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Buzz Feed
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
I Didn't Know Skiing Was For Us Until I Went To Soft-Like Ski
If you had told my younger self that I would be partying in the Swiss Alps with over 950 Black people, I wouldn't believe you. Firstly, I don't enjoy the cold. I could think of nothing less appealing than partying in cold weather. Secondly, winter sports have never appealed to me. Lastly, I would not be able to conceptualise the idea of 950 Black people attending a ski festival, especially considering that Black skiers make up only 1.5% of the population in ski resorts, according to the National Ski Areas Association. Soft Life Ski is the brainchild of Emmanuel Ojo, Kendrick Fordjour, Edmund Antwi, and Mikun Olupona. What started as a small ski trip between friends in 2022 has evolved into a trip that has caused FOMO for those who missed out on tickets. It was only a few lucky individuals who managed to get tickets, as they sold out in just seven minutes. Signifying the desire for the Black community to take over the Alps. So what actually happens during Soft Life Ski? Let's do a recap. Monday My trip started a day later than the rest of the attendees. I arrived at London City Airport, bright and early. After a short one-hour flight, I arrived at Zurich Airport, where I was greeted with an SLS sign. This is when the excitement started to sink in. My journey to my hotel involved two trains and a bus. When I arrived, I was taken aback by the clear blue sky, the scenery of the mountains, and the lakes. It looked like a picture on a postcard. After taking in the location, I went to drop my luggage in my room and went to get my ski equipment. A long day of travelling requires a hearty meal, and luckily, I made the right decision, heading to Grandis Restaurant. After having one of the best steaks I've had in my life, it was time for R&B N Ski Gams. SLS had an impressive line-up of DJs with popular names like RBC, Selecta Suave, DJ Naira, with Charlie Mase as the host. My first night went off as a hit. I reconnected with university friends, met new people and soaked in what the next few days would be like. Tuesday Waking up was a struggle; fortunately, I had a few electrolytes on hand to give me some extra energy. Breakfast was also a treat. My buffet included French toast, granola, and pancakes, providing me with enough fuel to tackle the Alps. Prior to coming to Zurich, I took one lesson at Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre so I could ease myself into the sport. However, I was still very much a beginner. As a perfectionist, starting new hobbies is a reminder that I am not automatically good at something, and it takes hours of practice to master a skill. However, I found it much easier to learn how to ski in Zurich than I did in the UK. It also felt affirming to be around other beginners who looked like me. I'd describe the process of learning how to ski as an adult as a humiliation ritual. You will fall several times and feel embarrassed every time you do. But, it's also so much fun and it felt rewarding to learn a new skill as an adult. As my skiing lesson finished, I went back to my hotel to get ready for Apres Ski At The Top. After Rnb N Jamz, I knew SLS could pull off a good party, but Apres Ski At The Top took partying to a whole new level. To say that experience was one of the best parties I've been to in my life, i an understatement. To hear Afrobeatz, dancehall, RNB, and even Fuji music on a mountain in Zurich with Black people is a feeling that can never be replaced. It was Black joy at its finest. Not only are surrounded by the picturesque views overseeing the beauty of the mountains, you're surrounded by your friends, old and new. It was surreal. After hours of partying, it was time to head back down, have dinner, and then get ready for the next party. Wednesday It felt a bit easier waking up on Wednesday; my body had adjusted to the lack of sleep and intense levels of alcohol in my body. I somehow managed to wake up for my ski lesson (once again, thank you electrolytes). This was was the first day that I felt like a real skier. It felt good to feel myself progress. I even found myself helping other people learn how to ski as well. My ski lesson was followed by lunch and a well-needed shower before getting ready for another day of Apres Ski. Just like the night before, the party went off like a hit. Thursday Thursday was my unfortunately last day. After having my last breakfast, I returned my ski equipment, said my goodbyes, and headed back to Zurich to go back home. Courtesy of Soft Life Ski Overall thoughts: As a self-professed party-girl, being at Soft Life Ski is a memory that will stay with me forever. While this is a ski-festival, it's felt like more than a party. It allowed Black people to have access to