View Full Version : The Snowboarding thread
After all the other MTB etc related threads and knowing we have more than a few snowboarders on here; thus was born the snowboarding thread.
Pics of your board, specs, riding style, recommended destinations, anything snowboard related is :cool: in here. Skiers are grudgingly accepted too I suppose :wack: (I haves ome good mates who only ski - useful for a tow on flat bits :D)
The only real resort I have been to is Morzine (http://www.morzine-avoriaz.com/) but with 650-odd km of piste, loads of parks, half-pipes and acres of off-piste (much more fun!) I don't really want to go anywhere else! Apart from anywhere in NZ and Canada...
My board: 2003 (I think) Salomon Provider 157. More than a bit battered with the base being more P-Tex than original. Pic from a few years ago. Has a few stickers, many more scuffs and different stomp-pads now.
http://files.colonies.com/userdata/767922/galleryphoto/617803/500x500_5_0_0.jpg
IMO, off-piste is the place to be. Nothing I have EVER experienced (almost ;))can beat the feeling of fresh powder on a crips sunny morning and standing at the bottom of a slope looking back up and seeing yours are the only tracks on it :thumbs: Bestest feeling ever!!
Morzine gets my vote, I go back most years but stay in Avoriaz as its a bit nicer. Done most of the big Italian resorts and its always my fave.
I have a few boards some old A boards (if you remember them) a 159 for fun and a 163 for speeds as well as a nice soft Salomon 161 with bindings and Salomon F boots.
Love it but looks like this year I have to try and save some cash.
Most of mine and other halfs friends/relations live in Morzine/Montriond/St. Jean D'Aulps so thats generally where we are. Thought about Avoriaz but looked at the size of the apartments and they are like shoeboxes! Would rather have a bit more space and take a cable car for 5 mins ;)
Bindings - forgot about these (need another coffee) I use Forum Team for most use and some Flow (unsure what model) ones for lazy days. Boots: Salomon again - blue Synapse. Really comfy and have done me well for 6 years (1 full season and numerous holidays ;))
Could do with a new board really but can't really jusify the cost when my current one is ok for the time being. It does everything I ask of it apart from go really fast. Bex can leave me for dead if she decides to speed off - she rides a Salomon Daniel Franck pro-edition board.
I'll probably get a new one next year - likely an Endeavor board as I've always fancied one of those! The Paavo if they still do it!
I started snowboarding this year at MK and Castleford, mostly in preparation for our holiday in January. Me, the missus and another couple are off to Les 2 Alpes on the 9th Jan. I CANNOT WAIT.
I've been on skiiing holidays twice before but never boarding so we did two 3hr private lessons @ MK in October and I've been going practicing every other week since and I'm loving it! I can ride switch now, turn in switch and 180 in and out of switch. Can't 360 ollie yet though, I can only get around about 290deg.
Can't wait to get out on the mountain and enjoy myself. Les 2 Alpes has a 'park' section too so I'm sure an injury* will follow.
Still renting at the moment but if me and missus get on OK in Jan I'm going to buy my own boots for sure :nod:.
*I've already bust my shoulder and bruised a rib from an earlier episode at Xscape.
Been snowboarding on and off since 97, mainly into free riding but starting to get the bug for a bit of free style. Before that I was into my skiing but got bored.
Board - 97 GNU Stupid Cap - Love it, still in great shape but need to get the threads re-done.
Boots - Vans Danny Kaas III
Binding - Salomon - Can't remember the spec but err they look nice!
Been to...
France - Chamonix, La Cluzaz, Les Deux Alps, Trois Valleys, and others which I can't remember. Have to say best for me was the Trois Valley.
Italy - can't remember the name of the resort!!
USA - Stowe (Vermont), had some great trails and a ton of snow.
NZ - Ohkahune (SP) on the north island. It was Okay didn't get to use the slopes that much as the 3 days I was there the weather was awful and with the wind chill factor -10! Wanaka (south island) - I can't remember the name of the actual area but it was fantastic just for the drive up to the slopes. Queens Town - again can't remember the slopes/resorts but both great if not a little small.
Not been for 4 seasons now :( But I will hopefully get away this year :)
I started about 12 years ago, but its been on and off, so not actaully done that much :smash:
Current setup is a Morrow board with Flow FL2 bindings.
Morzine/Avoriaz gets my vote for sure :nod:
Me, the missus and another couple are off to Les 2 Alpes on the 9th Jan. I CANNOT WAIT.
No way, I fly out on the same day :wack:
Been snowboarding on and off since 97, mainly into free riding but starting to get the bug for a bit of free style. Before that I was into my skiing but got bored.
Board - 97 GNU Stupid Cap - Love it, still in great shape but need to get the threads re-done.
Boots - Vans Danny Kaas III
Binding - Salomon - Can't remember the spec but err they look nice!
Been to...
France - Chamonix, La Cluzaz, Les Deux Alps, Trois Valleys, and others which I can't remember. Have to say best for me was the Trois Valley.
Italy - can't remember the name of the resort!!
USA - Stowe (Vermont), had some great trails and a ton of snow.
NZ - Ohkahune (SP) on the north island. It was Okay didn't get to use the slopes that much as the 3 days I was there the weather was awful and with the wind chill factor -10! Wanaka (south island) - I can't remember the name of the actual area but it was fantastic just for the drive up to the slopes. Queens Town - again can't remember the slopes/resorts but both great if not a little small.
iv been to stowe aswell, awsome place:nod:
Just about to book 2 weeks in Solitude, Utah :D
Been to:
Canada
Fernie - supposed to be awesome, but I was a noob on our first ever boarding holiday so only ever saw green runs... Would love to go back.
Banff - Lake Louise / Sunshine / Norquay. Fecking cold, but really nice place :)
USA
Lake Tahoe - really good - some of it it very commercial, but there's plenty of other resorts locally which are a lot less touristy. Been a few times as it's close to work's US office in cupertino :D
Steamboat - really loved steamboat - nice atmosphere, quiet, good snow :)
Jackson Hole - Awesome :notworthy: Best powder ever - about a metre a night. Got me hooked :D
France - Courcheval. Really nice but it was foggy and the snow wasn't that great while we were there.
Switzerland - Verbier. Another blag while I was working in the vicinity :D Again, I was a noob so didn't see all of it, but it's a really nice place
Austria - Ishgl - Another good one. They even have a travelator under the mountain to save you walking from the town :wack:
Overall I prob prefer the US to europe as it's a bit more civilised - not as much carnage in the lift queues...
Equipment wise - I've got a 4 or so year old Arbor Element, old flow Pro Carbon bindings, ThirtyTwo Focus Boa boots :)
zeppelin101
17-12-2009, 14:35
I've only been once. Went to Morzine last year and learnt with my sister and her mates.
Awesome fun! Would love to go again but just haven't got the money to :(
Getting the hang of the lifts was a little tricky at first :wack:
No way, I fly out on the same day :wack:
To Les Duex? Where are you flying from, East Midlands?
Overall I prob prefer the US to europe as it's a bit more civilised - not as much carnage in the lift queues...
^ this ....... if only they could move the French Alps to the US it would be the ideal place
I suppose Whistler is a good compramise to this
To Les Duex? Where are you flying from, East Midlands?
Yep! Flying from Birmingham though. Mates are going out a week before in a van and taking all my gear too :D
Can't wait!
I'm with 3 decent boarders (I ski) if you fancy a good blast one day :)
I think fly from Brum too actually, I need to check. 7am flight?
How weird would it be if you were staying in the same chalet as us [which one are you in?!] :wack: Should hook up for a session though! Although we are all relative beginners.
I think fly from Brum too actually, I need to check. 7am flight?
How weird would it be if you were staying in the same chalet as us [which one are you in?!] :wack: Should hook up for a session though! Although we are all relative beginners.
Yeah, exactly the same flight too :wack:
I think I'd recoginise you from BDC, i went to most of the rounds with Martin Richards.
We are staying in a 4bed apartment, that part of it i don't know, i haven't organised it. We are all quite advanced, but that can be good in a way, will push you :nod:
Haha thats weird!
We have three of the rooms at Chalet Chartreuse. Hot tub, sauna, three course meals inc. wine all prepared by hot, naked* live-in chalet girls.
http://www.neilson.co.uk/Snow-France-Les-Deux-Alpes-Neilson-Chalet-Chartreuse--Super-Service-Accommodation-Information.aspx
Deffo hook up for some sessions and drinking too I think :nod:.I'll give you a shout nearer the time!
