Dirt Biking as a Way to Mentally and Physically Prepare for High-Level Snowboarding
New AASI Snowboard Team member Josh Smith likes to golf and race mountain bikes in the summer. But the best sport for improving his mental and physical focus for snowboarding may be one of his favorites, competitive dirt biking.
Check out the interview below to see why. And enjoy more offseason workout insight with PSIA Alpine Team member Dominique Vetromile, AASI Snowboard Team member Matt Larson, AASI Snowboard Team member Cori Lambert, PSIA Alpine Team member Katie White, PSIA Telemark Team member Keith Rodney, PSIA Alpine Team member Kevin Jordan, and AASI Snowboard Team member Lyndsey Stevens.
Q: What’s your go-to offseason workout or outdoor sport, and why is it what you like to do?
A: The transition of sports follows the change of seasons. I choose activities that challenge me mentally and physically all year long. In the summer months, I hang up my snowboard, skis, and hockey gear and bust out my mountain bike and golf clubs. I also race dirt bikes year-round.
Q: Do you teach or compete in this sport, or has it led to any great adventures around the world?
A: I race dirt bikes competitively out in the desert and mountain bikes locally at the resort. I’ve been to some pretty cool places with my dirt bike, but Baja takes the win. The terrain, people, food, and scenery are some of the best in the world.
Q: How does this sport help you set, train for, and reach new goals?
A: I do long-distance stuff like the 24-hour Grand Prix at Glen Helen, in California. Last year, I finished second in the Ironman Class, which means I ride solo the entire time only stopping for fuel.
It helps me to manage myself mentally and physically. It also helps me with making smart choices when I’m tired. I work on dealing with adrenaline rushes and staying calm while performing at a high level, as well as being present and in the moment.
Q: What can you take away from the sport that can be applied to your work on snow?
A: To have a short memory and focus on what’s next. If I miss a turn or mess up a section, it’s OK. Also, t have a strategy that aligns with your skills, just like with golf. That bad shot already happened. Let it go and focus on what you need to do next.
Q: How does this prepare you mentally for your work on snow?
A: Dirt biking allows me to stay sharp and focused. I’m able to keep training my brain to process information quickly. This helps when skiing and riding off-piste.
Q: Do you have any other fun summer plans or good offseason reading suggestions you’d like to share?
A: I want to Ironman the SCORE Baja 400 in September and the SCORE Baja 1000 in November.
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Teaching snowsports requires year-round physical preparation. To help keep your edge during the summer and throughout the year, pick up your copy of Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding.
