Air awareness tour for young freskiers

Learning to be safe on the rails

If you’re planning to hit the terrain park and half pipes this winter, check out the Free Ski Association of New Zealand’s (FSANZ) Air Awareness Tour from 24 June – 9 July. Aimed at kids with big air aspirations, the Air Awareness Tour brings the mountain to the city with the help of a trampoline, providing kids with the opportunity to learn safe halfpipe and terrain park skills.

Under the expert eye of FSANZ Junior Development Coach, Jacob McCleary, participants will learn the basics of big air safety and, depending on their skill level, move to the most technical tricks.

“Trampolines are a great way to train the body and mind to have strong air awareness so, when you get on the snow, whether you’re spinning, flipping or combining the two, you always know where you are in the air,” said McCleary.

“The tour is also a good safe way to introduce youngsters to the concept of big air in the safety of a controlled environment. Plus it’s a great chance to catch up with other free skiers in the city and there are heaps of spot prizes and giveaways up for grabs.”

The Air Awareness Tour also provides young skiers with the opportunity to find out about forthcoming FSANZ events and school holiday camps at mountains throughout the New Zealand, including the first ever Junior Free Ski Nationals on 5-7 August at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

The dates for the Air Awareness Tour are as follows with a cost of $10 per person:

24 June Auckland North Harbour Gym Centre 6-9pm

27 June Hamilton Fraser High School 5-7.30pm

28 June Wellington Capital Gymnastics 6-9pm

30 June Christchurch QE2 Gym Centre 7.30-10pm

4 July Dunedin Dunedin Gymnatics Centre 7.30-9.30pm

5 July Invercargill YMCA Stadium 6-9pm

9 July Lake Wanaka Mt Aspiring College 6-9pm

The FSANZ is a non-profit organisation dedicated to growing the sport of free skiing in New Zealand and providing support for athletes to compete on the world stage. For details on how to join, as well as to find out more about the Air Awareness Tour, visit www.freeskier.co.nz.