Three new DCL’s and another National Team Member in the Northwest!

By Chad Frost

Summer 2003

Congratulations to the new members of our AASI-NW Divisional Clinic Leader Staff; Chris Elsmore from Mt. Hood Meadows, Steve Muise from Mt. Bachelor, and Dustin Semb from Stevens Pass!  With eight candidates this was our largest tryout so far.  It was amazing to ride with that many people with such a high level of performance and commitment.  Everyone did an outstanding job of maintaining high energy and positive attitudes even with high winds and very stormy conditions.  Selections were based on the following criteria: candidates’ application packets, individual interviews, ability to lead/clinic the group, knowledge of sport, and of course their snowboarding versatility and abilities.  Remind your school to use their Ed Bucks and ride with one of our new DCL’s this season.  You will learn a lot and have a great time with any one of these super talented clinicians.  Congratulations Chris, Steve and Dustin!

We were also very fortunate to have Rob Baker, a National Team Member from Snowmass at Aspen, come to the great Northwest to assist with DCL selections.  After the tryouts were over Rob stayed to work with Training Directors and our Divisional Staff.  Everyone was very impressed with Rob’s incredibly powerful style and smooth riding even in the steeps.  I heard many people talking about some of the tips they got for teaching and how well it worked on their own riding.  Rob spent many years at Alyeska Resort in Alaska and it shows!   Baker said before he left for Aspen/Snowmass that this was one of the best trips he has ever had and the terrain was the best he’s had since leaving AK.  Of course when the Northwest gets 5 feet in 5 days, it doesn’t hurt.  Thanks to Stevens Pass for hosting Rob Baker and our AASI-NW groups.