Seven years after its launch, the separate snowboard nico, a new activity on snow that slides on both feet with two boards, has steadily increased its fans and is gradually gaining recognition.For the first time, an event was held in which the enthusiasts gathered from all over the country to practice jointly.The event was hosted by nico's top rider Naoto Terashima.We asked Mr. Terashima, who has been engaged in dissemination activities and trick development since the beginning of the release, to report on the day.
On March 2019, 3, 24 separate snowboarders from all over Japan gathered at Togakushi Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture.Users from all over the world, Hokkaido in the north and Nara in the south.Some members joined us from the day before and had the eve of the festival even though they met for the first time (laughs).The forecast for cloudy weather changed on the day, and it was a beautiful winter (spring) sunny day!Moreover, it had been snowing for a long time the night before, and the slope conditions were as good as the top season.It has become a slope suitable for nico.
Separate snowboarders gathering as the start time approaches
At 10 am, more and more nico users gathered near the reception, and the ski racks in front of the reception were full of nico.It seems to be the first time for a user who usually slides alone to see such a large number of nicos gathering, and everyone was surprised to take pictures.
The event started with the opening declaration at 10:25 am.First of all, 2 people lifted up all at once. The sight of 12 two-seater lifts filled with nico was spectacular.After that, when everyone started to slide on the slopes all at once, the slopes became full of nicos, and all the users were delighted that there were many friends around.After that, we all enjoyed the unique skiing of nico, such as heading to the summit, going to the park and jumping, and taking formations.
Lunch is Nagano's specialty, Togakushi soba
We also had lunch together to deepen exchanges.The place is the soba restaurant "Togakure".We asked users from afar to taste the soba noodles in Togakushi so that they could experience the charm of Nagano.
Bonds between users that deepen steadily
While practicing in the afternoon, we all tried to shoot a commemorative video. All 25 people tried to do the same pose, but there are some users who can't pose because everyone's level doesn't match.However, what stands out here is the sense of unity between users.Everyone followed each other to help their peers trying to do the same sport, and when the formation was made, applause was given, creating a wonderful sense of unity among the users.It wasn't perfect, but I was able to get a good formation video.
The last is a mini game & big lottery tournament
A mini game will be held at the end of the practice session. We held a snow flag game to make it a game unique to nico.Taking advantage of the characteristics of nico who can walk on the snow, the game where the person who takes the flag 50m away first wins.It seems easy at first glance, but it took some tips and skills to run fast, and it became a hot game.The organizer was also amazed at the spirit of the user who showed a wonderful dash.
A lottery will be held at the end of the event.We have a lineup of gorgeous prizes such as sponsorship items from companies that sponsored this event, original goods from separate snowboard nico makers, and novelties not for sale from the store / autivity shop "4ALL" in Yoyogi-Uehara. I did.
Aim through the event
Separate snowboards nico are becoming more and more common on the slopes these days.On the other hand, I hear that there are not many opportunities for users to meet each other.For such people, this practice session where so many friends gathered together seemed to be an opportunity, and there was a sense of unity that I could not think of as the first meeting.Participants commented that it was "fun" and "want to make more friends".In order to meet such demands, I would like to continue this event as a place for interaction between users and to increase the number of enthusiasts.
Also, for the first time in Japan, more than 25 separate snowboarders skated on the slopes all at once, but we were able to finish without any problems.This was also a good opportunity to prove the safety of nico again.There are a few ski resorts in Japan where the safety of nico has not been recognized yet.Taking advantage of this case, I would like to spread nico even more so that safety is recognized at all ski resorts and skiing can be done with nico.
Naoto Terashima
Born in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, 32 years old.
He started snowboarding when he was 10 years old and participated in the All Japan Championship at the age of 18.After that, while working as a rider, he met a separate snowboard nico at the age of 25.I was attracted to the spread of nico, which has no ancestors, and I am currently working with manufacturers to spread it in various places.