an experience that before, may have felt like it couldn't be ours. In the past, I had described skiing as a 'White' hobby – it didn't feel like a space I would be accepted to enter. Let's be clear, many Black people do ski, and I know Black people who know how to ski. We shouldn't and don't have to wait for spaces like Soft Life Ski to exist to go skiing, but SLS bridges the gap for Black people like me who didn't see themselves on the slopes. One of my favourite attributes to this holiday was the feeling of safety, from the hotel staff to the SLS wellness team and crew members. I felt safe and assured that if I had an issue, I could get it sorted by someone. However, there were some complaints from attendees about the organisation of the trip, particularly on the first day. Some attendees experienced late coach arrivals from the airport to Laax and issues with the gondolas returning from the first party. But, this seems like a minor blip and to be expected when taking care 950 people in a ski resort. So, to the people who are wondering if you should get tickets to SLS next year? Believe the hype, I'll be there. You can find out more about their events here.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Police warn of ‘deceptive' dangers as temperatures expected to hit 22C this week
Police have issued a warning about the dangers of open water swimming as temperatures are expected to reach 22C this week. The warning follows the death of 15-year-old Izaiah Smith, who died after getting into difficulty in a south-east London park lake last week. Eleven-year-old Kaliyah Coa is still missing after entering the River Thames near London City Airport in east London last Monday. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police urged Londoners to "never underestimate the risks" of swimming in the city's waterways. The UK will see a week of 'lengthy sunshine', Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said, with temperatures 'well above average' for April. Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead, who leads the Met's Marine Policing Unit, said that despite understanding the appeal of the city's open water spots for bathers, police have recently seen a rise in incidents where people have 'got into difficulty' in the water, with some having lost their lives. He continued: 'So I want to make a direct appeal to the public: please enjoy London's waterways safely, but never underestimate the risks. 'Open water may appear calm and inviting, but it can be dangerously deceptive. 'Strong currents, sudden drops, hidden hazards and cold water shock can affect even the strongest swimmers. Planning for the Easter holidays? We've got you covered! 👇Spoiler alert: It contains a lot of this… ☀️ — Met Office (@metoffice) April 6, 2025 'Once a person is in the Thames, for example, they will almost definitely struggle to keep afloat or in control. 'The river holds currents stronger than any person and moves at extreme speeds.' Although the water may look calm, strong and fast tides can 'easily' drag someone a mile in ten minutes, he added. Police advised people not to swim in open water unless part of a supervised and safe environment, never to enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs and for parents to talk to their children and young people about the risks. Elsewhere, visitors to the East Sussex coastline have been urged to enjoy the scenery safely and reminded not to stand too close to the edge of cliffs or walk or sit at the cliff base when on the beach. Councillor Claire Dowling, cabinet member at East Sussex County Council, said: 'The cliffs, while beautiful, are extremely unstable and huge quantities of chalk can fall at any time with absolutely no warning.' Of the forecast this week, Ms Chalk said the highest temperatures would be focused around south and south-west England over the next two days, followed by highs of around 21 to 22C in eastern England and Scotland on Thursday. On Friday, southern England, including London, are expected to see highs of 22C. Of the sunny, dry weather, she said: 'The exception is on Wednesday and Thursday – we will just see a bit more cloud filtering in from the North Sea, so we will see some cloudier starts on Wednesday and Thursday, but otherwise that will lift and clear, and then plenty of fine weather still continuing. 'There's a potential for a bit of a breakdown as we end the weekend, Sunday and Monday, on Wednesday, there's quite a lot of uncertainty on that transition so best to just enjoy this week of lengthy sunshine. 'We will still see some chilly nights though – waking up this morning it's still a little bit chilly, but by day it is generally pretty warm for the time of year.' Ms Chalk added: 'Generally for the UK, the maximum temperature of April is 12C, covering all of April, so we could reach up to 21 to 22C – so, well above average.'
