Whitewater's own named North American Champion

Veteran Whitewater Freeride Team athlete, Sam Kuch, won his category at the North American Championship's in Whistler, BC this past weekend (Male 15 - 18). Even more exciting for the Nelson native is taking home the ultimate title in his Junior Freeski Career of overall North American Champion. That's right, North American Champion! Sam would like to thank his parents (Sheila and Cam Kuch) for chasing him around in a hoola-hoop down Little Mucker in his early years, and making sure he had a season's pass for the years after the hoola-hoop. He would also like to thank his Freeride Coaches, Dano Slater, Peter Velisek, Pete Then and Moss Paterson for teaching him skills outside the hoola-hoop.

After a nerve wracking three days skiing with North America's best, Kuch is ecstatic to be wrapping up his Junior Career with such a prestigious title with his freeride friends by his side. Kuch plans to continue in Trace Cooke's footsteps with efforts to get on the Freeride World Qualifiers for next season.

Congratulations, Sam! We couldn't be more stoked to be your home mountain, and your everyday training ground. Best of luck with your future in freeskiing!