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We just wrapped up a splitboard adventure for the upcoming Buyer’s Guide dropping in September. Tim Peare, Nate Deschenes, Jon Glass and a good group of California riders composed the crew. Tim and Nate have splitboarded before. Jon and I were newbies. It’s from this point the tale begins.

Skinning through the Eastern Sierras was quite the experience. Surrounded by a majestic landscape, I struggled like a fawn walking on ice for the first time. My legs went one way, arms went the other, as I gracefully fell all over the back of the line. My mind would wander to negative thoughts about taking the skis off, abandoning ship and walking up the mountain, until the reality of Spring conditions set in and one leg was sunk waist deep in slushy snow. I would then laugh at myself and wish someone was there to witness the ridiculousness of my struggle. Finally, my mind would wander to Maribeth, who was undoubtedly at the lunch spot up top, after making record time with Baby Bjorn and all.

The small downhill parts were equally challenging and entertaining. I haven’t skied since childhood, nor had I ever intended to ski again.

Then it clicked. Day two I relaxed into this new movement and fell in love with snowboarding in a new way. I forged forward envisioning the possibilities of future split life. Solitude, sun, blue skies, nature, and a small group of good people, what more do you need?

I’ll save the rest of my thoughts for print. Until then, check out the gallery for some behind the scenes photos of Tim Peare getting the shot.

Like what you see? Don’t forget to subscribe to Snowboard Mag to see the results of this amazing splitboard trip in the Buyer’s Guide, due out in August.