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| Ryan Miller |
By Drew Wilson
OutBoard 2012 is coming up March 27-April 1. I had a chance to speak with Director of Events and Operations and former professional snowboarder Ryan Miller about what to expect and why experienced snowboarders and noobies alike should check it out.
Drew: Hey Ryan, how would you describe OutBoard in a nutshell?
Ryan: OutBoard started in Denver 17 years ago as a way for our founder Tim, to meet other gay snowboarders. Over the years,
OutBoard.org grew to be the largest gay and lesbian snowboard organization in the world, currently over 14,000 members world wide.
However, despite being a global organization, we're still based here in Denver and all of our events are hosted locally in Denver and at resorts in Colorado.
What sets OutBoard apart from all the other gay ski/snowboard events?
I think TripOutGayTravel got it right in 2010 when they named us the 'Most Laid Back' ski week. OutBoard's events are about the people and getting on the mountain first and foremost. That's not to say that we don't have a good time off the mountain with apres events, private dinners, and parties, but we always make sure that our events wrap early enough that our attendees are fresh and ready for first chair in the morning. That same year we were also named the 'Most Affordable' ski week which is something we also take pride in. We work hard to partner with venues that allow us to be able to produce a quality ski week with support events at an affordable price. This year we're offering our Rough Rider Package which includes five breakfasts, our Just Relax dinner on Wednesday night, The Strawberry Park Hot Springs Adventure, the Western Hoedown Dinner, and the Closing Party with open bar all for under $300.
Who goes to OutBoard?
OutBoard's events are attended by almost everyone. It doesn't matter if you've never been on snow or are a pro. We have attendees from Colorado as well as across the US, Canada, and the EU. The best part is, that after nine years of running the organization and events, there's always a large number of people I know who keep coming back year after year and it's like seeing family each time.
OutBoard Virgin Day 2012 from
Ryan Miller on
Vimeo.
What if I've never snowboarded before - am I still welcome?
Of course! OutBoard started as a learn-to-snowboard day so we love first timers. We host a 'Virgin Day' each year in January which caters to first timers, but we also work with the resorts, in this case Steamboat to offer first time lessons. This year Steamboat is offering three day learn-to-snowboard-or ski-package just for those who've never been on snow before. Where else would be better to learn than surrounded by friends!
Are you still a professional snowboarder?
I don't compete any more. I retired about five or six years ago due to some knee issues but I still get on snow every chance I can.
What were your best/worst experiences being one of the first elite athletes to be openly gay?
I think the best experience was really getting to represent and break through the barriers. When I was competing no one else was out so it was totally new ground which of course had a lot of baggage and stress associated with it in terms of dealing with competitors, coaches, and sponsors. Getting to travel the US and Canada to talk about gays in sports to youth organizations, communitiy organizations, and professional medical organizations was highly rewarding as I felt like I was giving back.
What equipment or gear do you recommend?
I ride
Never Summer boards. Specifically the F1 Premier. Never Summer has been a long time sponsor of OutBoard and its events and make a great product so it's great to work with a company who's products I can personally speak for.
Where can we find out more about OutBoard?
The best place to find out about OutBoard is at our website,
www.outboard.org.
