Happy 2 Year Anniversary!

Two years ago today I wrote my first blog post on Shayboarder.com, a post that defined who I was and what the blog would become.   Looking back on the journey this blog has taken me on; being able to interact with readers each day, hear stories, discuss products and meet new people every season is what makes it all worth it.

Even though it’s been two years, the past year has been such a leap from the first year.  I’ve met people throughout the snowboarding industry who I’ve admired, I’ve met readers who share the same love for snowboarding and the site received a new look this year thanks to Mike for spending so much time with me to build a site that didn’t look cute.  All the traveling to great events and contests:  SIA, Telus Festival/Grenade Games, Windell’s, Holy Oly.  Its been such a trip to be included, recognized and allowed to be Shayboarder at those locations.  With the door now open to limited advertising that will help fund the site including trips, demos, checking out products and being able to make sure I make it to fun opportunities.  I’ve remained the honest person I set out to be, never hiding who I was, what I looked like or my riding ability.  I’ve worked hard and stayed up late nights, planned posts in advance and tried to make sure the content on this site would be something of value to my readers.  I hope I’ve accomplished that and I look forward to the future blogging because I’m not done yet!

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To all the readers who check in and read Shayboarder.com each day, week, month…thank you!   I am inspired because of everyone of the readers that leaves comments/emails or just reads the site from around the world.  In two years I’ve talked with so many of you through email or chat and it is rad to hear that the reviews or articles have helped you in snowboarding.  I am blown away by what a rad audience of readers I have and I love meeting you guys in person whether it’s through giveaways or on the slopes.

Thanks to my friends I’ve acquired through snowboarding that are my models and constant partners on the mountain.  Riding everyday with you guys is amazing and I’m lucky to have friends willing to ride the best powder days and the leftover slush at the end of the season.  I’m happy you look prettier than me and are willing to do tricks I can’t do intentionally.  Cheers to the fun of being on the mountain laughing.

I am very lucky to have older industry gentlemen who have helped share their knowledge, guidance and wisdom to me.  I may not ever become the dirty old men that you are, but I love you for treating me like one of the boys.

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While I was at snowboard camp, I received an email from a reader that I wanted to end this anniversary with because it’s honest and says a lot.  Sometimes life isn’t great, there are hard and difficult times that we face, this year wasn’t easy for many of us with the rougher economy and snowboarding isn’t a cheap sport. But we continue to stay in love with snowboarding and push through the hard times.

Hello Shay:

I wanted to take the time to say thank you…I enjoy reading your blog, especially the reviews (hell with transworld’s good wood, too corporate). But thank you.

A little while ago you had posted the Blue Bird Wax buy a box deal and enter into the contest posted. Well, I bought a box after having read about it on your blog and oddly enough I won a Quicksilver Kit, Travis Rice Edition. I wanted to say thank you, because if it wasn’t for your post, I would have never checked them out and never bought a box. I’ve been having a shitty few months and that completely made my month, hell, my year. So, I wanted to say thank you, because for real, if it wasn’t for your post and your dedication to snowboarding and informing the rest of us on rad companies other than the big names, this wouldn’t have happened. I really appreciate all of your honest opinions as well as profiles of riders and industry heads. I wish you the best of luck and I can’t wait to keep reading what you have to say. Thank you again.

I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy camp.

Sincerely,

Mariesa

To the year ahead for shayboarder.com and Happy Anniversary to the little blog that could!  Thanks everyone for being a part of this.