Why are we “magically” filled with energy when we surf out of a barrel or ski through powder? It’s not magic at all – it’s all about ions.

Ionization is a chemical reaction, in which a molecule separates into its components, creating an equal number of positive and negative ions. Positive ions exist everywhere; most of the air we breathe is full of positive ions.

As we hear so often these days, things ain’t what they used to be. The air is different. Putting it very frankly and unscientifically the world is full of crud. Positively charged crud. Nothing ever 'goes away' on our little green planet and every exhaust, every chimney plume, every cow fart, stays within our thin and fragile ionosphere. Without adequate negative ions, we are literally working ourselves to death and we don’t even realize it.

So where do we get an influx of negatively charged atoms, that are ready to ‘couple’ with the positive ones already in our bodies, to create this “magical” buzz? Most scientists say that standing underneath a waterfall is the most intensive situation, but have these studies ever looked closely at snow or water sports? Negative ions are most abundant the moment a barrel spits you out, or as fresh powder hits your face. Spitting Barrels and Face Shots are what we live for…