Racing and Riders

Darryl Ball - Freeskier  

• Darryl Ball

  DOB
  3rd October 1982

   

• How long have you been skiing/ boarding?
  17 years

   

• Achievements to date?
  NZ Open Big Mountain comp
  BUSC champion
  Competing in International Big Mountain Competitions
  

  Numerous magazine appearances 

• How many seasons have you done?
  Six 

   

• Where are you spending this season?
  

  I am currently training to be a pilot and will be spending this winter between Oxford and Pheonix, Arizona 

• Ambitions for the season?
  

  To get my Airline Transport Pilots License and ski as much as possible

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• What are your future plans beyond this year?
  Ski as much as possible

• Have you got any other sponsors?
  Salomon, Bolle, POW Gloves.

   

• Favourite resort and why?
  Whistler Blackcomb- It is has everything that I could ever want in a ski resort and more. In the off season I like SnowPark NZ because it’s RAD!

   

• Worst injury (talk us through it!)
  I broke my arm at Red Mountain. After popping a late 180 off a jump between some tight trees, I held onto my landing but didn’t see the rapidly approaching tree until last minute. Luckily I put my arm out just in time before slamming into the very unforgiving pine tree tail first. Initially I didn’t think it was that bad, but the x-ray 3 days later revealed a fractured ulna!

   

• Most embarrassing moment on snow?
  Having to go to Fernie hospital for stitches because I’d cut my finger whilst doing a mute grab. This was on the second day of a press trip with The Ski Club of Great Britain!

   

• Why did you choose Ski Club insurance?
  The coverage is great, it was really easy to set up and I like to support the Ski Club. In particular, I am a strong believer in the RESPECT THE MOUNTAIN campaign.