*I can but hope.
Awesome, I'm slumming it, cause the other guys can't afford much. Only cost £250 for a week & lift pass.
See you there :thumbs:
*I'll take the naked girls off your hands free of charge! :wack:
me the missis and kids are off to bulgaria on the second of jan. this will be the 4th time there cause im a scrooge and wont pay the french lift pass prices lol.
my board is an omatic boron, its quite good for the money and a bit of a jack of all trades, will go off piste and its ok in the park etc.
the boots are 32s cant remember the model and the bindings were just cheap ones but are light and stiff.
the other halfs stuff is all burton gear cause she has to have the best lol
ferretca18
17-12-2009, 18:01
^ this ....... if only they could move the French Alps to the US it would be the ideal place
I suppose Whistler is a good compramise to this
WEhistler is amazing. I've not been in the winter yet, but the summer wwas exceptional. I had a job offer for the winter but ithe wages wouldnt cover living and my loan payments:(
I have mates out there that ski and a mate that boards, they guy that boards used to live over here, but went to do some instructing over there and never came back, he now has a long term girlfriend and now has his permanent residence permit:) He used to go to the alps all the time but went to Whistler and loved it. I think the lack of a language barrier helps a lot and also there is a lot of other things you can do over there as its so close to major cities as well:):nod:
I used to board years and years ago, only really got into noob status tho, had a generics true board (cant remember the sixe) but i was a better skiier than boarder (despite having about equal time on both, i could ski down pretty much everything but blacks but could barely get up the lifts on a board...)
I'd love to get into it again as a lot of my mates board/ ski:nod:
I suppose Whistler is a good compramise to this
I've never been - I know people that have and have rated it quite highly. I tend to favour smaller resorts rather than giant commercial ones, which in my mind at least is what I perceive Whistler as.
My fave resort in Tahoe is Homewood for this very reason - it's not got the elevation or the facilities, but it's got a really nice atmosphere and is really quiet :)
It's going to be packed in Whistler this season due to the winter olympics..
ferretca18
18-12-2009, 00:27
Whistler is DEAD this year precisely due to the olympics, as they arent all in Whislter (think blackcomb has a bit) Its quite a high end place (compared to France). I found France to be a, get as many in as we can affair, while whistler was very luxury (buying houses there is seriously expensive) Awesome restaurants and bars. I found it to be a better atmosphere in Whistler than the apls (but that was the summer) :thumbs:
prepared by hot, naked* live-in chalet girls.
Mmm :smitten: I love chalet girls - well 1 anyway! My other half was one :wack: She and her mum ran a chalet in Morzine for 8 years!
the other halfs stuff is all burton gear cause she has to have the best lol
I have to disagree - Tried a couple of burton boards. Didn't really like them. My older Salomon just felt better quality. Burton are the Apple of snowboarding world (i.e. you can only use their bindings with their boards etc) and for precisely this reason, I won't buy anything Burton :no:
The 'best' boards are always a matter of opinion though - I've lusted after a Ride Timeless for years and now I have the money to buy one, they are discontinued :cry: One of my mates has the best named board ever - the Capita BSOD (Black Snowboard Of Death :wack:) but running a close second is Endeavors top line board - the BOD (Board of Directors :D)
Kit-wise I use a mix of all sorts including Salomon, Forum, Flow, Billabong, O'neill, Version, Dakine, 661 and so on. Its personal choice at the end of the day - all my stuff works for me but possibly won't for anyone else.
Burton are the Apple of snowboarding world (i.e. you can only use their bindings with their boards etc) .
:confused: I have had flow bindings attached to my burton for 4 years now
I went with the Burton as it was pleasently priced and worked well as an all mountain board. ..... I could have bought no end of other boards in a similar spec, but they all commanded a higher price for pretty pictures on them :wack:. That and the burton was a fatter board and I like wide boards
sunnybono
18-12-2009, 11:01
there is a lack of pics on this thread!
Was thinking just last night about starting. Iv heard that Tamworth snow dome do a beginners course for a whole day. £170. Is this the way to go?
:confused: I have had flow bindings attached to my burton for 4 years now
I went with the Burton as it was pleasently priced and worked well as an all mountain board. ..... I could have bought no end of other boards in a similar spec, but they all commanded a higher price for pretty pictures on them :wack:. That and the burton was a fatter board and I like wide boards
TBH, I haven't actually looked at board prices for a few years... Don't Burton have that weird triangular inserts for bindings? When others use side-by-side setup? I distinctly remember seeing that.
I wouldn't do a whole day personally. I learnt from scratch this year and from experience you fall ALOT in your first few hours. Its also very tiring as you use muscles your not used to!
We did a 3hr Fast-track lesson to start with and then a further 3hrs the next week. That was all the lessons we needed to get practicing. If you can do what we did you'll save money too - take your first 3hr lesson 'officially', make friends with the instructor and get private tuition 'off the books' for the next lesson, saved us a fortune!
Cheers for the advice Jord. Where's the best place to look at going. I heard "snowmax"? in Manchester is good but thats a fair old trek for me :D
Isn't there one in Hemel now... anyone been? I fancy a few runs. Furthermore anyone reccomend a good place to take my board to so they can sort my chewed threads?
teggers, i know exactly what you mean about the burtons mate. last year she decided to try some flow easy in bindings and these fit the burton triangle no probs, but after a day she could not live with the flow ones:rolleyes: so i thought cool, im in bulgaria, theres tons of cheap bindings all over, no problem. fcuk, how wrong was i. 3 hrs to track down the only burtons there at £170 ffs. and yes she has got an apple i phone lol. she may not be very good at boarding but she says i might as well look good doing it. women eh!
I've only been to Xscape at MK and Xscape at Castleford. Both are good although I prefer MK.
Apparently Tamworth is looking a bit dated now.
she may not be very good at boarding but she says i might as well look good doing it. women eh!
I don't look particularly good while doing it... Tan board pants stitched up with black thread (only clolour I had at the time :wack:) from a spill on a sharp rock, ripped and torn lower cuffs, battered board and bindings and so one. I wouldn'#t say I'm really good at boarding but I'm waaay better than a lot of the people you see out in expensive shiny new gear.
Its all used and abused from learning though - I'm now better at jumps and off-piste than my other half (who was my instructor - how we met :D) mainly because I have much stronger legs (long distance runner) but she's much better at speed (its the board - honest!) and the controlled technical bits.
IMO, the hardcore boarders (those who do it for the thrill of doing it and not because its fashionable/want to pose) are the scruffier ones. Shows the kit gets used well!
TBH, I haven't actually looked at board prices for a few years... Don't Burton have that weird triangular inserts for bindings? When others use side-by-side setup? I distinctly remember seeing that.
maybe its a new thing ..... mine has the standard 8 ? screw holes that you just screw any binding to, as I am sure they all did around 4 years ago
Might have changed now though, havent bought a board in a while, no need until mine dies
yeah exactly mate, me and the two boys go racing off, over jumps, through trees, icing skiers or brakes as my 8 year old calls them lol. we then wait at the bottom for my gf as she just lkes to plod down at her own pace. but the thing is, she just really loves it, and just keeps on going back for more! our gear is tatty looking, but thats due to the amount of time spent on the deck lol but its comfortable and i think thats what counts. i jut cant wait to go now seeing all this snow about.
cheers neil.
Me too - not only in Morzine (checking the webcams daily :D) but hoping there will be some decent snow on Dartmoor again - almost went up to Haytor with the boards last year but other half was 3 months pregnant at the time and didn't want to risk it.
maybe its a new thing ..... mine has the standard 8 ? screw holes that you just screw any binding to, as I am sure they all did around 4 years ago
Might have changed now though, havent bought a board in a while, no need until mine dies
Most boards have 8-10 holes but Burton introduced their odd 3 hole thingy in 2006. And as only Burton (at the time - don't know if others are doing it now - would make sense though as Burton own Red, Gravis, Anon, Analog, Forum, Special Blend, Foursquare and Jeenyus now too - taken from Wiki) make that mounting pattern, then you have to buy their bindings :(
I'm sure they make some good kit but I avoid them much like I avoid Oakley - every f*cker has them. And, incidentally, why I bought a 200sx - the rarity thing! I don't want something that loads of other people have too. And probably don't appreciate/use to the extent of the things capability.
