One stick or two?

For the last twenty years, one discussion has dominated mountaintop bars everywhere – which is better: skiing or snowboarding? Taking all things into consideration, we’re having a look at the contributing factors that charge this debate – with a conclusion that will no doubt continue to be argued, for many years to come.

Easiest for beginners

For beginners, skiing will take a few days of muscular control and good coordination to master the basics. As a technical sport, it takes an understanding of how your body works to get into the right rhythm, and having individual sticks attached to your feet will cause a great deal of frustration at first, particularly when trying to get up after a fall. Snowboarding can generally be easier to pick up, due to having less equipment to manage and just one board to control. Having said this, without the use of ski poles, it can become annoying when trying to move on flats.

Possesses the cool factor

For years, snowboarding has possessed the cool factor, and riders have dominated the pipe and park with gnarly tricks: 720s, McTwists, nose presses, and more. So as snowboarding became fresh and trendy, skiing began to date. However, in recent years, skiing has become cool again. As TJ Schiller performed a 1440 (4 spins) at the US freeskiing open, and the sheer velocity of the sport physically beats snowboarding every time, it’s become enough of an incentive for people to get back on two planks. Freestyle skiing seems to be the future of the sport and currently appears to have the edge.

Has the comfiest kit

In terms of comfort – both in the gear and on the lifts – it can be a bit of a toss-up. Snowboarding offers the comfortable ‘trainer’ style boots that can easily be manoeuvred in comparison to the awkward ski boots, in which you can acquire a definite swagger. Having less equipment is also handier when you wipeout, as there’s less to worry about finding, but the experience on the ski lift has to be won by the skiers. Just having the ability to separate your legs to sit down means that the feel is much more comfortable and the likelihood of falling is greatly reduced.

Will give me a better workout

The fitness factor is one that can’t be ignored. Where both sports require regular bouts of intense effort, and work essential core muscles equally, it appears that each sport excels in different ways. For example, snowboarding slightly takes the edge by burning a few more calories per hour than its competitor, whereas skiing creates toned legs and bums much quicker. Snowboarding is more of an entire body sport, working the calves and shins hard to facilitate the “heel-toe” motion, as well as the lower back and abs to keep the torso rotating. Generally, the steeper the slope, the better workout you will get from skiing – particularly on the thighs.

Most likely to injure myself

Injuries occur in every way you can imagine, from uncomfortable ski boots to over-confident boarders taking people out on their way down. To aid the eternal debate, we’ve taken a look at one of the common complaints that skiers will have, which is dodgy knees. “Torsional”, or twisting forces can be high when they are led by your feet, and if you have creaky knees or the potential to get them, then snowboarding holds less of a risk. With both feet attached to one board, the twisting motion is much less apparent, and the likelihood of landing on your knees is overtaken by the natural force pushing you onto your face or bum.

Better for different snow types

Most ski resorts you will visit were created with skiing in mind – hence the name ‘ski’ resort. If they weren’t, then they’ve slowly been moulded that way over time, and it’s clear as to which sport they prefer. The disapproving attitude towards boarders is aided by their knack of ‘ruining the snow’ and generally acting in a more carefree manner than the skiers. With less accessibility to the majority of runs at the resorts, Snowboarders have ventured further off-piste – exploring into the more daring environment associated with the sport. The fresh powder lines and deeper, softer snow are what snowboarders love, whereas skis work better on bumps and ice. This hasn’t put them off though, and there’s nothing more exhilarating than the feeling you get off-piste with either sport. Skiers liken it to flying, as the feeling is altogether different from what they find on-piste, bouncing their way through the softer powder.

So there we have it. The debate is over. Both sports are winners in their own right, and without the other to compare it with, neither would provide the same passion-inducing vibe that skiers and boarders grasp onto whenever they get into that old pub debate. Just get onto the slopes, with one stick or two, and understand that whichever one you choose, there’s only one way down.

Polo gets off its high horse

As the sun begins to lift its weary head, Britain’s growing army of polo-lovers are scribbling dates into their diaries as the sport’s social calendar begins to fill up. This summer sees the Gaynes Park Estate in Epping host the return of the Duke of Essex polo cup – the most exclusive event of the East London and Essex season. As past years have shown, these events attract some of the richest and most beautiful members of the upper classes to gather for champagne, socialising and sport. However, a recent shift in society’s demographic has diversified the game’s appeal, and introduced a new breed of polo enthusiasts.

The last two years have been pivotal in the evolution of Polo. Since its conception in 600BC – when the Persians played the Corinthians – its aura has been one of prestige and glamour. The sport’s royal connections have always attracted the social glitterati but as the old aristocracy withers, and growing numbers of self-made billionaires are increasingly seen as constituting high-society, the exclusive nature of the sport is becoming much more accessible.

This exciting movement has opened up countless opportunities for both the old and new school of polo. As a breath of fresh air and enthusiasm (not to mention money) has been injected into the game through new participants and spectators, events such as The Duke of Essex cup have supported the development of this long-awaited integration. By creating an event that no only promotes the sport, but involves a massive cross-section of local society, it has become influential in the recent democratisation of polo, not just as a game – but also as a lifestyle.

