Danika on Her Trip to NZ!

Here’s team rider Danika Duffy on her trip to New Zealand!

Sheep, sheep, and more sheep!

“For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, one of the best ways to get some summer riding in is to venture down under to New Zealand. Since I received a back fracture at the end of the 09/10 season, I wasn’t sure how hard I would be able to snowboard, but I knew that I wanted to go get in some off season training, compete in the Burton Open, meet fellow BR team rider Charlotte Trundle, and munch on some of Snow Park’s delicious wedges! We both got some great shots with photographer Pablo Azocar and had a great time getting to know each other.

Danika with a crisp boarslide PC Pablo Azocar

Two days after our shoot, it was time for the Burton Open! It was pretty icy the day were set to compete, and we both had some pretty unsettling injuries that we were still dealing with (my back, and Charlotte’s recent concussion) but I was so proud that we were still able to get out there and compete!

Danika flyin' high!

 Charlotte and I had so much fun riding at Snow Park! It was such a good experience to get to ride together and push each other.

Charlotte keepin' it cool with a nosepress

We both learned a ton of new jib tricks and got to feast on wedges with sour cream and sweet chili in the Woolshed, the restaurant on the hill.

JACKPOT! yum yum yum

Even though New Zealand is small, there is so much to do there! Twice during my visit, Charlotte and I made the venture down to Queenstown, a nearby city to Charlotte’s hometown, Wanaka. On the first day in Queenstown, we went up a huge gondola to a luging track, where we got to race in the rain.

Riders, start your engines! Sort of.

After that, we headed over to an indoor miniature golf place, where things got a little out of control. I struggled quite a bit, and ultimately put a crack in the Caddy Shack International Airport on the very first hole! Charlotte did much better than me, but no one could beat my mom, who got the winning score by at least 5 points!

Do we see a pro mini golf career in Charlotte's future?

The next day we were in Queenstown, we got to go on the Shotover Jet, a boat that can run in just 3 mm of water, goes at high speed, drives extremely close to rocks, and does fun 360’s in the water.(Photo 10 char and I waiting to go on the boat) We were all a little scared, but faired far better than the lady who was seated in front of us. We all figured she would have a little bit of trouble when she boarded the boat in 5 inch heels, and our worries were confirmed when, within seconds of stepping off the boat, she threw up everywhere!

Charlotte and Danika, waiting to board the boat!

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and Wanaka is
definitely one of the prettiest places I have ever been. Right by Charlotte’s house is a beautiful hiking trail that leads you right up Iron Mountain and has a beautiful 360 view from the top. My mom and I loved hiking up there after a long day on the hill.

Hiking and goofing off after a long day on the hill

I was so sad to go home, but Charlotte and I are quite excited for the upcoming season. Hopefully, Charlotte and I will get to be roomates in Mammoth, and continue shredding all through the winter!”

Charlotte and Danika, where will they go next?

That’s all for now!

XOXO Danika Duffy & Betty Rides

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