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Police warn over swimming dangers as temperatures expected to hit 22C
A warning has been issued by police regarding the dangers of open water swimming as temperatures are expected to hit 22C this week. It comes after Izaiah Smith, 15, died after getting 'into difficulty' in a park lake in south-east London last week while 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa is still missing after she entered the River Thames close to London City Airport in east London last Monday. In a statement issued on Monday, the Met Police warned people of the dangers of swimming in the city's waterways, urging Londoners to 'never underestimate the risks'. The UK will see a week of 'lengthy sunshine', Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said, with temperatures 'well above average' for April. Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead, who leads the Met's Marine Policing Unit, said that despite understanding the appeal of the city's open water spots for bathers, police have recently seen a rise in incidents where people have 'got into difficulty' in the water, with some having lost their lives. He continued: 'So I want to make a direct appeal to the public: please enjoy London's waterways safely, but never underestimate the risks. 'Open water may appear calm and inviting, but it can be dangerously deceptive. 'Strong currents, sudden drops, hidden hazards and cold water shock can affect even the strongest swimmers. 'Once a person is in the Thames, for example, they will almost definitely struggle to keep afloat or in control. 'The river holds currents stronger than any person and moves at extreme speeds.' Although the water may look calm, strong and fast tides can 'easily' drag someone a mile in ten minutes, he added. Police advised people not to swim in open water unless part of a supervised and safe environment, never to enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs and for parents to talk to their children and young people about the risks. Elsewhere, visitors to the East Sussex coastline have been urged to enjoy the scenery safely and reminded not to stand too close to the edge of cliffs or walk or sit at the cliff base when on the beach. Councillor Claire Dowling, cabinet member at East Sussex County Council, said: 'The cliffs, while beautiful, are extremely unstable and huge quantities of chalk can fall at any time with absolutely no warning.' Of the forecast this week, Ms Chalk said the highest temperatures would be focused around south and south-west England over the next two days, followed by highs of around 21 to 22C in eastern England and Scotland on Thursday. On Friday, southern England, including London, are expected to see highs of 22C. Of the sunny, dry weather, she said: 'The exception is on Wednesday and Thursday – we will just see a bit more cloud filtering in from the North Sea, so we will see some cloudier starts on Wednesday and Thursday, but otherwise that will lift and clear, and then plenty of fine weather still continuing. 'There's a potential for a bit of a breakdown as we end the weekend, Sunday and Monday, on Wednesday, there's quite a lot of uncertainty on that transition so best to just enjoy this week of lengthy sunshine. 'We will still see some chilly nights though – waking up this morning it's still a little bit chilly, but by day it is generally pretty warm for the time of year.' Ms Chalk added: 'Generally for the UK, the maximum temperature of April is 12C, covering all of April, so we could reach up to 21 to 22C – so, well above average.'
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Police name 11-year-old girl missing after entering River Thames in London
Police have named an 11-year-old girl missing after entering the River Thames. Emergency services were called to the river in London at around 1.23pm on Monday, March 31. A large scale search has been taking place in the area near Barge House Causeway, near London City Airport. READ MORE: NS&I announces April's Premium Bond winners with two £1 million prizes READ MORE: 'Do not' warning issued to anyone with moss in their garden On Tuesday evening, April 1, the Metropolitan Police named the girl as Kaliyah Coa. The force said: 'A recovery mission is now under way to find Kaliyah along the Thames, with the Met leading an extensive examination of the area.' It said Kaliyah's family have 'asked for privacy at this distressing time'. Chief Superintendent Dan Card, local policing commander for north-east London, said: 'Our specialist officers are supporting Kaliyah's family through this deeply upsetting time and our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened. 'We are committed to finding Kaliyah and are working with partners to conduct a thorough search over a wide area – utilising drone technology and boats. 'I'd like to thank the members of public, our first responding officers, and colleagues from other emergency services, as they responded rapidly to carry out a large-scale search during a highly pressurised and distressing time. 'Equally, we appreciate this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive. You will see extra officers in the area during the coming days – if you have any concerns then please speak to them.' ---- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
BBC News
01-04-2025
- BBC News
Missing girl in Thames named as Kaliyah Coa
An 11-year-old girl who went missing in the River Thames has been named as Kaliyah Met Police said "a recovery mission" is now under way to find her along the were called at about 13:20 BST on Monday after Kaliyah, who had been playing during a school inset day, entered the water near Bargehouse Causeway, near London City Airport in east services conducted a large-scale search in an effort to locate her. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
