be emailed at danny.buntain@gmail.com.

“WE ADAPT”

THE AAS WE -ADAPT INTERVIEW SERIES WAS DEVELOPED TO SHOWCASE HOW ALL INDIVIDUALS AND ATHLETES NEED TO BE ABLE TO ADAPT IN ORDER TO CONQUER  UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES. THIS SERIES INCLUDES OUR PERSONAL INTERVIEWS WITH TOP ACTION SPORTS ATHLETES PROFILING THEIR CAREER AND HOW AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER WE ARE ALL FACED WITH ADVERSITY. PLEASE SEE THE INTERVIEWS BELOW.

“ONE YEAR LEASE” an interview with NATE HOLLAND

Interviewed and written by AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale

Nate Holland/Winter X 14/Eric Bakke/Shazamm/ESPN Images

As snowboarders, the drive to go fast and take risks is in all of us, some more than others. Some of us fill the need by challenging ourselves in the park, in the steeps or even in the backcountry. Still others fill the need by challenging other boarders: “Who can get down the mountain the fastest?” If you ask Nate Holland who’ll be first down, he’ll tell you:  “I have to believe it’s me.”   And, I’d believe him.

With an undeniably awesome “rap-sheet” of winning, Nate is unarguably one of the best Boardercross athletes in the world. A five-time back-to-back X Games Gold Medalist, he clearly knows how to get down the course quick . . . fast . . . in a hurry.

Last winter, I got to talk over a beer with Nate right after he raced in the Boarder X Finals at Winter X Games 15 and I quickly realized that -- although he’s a beast on the course -- he embodies every character trait that a proud mother would wish to instill upon a son. He’s giving, cares about family, supports his fellow US teammates, he’s passionate and, unlike many pro athletes, is very accessible. As Nate sipped his drink in Buttermilk Lodge, all smiles and stories with fellow racer Shaun Palmer (as if they just hadn’t finished racing the biggest, nastiest course in the world), it also occurred to me that Nate simply loves snowboarding.

But enough about what I think, let’s hear from the man himself.

 

Daniel:  You are one of, if not the, most “winning” boardercross riders in the world?  What is it about action sports that appeals to you?  And, why snowboarding?

 

Nate:  As a kid, I played more traditional sports.  I always started on the team, but I wasn’t the star.  When I won my first snowboard event at age 12, I was hooked.  I recognized my talent.  Snowboarding is a little more lax than traditional sports.  It’s not so structured; and I don’t need a team to challenge me.  Instead, I get out there and push myself against myself and that’s when progression happens. It amazes me and humbles me to still be learning new techniques.

 

Focus up! Photo Eric Bakke/ESPN Images

Snowboarding?  I like the spontaneity of snowboarding.  As a snowboarder, I can go out any afternoon and get some kicks though I gotta admit that being an Olympic Team member makes the sport more regimented.  But, I still occasionally get the joy of deciding to do something at the last minute. Last year, for example, a couple of us decided at the last minute to go to Austria for the World Cup.  It brought me back to my early snowboarding years.  Only this time, instead of jumping in the car, we jumped on a plane.

 

Daniel:  What’s the scariest moment you’ve had in your racing career? 

 

Nate:  Racing in boardercross, we have close calls every day.  I’ve taken my share of tumbles and each is scary.  I think they look worse than they are though . . . especially ‘cause, when I take a tumble, it’s when when I’m smoking down the course.  But, I think I’ve numbed up to the fear.   I’ve learned how to fall and I stay pretty focused on getting out of the situation.  The real scares come when you’re watching someone else fall in front of you.  You’ve got no control of that situation; where they may end up, if you’ll hit em and you just feel bad watching them crash. It’s what we do though.  

 

 

Daniel: Do you still get butterflies in your stomach before a race? 

Nate/Yellow Jersey/Gold Medal Start/Eric Bakke/ESPN Images

Nate:  I get nervous before any race, but I try to use that energy to get a little edge.  My results reflect that:  the bigger the race, the more nervous I am, and – with the exception of little bobbles here and there -- I seem to do best under pressure.”

