Teal Harle of the Podium of Life Ski Academy took his freestyle skiing to the next level by competing in the Northface Open Series in Whistler. This international event attracted skiers from all over.
Skiers demonstrated their jumping and rail riding skills to the judges on two qualifying runs. They performed tricks like double cork 10s. In real English, this means two full flips off-axis with three full rotations. "Sick" is a common judgement for this one. They rotate onto rails, switch directions, and then flip or rotate off the rails.
This sport is a spectator special. No wonder it is in the Olympics this year.
After the first round Harle was third in his heat of 24 riders. "Not too bad for a kid off the Island," an observer noted. In his second heat he placed sixth. Unfortunately, his scores were not high enough to qualify him for the final 17 skiers. Final results are at: http://tnf-ppos.rmvn.stackablehost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Mens-Final-Results.pdf.
Harle is also one of the top coaches at Podium of Life Ski Academy on Mount Washington. Younger students are inspired by his skill level and progress fast under his leadership.
"It is great to be living my dreams and competing at the sport I love," smiled Harle. "I have some bigger competitions coming up, which I hope to do well in. I feel really grateful to have been given this opportunity to go to school on the mountain at Podium of Life Ski Academy."
Harle competes in the Timber Tour BC series, at Apex, this weekend with fellow Podium of Life students Sofia Tchernetski, James Dunn and Erin Sketchley.
– Podium of Life Ski Academy