By now, the term “park rat” is as ingrained in our snowboarding vocabulary as “pow,” “shred,” and “gnarly.”
It’s a tag playfully slapped on those snowboarders who spend their days (and nights) honing tricks in the terrain park. For many, this is the playground of the mountains, where youthful optimism meets… gravity.
However, does the label carry a subtle dig, or is it all in good fun?
Reflecting on my own snowboarding journey, I initially wore the “park rat” moniker as a badge of honor. During my early riding days, landing that next trick was my biggest passion (or obsession). As was also the case for my fellow park rats!
At the time, I thought I’d be lapping the park for years – or decades – to come. But things change…
The Park Rat Culture
The label was harmless enough. It was a testament to where you could find me on any given powder day – choosing sculpted kickers over untouched trails (what was I thinking!).Â
We were a community bound by the love for jibs, jumps, and the joy of nailing a new trick (after countless attempts). It was a culture of persistence, creativity, and youthful rebellion.
But like all good things, it eventually came to an end.Â
Venturing Into the Backcountry
As the years rolled by, like many of my freestyle companions, I started to feel the unmistakable allure of backcountry riding. Almost as though there is some hidden force… pulling aging snowboarders towards the light.Â
There’s something special about slashing through perfect, untouched snow. We all know that. Especially on your very first time!Â
I’d soon started to aspire to the likes of Terje and Travis Rice, who’d taken their freestyle riding to some of the gnarliest inclines in the world. And with this shift came an unexpected change in perspective…
A Change in Perception
The “park rat” label that once felt like a badge of honor started to sound a tad dismissive. Some folks use it with a sprinkle of disdain, almost suggesting that riding park is a lesser form of snowboarding.
That’s where the rub lies. The label, playful on the surface, can subtly perpetuate a hierarchy within our snowboarding community.
“Young misguided freestyle riders” vs “wide backcountry gurus”. If you belong to either group, you’ll certainly have felt this vibe at the bar or lodge!
Educating the Next Generation
Now, as a snowboard instructor with over a decade of teaching under my belt (including freestyle coaching) I always share the joys of both the terrain park and the backcountry with my students.
Each realm of snowboarding offers a unique flavor and challenge. And it’s essential that we appreciate the journey each rider is on, whether they are perfecting their spins in the park or seeking the solitude of the backcountry.
Harmful or Harmless?
So, is the “park rat” label harmful or harmless?
Well, it’s a bit of both – depending on the intention and reception. It can be either a token of camaraderie or a marker of superiority.
As riders who share the love for the same snowy slopes, it’s upon us to ensure that our words foster unity rather than division. After all, no matter where we ride, the mountain is our shared home!
The Inevitable Transition From Park to Powder
Like many young riders, I thought I’d be a diehard park-dweller for life. Sound familiar?
As the seasons rolled on, the switch from the structured features of the park to the boundless freedom of backcountry powder came naturally – not just for me, but for many seasoned riders around me.
There’s a distinct tranquility in carving through untouched snow, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the terrain park.
The solitude, the connection with nature, and the thrill of navigating uncharted trails is an entirely different kind of snowboarding.
It’s a challenge of a different breed—less about mastering man-made obstacles and more about exploring the mountain’s natural contours.
Moreover, let’s not ignore the softer landings on powder compared to the punishing hits in the park. Aging bodies (my knees being the main culprit!) will be extremely grateful for the shift.
The transition to powder riding is an acknowledgment of growing with the sport, embracing the call of the wild, and appreciating snowboarding in its raw, original form.
It isn’t about leaving the park behind, rather expanding our horizons and maturing in our snowboarding adventures.Â
Snowboarding: A Journey, Not a Destination
The beauty of snowboarding lies in its ability to travel with us as we evolve. From park rats to powder hounds, each phase of our snowboarding adventure is a chapter in our own unique story.
So the next time you use or hear the term “park rat,” I hope it’s with a tone of respect and a nod to the diverse, colorful tapestry that is snowboarding culture.
Happy riding, park rat!