Free the Hill, Free the Mind

*This was a focus story project for my communications 111 class last fall.

REXBURG, Idaho— Rapids churn as white water cascades over rocks and creates eddies and waves on the river. Snow tumbles down the side of an icy-white peak, burying everything in its path. The sun beats down on the face of a sheer cliff.
And in the middle of it all is BYU Idaho freshman, Austin Whiting.
From the outdoor paradise of northern Utah comes a risk taker and adrenaline junkie like no other. Austin Whiting, an exercise science major, lives for the thrills of which only snow, whitewater and rocky cliffs can bring. If it’s a challenge and involves a pinch of danger, Austin will do it.
I first met Austin during the second summer block of 2006. His first impression was unforgettable. He had short, bleached hair, tan skin, a nasty looking scar on each elbow, and a candy apple red kayak propped against his dorm room wall. A mess of ropes, hooks and clips were hanging casually from his bedpost, posters of famous climbers and “tele” skiers were plastered all over his walls and Warren Miller skiing DVD’s were stacked on his shelf.
His first love was the mountain. “The mountain is man’s playground,” said Austin. “At one time, you can ski it, another you can climb it and another still you can kayak it.” I immediately wanted to befriend this strange character and document his adventures.
Over the course of the two month summer semester, Austin has kayaked rapids, climbed buildings and he even hiked the Teton mountain. He makes regular weekend trips to his
hometown of Highland, Utah to climb new cliffs with his buddies. He treats every day like a new adventure.
And soon it will be snowing.
Winter is Austin’s favorite time of the year because of one thing: skiing. He’s a true-blue tele skier. This means that he uses telemark ski clips which have their own distinction and allow the skier to use a certain style known as tele. Ever since his father and brothers introduced him to the sport when he was just six years old, Austin has been addicted to it. He lives by an old Norwegian saying, “Free the hill, free the mind.” He looks at skiing as a mental release from all his cares and stresses. It’s just him and the mountain, fresh powder flying past his face.
Austin loves what he does and will continue to do it. “Life is an adventure that needs to be met head on,” he said, laughing.