Shortly after World War Two, Lord Cowdray, of Cowdray Park, pioneered the way for the next generation of polo players. After the war, it was unclear as to how the sport would continue, after many of its enthusiasts had been killed in conflict and their turf had been sold for agriculture. Cowdray offered his land to the sport, welcoming numerous players, including those from non-military backgrounds – and although it still remained a very upper-class pursuit – it survived with all the enthusiasm and vigour that we can still observe today.

Just a couple of years ago, the staider parts of the polo community were hit by shock waves, as the most ambitious of social climbers could enrol in an ‘introduction to polo’ session – initiated by the luxury gifts company ‘Red Letter Days’. Now, for just £399, anyone can take up the hobby and play in an instructional chukka, accompanied by expert tuition.

Although Cobham Park, Surrey, where the Red Letter Days are held, claim that Polo is no more expensive than any other equestrian sport – the expense does add up when you consider the initial outlay of taking up the sport more seriously. Aside from the essential kit – including whites, boots, pads and gloves – the cost of hiring a horse can be anything from £100 per chukka. With eight chukkas per game, and the requirement for no horse to play more than two, it would be a valuable option to buy a horse – or four – at around £3000 each. These would then need supplementing expenses such as a groom, a stable, feeding fees, veterinary expenses, shoeing and a rig for transporting the animals to competition. Then there is the club subscription – which can range from anything above £600 annually. However, with many clubs now at capacity, and waiting lists constantly growing, it may be an option to enrol at a much costlier club – with subscriptions up to £3000.

This obvious expense will therefore mean that opting to participate in polo will be left to the upper crust. The allure that surrounds it however, has created a buzz that the media has leapt onto – introducing new and exciting sponsors to the game, and therefore opening up the appeal to a wider range of spectators.

It may be surprising to know that one of America’s leading fashion brands – Ralph Lauren – has only recently decided to officially associate itself with the sport, after forty years of trade-marking their name ‘Polo’. In 2007 they signed a four-year deal with America’s ‘Black Watch Team’, after a decade of court cases with the polo association, surrounding the trademark violations of their logo.

The UK has seen various aristocratic lifestyle brands recently associate themselves with the sport too, and as Veuve Cliquot and Cartier lead the way in hosting their own polo events, it seems that many more will follow suit. Jack Wills – the preppy clothing brand, favoured by public schools nationwide, has acquired the Varsity Polo league – where this year will see Oxford Vs Durham, Harrow Vs Eton and Harvard Vs Yale, in what will undoubtedly display the storyboard of a St Trinian’s bedroom fantasy.

Alongside this ‘high-tea’ image, the last few years have harboured the introduction of ‘WAG’ culture. As the term ‘celebrity’ has loosened, the image that surrounds the lifestyles of the rich and famous have become increasingly desirable. This is where the opportunity has arisen for new levels of society to appreciate the sport.

There are now five clear tribes of spectators: the sports enthusiasts, the blue-blooded society figures, the ambitious ladder-climbers, the local families and the rubbernecked public. Each of these groups show an interest in the sport that engage with a different aspect of the game – harbouring new appreciations of what it can offer, whilst constantly recognising the sport as one of great British heritage and culture.

The Duke of Essex Polo tournament targets all of these requirements. With the fusion of great entertainment targeting absolutely everyone – from families and children to VIP’s and celebrities – this year’s event promises to be the most impressive to date. With comfort and glamour being of utmost priority, the VIP area will deliver the fine-dining experience as Jean-Cristophe Novelli prepares the three-course luncheon – an occurrence entirely unique to the Duke of Essex cup.

The organisers have focused a lot of resources into making the family area into one that will receive significantly impressive praise. By offering a huge funfair, face-painting, clowns, balloon artists, quad bikes, 4x4 trips, skydivers, helicopter trips, military marching bands, pony club championships and fireworks as well as an equestrian village, the friendly community atmosphere offers the public a welcomed step back from the elitist nature that the sport reputes, and integrates local families in a fresh and unpretentious way.

It is the after-parties of such events that attract the hungry, status-seeking newcomers– and with new-money come new traditions. In recent years, Polo’s broadening appeal has seen the introduction of wild parties, of which the Polo Association strongly condemns. The social side of the game has become as much a part of the sport in recent years as the game itself. This is where friction has been caused.

Followers of the sport, for their love of the game and its age-old tradition, have been disappointed with the way both new participants and spectators have been represented recently. Horse enthusiasts make clear that the sport requires great dedication and occupies a significant amount of time to care for, and train with their steed, so the recent misconception that has painted the players in an unflattering light, is one that they strongly rebuke.

As ‘the game of royals’ would suggest, polo events attract not only those of blue blood, but also the press and photographers that will undoubtedly follow. This therefore stands as a valuable platform for celebrities – and would-be celebrities – to be seen at, creating a respectable impression, and therefore marketing themselves in a sensible way.

