Welcome to "The Hawk"
– Snowhawks Raven
Official Newsletter!
The Hawk is dedicated to keeping our members
and staff up-to-date on Snowhawks Raven programs, events, stories
and many other exciting topics.
In This Edition
- Who Invented Snowboarding? Would You Believe A Snowhawks Raven Instructor?
- Lakehawks / Landhawks: A Big Hit
- 2011 Instructors of the Year
- A Special Congrats to Henno Einola on His Level 3 CSIA
- Becoming A Snowhawks Raven Instructor – What's In It For You
- Spring Adult & Family Trip
- Sporting Life Deals Better Than Ever
- Snowhawks Raven Helmet Policy
- Snowhawks Raven Scholarships
- Is the Snowhawks Raven Rental Option Right for You?
- Give the Gift of Snowhawks Raven
Who Invented Snowboarding?
Would You Believe A Snowhawks Raven Instructor?
Photos by Tom Sims
  The roots of snowboarding go back to the late 1970's. Although there is no definitive "official" first snowboard or snowboarder, it is generally acknowledged that there are three pioneers of the sport who all began at about the same time. Jake Burton, Tom Sims and Willi Winkels (Willi and Tom Sims were actually business associates). Willi has been a Snowhawks instructor for over 20 years and is a proud member of our Hall Of Fame. Willi still teaches on our Wednesday Adult Getaways and although he has "mellowed" somewhat he is still deep down the radical he was in the 1970's.
 Willi's roots were in skateboarding where he is credited with significant product innovations and the development of the skateboard half pipe. He had an idea to attach the deck of his skateboard to a "flying yellow banana" toboggan like product and use plastic hooks for his feet to be held in place.  He first tested his new invention at Mammoth Mountain in California and at Blue Mountain in Collingwood. The sight of Willi flying down the hills standing sideways on this radical new "gizmo" caused people to pull off to the side and gaze in amazement.
The next time you are skiing or snowboarding at Blue Mountain watch out for a run called "Willi's Run" and tell those you are with that it is named for Wee Willi Winkels (that really is his name) a Snowhawks Raven instructor.
Lakehawks / Landhawks: A Big Hit
To find out more or to register please call our office at 416-487-5271 or email us.
2011 Instructors of the Year
At Snowhawks Raven we are blessed with a fantastic staff, almost all of whom have grown up with our program and moved on to become instructors with us. This past year was no exception and at this time we would like to acknowledge two very special people.
 Stefan Eylott: This past winter Stefan attended Queens University. However, Stefan didn't let school get in his way of his teaching as every weekend he would venture back to Toronto so that he could teach for us both Saturday and Sunday. In addition, within the past year Stefan passed both his level 2 Canadian Ski Instructors and his level 2 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors designations. Quite a remarkable feat and one that shows his dedication to our sports.
Given Stefan's accomplished teaching skills in both disciplines, Stefan was able to work one day as a supply teacher in either sport and to be available for those students who needed that extra confidence boost or support. He always had a smile on his face and had his students skiing or snowboarding away feeling as if they could conquer any challenge. For those who had Stefan as their regular teacher the feedback we received from the parents and his students was overwhelmingly positive. Having watched Stefan grow up with our program and listening to his ambitions in his sports, it brings us great pleasure and we are confident that Stefan will continue to nurture the passion in his students that is so evident in him.
 Connor Salmena: You can always tell how amazing an instructor is by the number of kids clamoring to get into his or her class. Connor fits that bill to a tee! There is no other way to put it than kids just think the world of Connor and his snowboard teaching. Connor taught beginners on our Christmas program and advanced riders on our Blue Mountain Traveller. He even taught waterskiing and wakeboarding on our Spring Lakehawks program. No matter what level he taught we were always confident that Connor's classes were being taught in a safe manner, that his kids would learn a ton, and that everyone would have an amazing experience.
Both Stefan and Connor are great role models and unbelievable assets to our organization and we are extremely grateful for their efforts.
Many of our staff continue to develop their ski and snowboard skills through hard work and dedication to learning. Just because you become an instructor it doesn't mean that you stop taking lessons and improving. A case in point is Henno Einola who accomplished his level 3 Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA) certification this past winter. For those unfamiliar with the CSIA or CASI that is quite a feat and we are extremely proud of Henno. Numerous other staff obtained their level 2 CSIA or CASI certifications and all of these people should not only be proud of their accomplishments but they also serve as great role models to their fellow instructors and students alike. Way to go all of you!
A Special Congrats to Henno Einola on His Level 3 CSIA
 For those of you who are familiar with the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA), you will understand what kind of an achievement attaining your Level 3 is. Henno always excelled as a student and his dedication to continuing to learn as an instructor is evident in his latest accomplishment. This past winter Henno taught one of our race team classes on the Mount St. Louis Traveller and if his students pick up on just a fraction of what Henno was teaching then who knows how far they may go. Henno is not only an amazing skier and teacher he is a true advocate for skiing and passing on his knowledge. Congratulations again for a truly outstanding achievement.
Becoming A Snowhawks Raven Instructor – What's In It For You
By Sheldon Fernandez
I've been in Snowhawks Raven since the age of 12 and became an instructor at the age of 16. Snowhawks has been a huge part of my life and I've loved every minute of it. I've taught on the Mount St. Louis Traveller, Blue Mountain Traveller and March Break program. I am currently a coop student in engineering at the University of Waterloo. Every four months when I begin the interview process for my next work term I bring up my teaching experience with Snowhawks. Why? Professionalism, situational awareness, leadership, conflict management and teamwork are all skills that being a Snowhawks Raven instructor has taught me. This has helped me become a better person and employee. In the work force these are skills that are considered assets.
