Stephen Koch To Snowboard Mt. Everest

[Phuz]

NORWALK, Conn., June 2 -- A week following the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest, SoBe snowboarder Stephen Koch announced his plans to descend the North Face of the world's highest peak via snowboard in August. The successful completion of this quest will make Koch the first person ever to snowboard the highest peaks on all seven continents, and will permanently etch his name in snowboarding and mountaineering history.

"My quest to climb and then descend the seven summits via snowboard started ten years ago. I'm looking forward to accomplishing this longstanding goal," said the 34-year-old Koch. "I'll be climbing without oxygen and I'll carry my own board. When you really think about it, this is as pure as snowboarding gets."

"Stephen's inspirational determination, athleticism and fearlessness, paired with his fascinating survival story make him a perfect member of SoBe's Team L izard. We wish him luck on his upcoming quest, and wholeheartedly support his dream and passion," said SoBe spokesperson, Kristine Hinck.

No Stranger to Danger

Koch has encountered some serious situations in his quest to climb and ride the world's highest peaks. He was at Everest base camp during the 1996 climbing tragedy that claimed eight lives, and he gained a unique perspective witnessing the aftermath of the most tragic day in Everest history.

Koch also survived an avalanche in the Tetons in 1998. In a slide where he traveled over half a mile in under half a minute, Koch sustained multiple injuries, and he spent the night on the mountain alone. He was rescued the following day by helicopter, and less than ten months later, after intense rehabilitation, Koch climbed and rode the same route.

Avalanche Awareness

As a result of his avalanche experience, Koch has founded the Avalanche Awareness and Education Fund, a program dedicated to public avalanche survival education and awareness. He has delivered over 40 presentations on the topic to schools, businesses and local organizations.

Snowboarding Support

Koch relies on sponsor support from companies like SoBe Beverages to help him pursue his passion. He will be the featured athlete on the SoBe website for the month of July at www.sobebev.com, and he will correspond with SoBe fans via web journal updates from Everest base camp.

Koch departs for Tibet on July 6, 2003, and plans to summit Everest in late August -- weather permitting. For more information on Stephen Koch, or to coordinate a pre-climb interview, please contact Kristine Hinck at SoBe: (khinck@lizmail.com or 203.899.7163.)

Insane!

 

[RyanM]

Convo with my friend.

[02:28] anonymouswaffles: http://www.transworldsnowboarding.com/snow/news/article/0,13009,455961,00.html
[02:29] 'mouth: Yeah. That guy's dead.

Edited to add EM-FAH-SIS.

Thanks Neo!

 

[theNEOone]

Originally posted by: MachFive
Convo with my friend.

[02:28] anonymouswaffles: link
[02:29] 'mouth: Yeah. That guy's dead.

...for emphasis

 

[Phuz]

I think he knows what he's up for.

ohhhh yeah.

Koch also survived an avalanche in the Tetons in 1998. In a slide where he traveled over half a mile in under half a minute, Koch sustained multiple injuries, and he spent the night on the mountain alone. He was rescued the following day by helicopter, and less than ten months later, after intense rehabilitation, Koch climbed and rode the same route.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Phuz
I think he knows what he's up for.

Holy fvck, that's guy's hardcore.

 

[Phuz]

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: Phuz
I think he knows what he's up for.

Holy fvck, that's guy's hardcore.

Yep, I can't imagine. I'd really like to know what kind of speeds they hit.. I've got as fast as 70KMPH... in that 'ohhh yeah' pic, i bet he's doing 120-140kmph. Nuts.

 

[clamum]

Yup that guy is hardcore. Wish there was powder to ride around here in the winter, I'm usually stuck with packed snow and ice.

 

[GoingUp]

Originally posted by: theNEOone

Originally posted by: MachFive
Convo with my friend.

[02:28] anonymouswaffles: link
[02:29] 'mouth: Yeah. That guy's dead.

...for emphasis

 

[conjur]

Hope he has a parachute and airbags built-in somewhere!

:Q

 

[Phuz]

Originally posted by: americangigolo
Yup that guy is hardcore. Wish there was powder to ride around here in the winter, I'm usually stuck with packed snow and ice.

I hear ya man. Ontario is just as bad.

 

[zerocool1]

I think some guy did it already...some extreme snowboarding thingie...or it may have been Mt. Kilimanjaro