Previous years have seen local celebrities such as Danny Dyer, Caprice, Danielle Lloyd, Brendon Cole and Duncan James attend the Duke of Essex cup – not to mention Penny Lancaster and Rod Stewart, stating, ‘We are lucky to have such a dynamic, glamorous and exciting event in Essex’.

Where old-fashioned, class-based snobbery is still occasionally seen from the old-school aficionados, there are an increasing number of upper-class advocates such as the author Jilly Cooper, whose 1991 bonkbuster ‘polo’, threw a lot of light on the sport. She claims, “It’s a laugh. The more celebs, the better. The game is so lovely, the horses so gorgeous, the players so brave. The more the merrier. The more people who like a sport, the more money goes into it.”

An important figure to mention in the recent reinvention of the sport is model and socialite Jodie Kidd. Her involvement in polo stems back to her youth and as she actively supports the sport – by both playing and promoting it – she is seen as a valuable spokesperson to the field. This year she is heavily involved in the Polo World Series, which will commence on 5^th June at Hurlingham Park.

A month later – the 4^th July 2009 –will see the rolling, hallowed fields of Essex’s finest stately home, throw open its gates as two of the best international polo teams in the world – Great Britain and Argentina – battle it out in a phenomenal display of horsemanship and polo strategy. The Duke of Essex polo cup promises to be the highlight of the season, with the Duke’s Marquee hosting 381 parties that will feature live acts, lounge style seating and VIP areas to top off a fine day of sport. This truly Essex event, offers a magnificent day out, and the ultimate polo experience for every spectator – generating a warm collection of memories that will stay with you, as it becomes increasingly clear what a beautiful county Essex really is. 

A test above the rest

It’s a challenge that most of us would find inconceivable. Climbing to the highest point on earth is one of the most remarkable adventures one could experience, and as a team of 50 intrepid explorers make their descent – cricket bats held high – the repercussions of their achievement become all the more impressive.

On 21^st April 2009, history was written – documenting the highest altitude ever recorded for a field sport. Taking place 5,165m above sea level, the team have entered the record books by participating in an official Twenty20 cricket match on the frozen lakebed of Gorak Shep – Mt. Everest.

The Nokia Maps Everest Test saw ambitious professionals nationwide hang up their ties in exchange for the treadmill, as they signed up to support the cause – where just weeks afterwards, around £250,000 has now been raised for the charities The Himalayan Trust UK and The Lord’s Taverners.

Sir Edmund Hillary pioneered The Himalayan Trust UK in 1960, creating awareness of this beautiful region and investing in its preservation of local tradition and surroundings. The emphasis is now on education and basic healthcare, alongside the venerable environment in which Mt. Everest stands – as a constant reminder of the ever-impressive natural world.

The Lord’s Taverners is a charity founded in, and based upon cricket. Their aim is to provide disadvantaged young people globally with the tools they need to enjoy sports, such as cricket, and leisure activities to improve their quality of life.

The team was split into two opposing sides, ‘Team Hilary’ captained by Glen Lowis, the highly motivational kiwi Account Manager, and ‘Team Tenzing’, lead by the itchy-footed London Lawyer, Haydn Main. As their months of training finally paid off, both teams began the nine-day ascent – after a pretty hairy flight to their starting point – and continued through the Himalayas, towards Everest base camp, and on to the plateau of Gorak Shep.

Throughout the training, and trek itself, team members were encouraged to record their experiences through a blog on the Everest Test website, creating an interactive diary of their journey and encouraging support in the UK. Social network platforms such as Facebook and Twitter displayed over 1000 followers, and as the team met copious challenges, it seemed that the whole world was rooting for them. 

The effects of acute mountain sickness can be incredibly severe and at the highest point, the trekkers’ resting heart rate would have increased by 30 per cent. Combined with just 66 per cent of the oxygen found at sea level, it has been likened to breathing through a straw - conditions that are dangerous for any climber – let alone those undertaking 20 overs of a vigorous cricket match.

Although there are several variations as to how long a cricket match can last, spanning anywhere between 20 overs per side, to a game lasting five days, The Everest Test team were assured that the match would consist of a maximum of 40 overs – equivalent to about four and a half hours of play.  The teams fought on, and as ‘Man of the Match’ was awarded to Charlie Campbell, and the ‘Everest Test Trophy’ went to Team Hillary – after an impressive winning margin of 36 runs – the British flag was raised to celebrate a triumphant end. Alongside notably, the Queen’s birthday, the eccentric nature of this quintessentially English expedition finished off with a well-deserved cup of tea.

The team arrived home days later, after donating their kit to the children of Khumjung – a small village in which they introduced the game to on their ascent. So as the mass of doting friends and family swarmed arrivals, it seemed that the gentle flack of leather on willow has become a sound that won’t just resonate through the record books, but though the hearts of everyone that has been involved in the success of such an impressive feat.

Special Thanks to:

Nokia Maps for supporting this great adventure.

Qatar Airways for their donation of the flights.

Captive Minds Communications for delivering yet another worldwide audience.

The Lords Taverners and The Himalayan Trust UK for all their support.