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Andrew Matthews
Originally uploaded by Alba Pardo

Greetings,

I just found this photo of me from the Grenade Games on Flickr. I'm trying the auto blog post from Flickr so I hope it works out!

- A

The Uber Post

Hello hello!

Thanks for checking in on my blog. Boy am I glad that you're here because I've got something special for you in this post. Last April I was selected to snowboard in a commercial for the Hudson's Bay Company. Well last week while my family and I were watching the hockey game, the commercial aired for the first time. It was interesting to see the final product after witnessing all the work that goes into making a one minute commercial (and that was just the filming!). The idea of the add is a timeline of the Hudson's Bay Company, I think it turned out pretty well. The YouTube video already has over 27,000 hits! What are you waiting for? Click already!

I realize that it's been a while since I last posted, the reason for which is that I was just finishing off a calculus course for the University of British Columbia by correspondence. With this course, I'm officially done my first year of Engineering at UBC. It feels great to have this under my belt.

On to more exciting things that I've been up to... I learned how to surf! I've wanted to try surfing for a long time, I've heard stories about how amazing it is. Well my experience definitely lived up to these stories, it was unreal! My friends Craig, Mike and I were only Tofino for one weekend in September but we made the best of it. We lucked out too, the weather couldn't have been better. On our first day, we decided it would be a good idea to take a group lesson as none of us had any idea how to surf. The lesson really helped set us in the right direction. I was hooked after my first wave. The feeling is amazing, similar to floating over powder on a snowboard. On our second day, we rented the equipment and went out on our own. We spent the entire day paddling out and trying our best to catch waves. After numerous times getting rocked by waves, and some tips from the locals, I finally caught some sick waves. I was totally wiped by the end of the weekend but it was well worth it. My friends Craig and Mike were also getting the hang of it by the end of the weekend. We all had a great time!

Mike and I getting ready for an adventure

"Paddle paddle paddle! Get up! Yeah!

At the end of the summer I worked a couple of weeks with my brother at Flipside Watersports. The water in August isn't always that warm and I was amazed that the kids were still pumped on going in the water.

Me teaching Dylan how to do it

The water may be chili in August but the sunsets in Yellowknife make up for it.

It snowed today in Yellowknife and I'm pumped for the upcoming season. I'm doing everything I can to be ready for the best season of my life. I've been doing a lot of yoga, along with my usual dry land routine to get in shape. I'll be doing crazy grabs and tweaks this year so watch out!

Until next time, 'Stay classy San Diego'

- Ron Burgundy

New Website Announcement

Greetings,

On several occasions I've heard friends asking me "where can I find your videos online?" Well my friends, I've created just the site for you... I would like to announce the release of my new website: www.andrewmatthews.ca! On the site you will find my videos, photos and more, on one convenient site. I'll be updating the site throughout the year so make sure to check back.

Cheers,

Andrew

Andrew's August Sports Highlights

Ola amigos. To mix up the blog, I decided to do a post about some inspirational sports stories. Let me know what you think :)

This month there have been several huge events in the world of sport. 23 year old Usain Bolt broke the world record in the 100 meter when he ran a 9.58. It looked like he was hardly trying! Remember when Donovan Bailey ran a 9.89, times are a changing. I wonder if Bolt will eventually crack the 9.5 seconds...the guy is not human.

On the other hand, it turns out that Tiger Woods is human after all. He lost his first major championship when leading after 3 rounds. I was watching the last few holes and it always seemed like he would pull it out somehow like he always does. Tiger has an amazing mental game that I admire. I guess even the best have to lose once in a while. To his credit, Y.E. Yang made an amazing approach shot on the 18th to clinch the victory.

OK those 2 first stories were pretty awesome, but chances are if you ever watch Sports Centre they're old news to you. This last story is about a sport that does not get as much mainstream coverage, about a little known snowboarder named Shaun White. While competing at the Burton New Zealand Open (which I competed in a couple years ago), Shaun landed the first back to back double cork spins. A double cork is essentially 2 flips, off access. I hadn't even seen one in the halfpipe before this. I thought that the progression of snowboarding in the pipe had slowed down; in the last few years there have only been a few tricks that have really pushed the bar. Then out of nowhere Shaun pulls out back to back double corks! I was blown away when I saw this. Check out the video!

Quote of the month: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary...

is that little extra.

Cheers,

Andrew