 

 

Daniel:   Adaptive Action Sports athletes, like spokes athletes Amy Purdy and Evan Strong, have to “adapt” just to participate in action sports.  We’ve found that, with the right amount of forethought, anything can be accomplished.  Have you ever faced situations in snowboarding when you had to adapt to physical challenge?  And, do you have any residual effects from injuries you’ve had over the years? 

 

Nate:   I broke my left ankle in 2005.  I was in a cast for six weeks, but it was two years before I was comfortable.  My first time back on the snow after my injury, I was getting tons of toe side chatter at full speed. I adapted my bindings from two to three straps and that helped a bit.  Finally, the pain subsided, but I don’t have the range of motion in my left that I have in my right foot.  And, yeah, my style had to adapt.    

Nate/Winter X/Photo Eric Bakke/ESPN Images

 

Then in the last two X Games, I rode with bruised heels: nothing broken, just pain.  But, you get in the mindset that a race like that only comes once a year.  You just suck it up and go for it.

 

Daniel:  Even though snowboarding is not a team sport per se, snowboarders still rely on a support system.  How important is your support team to you?  And, how important is it to pull knowledge from others who have experience?

 

Nate:  I’ve been on the US Olympic Team for six or seven years now with the same coach, physical therapists and technicians.  I’ve really learned to trust and rely on them and they’ve worked wonders for me. 

I rely on my teammates, too.  It makes me feel good knowing that I am surrounded with some of the best snowboarders in the world.    Even when three or four of them are having a bad day, there’s still at least one showing World Cup speed. It’s a good way to gauge where your own riding level is at and what you have to do to get in top shape.  At every training camp, I’m pounding the ground with the likes of Seth Westcott and Shaun Palmer. . . . Taking the heroes on in practice helps to elevate your own performance level. The challenge is always to be the best in the world.

 

Daniel:  Last time we saw each other was last year at Winter X Games just after your race.  We talked a little about AAS’ work with disabled youth and veterans.  You mentioned to me that you’ve done some work with US troops.  Can you tell us a bit about that? 

 

Nate Holland and Danny Kass visit soldiers in the hospital in Afghanistan on an X Games themed tour to visit U.S. Troops. (Photo courtesy of Nate Holland)

Nate:  I did two ten-day tours, one in 2008 to Afghanistan and one, in 2009, to Iraq.  The idea was to bring the X Games to the troops.  The conditions the troops face are brutal.  Not once did I hear anyone complain.  At one point, it was 130 degrees.  I was in a t-shirt and shorts.  They were in full fatiques with bullet proof vests.  It was a real eye-opener.  A couple nights we had to leave our bunks to go to shelters.  Rockets coming in.  Intense.  One hell of an experience.  Those guys put it on the line all of the time.  The sacrifice that those men and women are making is huge. They’ve got my respect for sure.

 

 

Daniel:  Are you planning to compete at the Winter X Games this year, and is the Olympic team a goal for you in 2014? 

 

Nate:  Absolutely, to both.  My primary goal this winter is to reclaim gold at the X Games.  I tell people that I only put a one year lease out on the gold medal.  I’m coming back to get it.  I know how to win that race and I know how to get back on that top step. 

I’m going to compete hard for the 2014 Olympics, too.  Olympic gold is the one medal that has eluded me.  At Vancouver, once I started battling Robbins, I realized I wasn’t going to pass him on the upper course.  I could have stepped back in my battle and insured myself silver or bronze.    But I wanted gold.   I knew I could pass him on the long straight sections; that’s where I’m strongest.  Unfortunately, I got in a little rut, my base went flat and I slid out.  But I’m proud that when I went down, I was going for gold. 

 

Daniel:  You’ve been in the sport a long time.  How does your age and experience play into your career at this point? 

Nate leads quarter final leg in a Wrld Cp SBX/Bad Gastein/Austria.

Nate:  It’s true I’m not getting any younger.  Every year, it takes a little more effort.  I’ll be 33 on November 8.  But, in boardercross, there is definitely something to be said for experience.  Palmer is 10 years older than me.  Westcott’s got a couple of years on me.  But, we’re all still racking up podium time.