BTW, my Forum bindings are pre-Burton ownership ;)
EDIT: this is the insert pattern to which I am referring (and no, standard 2x2 bolt holes don't fit the center 4 holes)
http://www.sxoc.com/vbb/attachment.php?attachmentid=65973&stc=1&d=1261151133
On the burton top end boards they have a funny slidey arrangement now too. For the pic above, some bindings come with inserts to adapt..
Burton Method:
http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/burton_method_2010.jpg
As ridden by brand whores with fat wallets everywhere ;) (It's Burton and it's the most expensive - gotta have that one!)
I've got an ancient Burton Skippy (or something like that...) , with Burton Freestyle bindings. Both were well used before they became mine, but were fine for learning in Morzine last year. I went to the Three Valleys skiing when I was a teen with school, probably going to Italy somewhere sometime this seson, not exactly sure where or when though.
Just booked a fortnight's boarding in Utah :D
Can't wait - although I will have to until the end of March :(
id love to go snowboarding but ill just be the guy rolling past everyone
gav_man_7
23-12-2009, 21:16
there is a lack of pics on this thread!
Ive been for the last 3 years and love every min of it. First year in La Rosiere, France, then the last 2 in Tignes, France. Going back to Tignes on the 8th Jan, can wait. Started to go switch and hit some jumps last year and cant wait to get back there.
Board - Salomon Patrol 167 (I am 6'7 so its a big ass board)
Bindings - Salomon
Boots - Salomon Dialogue
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/gav_man_7/Snowboarding/IMG_1076.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/gav_man_7/Snowboarding/IMG_1075.jpg
Tignes this year
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/gav_man_7/Snowboarding/2.jpg
Bath, England :eek:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/gav_man_7/Snowboarding/1.jpg
Taking some helmet video cameras this time :)
sunnybono
29-12-2009, 08:59
My none equipment related contribution.
http://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=440200
I pretty much ride whatever is knocking around or i can borrow from friends. Like to keep my own binding and boot setup the same each time as I find that helps. Normally ride switzerland and sometimes austria. More into hiking, backcountry, and powder than piste and park riding.
teggers,
went to buy some wax and the guy in the shop reccomended a liquid treatment, with added teflon. you add a few drops to a sponge applicator and apply to the board, then buff it up. it coats on top of the wax thats there already. you have to apply it every 2 days or so.
have you heard of anything like this and is it any good mate.
cheers neil.
teggers,
went to buy some wax and the guy in the shop reccomended a liquid treatment, with added teflon. you add a few drops to a sponge applicator and apply to the board, then buff it up. it coats on top of the wax thats there already. you have to apply it every 2 days or so.
have you heard of anything like this and is it any good mate.
cheers neil.
Yeah, I use that stuff !!! ..... its great, makes the board as slippery as feck, dont really notice it on normal runs / off pieste stuff etc, but hit a flat spot on a run or gliding away from the top of the lift and you dont loose any speed ... its the difference between unclipping and walking or gliding past a few walkers :D
As you say though, it only lasts 2 days max
It doesnt protect the board in anyway ... it just makes it more slippery on the snow
cheers dude. its no substitute for a proper wax job, but sort of compliments it. im gonna give it a try anyways and see how i get on.
Not tried the liquid stuff but I have used rub-on. It was shite. From what you and Johnny say, the liquid stuff could be worth a shot. Have used back to black spray before too :wack:
TBH, for my weeks holiday in March I'll do a decent wax-job before we go (so I don't have to take all my stuff with me) and that should last a weeks hard boarding. Always did before when we lived there ;) Used to wax once a fortnight...
Trying to find some Swix Cera Nova CF4 at the mo. Nowhere in the UK seems to have it :( Tried the Data wax but it didn't last anywhere near as long as Swix.
they call it zardoz, not wax, base lubricant. thought i would give it a try next week.
they call it zardoz, not wax, base lubricant. thought i would give it a try next week.
Thats the stuff .... I have their sticker on my helmet !!!
As I said, dont expect to notice it doing anything on the steep stuff, it may or may not do anything, but at that sort of speed I cant tell.
Where it works great is flat areas where you are trying not to shed any speed, or in the park where you are trying to pick up speed getting to a jump and you started to close, or had to put a move in to avoid other people !
I think its great anyway :D
Hmm. Might get some for our trip to supplement the damn good waxing its going to get before we go. Although flat bits aren't usually much of an issue... We tend to cut the corners off on the pisted runs and just go straight through the trees :D
Hmm. Might get some for our trip to supplement the damn good waxing its going to get before we go. Although flat bits aren't usually much of an issue... We tend to cut the corners off on the pisted runs and just go straight through the trees :D
I discovered the stuff after a particulary bad waxing.
Got me and the GFs boards serviced in a resort shop .. next day the fcukers just refused to slide. ... on a gentle slope you could stand on the board pointing down the fall line and the fcuker just sat there.
It was great for doing icy blacks tht day as it was like boarding on carpet. Anyway, I told a guy in a shop about it in the neighbouring resort at lunch, he said try this (not wax) so I did, and by jove the boards slid again.
I can only assume that the original guy that did the service didnt scrape enough wax off ??????? :confused:
The boards got better over the week as the icy conditions just shredded the bottom of the boards ...... but to this day I dont get of a chairlift at a slow pace anymore ... the second the board hits snow its sliding, with or without me
Some resort shops are better than others. I first had mine done by a guy that my other half knew was good. He was kind enough to talk me through the process so I could do it myself.
Sounds like your guy may have take too much wax off! I was really lazy one time and melted the wax on, smoothed it out and then left it. I've never been so fast on my board!!! For a couple of runs anyway till the snow froze the wax and then icy bits stripped it off... Thinking about it, this may also be what happened to you - too much/too little one needs to get the balance right!
I love getting off chairlifts - pretend to be a beginner, wobble around flailing your arms and watch everyone panic and try to get out of your way :D
I love getting off chairlifts - pretend to be a beginner, wobble around flailing your arms and watch everyone panic and try to get out of your way :D
its also a great time to legitimately take out skiers, who decide to stop and chat 5m infront of a chair lift. :rolleyes: ... nothing more fun than playing tenpin bowling with you as the ball and them the pins.
Legitimately? I just do it anyway :D Usually while passing with a double handful of snow... Another advantage to boarding - your hands are free for running snowball fights! Skiers feel the need to wave a couple of sticks around thinking it makes them look like they know what they are doing.
Although, I can't actually remember seeing a skier use the sticks for anything other than leaning on whilst chattering away in the middle of the pistes blocking it for everyone else... Or stabbing down on my board in the lift queue :mad: He was hunted down and run over for that little incident. Then, as I got up, 'accidentally' stuffing a handful of snow down his back. All because he seemed to have this thing against snowboarders and I saw him deliberately stabbing his prick-sticks on other boarders boards wrecking the finish on theirs too.
edit: Actually - some are nice and use the sticks to give me a bit of a tow on a flat bit where I was running out of forwards.
its also a great time to legitimately take out skiers, who decide to stop and chat 5m infront of a chair lift. :rolleyes: ... nothing more fun than playing tenpin bowling with you as the ball and them the pins.
I think one tried with this me: Dainese body armour 1 snowboarders face 0:thumbs:
I do need to try snowboarding at some point though.
I think .
Bollocks that ever happened ...... I dont care what you claim, I have never ever seen a skiier think :D
Bollocks that ever happened ...... I dont care what you claim, I have never ever seen a skiier think :D
No, the thinking happened after the dull thump against my back and seeing a snowboarder slide past in a heap. Almost makes me wish I'd tested it on the road.:wack:
No, the thinking happened after the dull thump
Ah, maybe you are telling the truth then, the dull thump will have been your skiers brain engaging.
I am suprised though that you came up with the thought that the snowboarder hit you .... normally after the dull thump of brain activity skiers come to the conclusion that they need a new one piece suit or a babysham at the bar ;)
gutted i can't go boarding this year due to lack of funds i've missed out 2 years in a row now :annoyed: i've been boarding on and off for a few years now, i'm not into falling off jumps so i stick to cruising and try to get off piste when the snows good, been to serre chavalier, les 2 alpes, three valleys, chamonix, val d'isere and tignes, and any field with some snow in back home... off up to yad moss near penrith this weekend for a go on the tow, snow looks go on the web cam hope theres still some left by the time we get there :wack:
some pics from our last trip to val/tignes, snow was crap almost all the off piste was wind blown slab
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/tommybrichard/CIMG0422.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/tommybrichard/CIMG0410.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/tommybrichard/CIMG0390.jpg
skier is just another term for brake tho, is it not. arrogant, selfish people. most dont even appear to have fun and just wanna be part of the in crowd.
anyways, enough of that. im just psyching myself up as i packed my board bag last night and cant wait to go now:D thats if it dont belt it down with snow here like its predicting, so i cant get to the aqirport.
