Local residents Christopher Kern, Alex Baker and Alex Spectorsky have earned a chance to participate in the 20th annual United States of America Snowboarding Association National Championships. The largest snowboarding event in the world, the USASA Nationals take place April 5 – April 10, 2008 at Copper Mountain, Colorado.

All three riders are sponsored by Geiger’s Ski and Sport Haus. “This is the first year we’ve created an Elite Ski and Board Team, and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys attending Nationals,” said owner and President Gordon Geiger.

Christopher Kern is a 14-year-old eighth grader at R.B. Chamberlin Middle School in Twinsburg. He has been competing in snowboarding events since age 11 and will be competing at the USASA Nationals for the third year in a row. This season, Kern won gold and silver medals at competitions in Ohio, and Pennsylvania. “It’s hard to chose, but I think my favorite is Slopestyle, which is a freestyle event,” said Chris. He is also a sponsored team rider for Salomon Sports, Bonfire Clothing, and Osiris Shoes.

Alex Baker is an 11-year-old fifth grader at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School in Chagrin Falls. He began competing in snowboarding events just last winter. “I’m really excited to be representing Ohio at Nationals for the first time.” This season, Baker won gold and silver medals in competitions in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. Baker’s favorite events are Boardercross, Slopestyle and Halfpipe. He is also a sponsored team rider for Salomon Sports, Bonfire Clothing, and Osiris Shoes.

Alex Spectorsky, of Russell Township, is a 16 year old sophomore at University School. He began competing in snowboarding events last year, and this is his second trip to Nationals. He has won gold and silver medals in BoarderCross and Slopestyle in Ohio and New York, and trained at High Cascade Snowboard Camp at Mt. Hood, Oregon. “It was helpful to ride at the higher altitudes, and get used to larger jumps than here in Ohio.”

You probably don’t realize it, but all of the Ohio, Western PA and Western New York ski areas are open and in FABULOUS shape. We northeast Ohioan’s (sp) do not understand fully how much lake effect snow the resorts really got and continue to get!!! Kirt (from our Chagrin store) skied this past Monday in boot top to knee high powder. I’ll quote him as saying “It was THE best day of skiing in Western NY (Peek n Peak) he has ever had”. For up to the minute reports go tour our website www.shopgeigers.com and click on any of the ski areas listed. G

The buyer’s at Geiger’s Store for Women listen to their customers daily! Not only do Julie and Mary help you with your selections at the store, but also listen to your requests and log them! As they head to market, they have a notebook full of your requests! Let them know what you would like to see in the store!

This weblog is the place to read about Geiger’s newest products, services and trends in outdoor activities, fashion and equipment. Plus, we’ll offer advice on leisure sports, the products we carry, and offer insights into upcoming specials and products.