New AMGA Scholarship celebrates Rick Gaukel’s Passion for Splitboarding
New AMGA Scholarship: Friends of Rick Gaukel Everywhere “F.O.R.G.E.” Splitboard Ski Guide Scholarship
TO SUPPORT THE SCHOLARSHIP DONATE HERE!
Growing up riding the waves in Santa Cruz, California, Rick’s adventures eventually led him to the mountains of Colorado, always on a board: surfboard, skateboard, mountain board, wakeboard, snowboard, splitboard. He was a Certified Single Pitch Instructor and an Apprentice Rock and Ski Guide. When there was no snow, he was climbing in his backyard, Rocky Mountain National Park, and tearing up the local singletrack on his mountain bike.
On April 20th, while promoting avalanche awareness for The Rocky Mountain High Backcountry Gathering, Rick was caught in a fatal avalanche while he and five others were splitboarding and skiing in Sheep Creek at Loveland Pass.
Rick was a true educator at heart. He loved the energy and feeling that he would get from really pushing his mind and body to the limits. Rick could easily dispel tension or stress in any uncomfortable situation with his humor, wit, and humility. He could philosophize about anything, while being vulnerable with his emotions, struggles, and growth. His openness and lighthearted nature put people at ease and created a safe space for sharing deeply about anything and everything. Check out a slideshow that embodies Rick’s charismatic energy by clicking here or by scrolling to the bottom of this article.
Rick’s friends and family have created this scholarship to support people who embody Rick’s passions and qualities and who aspire to become AMGA splitboard guides.
The recipient of the scholarship will receive full tuition to the ski program of her/his choice as long as she/he meet the prerequisites for enrollment. The ideal candidate is someone who shares Rick’s passion for connecting with and educating others and his dedication to splitboarding.
Let us know who you are and why you should be the next recipient of the F.O.R.G.E. Splitboard Ski Guide Scholarship!
Qualifications:
To qualify for this scholarship, you must:
- Demonstrate Rick’s passion, excitement, and dedication to splitboarding
- Submit a creative sub-five-minute video that both demonstrates and describes who you are, why you love splitboarding and how you embody Rick’s spirit.
- Upload a video to YouTube using your YouTube account. Please note, you have to create a YouTube account if you don’t already have one.
Rick -HD 1080p from Vince Mazzuca on Vimeo.