I think one tried with this me: Dainese body armour 1 snowboarders face 0:thumbs:.
Bex is refusing to let me go unless I get body armour this year. She says I'm too mad! So what? A mere few broken bones is nothing!!!
I do need to try snowboarding at some point though.
Do it... DO IT!! Come to the dark side! You'll never go back :thumbs:
skier is just another term for brake tho, is it not. arrogant, selfish people. most dont even appear to have fun and just wanna be part of the in crowd.
anyways, enough of that. im just psyching myself up as i packed my board bag last night and cant wait to go now:D thats if it dont belt it down with snow here like its predicting, so i cant get to the aqirport.
When I learned to ski there were no snowboards at all (skiing in Ontario in the late 80s).
I've spent a few weeks in Europe skiing recently and most of the snowboarders I came across seemed to spend their time dragging snow down the slopes as they nervously side-slipped (?) down slopes that were too difficult for them. The few that were capable of going down the slopes looked liked they were having fun though.
When I learned to ski there were no snowboards at all (skiing in Ontario in the late 80s).
Umm...
The first snowboard was invented by Sherman Poppen in 1965 (called the 'Snurfer' for snow surfing) ... the state of Utah claims that the first snowboards were developed and manufactured there in the early 1970s
Yes they were! Just not as popular. Getting more so than ever now though so you will see a lot of learners out there. I'm happiest off-piste in powder though which is where you will find many more boarders than skiers (in my experience). But, just like driving, everyone has to learn at some point so be nice! I don't make life hell for learner skiers (much - but the damn ski-school snakes/trains that slowly crawl down taking up the whole slope don't just irritate me, they piss off a lot of other people too!) so play nice :thumbs: Or if I encounter you, be prepared for a snowball inna face! :p
sunnybono
31-12-2009, 16:44
Some of the anti skiing comments are funny. What is even funnier is now skiing is trendy, alot more so than snowboarding imo.
If you check the new skiing videos that are out they are going bigger and doing more impressive tricks than the snowboarders.
Maybe, but this is "the snowboarding thread" not "the skiing thread" :wack:
I know skiing is making a comeback but that doesn't mean we have to like it. The key word (actually abbr.) is imo - only your opinion ;) Anyway, I have friends who ski, friends who board and friends who do both. Its only banter - the skiers call us 'gays on trays' and, in turn get called 'pricks with sticks' - its all good natured!
I picked boarding after trying skiing and finding it incredibly uncomfortable and just plain felt weird - snowboarding felt much more natural to me. I also surf and used to skateboard so 1 plank felt so much better to me than 2 and a couple of sticks to wave about :p
yeah i will agree with that, one plank = two edges, ski,s = four edges to control. far to complicated imo.
god yeah, the ski school trains, forgot about them. where we go, halfway down the slopes there are paths crossing them. the ski schools stop at the edge, gather there members, then go for it all together, with no consideration for anyone else! but hey if they wanna risk life and limb, then its upto them lol.
Lol! Yes - seen that and they all set off one after the other without even looking! Idiots. :indiff: I was going too fast to stop for them popping out from behind a tree without looking upslope :rolleyes: Fortunately they were the little nippers about 4 or 5 years old and I found a mini kicker to launch off straight over them! The skier behind mew wasn't so lucky. He collided with one of the little buggers to much swearing and yelling from the 'instructor'. Who was then put in his place but a passing pisteur who told him to make sure no-one was coming down the main slope before crossing it.
Bet they looked upslope at the next junction after that!
that sounds cool mate, would have loved to seen it.
Going green reading this, wanted to do this since early teens, well past that age now though. Had a few ski lessons when at school but never really enjoyed that, but always liked my skateboard.
Issue now is absolutely none of my mates do it, although the missus is interested :wack: And Tamworth snowdome is fairly close :D
diamondsink
01-01-2010, 18:39
nice vid i just found
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33ZxPqDnNvQ
trick mate, dont know how old you are pal, but im 40 and took it up about 3 years ago and absolutely love it mate, cant get enough.
After reading this thread i want to start boarding :nod:
So what agvice would you give to a beginner? I can get to Xscape in Braehead for lessons but are they worth it? Also i stay about 15 mins from glen Coe so i want to make the most of that :D
So what tips for a newbie?
1- Lessons are worth it :nod: (mine involved my now partner taking me to the top of a red run and taking the piss every time I fell over...)
2- IMPACT SHORTS!!!! Best bit of kit ever! Do you like not being able to sit down due to a broken coccyx? Thought not. Get some and be able to sit down at the end of the day! While I'm on protective gear - helmets aren't essential but are a damn good idea! I won't go out without mine :no: Bex is also making me get body armour this time :wack:
3- boots. If your serious about taking it up, boots are the single most important bit of kit you'll get. You can rent the board and it will be decent and up-to-date but boots mould themselves to your feet. Rental boots won't fit correctly and I have a thing about other peoples sweaty feet :hurl:
4- be prepared to fall over and look like a noob. You will be one but everyone has to learn at some point!
5- try and try again - it will come to you and most people pick up the basics pretty quickly.
6- have fun! You're not being paid to do it (yet ;)) likely you're paying! So enjoy yourself! Push the limits a bit, not too much though as snowsport injuries can be rather bad - trust me on this ;) They are mostly caused by being daft or taking on more than you can handle.
+1 for all of Tegger's comments - especially the impact shorts (xscape is usually very icy = pain when you inevitably fall over on your arse when learning!)
Learning at xscape is OK - but when you've been to a proper resort you prob won't be so keen to go back again. If you just want a taster to see if you like it and then to master the basics it's fine though :)
Also - I'd recommend some decent gloves - if you are learning at xscape you spend a lot or time sat watching (impact shorts are also comfier to sit on and stop your bum getting cold) and pushing yourself up - crappy gloves that aren't up to the job get wet and cold and it's not nice :(
Nice one! Forgot about gloves! (Cold at work and no coffee :cry:)
Many prefer mitten-style gloves for warmth but I like the freedom of movement I get with 'normal' gloves. Mine are foam padded backs, double layer leather palms with extra padding on the webbing between thumbs and fingers and :cool: carbon inserts over the knuckles! My mum has taste (she bought them for me!)
Basically, you want something that will be reasonably waterproof but let your hands breathe, padding at least on the palms (for when you stuff it :wack:) and the little adjustable loops to go round your wrists are useful too - if you're sliding face down and put your hands down to try and slow/stop, it can pull your gloves off. These little ties loop arounf your wrists so you don't then have to hike back up the mountian to get the gloves!
me and the gf did a weekend beginners course at escape mate. teaches the basics and theory behind it. we then booked a holiday and a few days lessons in the resort, all i can say is it was like night and day. you will lovve it. we fly out this afternoon, and i cant wait. i dont use a helmet or impact shorts, as i class myself as not good enough to need them yet, but seriously thinking about it this year as i am getting constantly faster and braver as i get more feel for it.
cheers neil.
obviously my views on the saftey gear are my at my own risk, and i would reccomend all the correct padding and protection for anyone having a go at this.
me and the gf did a weekend beginners course at escape mate. teaches the basics and theory behind it. we then booked a holiday and a few days lessons in the resort, all i can say is it was like night and day. you will lovve it. we fly out this afternoon, and i cant wait. i dont use a helmet or impact shorts, as i class myself as not good enough to need them yet, but seriously thinking about it this year as i am getting constantly faster and braver as i get more feel for it.
cheers neil.
obviously my views on the saftey gear are my at my own risk, and i would reccomend all the correct padding and protection for anyone having a go at this.
I'd definitely advise both though mate :nod: You don't have to be going fast to catch an edge. The one day I didn't wear a helmet I caught and edge (not going fast) and landed on my head. I wore a neck-brace for a week afterward. Although some of my friends say I'm mentally unbalanced anyway...
