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Business briefs

Skate pro takes on groms

Sea to Sky skateboarders have 30 years of professional skateboarding experience to draw on in Squamish, not to mention a new ramp to ride regardless of the weather.

Newly established at the back of Sequence Board Supply is a three-foot mini ramp, built by skateboard champion Eric Shestalo. The 40-year-old former pro is offering his coaching services at the store in hopes of relaying decades of experiences to kids with an interest in the sport.

"My big thing is taking out the elitism and bringing in the originality and creativity," he said. "There is a good, healthy skate scene here. I think Squamish is the new Whistler - it's way more hard core down here."

Shesalto ran his portable business, Skate Coach BC, throughout the Sea to Sky corridor for four years before setting his sights on a permanent coaching venue. He said that parenthood, along with a variety of wins and high placing medals from various international skating competitions, has helped him establish a good connection with youth.

"The thing with skating is that if you don't have a trainer, you have to be your own coach, medic, sponsor and manager so lessons are good for both the kids and the parents," he said. "Parents are shelling out big bucks for the clothes and the boards, they should be able to see the results."

Originally from Ontario, Shesalto arrived on the Whistler scene in 1991 and moved to Squamish last fall. Recognizing a thriving skateboard culture in Squamish, he approached Sequence owner Mahmoud Haghighi about teaching lessons at the store. Maghighi, a 70-year-old chemical engineer, was happy to diversify his business.

"I love this business, I try to keep it because it makes me very happy - I don't want to retire," he said. "After the Olympics, things have been a little slow so the ramp will be better for sales."

For more information or to book a lesson stop by Sequence Board Supply at 38066 Cleaveland Avenue, Squamish, go to www.skatecoachbc.com or call the store at (604) 892-6314.


 

Chemical-free hot tub business opens its doors

 

Anyone who has ever owned one knows that hot tubs require specific, rigorous chemical maintenance. That process can now be done more naturally under the care of the newly established inspirEarth Natural Spa Care. Co-founded by Jerry Backer and Peter Gorski, the business's mandate falls within Whistler2020's sustainability vision.

"The number one question I used to get asked by customers when I worked for another hot tub service company was 'How can I use less chemicals?'" said Gorski. "It is a mineral-based process that uses similar technology to high-end water treatment plants. The water has a very natural, therapeutic feel to it and is good for your skin. Unlike conventional chemical water care programs, no chemical residues are left in the water - you can even water your lawn or garden with your hot tub water when you change it."

Gorski and Backer say that that helping Whistler residents move towards more sustainable lifestyles in an affordable way is part and parcel of their mandate.

inspirEarth Natural Spa Care is located in Whistler Village next to Tommy Africas. For more information go to www.inspirearthspa.com or call 604-967-6186.

 

Store it at Storall

 

Whistler's Storall has expanded and updated its self-storage facility in Function Junction and is offering a special to celebrate its new digs. All new customers will receive their first month's rent for $1 until March 31, 2011. There is no minimal rental period required for this special and it cannot be combined with any other discount.

Providing both indoor heated units and outside units with round-the-clock access to clients, Storall also offers a large loading dock, freight elevators and a variety of units from ski lockers to 8 x 20 spaces. Moving, packing supplies and locks are available on site. The facility includes 24/7 video surveillance, regular staff monitoring and a live-in caretaker.   Call 604-938-1313 or stop by 1216 Alpha Lake Road for more information.