Friends of Rick Gaukel Everywhere “F.O.R.G.E.” Splitboard Ski Guide Scholarship
Rick Gaukel | 02/03/1980–04/20/2013
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 this slideshow that embodies Rick’s charismatic energy.
Rick’s friends and family have created this scholarship to support people who embody Rick’s passions and qualities and who aspire to become an AMGA splitboard guide.
The recipient will receive a scholarship to the ski program of their choice as long as they 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 to [email protected]
- Upload a video to YouTube or Vimeo using your YouTube/Vimeo account. Please note, you have to create a YouTube or Vimeo account if you don’t already have one.