 

One race, I ran an inspection lap on the course then went down to watch some of the younger guys navigate a couple of the sketchy spots. The course was a bunch of nasty jumps to flat. Maybe one jump was to a good transition. So it seemed like, why hurt myself practicing?  I was only down there 15 seconds, observing, when Westcott rolls up, laughing.  We watched together and made mental notes: where to scrub speed, what speed to carry into the jumps, all of it. Because of our experience we were able to do that and make it work. We took our two practice runs, just before the race, and that was it.  Both of us were on the podium: him silver, me bronze. We didn’t have to beat ourselves up practicing.  With age, comes experience.

 

Wakesurfing/Idaho/Action Water Sports

Daniel:  What are your summers like when you know you’ll be competing in such heavy contests and going for a spot on the Olympic team?  How important is summer training? 

Nate:  I’m into three months of fall training in Utah.  Last summer, I spent time in Idaho with water sports.  My brother and I got a wakeboard/waterskiing school and boat tour company in Idaho.  There’s a reason that we own all those toys:  we love to play and sharing the stoke factor with other people is really cool.  AAS might want to bring an adaptive posse up there next summer.  It’d be killer.  

 

 

   Daniel:  Seal it, stamp it and deliver it! We’re in. See you in Idaho.

Daniel:  As you know, achieving Paralympic status for “adaptive” snowboarding is one of AAS’ primary goals.  We’ve been working hard to do our part to assure that it happens. Just to take a quick second to catch you up: one huge component in our plan is this season’s upcoming ASX (Adaptive Snowboarder X) Championship Series, presented by AAS.  This is a signature series of open competitions for permanently disabled intermediate and advanced snowboarders. The really great thing about this five-event series (including an invite-only stop at X Games) is that it will provide adaptive riders their first opportunity to compete for cash purses.   

 

Nate: Man, that sounds great.

 

Daniel: Yeah, for sure, we are working hard to do our part. With the exception of the X Games stop, all of the competitions are preceded by a four-day Learn to Ride and Race training camp.  This gives campers, who feel they are ready, to sign-up to compete in the open races along with riders coming just for the race. 

 

My question here is two part: first, what do you think about having “adaptive snowboarding“ in the Paralympics?  And, second, what do you think about our ASX series?

 

Nate:  As to the Paralympics, for sure, I absolutely back snowboarding as a Paralympic sport, 100 percent.  It makes absolute sense.   Last year, I watched the monoskiiers at the X Games.  They lay it on the line, charge, and don’t hold back.  Yeah, the adaptive athletes are, in my mind, the baddest athletes at X Games.  They’re just animals.  

And, concerning your ASX series, I think it’s great. It’s important to provide that pipeline. All I can say is “Just keep at it!”   My schedule this winter might put me in the vicinity of some of your training camps and races.  If it does, I’d be happy to share some boardercross tips with your ASX participants.  I’d love to give you guys all the tips I have.  I’m not going to bullshit you that I know everything, but I have paid attention and I’ve got some good training exercises I can share.  And, I can always offer encouragement.  Perseverance is the key.  For me, being a professional snowboarder was a dream of mine.  After I racked up a pretty big credit card bill (it’s not a cheap sport), my parents said: “Put this dream to bed and come home.  Regroup.”  That season, I won my first grand prix.  The rest is history. The hardship just makes for a better story in the end.  

 

Nate Leads Wescott and Schiavon for the Gold/Eric Bakke/ESPN Images

Daniel:  So what’s on deck now for Nate Holland?

Nate:   Till Thanksgiving, I’m in Utah doing dry land training.  Then, I head to Colorado in early December to start snow training.  Then, the first World Cup in Telluride in December followed by the X Games and the full World Cup circuit.  I got a new race technique that I learned this season at Mt. Hood.  

 

 

Daniel: Oh yeah? What is it?

Nate:  I can’t say man, but just look for me being on the podium more often. And, I’d love to come down and watch the ASX races.  We’ll make some time for the gym and I’ll go over a couple of key exercises that I think might be useful to your riders.

Nate collects gold at the 2010 X Games, Seth Wescott left for silver and Alverto Schiavon on right took bronze/Eric Bakke/ESPN Images

 

Daniel: Good deal Nate. Thanks for the time.

Nate: No doubt, Dan, talk soon……

 

Keep an eye out for Nate and the Adaptive Snowboarder X this winter at the ESPN X Winter Games 16! Make sure to Nate and his brother a visit in Idaho next summer at Action Water Sports!