Soooo envious of you now! Due to potential purchase of our first house its starting to look unlikely that we'll be going at all this year :cry: Will try to persuade her that we can afford it :D I've saved here and there and almost have enough for all 3 of us to go now but she thinks it would be better use in putting toward a house. :annoyed:
1 week to go :D
Anyone know what the snow's like in 2 Alpes?
If its anything like Morzine (not too far away) there's almost 150cm at the moment on the hill ;)
I'm :D:D:D now - with some help from her mum, we've just persuaded my other half that we NEED this holiday!
As an intitial investment as a beginner, how much cash would I need for some kit, not including a board purchase, just say boots and gloves and warm kit? Im not talking being a brand whore just good practical stuff, and any suggestions on a good spot to purchase?
Boots are about £80-300+ dependant on features and brand - ignore both and go for ones that fit well and are comfy - a decent shop will be able to fit them for you - try somewhere like snow and rock or at the local snowzone..
Gloves - £20-30 or so. The warmer and the more waterproof the better. The palms / fingers take a battering when you carry a board around (sharp edges) so I'd look for ones with reinforcement :)
Jacket - £80+ or so
Boarding Pants - £80+ or so.
For jacket and pants, try TKMaxx - they often have cheap boarding/skiing stuff in stock. You ideally want something waterproof and breathable as well as warm but not bulky. If the pants are insulated that's even better - usually this is from the knees up and makes a big difference :)
^^ Add to this make sure the jacket has a 'snow skirt' (at the bottom inside there should be am elasticated 'skirt' with poppers on the front and hopefully some tags on the back) as its great for stopping snow going up your back/down your trousers after falling!
Same with board pants - around the bottom hem where your feet come out there should be a similar thing.
I'm not brand whore but I do find the branded stuff is often better quality than the cheap stuff. I started out with Dare2be jacket and pants but they didn't breathe and I ended up sweating like a sweaty thing. Just before I moved out tehre I bought Billabong pants and an O'Neill Launch jacket. Both are still going strong.
A backpack would be an idea too - saves bulking up pockets with spare gloves, scarves, food, drink, sunnies, sun cream (VVV IMPORTANT!!!!) 1st aid kit, multi-tool and so on. I carry all this in a Dakine Heli pack.
If there is one now (think they are all finished till next season though) a ski and snowboard show is a good place to get kit. As much as 50% discount at the trade stands too - this is where I got mine from ;)
Anyone reccomend a good place to take my board to so they can sort my chewed threads?
Checked my board over the weekend and the threads really need to be re-done, I'm assuming they can be but does anyone know a decent place I can take my board to be fixed/serviced (London/SE)?
Checked my board over the weekend and the threads really need to be re-done, I'm assuming they can be but does anyone know a decent place I can take my board to be fixed/serviced (London/SE)?
Gotta be a Snow and Rock near you?
Yeah there's a couple, they any good then?
Whoop, Les 2 Alpes this Saturday!! All ready kam? :D We've gained a couple more in our party too, can't wait!
Hope u guys had better luck than me. We sat in Bulgaria and there more snow in Manchester. Didn't think we was gonna get 2 airport. :cry:
few pics from yad on sunday, plenty of sunshine, snow was perfect on piste but a bit chalky off it, the lift cue was rediculous 20 min wait! so ended up walking as many times as i got the lift up but good times none the less
few pics from my phone
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/tommybrichard/Image023.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/tommybrichard/Image026.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/tommybrichard/Image028.jpg
who needs to go abroad eh...
OooO that looks cold.... :D looks great, and ta for the input all. gonna keep it cheap as ill only be down the snowdome and will probably destroy my first bit of kit :)
Alan_200sx
04-01-2010, 21:55
A few of me in Andorra:
http://www.bainwardo.com/photos/holidays/andorra/images/large/A0005.jpg
http://www.bainwardo.com/photos/holidays/andorra/images/large/A0003.jpg
http://www.bainwardo.com/photos/holidays/andorra/images/large/A0032.jpg
http://www.bainwardo.com/photos/holidays/andorra/images/large/A0006.jpg
PS my Oakley goggles, Sessions jacket, burton bottoms are for sale, PM Me if anyone wants them.
Whoop, Les 2 Alpes this Saturday!! All ready kam? :D We've gained a couple more in our party too, can't wait!
Can't wait!!! They have just had a massive dump, my mates out there were up to their nuts in powder yesterday :D :wack:
few pics from yad on sunday, plenty of sunshine, snow was perfect on piste but a bit chalky off it, the lift cue was rediculous 20 min wait! so ended up walking as many times as i got the lift up but good times none the less
few pics from my phone
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x6/tommybrichard/Image026.jpg
Where is that? Piste looks choppy!
who needs to go abroad eh...
kam its at 'yad moss' on the north pennines near carlisle/penrith, its a volunteer run slope up on't hills of england, the pic was taken at about 3pm so was a little choppy by then especially as everytime the piste basher came up the slope laying some fresh corduroy we'd trashed it before he had chance to turn around at the top :D
kam its at 'yad moss' on the north pennines near carlisle/penrith, its a volunteer run slope up on't hills of england, the pic was taken at about 3pm so was a little choppy by then especially as everytime the piste basher came up the slope laying some fresh corduroy we'd trashed it before he had chance to turn around at the top :D
Oh no way, awesome! Didn't think they had anything like that here :wack:
ferretca18
07-01-2010, 14:20
WOW, that is immense!
Wonder how much a small scale lift like that would cost... Could be awesome at a mountain bike trail:)
mattpayne
07-01-2010, 15:02
kam its at 'yad moss' on the north pennines near carlisle/penrith, its a volunteer run slope up on't hills of england, the pic was taken at about 3pm so was a little choppy by then especially as everytime the piste basher came up the slope laying some fresh corduroy we'd trashed it before he had chance to turn around at the top :D
what are the roads like up that way?? im off work for the next few days, and its not too far to drive!!
http://www.yadmoss.co.uk/ is the wed site, weekends it is quicker not to use the lift as the queue is 20mins for a 1min run. the roads are pretty sketchy at the mo best place to come from is carlisle as the pass over alston is usually shut if its snowed more info here http://www.cybermoor.org/index.php?option=com_kunena&Itemid=3&func=view&catid=2&id=32421&limit=8&limitstart=8
I have just booked a 2hr lesson up At Glen COe for Tuesday :D
Can't wait!!
I have just booked a 2hr lesson up At Glen COe for Tuesday :D
Can't wait!!
Have fun!! :thumbs:
I've just booked our flights to Geneva for a week in Morzine... :D:D:D
damn you, i wanna go to Morzine in the SUmmer for the DH but everyone dropped out :(
Oh thats another tings, I can't get anywhere to buy some Decent boarding Trousers or jackets so any recommendations on what i could wear, something that is common?
If your short on time, TK Maxx. I had a nose and they have a selection at good prices. no big 'cool' names but they had tresspass and Nike AIG or something kit, and some of it felt pretty good.
Otherwise look for a local snow and rock, they have some good gear in.
Ah what i meant to say is im stuck at home and cant get anywhere to shopf or stuff :(
Any ideas on what to wear and what not then
ferretca18
09-01-2010, 18:37
Got any long riding pant? wear thos. I went up today in jeans under my boarding pants and they are soaked!!
Failing that, just some thermal layers, jeans on top and waterproof trousers on top!!!
I went up to Dartmoor today with a mate, last lesson I had was 10 years ago (falloing leaf) And today, I was making heel and toe turns to the bottom, some places the snow was pretty thin (pretty windy there) but in other places it was waist deep an more!!!
Im regular footed and i can turn heel edge much easier than toe, although i got a few dialled by the end of the day. Been using a borrowed Burton Bullet and borrowed boots, but today i went out and mashed £110 on some Thirtytwo Exus boots, so now i can go out when everone else is at work:) were supposed to get a good dump tomorrow as well. I've not been this excited for a long time, It's like being a kid again but now have something to do in the snow:thumbs:
riding pants are a good idea cheers Ferret :)
ferretca18
09-01-2010, 18:44
Be warned tho mate, its fecking addictive!! LOL I got that child like giddy feeling when i made it to the bottom (only turning left the first few times hahahah) Then i cheered myself when i finally got a good toe side turn in:) Well impressed with myself, My arse hurts a bit tho, landed it a cropper, right on the cocyx(sp??) I cant wait for tomorrow and monday now.
