78-Year-Old Snowboarder Graeme Burgess Defies Age Limitations

At the age of 78, Graeme Burgess continues to challenge age-related stereotypes as he embraces snowboarding. The resident of Queenstown, New Zealand, first picked up a snowboard in the late 1980s and has since become a prominent figure in the local snowboarding community. His passion for the sport remains strong, as he aims to keep riding until he turns 80.

Graeme’s journey into snowboarding began in approximately 1989 when he witnessed a snowboarder at Cardrona, prompting him to abandon skiing altogether. Originally from Tokanui in Southland, he spent his winters skiing at Queenstown’s Coronet Peak during his time living in Invercargill. Graeme’s athletic background includes a variety of activities, such as unicycling, waterskiing, and speedway motorcycle racing. He believes his experience in these sports contributed to his quick adaptation to snowboarding, which was still in its early stages during his introduction.

After hiring a snowboard at Cardrona, Graeme purchased his first board, a Burton Big Air, from NZ Shred in Queenstown. He now rides his sixth snowboard, an Elan Ballistic, which he imports from Slovenia. Graeme prefers alpine carving race boards with specialized hard boots, akin to ski boots but shorter. This particular style is less popular in New Zealand, yet it remains an Olympic sport.

Throughout his snowboarding career, Graeme participated annually in the New Zealand Snowboard Masters, competing in slalom and boardercross events. He often excelled against younger competitors due to his handicap. His snowboarding adventures have taken him to notable locations, including Mammoth Mountain in the United States, where he has enjoyed racing with friends.

While Graeme has reduced his snowboarding frequency to six or eight outings per year, he continues to prioritize his love for the sport. “I’m on the first chairlift, away from the crowds, because I love to go quite fast,” he says. Despite occasional complaints from skiers about snowboarders, Graeme maintains a positive attitude, admitting, “I’ve never knocked a skier off, but I’ve been run over by a ski instructor.”

Graeme’s active lifestyle extends beyond winter sports. During the summer months, he enjoys boating and fishing, often basing himself and his wife, Zeta, at their home on Stewart Island. He dredges for oysters and previously engaged in scuba diving.

A former owner of an engineering business in Invercargill, Graeme sold his company at the age of 56 and relocated to Queenstown. His keen investment strategy included purchasing three homes in the area, which he rented out before selling them mortgage-free. He and Zeta have lived in their current residence, overlooking the Shotover River, for the past 18 years.

In addition to his personal pursuits, Graeme actively participates in community service through the Lions Club, contributing to fundraising efforts by chopping wood and maintaining coin-operated binoculars at the town pier. He also enjoys socializing with various groups, including a Thursday meet-up at Arrowtown’s Fork & Tap.

Graeme’s affinity for tinkering continues to be a significant part of his life. “I love fixing things, and if something’s broken, I’ll get to the bottom of it,” he explains. Although he ceased speedway racing at 60, he now rides a 1300cc motorcycle and enjoys trips with friends, embracing the thrill while keeping safety in mind.

Graeme Burgess exemplifies a spirit of resilience and passion for sports, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing one’s interests.