Scottish Freestyle Dryslope Champs....

Mid Backside 360 - Thanks to Wully Donald for the photo!! :)

Yesterday it was the Scottish Freestyle Dryslope Champs held at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre. I'd entered it due to people saying I should since I was home anyway and I'm glad I did!! I had gone down to the slope on Wednesday night for some practice as had not ridden dry slope for a year and I made some entrance my first run down and all I hear is Gnarly Natalie is back, hahaha!!!!

Each run got progressively better though and soon enough I was spinning off the kicker which I have not done in 3 years!! The spinning was effortless just on landing I would skid out cause you can't use edges on dryslope, hahaha but I started to get used to it, then when the wind picked up I moved to practicing on the rail and box. It was a real fun session and love riding with the guys there many of them I have coached and always stoked to see how much they've progressed since the last time I saw them/ rode with them :)

I have to admit I woke up yesterday morning nervous for the day ahead. I have ridden in many comps over the years but I hadn't for a while and with not having ridden dryslope for a year too although I was coming into it from a good session on Wednesday so I knew I could do it I just had to stomp those landings and stomp them I did!! It's weird over the years on entering the comps it has always made me step my game up and I just go for it and land so it's good to know I can perform under pressure like that!! There were 2 other girl snowboarders riding and they were awesome, was rad riding with everyone!!

It was a fun comp a fun day and I'm stoked on the tricks I did and actually landing them. I had one of the fellow snowboarders surprised at how good I was riding after not having ridden on plastic for a year as he said after one day riding on snow at the Cairngorms it takes him a while to get used to it again!! I also surprised myself big time in how well I rode and I guess just highlighted to me how good and strong a rider I have become to be able to adapt to different conditions like that and normally that is not something I would admit to myself or say out loud but for where I'm wanting to take my riding I need to start believing in myself more, stop comparing myself to other riders cause I am at the level now where anything is possible on my board the only thing preventing me from doing it is having that self doubt so I guess this season is all about believing in myself more and the skills I have on my board and developing them even further!!