Oh, and you though pushing a bike up a hill was bad... JAYSUS, walking up a small hill in knee deep snow is not fun or easy LOL, still, bloody good exercise!
ferretca18
10-01-2010, 18:22
WOW, I just got back from a day in the snow! found a field with a decent ammount of snow and a decent slope. I went from stacking a few times on the very thin not very steep slopes to getting down pretty much every time without bailing:) I can now turn both ways (lol, always a bonus) Properly stoked on how well i got on:) my legs are DEAD tho from walking back up the hill in borading boots!!! Got some nice friction burns from the tops of my boots too! ahahahah May be going again tomorrow too, but right now i need sleep!
Gonna upload some vids when i get the chance (ie, i havent been out all day:))
If youve never been boarding before, give it a try, you may surprise yourself! And its properly hard work, so it saves you from going to the gym:)
Damn you! I couldn't get up to Dartmoor to play :cry: Shouldn't be getting friction burns from your boots though :no: Did you have decent board socks? If so, your boots may not have been tight enough.
Your next mission is to perfect 180's :thumbs:
ferretca18
10-01-2010, 21:46
LOL, yea its my socks, I had on crappy normal socks, then 2 pairs of thick tights (wore jeans under my board pants yesterday and they just turned wet an horrible, but i didnt have anything else lol) Then had thick itchy woolly socks over that, think the tights didnt help much....
180's hmmmmm we did have a nice 5 foot drop over a wall, but that was at the very top of the hill, and before i had perfected the art of turning hahahah Maybe tomorrow if i go up, although tuesday its supposed to dump, maybe rideable on wednesday but i bet the snow will be gone by the end of the week:(
LOL, yea its my socks, I had on crappy normal socks, then 2 pairs of thick tights (wore jeans under my board pants yesterday and they just turned wet an horrible, but i didnt have anything else lol) Then had thick itchy woolly socks over that, think the tights didnt help much....
Jeans UNDER your board pants??? Never done that - I'd find it restrictive on movement and too hot! I'm not even going to comment in the tights... :wack:
Down to about -15/20 I'd (and have) wear 1 pair snowboard socks, Billabong board pants, impact shorts (ok, yes over my boxers!), t-shirt, hoodie, board jacket, boarding gloves and helmet and goggles. If I'm feeling a little chilly I'll add a scarf (or shemagh aka channie-dishcloth) to that. Wore my helly's once when it was -27 but took them off after the second run as I was too hot.
180's hmmmmm we did have a nice 5 foot drop over a wall, but that was at the very top of the hill, and before i had perfected the art of turning hahahah Maybe tomorrow if i go up, although tuesday its supposed to dump, maybe rideable on wednesday but i bet the snow will be gone by the end of the week:(
Not drop-offs - build a kicker! Then 180 off that :thumbs:
ferretca18
11-01-2010, 11:11
LOL, at the start i couldnt even make the drop off lol, i could only really turn left so i started miles over the other side and i either bailed or went too far to the left hahahah, now i can turn so it would be ok.
May be going again later today, although my legs are properly dead hahahah, not from the boarding, more from the hiking back up!
They are setting up a big kicker and a rail today, so should be sweet!
Damn you!!! I hate working 6-day weeks!!!
Kickers are ok but I'm not really into park stuff so I don't do rails. Off-piste and powder are more my kind of thing. Make your own trails and go where you want! And nothing beats the feeling of looking back upslope and seeing yours are the only tracks down.
ferretca18
11-01-2010, 11:45
From what ive managed so far, i think that carving big lines in a virgin piste would be my think too! I've got my mountain bike for jumping:)
Bloody sore today tho... hahahha Not sure if im gonna go up today, may have a day off, and its supposed to be a good snow day tomorrow...
i need to find some decent hills near me to have some fun before it all go,s. problem is that i only got the sx to get me there lol.
Mikesx13
11-01-2010, 16:14
I'm lucky in that my brother co-owns and runs Snow Magazine (http://www.snowmagazine.com/) so I get a free holiday every year usually with lots of perks and sometimes with brand new top of the range equipment to 'test' although it can be a ballache sometimes as you have to pretend to be a journalist!
We usually go to France as it's easy, best resort I've been to so far is La Plagne, truly epic place, a lot more French than most of the resorts in the Alps and there were a lot of really good riders there.
Edit: the online site is a new version of a crappy old site and will replace the print version of the magazine, to drum up interest in the community on the site my brother was giving away free goggles for people that post on the forum, there are still three pairs left........get posting guys!
Belle Plagne
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/Mikesx13/16032009597.jpg
A little jump we built near the apartment in Serre Chevalier:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/Mikesx13/SerreChevalier.jpg
H well, canceld my lessona t Glen Coe as the snow isn't to good up there now apparently, but have just booked one up at nevis Range at Ft William instead :D
WIN
CAnt wait til tommorrow now
Edit: the online site is a new version of a crappy old site and will replace the print version of the magazine, to drum up interest in the community on the site my brother was giving away free goggles for people that post on the forum, there are still three pairs left........get posting guys!
Free goggles? I could do with a new pair for holiday this year!! Going on now...
ferretca18
11-01-2010, 18:10
nice! were due more snow tomorrow. Id love to go up again but dont wanna go on my own... especially knowing my luck lol.
Ft bill in the snow sounds awesome, get some pics as ive never seen it in the snow before!
La Plagne is where my mates are working at the moment, a load of other mates with non ski jpobs are going out there on the 6th to stay with them, i can say after this weekend i am gutted im not going:( hahahahah
Mikesx13
11-01-2010, 22:56
Free goggles? I could do with a new pair for holiday this year!! Going on now...
Just seen your post on there, that was my brother that replied. It's sometimes worth doing a write up if there's an element of your holiday that could be of interest to readers (like taking the baby) and sending it in to them as they do print stuff like that and you can often get something out of it :)
btw, still two pairs of goggles left, doesn't take much to sign up :Plug:
Just signed up and posted too :)
I'll have a proper nose around tomorrow when I have some spare time (ie. at work ;) )
Just seen your post on there, that was my brother that replied. It's sometimes worth doing a write up if there's an element of your holiday that could be of interest to readers (like taking the baby) and sending it in to them as they do print stuff like that and you can often get something out of it :)
btw, still two pairs of goggles left, doesn't take much to sign up :Plug:
Yeah - when he emailed me I said I'd do a writeup when we get back from our holiday in March. I did mention that we lived there and my other half and her mum owned a chalet out there so if there's anything anyone needs to know about Morzine, just ask!! Least I can do for a nice set of goggles!!!!
Nice looking site and I'll be having a good old browse today during my quiet periods at work :thumbs:
Awwww :(
Ft Bill and Geln Coe were both shut today due to High Winds so no boarding for me :cry:
On the upside we went Karting instead then watched the NEw Sherlcok Holmes movie which is pretty good, well worth a watch :nod:
ferretca18
12-01-2010, 22:52
im gonna try and get to the moors tomorrow to catch the last of the snow, not holding ouyt for much to be left up there though:(
And i really wanna see holmes, robert downey jr is a legend! i loved tropic thunder as well!
I think i got battered more karting than what i would of Boarding, Feel like i have ridden 5 WC DH tracks in one day lol, sore back that i can't lie on as its bruised from me doing drifty skids int he karts :D
ferretca18
13-01-2010, 00:43
LOL, nice!!!!! Shame you didnt make it out, still i bet the snow lasts a lot longer up there than it will down here, its expected to thaw out tomorrow afternoon! Even if i get a few last runs in its all good.
At least with the snow melting i can get out on the bike again!
Just got back from a week in Les 2 Alpes. OMFG the snow we had! Pictures and video to follow!
ferretca18
16-01-2010, 18:49
my mates are trying to get me out to la plgne in feb but i just cant afford it:( waaaaaaaaaah, and i cought the snowboard bug pretty bad:(
Still, news on the grapevine is more snow due in a couple weeks:)
Get those vids and pics up mate, would be cool to see how you got on!
ferret. mate beg, borrow and steal to get there pal. its just so unbelievable.
if you caught the bug just by messing on a hill here, then your gonna be totally amazed. the only way i can describe the difference is like, say you was learning to scuba, here is like learning in a tank or gravel pit, there is like diving the carribean or barrier reef.
life changing moment for me when i first went dude.
cheers neil.
Some photos from my holiday - http://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?p=5108696#post5108696
Those are just my SLR shots, got about 100+ more on my compact.
