Kia Ora, this is Kate and Nicole, and we are part of a small team who competed in the Bay of Plenty Ski champs at Mt Ruapehu on 16 August.

We left Tauranga on the 15 August, early in the morning, in the hopes of skiing in the afternoon. After a long drive to the mountains we arrived at around 1.30pm, immediately got our ski gear on and went up the mountain. While we were skiing our mums settled into our lodge. We were staying at the Graduates ski lodge. 

We had a yum dinner and dessert cooked by the amazing chef and had a good night's rest. In the morning we had to wake up early, we got changed and headed out the door to collect our bibs from the café. After getting our bibs we went up the mountain and did a few runs on the T-bar. Soon enough we started to line up for our races. 

When I was at the start of the race I was so nervous, I had never raced before. I decided to give it my best shot, because even if I did not get the best time I could always beat it next year. When I was off I just focused on getting to the finish. Soon, I finished the race and went back down the mountain only to go back up again for the second race. 

This time I decided that I would go faster and more confidently since I now knew the course. Everything was going so well and I was going faster than the first race until I fell into a little ditch in the snow. I was super disappointed in myself at the time but now I am just glad I did the first one. My best time was 53.1 seconds.  Considering it was my first race, I was pretty proud of myself. I hope to come back next year and beat my time. 

Nicole

Then it was my turn. I was waiting in the queue and was so nervous. The start was so fast and it looked so icy. I could tell this was going to be a challenge. It got to one person in front of me and it was almost my turn, I was super scared but knew I should just get it over and done with. I had my first run and was proud as it was my first time. I made it to the end and I was proud of that. I then had one run before my next race. Then it came around. My next timed run. I got to the start and made my way down the slope. Then near the end there was a ditch and I fell. That's alright though as I still finished. I had a really fun time and it was epic. We totally recommend trying skiing. 

Kate