INTERSKI 2023 FINLAND

Full name and discipline/role at Interski: Yukiko Kawada, CASI Team member 

Do you have a nickname we should be using? No one calls me as my full name. Yuki is the best way, (means “snow” in Japanese ) 

Where, at what age and on what kind of plank(s) did you start sliding? First time skiing was at the age of 4 in Norikura Nagano Japan, then stopped at 5 when I started competing figure skating. I didn’t re-start skiing until I got in University at 18. Then swapped to snowboarding at 21.

What’s your home resort now? Whistler Blackcomb BC 

What other certifications do you have in the sliding sports world? CSIA level 1, SAJ 1st level ( not instructor level just skiing test level) and I am good at ice skating. 

First time on the team? If no, please tell us about your previous experience(s): I was in St Anton I remember that Demo slope (WC slalom slope) was super icy…but so many audience were watching the demo. Amazing ambience and experience. Local kids were drinking Glühwein (Mulled wine) while watching demo. 

Tell us one thing that really gets you excited about Interski 2019 : Going to ride mountain in Bulgaria where I have never been. Meeting people from other countries and sharing our passion and ideas about snowboarding. 

What do you hope to get out of Interski 2019? Learning other countries methodologies and techniques, promoting CASI ’s strong teaching methodology. 

Your claim to fame? Oldest Snowboard team member who can still follow young ones. I can speak several languages but not Bulgarian. I have been snowboarding in many countries including indoor slopes in UAE. 

Tell us something funny or interesting about you that not many of us know: I can make a crane from a piece of square paper. I write with my right hand, but I draw and color with left hand. 

Please add anything else you’d like to share with us: Maybe ask CASI boys, sometimes they know me better than myself : )

Full name and discipline/role at Interski: 
LUC BELANGER, TEAM COACH/DEMONSTRATOR

Do you have a nickname we should be using? 
NOT REALLY, EH… I’VE HAD A FEW OVER THE YEARS, LB FROM MY DAYS AT SUNSHINE AND FRENCHY IS ANOTHER ONE THAT STUCK OVER THE YEARS

Where, at what age and on what kind of plank(s) did you start sliding? 
CENTRE DE SKI MUNICIPAL DE ST-RAYMOND, AT AGE 4, ON SKIS (NOT MANY SNOWBOARDS AROUND BACK THEN…). 

What’s your home resort now?
BLUE MOUNTAIN, ONTARIO

What other certifications do you have in the sliding sports world? Other worlds?
I AM A LEVEL 3 CSIA AND ALSO A LEVEL 2 PMBIA (MOUNTAIN BIKE)

First time on the team?
THIS WILL BE MY 3RD ONE, I WAS ON THE TEAM FOR ST-ANTON IN 2011 AND USHUAIA IN 2015. ST-ANTON SET THE BAR PRETTY HIGH, NO OTHER NATION IS MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING, WE DID THE DEMO RUNS AT NIGHT ON THE WORLD CUP SLALOM PITCH (I THINK…) FINISHING IN A SMALL STADIUM, THE ENERGY WAS CRAZY. TOP 5 CAREER HIGHLIGHT FOR SURE. ANOTHER ONE WOULD BE DRINKING BEERS AND WATCHING THE SUNSET ON THE ROOF TOP OF THE HOTEL IN BUENOS AIRES, THAT WAS UNREAL… AND SKETCHY.

Tell us one thing that really gets you excited about Interski 2019:
MEETING TOP PROS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD AND WEARING YOUR FLAG.

What do you hope to get out of Interski 2019?
TO CONFIRM WHERE WE STACK UP AGAINST OTHER TOP NATION IN SLIDING SPORT AND LEARN FROM THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.

Your claim to fame?
« HAVE YOU SEEN ME SNOWBOARD? I’M GOOD ALRIGHT, I MEAN REAL GOOD. » 

Tell us something funny or interesting about you that not many of us know:
SOMETHING FUNNY… TOO MANY TO LIST, I’M PRETTY GOOD AT PUTTING MY FOOT IN MY MOUTH. INTERESTING… I’M A PRETTY GOOD COOK AND I RECENTLY FOUND OUT I LOOK DAMN GOOD IN A SPEED SUIT.

Please add anything else you’d like to share with us:
I CAME UP WITH MARIE CAT’S NICKNAME FORM THE TELE TEAM: “TELE LONG LEGS”.

Full name and discipline/role at Interski: 

Jeff Chandler, CASI National Technical Coordinator & Team Head Coach/Manager 

Do you have a nickname we should be using? 

J-Chan 

Where, at what age and on what kind of plank(s) did you start sliding? 

Calgary (ya, C.O.P.!), age 3-ish? Started with skis, and progressed to snowboarding around 12 years old. Have been snowboarding ever since. 

What’s your home resort now? 

Big White, BC 

What other certifications do you have in the sliding sports world? Other worlds? 

CASI-only, but also some coaching certs (NSSP, CSCP). 

First time on the team? 

This will be my fourth Interski. I’ve been fortunate to attend South Korea, St Anton, Ushuaia, and now Bulgaria. Each location has had its own flair, and pro’s and con’s but it’s always a great experience, with great people…lifelong memories. 

Tell us one thing that really gets you excited about Interski 2019: 

Presenting a strong Canadian contingent of Canadian sliders! 

What do you hope to get out of Interski 2019? 

A strong showing from our CASI snowboarders on the demo slope and workshop presentations, and some good info from the other snowboard-teaching nations to bring back and improve our own programs. 

Your claim to fame? 

I turn right really good (still working on the lefts!). Just ask Luc, he’ll tell you. 

Tell us something funny or interesting about you that not many of us know: 

I may or may not have the best beard on the Canadian team…just sayin’. 

Looking forward to sliding with everyone in Bulgaria!!