So you’ve been killing it on your snowboard skills lately and want to start competing but not sure where to begin? Joining USASA should be step one on your list. For any skilled shredder that wants to take their snowboard game to the next level, jumping on board with the United States Amateur Snowboarding Association is a great move. Not only will you have access to legit events all over the US but you will also get great discounts on things like gear and summer training camp. In this article, we will break down the top reasons to get involved with USASA and kick you down some information about how to get yourself registered.
some background on USASA
The United States Amateur Snowboarding Association was incorporated in 1988 by former amateur surf coach Chuck Allen, thanks to a $500 donation from Transworld SNOWboarding Magazine. Allen felt that forming an organization would help grow the sport by hosting competitions and annual national championships. Fast forward to 2012 and the USASA now has regional chapters with members from over 40 states – from coast to coast – competing in divisions like halfpipe, slalom, giant slalom and slopestyle. 2012 will mark the the 23rd Annual USASA National Championships taking place at Copper Mountain in Colorado.
benefits of joining
Members of USASA have access to all the best competitions nationwide – and some great fringe benefits as well. Once you are registered, you will receive a little care package including your membership info, stickers and a free subscription to Transworld Snow. Now the power is in your hands and it’s time to get out there and start entering some local contests! If you are in the Chicagoland area, you are lucky enough to have Raging Buffalo, a local USASA hub, nestled just outside the city in Algonquin. You can check their USASA site for info on upcoming contests and events as well as info on how to get registered for each comp. If you are outside the Chicagoland area, find out what the closest USASA hub is to you.
Still slightly unsure about registering? Raging Buffalo offers an amazing one-time deal for fist timers, they will waive your fees and you can enter a comp (only 1 discipline) for just $1. After that, you have up to two weeks to decide that you want to join and any results from the contest can be turned into official points!
once you’ve joined
So your welcome pack just came in the mail and you’re wondering what to do next. It’s time to figure out what your strengths are, and where you want to focus your skills. Various categories include Rail Jam, Boardercross, Slopestyle, Half Pipe, Slalom and Giant Slalom – all of which are recognized on a national level. There are coaches available that specialize in each category to help really dial in your skills and help you progress in whatever direction you choose to take. There are even opportunities to work with gymnastic coaches and practice on trampolines or airbags. Another major benefit of joining is the automatic hook up you get for Woodward at Copper Mountain. The training facilities there are legit and so are the coaches and terrain. Private and group sessions are available.
Now the fun really begins. You can start meeting other snowboarders your age and get some healthy competition going in your life! Competing is a great way build your skills by surrounding yourself with other riders who are also pushing themselves to get better. Nothing helps more than riding with people who are better than you and by pushing each other – everyone gets better.
Keep in mind, joining USASA does not have to mean you are already throwing yourself off of 40-foot kickers. If you are still building your skills, joining can help you grow faster by utilizing all that the association has to offer – like coaches and training camps. All you need is the desire to compete and get better, and they will take it from there.
To go directly to the USASA page and learn more about the association here.