The Remarkable Girls on Edge boarding programme is the ideal place for girls who are curious about hitting the park but don’t know where to start. Having messed about and had some pretty spectacular falls in the past attempting the odd jump – when I found out about this very special girl’s only programme at NZ’s Remarkables it seemed ideal.

The great thing about this programme is that the groups are small and the coach’s top notch. Our group was paired up with Anaiis one of the Remarkables snowboarding instructors and Callie Conaghan – a semi pro boarder. With help like this you can’t help but improve your technique, from gently pointing out the obvious – bend your knees – to the ‘eureka’ moment when I discovered that if I look at the snow while turning in quick succession I’ll probably end up eating snow – duh. Why didn’t I realise that before?!

Over the course of the day my confidence soared, we covered ollies, jumps and even had a go at the half-pipe – something I would never have previously considered.

The highlight of the day had to be my first and then second rock-drop. After the first attempt I was even more nervous as I then realised just how high it was – but thanks to the other girls in the group we all encouraged each other to go for it – I couldn’t let the team down or in fact be the only one not going for it! Working in a girl’s only group really helped me, we quietly pushed each other on while having the support of some really inspiring coaches.

I didn’t land any of my attempted jumps – but it doesn’t matter at all – I tried and next time I come face-to-face with a potential terrifying jump I won’t board past it but give it a go – just once my legs/body has recovered from my first day on the edge. Girls on Edge rock – give it a go if you’re lucky enough to be in Queenstown next session.

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Words: Lorna Galt