Outdoor Central Oregon Issue 15 | November/December 2019 | Page 4

4 NOV/DEC 2019 ABOUT THE COVER: PUBLISHER’S NOTE| Another winter is about to roll into Oregon and everybody seems to have an opinion on what it will bring. Every winter has its similarities and surprises, but no matter how it ends up there is always a way to enjoy it. Early snow is always welcome to kick off the season right, but a long and snowy winter with a deep snowpack is what we truly wish for every winter. This abundance of snow fuels endless powder runs as well as the water we need to drink and to grow food for tens of thousands. For November/December, we feature the extraordinary life of paralympics athlete Ravi Grugan. Ravi’s big dreams are starting to come true as he was select - ed to the 2019-20 US Para-Alpine Team. While I’m writing this Ravi is in Switzerland training for the upcoming World Cup season. Ravi has been skiing his heart out and rarely has time to look back and ask, “why me?” Ravi is focused on the present and the future as he pursues big life goal, becoming an Olympic skier. When you see Ravi ski, you know why he can’t wipe the smile off his face, he’s just about the most stoked person out on the hill. “Ravi and I got to spend the day together shoot- ing all around the mountain. I was genuinely blown away at the diversity of terrain that he could ride. From riding down steep exposed faces, to fast technical runs, and even most of the jumps and rails that Mt. Bachelor has to of- fer, he can do it all. The community of skiers that he has been a part of for many years is certainly one to remember, Ravi is one of a kind and a true inspiration to many.” Everytime I see Mira Capicchioni climb I have to remind myself that she is just a kid. She climbs with and against some of America’s best women. Mira has skill, athletic ability, great coaching, focus, and the maturity to take here climbing as far as she wants to take it. Tactics Board Shops is celebrating 20 years in business. As other brick and mortars are closing stores, Tactics just added a new store in the Pearl District in Portland. Doing things that benefit the communities they represent and becom- ing an important part of each community is how they have built a strong name in the boarding scene. You won’t see Tactics change with what’s hot or popular at the moment it’s just not their scene, it’s a “board” shop and that’s what they do best. Max Warbington has been slowly and steadily making a name for himself in snowboarding. Max doesn’t pretend or want to be the flavor of the year rider. He’s been in this game since he was a kid and is focused on a long career sliding sideways. Max has used style, athletic ability, innovation, progres- sion, and stoke to make his way towards becom- ing “”top shelf” in a sport that can chew you up and spit you out. In life it should be required to have as much fun as this guy has. Max just got engaged and also has pro model board, boots, and outerwear; he is at the top of his game but I can guarantee the progression will not stop. Bend’s #1 Climbing Shop & Outdoor Retailer XC Ski, Backcountry Ski/AT, Tele Rentals and Sales Snowshoe Rentals and Sales Outdoor Footwear for Any Adventure 1443 NW Juniper Street Bend, OR 97701 (541) 241-0305 CONTENTS| 6NEWS 10GET2KNOW| BUTCH BOSWELL 12ADVENTURE TRAVEL| SOUTH AFRICA -Neil Korn -Asa Silver 14FEATURE| RAVI DRUGAN 22POSTER| HENRY PADDEN BY JUSTINN DEMERS 24PLACES|PRINEVILLE SKATEPARK 2620 YEARS OF TACTICS BOARDSHOP 28PRODUCTS|MAX WARBINGTON’S PRO GEAR 31ART| JONI OLSEN 32FISHING 34FEATURE II| MIRA CAPICCHIONI 38HEALTH 39FILM| ROMANCE 40EVENTS PUBLISHER Neil Korn [email protected] EDITOR Chris Shredwards [email protected] ART DIRECTOR Brian Zager [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Caleb Ely Contributing Writers Dr. Oliver Wisco Edmond Wadeson Ross Druckrey Tolan Friesen Chris Edwards Senior Contributing Photographers Pete Alport Richard Hallman Trevor Lyden Asa Silver Contributing Photographers Caleb Ely Ross Druckrey Peter Morning Robert Alexander Justinn Demers Terri Smith Jon Tapper Spencer Wilkerson For advertising please contact Neil Korn at [email protected] Outdoor Media LLC All rights Reserved C. 2019 834 NW Colorado Ave, Bend, OR 97703 (541) 388-0688 5