Being an instructor has taught me how to be a better teacher, but also how to recognize good teaching habits; so much in fact that now, that when I have a professor that I can tell loves teaching, I thank them for their lectures. Working at Snowhawks Raven this past season gave me the opportunity to see the new instructors coming up, and it's incredible to see our staff in action. We are happy, we love what we do … our interactions with the kids, our desire to see our kids improve and our overall passion for our sport. I know I can't wait to get there in the morning.
I would encourage anyone who enjoys kids, loves to teach and wants to stay involved in the sport to consider taking the Snowhawks Raven Instructor In Training class and follow in the footsteps of countless others who came before.
Spring Adult & Family Trip
Last winter we ventured off to The Alps for some amazing spring skiing/snowboarding. Solden, Austria played host to over 60 of us and it is safe to say that we all enjoyed ourselves to the max. What an experience it was.
Although we may not be hitting the slopes at a resort as exotic as Solden for this year, we do promise you an amazing experience. Ask anyone who has been on one of our trips and they will tell you that what makes our experience so unique is the camaraderie that we foster. From BBQ and pizza party nights to arranging guided tours of our resort by day we ensure that all participants are treated to a fantastic experience. Many of our guests return every year but we also have new members who attend not knowing anyone. Though they are reluctant at first, they inevitably comment on what a welcoming group we all are. No matter what level of skier/snowboarder you may be we promise that you will have an amazing experience.
As for this years trip we are exploring a number of options both in Canada and in the US. We certainly don't want to "let the cat out of the bag" but rest assured our end of March 2012 destination of choice will be thrilling, packed with fun and great people and a true ski/snowboard experience. To find out more or to register please call our office at 416-487-5271 or email us.
 Sporting Life Deals Better Than Ever
We are again thrilled to have Sporting Life as our official sponsor and we know you will be as well when you hear about the great deals they are giving our members! All Snowhawks Raven members will receive a free hot wax, equipment check and binding adjustment. This is great for skiers as bindings have to be readjusted every year as our kids grow and improve their skills. Boarders have to have their bindings moved as they buy larger boots so they stay centered on their boards. Of course, we could all use a hot wax at some point during the season.
In addition, all members will receive a 10% discount off of just about everything in the store. And this includes off of sale priced items! And anyone who purchases their equipment at Sporting Life will also receive $25 OFF of any Snowhawks Raven mid winter program.
Snowhawks Raven Helmet Policy
 At Snowhawks Raven our helmet policy is simple … they are mandatory for all members and instructors. The simple fact is that helmets do equate to safety. Whereas in the past a blow to the head was often dismissed as "having your bell rung" medical science has progressed to the point where concussions are now considered to be more serious and the understanding of these bruises to the brain and how to treat them has become more well known. The best defense is certainly prevention and the number one tool is definitely a helmet. Last year was the first year helmets were mandatory for all kids in our program and we found that this policy was well received by all. In fact, most kids are now accustomed to wearing helmets and they not only enjoy the added warmth that they offer but the designs add to the fashion aspect of the sport.
The one exception to our rule is on our Wednesday Adult program where we will continue to highly recommend helmets, though we will not make them mandatory. We recognize that some of these members have not worn a helmet for 30-50 years and perhaps there is something to be said for "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." Even on this program we do see the vast majority of members now wearing helmets and we expect that this percentage will likely continue to increase.
Wrist guards are another important safety feature for snowboarders. Beginner and novice boarders in particular should wear wrist guards as they definitely cut down on the number and severity of wrist injuries.
Once again we are pleased to offer our Snowhawks Raven Scholarships. This year we are offering six scholarships of $300 each. The intent of these scholarships is to provide financial assistance to past clients who may be experiencing temporary financial hardship. In order to apply we ask that you submit a one page letter or email outlining your reasons for seeking a scholarship. The deadline to apply is October 15th and we will let members know whether or not they are accepted by Nov. 1. Please note that these are meant as a one time opportunity and therefore past recipients are not eligible.
This is a service we feel strongly about. We realize that from time to time there are circumstances beyond our control and we as parents do have to cut back. No one wants their children to miss out on activities which have become so dear to them and this is our way of helping families through trying times.
Is the Snowhawks Raven Rental Option Right for You?
Over the years more and more families have taken advantage of the Snowhawks Raven rental option. Each year we update our fleet to ensure that our products are state of the art and that our members can take advantage of the latest in technology. Skiing or snowboarding, the option is yours.
 We start outfitting members as early as September. We ask that you call our office and arrange for an equipment fitting appointment. You come in, we size you or your son / daughter, and you take the equipment home with you at that time. The best part is that the equipment is yours for the year. You return it to us in April, long after the last snow has melted away.
Prices start at $130 for a full set and go up to a maximum of $200. That includes boots, bindings, and skis or board. Helmets and wrist guards are extra.
The rental option is great for beginners who are not sure whether they really love the sport and for those who want to try our combo ski and board program. It's also great for those in growth spurts who don't want to outlay the cash for brand new equipment every year. For those who have finished growing then the recommendation is to buy. You will have that equipment for many years so why not have your own at that time.
Give the Gift of Snowhawks Raven
 Looking for a special birthday present or perhaps a holiday gift? Why not consider a Snowhawks Raven Gift Certificate or perhaps something from our accessory line? Snowhawks Raven has gift certificates available in all denominations as well as ski/snowboard bags boot bags, sweats and other items.
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