When provincial coaches noticed that there wasn’t proper park infrastructure for young snowboarders at Ski Ben Eoin, they decided to take action. The coaches pursued funding for entry-level equipment so that young riders in the region could access appropriately sized features, be introduced to freestyle riding, and compete in snowboarding events.
Once the hill installed the entry-level boxes and rails, it allowed Nova Scotia Snowboard to host events for that age group at Ski Ben Eoin. It also kick-started the beginning of the Canada Snowboard RIDERS Program, a multi-week program introducing young snowboarders to the competitive side of the sport.
“Now that the sport has more visibility on the hill, kids and parents know that there are programs available to participate in,” said Zach Dickson, past Technical Director for Nova Scotia Snowboard. “The sport has seen a large increase in participation overall in the region.”
Since February 2021, 48 kids have participated in the RIDERS program. With the program’s start and the installation of the new equipment, the sport’s visibility has grown within the community, and more families are becoming involved each year.
Community support has been crucial to the success of the initiative. Ski Ben Eoin has been instrumental in the success as they operate the hill, programming, and events. Highline Boardshop has been a critical partner, providing coaches for the RIDERS events and a local equipment supplier for kids in the region. Parents have played a key role as they have stepped up to become coaches, administrators, and volunteers.
“With the new equipment, there are now more appropriately sized terrain park features for youth who are not a part of organized programs to practice recreationally,” said Dickson. “The number of kids interested in the sport is growing, and they would potentially be ready to join Nova Scotia Snowboard programs or events in the future, which is also helping grow the community.”
While there have been some weather-related barriers, the demand for the program continues to grow in the region. The hope is to see 50 kids each year participate in the RIDERS program’s various levels while broadening reach to as many communities as possible. Snowboarding has already seen a significant increase in participation overall in the region thanks to the increased visibility on the hill and access to equipment appropriate for various ages.
Ski Ben Eoin has an introductory snowboard program for kids who have never snowboarded, along with rental equipment of all sizes. For more information, you can head to www.skibeneoin.com. For those who have snowboard experience and are looking to be introduced to competitive snowboarding, the RIDERS program is a great way to learn more about freestyle or racing at www.nssnowboard.ca/programs/grassroots-programs/riders/.
If your organization is looking to provide sustainable programming within your community, you can find more information by visiting www.sportnovascotia.ca/funding-programs-and-eligibility/. If your organization has questions or wants to learn more, please contact your Regional Sport Coordinator listed here: sportnovascotia.ca/community-sport-development/.
