Contrary to Popular Belief

There is no One Right Way

Words BY:
Aaron Lebowitz

Art BY:
Jessa Gilbert

This Story was Published in Issue #25, Purchase one: HERE.

SLIDING ON SNOW HAS taken on many forms over the last 70 years, and each technique is often touted by its participants as the “best” way. While this ideology brings a sense of empowerment, it can also enable a dangerous way of thinking: an “I’m right and you’re wrong” mentality, where pride goes hand in hand with belittling the alternatives.

We, humans, live and grow up in “time-bubble eras,” from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and other revered decades, to the timeframes that define our “X, Y, and Z” generations. During these periods, trends move cyclically through innovation, acceptance, standardization, and normalization. Depending on where in that cycle we land, we can find ourselves doing something fresh and new, or the same thing as everyone else, just because it’s the norm. We want to be a part of and excel in the tried and true.

But just because something has been tried for a while and is generally accepted, does that make it true?

There is merit in the uncommon. If it suits you, go for it. If it doesn’t exist, create it. Try something new or dig up a far-flung idea from the past.

Aaron Lebowitz

The mountain slope is an open pallet for creativity. It is an opportunity to express freedom. Who is anyone to decide what that should look like for everyone? You define your cool. That’s what the monoskiers always say, and all the power to them. To all of us.

There is merit in the uncommon. If it suits you, go for it. If it doesn’t exist, create it. Try something new or dig up a far-flung idea from the past. Maybe you’ll find an outskirt powder stash that no one imagined was viable. Isn’t that the moment we’re all searching for?

Be bold enough to take your own path or cultivate a community on your wavelength. You might be surprised how many others resonate with alternative directions.

We must remember that everyone is unique: our diets, careers, who we love, and how we express ourselves. The path is not “one size fits all,” and this includes our niche world of snow sliding. For some, the joy comes straight down the mountain, as fast as humanly possible, some find it in a peaceful cross-country glide, and for others, it’s riding a sled down a golf course hill. Find your way.

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Aaron Lebowitz is the shaper/owner of Elevated Surfcraft. We love his zest for life. Check out his amazing creations here: elevatedsurfcraft.com

Jessa Gilbert is an illustrator currently living in beautiful British Columbia. We love her work. Check some out here: jessagilbert.com