Nice! Will have to get some good pics from our trip ;)
Just completed my beginners course at Manchester and I'm hooked. Managed the last half hour of the lesson using the main slope (from the top)
Picked up some nice Animal board pants for 30 quid but can anyone recomend some good boots? How good are Vans, I could give the outlet shop a try.
ta
This is all I have found so far :http://www.goneboarding.co.uk/Review/Boots/CategoryID/1001/ShowCategory.aspx
Frmo what I read, ill be looking at Saloman F24s for myself, or something similar to avoid a wide board.
i use 32,s really stiff and comfortable too. bought some for my lad from the board store on ebay. well worth a look mate. they were brand new and at half price. top bargain.
ferretca18
18-01-2010, 00:34
eloise, i know all too well about how awesome real mountains are. I ride downhill mountain bikes and go to Morzine/ Avoriaz/ les Gets/ Whistler all in the summer and its like chalk and cheese to what this country has:(
Unfortunately I cant get out as the money I do have is taking me to Antibes to kick start my new career (working on superyachts) BUT I do have a mate that lives in Whistler and Colorado all with open invitations:) I WILL be getting out at some point, probably next winter tho:)
Edit: I just got my own boots, after a look around and 32's have good reviews, they stay stiffer for longer (oooer lol) and are well made. Vans are also up there... Best bet is find a boot with a good review and then have a search for prices...
sunnybono
18-01-2010, 07:38
My brothers contribution.
He decided to go for a wander (by himself :wack:) in search of fresh snow. This hike is probably about 10KM away from the closest lift.
http://vimeo.com/8811037
My brothers contribution.
He decided to go for a wander (by himself :wack:) in search of fresh snow. This hike is probably about 10KM away from the closest lift.
http://vimeo.com/8811037
Nice vid and loved the tune!
BUT! (and its a biggie!) Its a bit daft to hike that far away from the main runs especially on his own. What if he'd had a bad fall?! Ok, maybe he had a walkie talkie thing but what if he knocked himself out (no helmet either)? He'd have been a bit stuffed then. Risk of avalanches? And I really hope he let several people know where he was intending to go and gave them a time that he would be back by.
The pro boarders (and skiers) NEVER go out in the back country alone. I've only been way off-piste and in deep back country with at least 3 other people. All with helmets, many with armour and all with survival gear (never had to use it but its the same pricipal as carrying a condom - we'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it)
Having said that, it looked a lovely run and he wasn't pushing at all. Almost perfect conditions too. :thumbs:
For boots, ignore what the reviews say. Ignore what brand they are. Go to a shop that has a big selection and try a load on - and buy whichever are the comfiest and fit the best :)
Different boots fit different feet - the only way to find out what fits is to try a load on, and keep them on in the shop for a good 20-30 mins walking round and doing snowboard poses... :)
sunnybono
18-01-2010, 18:57
Nice vid and loved the tune!
BUT! (and its a biggie!) Its a bit daft to hike that far away from the main runs especially on his own. What if he'd had a bad fall?! Ok, maybe he had a walkie talkie thing but what if he knocked himself out (no helmet either)? He'd have been a bit stuffed then. Risk of avalanches? And I really hope he let several people know where he was intending to go and gave them a time that he would be back by.
The pro boarders (and skiers) NEVER go out in the back country alone. I've only been way off-piste and in deep back country with at least 3 other people. All with helmets, many with armour and all with survival gear (never had to use it but its the same pricipal as carrying a condom - we'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it)
Having said that, it looked a lovely run and he wasn't pushing at all. Almost perfect conditions too. :thumbs:
Yeah, I agree with most of the above, but it is a well trodden route with plenty of tourers.
Just noticed the quality is pretty crap, the original file was much better.
Had my first lesson Monday just gone. Cant wait for the next one :thumbs:
ferretca18
24-01-2010, 01:26
Its ace isnt it?!?!? Was that on snow or dry ski slope?
Different boots fit different feet - the only way to find out what fits is to try a load on, and keep them on in the shop for a good 20-30 mins walking round and doing snowboard poses... :)
Was in two seasons yesterday and they had a poor lad doing this :D They had warmed the liners up and they wanted him to stand in his 'board pose' for 20 minutes.
I thought as you said your supposed to move around, they also said not to do the binders tight, just snug so as not to deform the liner. Is that right or just because your having them moulded for the first time?
ferretca18
24-01-2010, 11:28
thats just for the moulding process mate. I had to wear mine for 20 minutes when i bought them:) Its just because its heat activated memory foam, so it contours to your feet. That was for my thirtytwo's anyway.:thumbs:
Dry slope, its only ten miles away so can't complain. Although i have heard its a lot different to snow, which was to be expected really :D. Hopefully learning the basics for a holiday later in the year.
ferretca18
24-01-2010, 23:02
Cool.
I had my first lesson on a dry slope about ten years ago, then went up to the moors in the snow, was so much easier... ranbdomly, the steeper it was the easier it was as you had more momentum to get you from toe to heel edge etc... I picked it up fairly well by the end of the 2nd day:):thumbs: (thats on rund that lasted about 20 seconds!)
Got my second lesson tomorrow. Cant wait, catching the bug already :D Tomorrow is falling leaf on toe and heel edge. Dont falling leafs move elegantly, because i have a feeling i shant be lol.
Was in two seasons yesterday and they had a poor lad doing this :D They had warmed the liners up and they wanted him to stand in his 'board pose' for 20 minutes.
I thought as you said your supposed to move around, they also said not to do the binders tight, just snug so as not to deform the liner. Is that right or just because your having them moulded for the first time?
Normally board boots aren't so sensitive to heat moulding as ski boots as they've got more give in them... I've just worn them in the shop for a while to make sure you don't get cramp after a while or feel them start to pinch :)
Got my second lesson tomorrow. Cant wait, catching the bug already :D Tomorrow is falling leaf on toe and heel edge. Dont falling leafs move elegantly, because i have a feeling i shant be lol.
Lol! They do sometimes...
Toe-edge 'falling leaf' is a killer for calf muscles, heel edge for your thighs ;) If you don't have strong legs yet, you soon will!!! Just be smooth, try not to jerk around and stay calm (I know its hard sometimes :D) and you'll be fine. Everyone learns at some point so most of the more experienced boarders will understand what you're going through. There are some arseholes out there though that will laugh loudly at your every mistake. See below...
TBH, I never actually had any formal lessons - just went out there and had a go! Then, after falling, crashing or whatever, my instructor (now my partner), once she'd stopped laughing (bitch!!:p) pointed out what I'd done wrong. The funniest ones to her were my first attempts at jumps (off kickers - not just ollies). I remember the first one. Ouch. Hit the kicker, jumped off the lip, confident that I'd fly gracefully like I'd seen others doing, forgot totally about COG and crash-landed flat on my back (I'd actually taken my backpack off just in case!). It was a few minutes before I could breathe, let alone move again!
Well, had lesson number two last night. Was great fun with a few monumental bails :D I came off fast once and it felt like i was being dragged on a brillo pad with my trousers down (not that iv ever experienced that lol). Talk about sore a**e last night. Instrucor said i had toe edge falling leaf as in the textbook. Next time lent back and had a HUGE manual down the slope - i meant to do that honest ;) . At least i know i can do it, just need practice. Cant wait till the next lesson although its not until next thursday :(
ferretca18
27-01-2010, 01:34
Just wit till you get on some snow!!! Its sooooooo much easier:) I didnt believe my mates when they told me it was a lot easier until i found out for myself:)
LOL, my worst one was getting into my faster toe edge turns and ended up ragdolling down some very lightly snowed grassy bits, firt thing to make contact woith the ground was my ass LOL, that stung a bit... All part of the fun tho! Just need more snow now, due some this weekend, but i doubt it will be board worthy like a few weeks ago:(
IMPACT SHORTS!!! How many time do I have to say it? they THE most important thing you can wear! I like to be able to sit down at the end of the day! Do you guys enjoy having a sore arse :ghey: ?!
