First assignment for Journalism with Monninger.

Twenty Questions with Ted Lavoie of Boardin’ Club Fame

Settling down at home after a long day of skateboarding with a mid-evening session at the bar and school work long completed, I find myself sitting alongside Ted Lavoie, current president of the Plymouth State Boardin’ Club. The twenty-one year old physical education major is slightly slouching next to me in a clean white t-shirt, faded jeans and an expression that reads “we’ve been out all day man, can’t you find a better time to do this” but, rather the inflection in his voice is of little concern towards catching some sleep. Ted reigns from Southbury, CT a rural location about one hour south of Hartford and if heading for snow it’s at least another three. Even with epic mountains hours away, Ted was able to find a small area known as Woodbury Ski and Racquet located just outside of his hometown. There Ted progressed the best he could for the location and made trips to Vermont and New Hampshire when he could all the while still progressing. Pushing into senior year at Plymouth with a summer of coaching at High Cascade Snowboard Camp and a handful of sponsors from Rome snowboards to Volcom outerwear behind him Ted puts on the gloves for one more go around as President of the club. Relaxed now and feeling loose from a few night caps Ted and I segue from goofy, what if kind of questions into a more focused tone involving the Boardin’ Club and its happenings.


Q. What is the Plymouth State Boardin’ Club and what is it about?
R. A collaboration of skateboarders and snowboarders, who get together and ride with each other and are just down for a good time!

Q. What is going on with the long hair and baggy clothes?
R. There you are for stereo types, most snowboarders don’t wear baggy clothes anymore. As for style, half don’t care what other people think and dress whatevers.


Q. Who is in charge of running the club and what positions are held within its “hierarchy”?
R. I am in charge of the club as the President we also have Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and director of art, The art director for postitions.

Q. As the president of the snowboard what tasks are you to complete?
R. I am involved with meetings that are necessary for funding the club, making sure the clubs still there, organize all events, all that shit.


Q. When are meetings conducted and how often?
R. Whenever we need one.

Q. What notification techniques are used to attract new members?
R. Signs posted around campus, usually drawn up by our art director Big Mike.


Q. Are there any requirements to be involved with the club?
R. If you’re a dude you have to bring at least two babes to any given meeting.

Q. How is the club funded?
R. The university recognizes our organization and allows a budget for the club.

Q. Does the club ever take it upon itself to host fundraisers or other money acquiring events in order to have a little bit more spending money or does the club rely solely on big brother to guide it financially?
R. All about big brother baby.

Q. Why do you feel that tax payers should have to support this club and why?
R. Nah, because we don’t do anything for them, why do they have to do anything for us.


Q. Do you think that it would be crazy to say that the club is supported less by the University compared to other clubs such as the chess or math club?
R. Yes that would be crazy because we receive more money and what’s chess?

Q. How does the club work with the university and the community to give back for the funding?
R. We bring a lot of students to the school because of snowboarding and that greatly benefits the university.

Q. Does the club offer discounts at mountains or shops within the area?
R. Yep, Eastern Boarder (Nashua) and Lahouts (Lincoln). Free trips to sweet places.


Q. When planning trips what are some things the club considers?
R. Amount of people, where the snow is good and how it much it’s going to cost both the club and sometimes the students/members.


Q. Are supervisors needed on trips?
R. Hah! No way!


Q. Do you repeat trips or try and keep it fresh with different locations each venture?
R. We may repeat trips but we always keep it fresh!

Q. Is there one location that seems to be an all time favorite?
R. Jay Peak VT. The only thing you can expect from the trip is that it will definitely be something to remember.

Q. You and fellow club leaders a due to be graduating soon, who is next in the line up for club organizers and co-coordinators?
R. The Dre´ Beriau, Matt Teperon “Teflon Don”, Ryan “Destinys Child” Dest.

Q. Is there any sort of initiation for the new leaders?
R. None what so ever.

Q. What advice or words of interest can you lend to new prospective members of the Boardin’ Club?
R. Just keep boardin’ brah!