A Year Abroad - Part 2

Hey there and welcome back! The month of May has kicked off and I can feel winter creeping in. Which means snow, and a good time to bring you Part 2 of my Japan Adventures. It seems like only yesterday I was having an amazing few winter months in Japan, experiencing some of the best snowboarding conditions in the world. From getting my snowboard instructor qualification to shredding the slopes with my crew, it was an incredible journey. That was the 2019-2020 northern hemisphere season, cut short by the world pandemic. The following post is a collection of my initial thoughts after flying back to Melbourne and facing a mandatory 14-day quarantine, I thought I'd take some time to share my experiences with you. So buckle up, and let's dive in!

The first challenge I faced was getting my snowboard instructor qualification in Rusutsu. Being critiqued on my technique and being brought back to square one as a student was tough, but I knew it was necessary for me to progress. I went through the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance and completed the level 1 instructor course. And boy did it pay off - I learned so much and made amazing friends along the way. But that was just the beginning.

Fast forward to arriving at Appi Kogen as a fresh instructor, and things were pretty hectic. It took me a week to navigate the local geography of the resort, and on top of that, staff onboarding and sorting out accommodation. But once I hit the slopes, it was pure magic. Japow is truly unlike anything else in the world, fluffy and weightless with a fresh coat on the mountain each day. I found myself constantly grinning from ear to ear every time I hit the lifts. And even though some days were long and tiring, the energy and camaraderie of my fellow instructors kept me going.

Having a great mix of experience and culture within the team really added to my enjoyment and growth as a fellow instructor. Having a teaching background definitely prepared me for the role but for those of you thinking it’s a daunting endeavor, I have news. As long as you are coachable yourself and have genuine care for your students, you will do well as an instructor. Your vibe will also play a big part in your students experience, and it’s not hard to have a smile on your face when you’re living in a place like this.

Now that I'm back in Melbourne, I'm facing a new challenge - quarantine. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I'm using this time to develop good habits, like writing this blog post! Looking back on my experiences, I've realised that there are three main takeaways I want to share with you:

1. Embrace challenges - getting out of your comfort zone and facing difficult situations is necessary for growth and improvement.

2. Find your tribe - having a supportive community can make all the difference, especially when you're far from home.

3. Appreciate the moment - life moves fast, so take the time to savor the little things, like a perfect run on a powder day or a delicious meal with friends.

So there you have it - my journey from novice snowboarder to certified instructor, and the lessons I've learned along the way. I hope my experiences have inspired you to take on your own challenges and appreciate the journey. And if you're ever in Japan, be sure to hit up Rusutsu and Appi Kogen - you won't regret it!