Sunday
Jan082012
Tuesday
Mar292011
NASA K1's On The Rise!
The month of February was busy and cold. The month started off with K1 western qualifications held at Nakiska. The race had many challenges including, large numbers, extreme winds, a dump of snow and a malfunctioning chair lift. However, thanks to our amazing NASA parents the race was a great success. The K1 athletes demonstrated excellent determination and drive throughout the three day race series. They quickly learned that skiing not only requires physical training, but intensive mental conditioning as well. Many of the athletes rose to the occasion and accomplished personal bests. Congratulations to Trevor Anderson for finishing 3rd in the Kinder Kombi, scoring NASA’s first K1 podium for the season.
Nakiska Race
Nakiska was pleasantly surprised with a huge dump of snow the weekend after the race. GS training was cancelled and the team fled to the K-Squad’s bumps to challenge their balance and technique. The snow fall at Nakiska this year has been record breaking, creating excellent conditions for all round training for our athletes.
K1 Westerns Action
Trevor Anderson, Luke Fouad and Luka Bozinovski represented NASA at the K1 westerns held at Silver Star located near Vernon, BC. The boys outperformed the top Alberta males. Luka Bozinovski placed 6th in the full gate slalom, second from Alberta, and 16th in GS. Trevor Anderson consistently placed in the top 15 throughout the series and Luka Fouad placed 10th overall, 4th from Alberta, for the first run of GS.
Those who did not go to Westerns were invited to Fernie for some free skiing. We had three days of blue skies and fresh snow. It was a great chance for the kids to let loose and explore a new mountain. We also had the privilege to hear Laval St.Germain, a NASA parent, present his personal story of his journey up Mount Everest as the first Canadian without oxygen. His passion and dedication inspired the young athletes as well as their astonished parents.
Recently, the NASA athletes took part in the GS race series held at Sunshine Village. The duel GS format on Saturday got the kids’ adrenaline pumping. There were several breakthrough results including, Abby Harrison finishing top 15 in all the races and 7th on Sunday, Sabrina Bergeron with 2 top 15s, Rory Mills with a top 15 on Sunday, Luka Bozinovski placing 4th on Saturday and Trevor Anderson finishing 4th and 3rd. At this point all the athletes have a comprehensive understand of the expectation on race day; they have become increasingly more self sufficient and unified as team.
We look forward to seeing the momentum of the athletes hard work and self awareness continue through to the Finals at Panorama held at the end of the month. As the temperature increase, it is hard to believe how fast the season has passed.
K1 Coaches
Tuesday
Jan252011
K1 Update – Good Times in Progress
The K1s are well into their season. The past few months have been a huge learning curve for the group. The athletes have been working on all the components require to become successful athletes. Self-discipline, nutrition, equipment, fitness, goal setting and team work are some of the key focal points for our K1 athletes.
The athletes made huge improvements over the Christmas Camp. Fundamental skills crucial to future progression were acquired and refined. The camp was also a great time for team spirit to emerge along with self discipline and time management. 
At the start of the New Year, the K1 athletes had their first race at Mt. Norquay. A day of slalom followed by a day of Kinder Kombi. Although the weather and race schedule presented challenges, especially for the first year athletes, the group as a whole demonstrated excellent determination.
After our first race it was time for some fun in the powder. We had an excellent powder day up at sunshine with smiles all the way around. The ‘Launch of Champions’ was a great way to expand individual comfort zones and resulted in some epic crashes. Everyone walked away ecstatic and exhausted.
Recently, the team had a speed camp where the kids found their need for speed. It was a perfect sunny day, ideal for training in full suit, crazy jumps and of course the bullet. By continuing to push their comfort zone, many of the athletes surprised themselves with their abilities and new found confidence.
Still ahead are the Western Qualifiers at Nakiska. Thanks to all the parent volunteers who have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming race. The three day race series includes GS, Kinder Kombi and Slalom. Our athletes are excited and well prepared for this race, with a home hill advantage. 
It has been an excellent year so far and we look forward to the many new stories to come.
K1 Coaches - Updates: Jan 25th, 2011