Think You’re Too Old to Learn to Snowboard? Bah!
Read about Gordon Lee, born on November 28, 1931.
He started snowboarding a few years ago when he was 71 - As an alternative
to his skiing!
Gordon Lee, interviewed in 2004 by Lauren Traub Teton
LTT
I see from your sign-up for the Snowboard Szine newsletter, that you are a
72-year old snowboarder. And I thought I was old to be a snowboarder. LOL!
When and how did you happen to start snowboarding, Gordon?
Gordon
I was a skier for 10 years or so, on and off. Well, I started in college,
then came back to skiing after I retired at 59.
What made you try snowboarding?
The kids looked like they were having so much fun.
Did you take a lesson?
Yes, a beginner lesson, my first time out.
How many lessons?
Just one lesson. I kept falling at first. I twisted my ankle coming off the
lift.
Yes, I did that once on ice, right after coming off a broken ankle.
Fortunately, no damage done.
Bruises?
My rear end, my wrists, my knees. Not too bad. I put some sponge padding on
my rear end, foam camping padding. After first time I got the idea to use
the padding. I used ski poles to balance myself. Later on I catch on. I ride
goofy, I curve to the right and it’s harder to go left. I was finally brave
enough to curve left. I made the turn, but still fell down a lot. I leaned
back instead of into the turn.
When did you start?
Last season. I went snowboarding about 10 times. I started in November 2003.
What are you doing now to stay in shape?
Now swimming, teaching the kids to swim. I plan to go back to snowboarding
and skiing this winter. I ski in the morning and snowboard in the afternoon.
Depends how the runs are.
What will you be working on this season?
I’m gonna try riding switch. I have 2 boards, longer, and shorter. I’ll
spend some time on the longer board this season. I’m on the green runs. I
want to try blues.
Are you gonna jump?
I don’t know yet.
Do you keep your edges sharp?
I plan to learn to do that myself.
Gordon
Lauren, what do you recommend for videos?
Rider’s Ed.
Gordon
The reason I’m in such good shape is I go to the gym every other day. I work
out for 90 minutes cardio, weight lifting. I hike, I swim. I’m learning to
kayak.I go to church a lot. It keeps me spiritually in tune.
Do you enjoy snowboarding?
I enjoy both snowboarding and skiing. Right now I’m better at skiing so it
is easier. I snowboard and ski mostly for exercise. Snowboarding seems like
more fun. It’s still new for me. If I get a little better I’ll prob enjoy it
more.
Where do you ride and ski?
I snowboard locally here, near Los Angeles. Mountain High, Snow Valley is
good for beginners, more flat and not too crowded. Sometimes Mammoth.
I do inline skating too, bike riding. Am learning to ride unicycle. I went
to bike shop and saw one hanging from the ceiling. I lean between doorposts.
I wear elbow pads. I haven’t tried sky diving yet but I might. But I think
snowboarding is plenty of fun.
Thanks Gordon, for sharing your enthusiasm for snowboarding, your other
sports, and life in general. You are an inspiration.
2006 Update
Gordon, what are your snowboard plans for this season?
Hi Lauren;
Recently I've been trying to keep my body in a better health. Beside doing
my exercise, I have been detoxifying my body by fasting on fresh juices and
veggies. I felt much better at my age of 75. Fasting will eliminate toxins
from the pollution we breathed, and junk foods we ate. If you are interested
in this matter, I highly recommend this book by Don Colbert, MD "Toxic
Relief". You can get this book in AMAZON.COM
When the snow falls in Southern Cal., my wife and I will head up to the hill
for snow boarding and skiing. Best of health and God bless,
G. Lee