My March holiday is all booked and paid for now - just need to take a little for beer and food! Can't wait! Looking at the webcams every few hours and checking weather forecasts daily and its still 7 weeks till we go! Here's hoping for a week of fresh powder and blue skies! My idea of heaven (if there was a track at the bottom with my car all warmed up ready to go!!)
ferretca18
27-01-2010, 13:49
there was a stunning race prepped Volvo amazon in Morzine when we went (saw it on 2 different years) Very light gray with a white circle on the side (for a race number i presume) fully stripped, caged and something awesome under the bonnet:) Could hear it blasting around the roads every wednesday:) but i suppose it wouldnt be out in the winter:(
Not got a board yet to make use of the snow. Cant wait to try the snow. I keep leaning back though. Then when i realise i need to lean forward i push off my back leg and bail - fail :D Gonna start looking into gear soon, hoping to get away in April.
ferretca18
27-01-2010, 17:29
Yea, i kept doing that too:wack: going fast, oooh lean back, fall... i just clicks suddenly tho, All of a sudden i could carve nice lines down the hill:)
(BTW i by passed most of the lessons, I went from heel edge falling leaf, then a little bit of toe edge falling leaf, then 10 years later (a few weeks ago) i went to the moors, they gave me a 5 minute lesson and i had a go, 2 days later i could get down the hill. I think id be confident enough to get to the bottom of a good blue run without a problem:):thumbs:
Plus i really like stopping, spraying a load of snow everywhere:) lol, its the simple things really:wack:
Mikesx13
27-01-2010, 18:03
Not got a board yet to make use of the snow. Cant wait to try the snow. I keep leaning back though. Then when i realise i need to lean forward i push off my back leg and bail - fail :D Gonna start looking into gear soon, hoping to get away in April.
This is a natural reaction for most people when they're learning, sort of another take on the 'shit I'm going fast time to fall over' thing.
Remember to keep your weight distribution central to the board/slope or even slightly forward. You need to be a bit 'aggresive' when you're boarding and force yourself into positions as at first your body wants to do something else until it becomes a learnt movement :thumbs:
Also, part of the reason for this is that during the process of a turn there comes a point when you start to really pick up speed and you'll be heading straight down the hill. Because you're a beginner a turn takes a long time to initiate and what seems like an eternity to complete so you don't have the confidence that the board will come round from the straight down the hill position and start slowing down, that's when you natural start doing silly things to bring your speed down essentially your brain tells you to fall over. In this circumstance be brave and just stick with it until the board starts turning no matter how much speed you pick up, eventually it will happen and after a few of these hairy moments it'll start getting a lot easier.
I think id be confident enough to get to the bottom of a good blue run without a problem:):thumbs:
Plus i really like stopping, spraying a load of snow everywhere:) lol, its the simple things really:wack:
Blues? Oh hell no! Too flat in places and unless your board is perfectly waxed, chances are you'll run out of forward, have to unstrap your back foot and scoot to the next bit of slope. You'll find most boarders on reds and the steeper blues. Blacks can be fun if the damn skiers haven't made zillions of moguls with their dull habit of all following exactly the same lines.
In fact, its actually good sense and piste code that they should go over the top of the moguls to flatten them out. Do any of them pay attention to this? Do they hell! It then makes life more difficult for the less experienced, snowboarders and the piste-bashers. Bastids. :indiff:
Although sometimes moguls make for fun kickers :wack:
Spraying snow on stopping is indeed fun! But very bad form if you do it to the lift queue... :wack: :D The best results can be had by spraying your girlfriend. Unfortunately she's rather better than I am and has a bad habit of getting me back more and better. So we progress to moving snowball fights (another thing skiers can't do!) then deliberately crashing into each other and having a bundle in the snow :D I can't wait for March!!!!!
Sounds like fun to me, hadnt thought of on the move snow ball fights. May make a kangaroo style pouch fully loaded with snow balls :D
Cheers for the advice guys. Really appreciate it. Going in aggressive next time GRRR, bring it on.
I finally got around to putting together the video from Les 2 Alpes.
http://www.vimeo.com/9190008
Don't go expecting anythign extreme. We were all fairly new to it and the video was pretty much shot in its entirity at the start of the holiday. We were doing red runs at some decent speed and hitting the powder alot hard by the end of the week!
Comments welcome!
ferretca18
05-02-2010, 10:41
Nice vid! LOL at the name descriptions:)
Also, TUNES!!!!!!!! J5 :notworthy
I liked the faceplant at about 8.20 as well:)
I liked the faceplant at about 8.20 as well:)
Yeah, the faceplant was me. Ste managed to film that perfectly but completely missed the jump I did beforehand which was the highest I got all week! :annoyed:
Cool vid! Reminds me of my first time out! Lol @ blue jacket stuck in powder around 4.20 mark! Bloody hard to get out again!
Can't wait to go in March now! Might have to get a little camera thing to tape to my helmet... Bit difficult to do vids like yours of the places we go - off piste and through trees (almost guarenteed a few snowboarder/tree interactive moments...). Will see what we can do. Only the 2 of us though so chances are it may just be a few still images.
Take one trip to our US office...
Add a 'small' rental car:
http://www.sxoc.com/vbb/attachment.php?attachmentid=66626&stc=1&d=1265390841
5.3L V8... Slow, boaty, incredibly badly built.. And HUUUUGE. My board bag fits across the back seats - it's got to be about 2m wide...
Add a sneaky trip up the interstate to Tahoe for the weekend and a plan starts to form :)
Right guys, update time. :D Still cant quite get the heel edge falling leaf dialed but toe edge is a piece of cake. Going in really aggresive next time. hopefully got my last lesson on the 22nd. Gotta start sourcing gear now. Id ideally like to buy a new board to start on not second hand as thats me; but wont rule out second hand. Anyone know of any good sites that sell boards and gear.
Found this board which i really like. http://www.surfdome.com/dc_snowboards_-_dc_bdr_2010_snowboard_-_159cm-17563, seems good money too !!
Also are there any makes or models that are considerably better or worse than others. I know what you pay is what you get but im not spending uber amounts on one. Not untill i hit the winter x games next year :wack:.
Looking at these boots as Noahs is just up the road from me. :thumbs:
All comments welcomed. Cheers guys.
The mainstream boards would be good to start with - Salomon(mine), Ride (I soooo want a Timeless!!!), Burton (if you really must), Lib-Tech, K2 and so on would be the ones I look at. The DC board I bet is made by someone else then they whack a logo (and mark-up) on it. Personally I want either a 2007 Ride Timeless (oldskool ;) Now the TMS I think) or an Endeavor (canadian company) board.
Something all-mountain (not park or other discipline specific) too. Would be better to start with until you decide what you want to do on the snow.
Had an awesome weekend in Tahoe - really wish I could have stayed there longer... :(
My legs are trashed though - I've got to sit on a flight for 12 hours with very tight calves and thighs... Pain... :ghey:
As for the boarding - we spent nearly all of the time playing in the trees - there was a decent sprinkling of powder on the first day, with an 8" dump overnight. I've got a few crappy phone pics which I'll sort out at some point, and my mate has a few videos too. His helmet cam didn't like the cold though, which is a right **** as the first day through the trees was properly awesome... I am sooo going to buy a decent helmetcam now :)
Looking at these boots as Noahs is just up the road from me. :thumbs:
All comments welcomed. Cheers guys.
Go to Noah's and try a load on and see what's comfiest, and also pick their brains about boards - they are a decent bunch there. Chris (I think that's what he's called - the boss) has been boarding for absolutely years - I worked briefly at Noah's about 15 years ago in the bike section and he'd been boarding for about 10 years then...
His helmet cam didn't like the cold though, which is a right **** as the first day through the trees was properly awesome... I am sooo going to buy a decent helmetcam now :)
Get the GoPro HD Hero, well worth it! My Kodak Zi8 threw a bit of a spas on odd days because of the cold/damp.
i know this is a snowboarding thread. i'm in glenshee, in scotland, sking. its just me and the girlfriend and she never skied before. i've skied before and i'm fairly good. we spent the first day running her through the basics. she's getting more confidant now but shes still on the simple slopes. so today i traded in the ski's for a board and i'm really looking forward to trying it in the morning... this place is like a mini secret. its great.
INVADER!!!!! GTFO!!! :p At least you've seen the light and are trying boarding :thumbs: If you can get past the falling over, sod it I can't be arsed I'm sticking with 2 planks stage, you'll love it :D
Hows the snow up there? I keep looking at snow reports all over and have a live weather update for Morzine (going in March, did I mention that before :wack:) on my phone. Its looking good!
Cheers guys. I popped into Noahs and had a good hour long chat about different bits and pieces. Forget to ask about goggles though. Im guessing they are all anti glare? Or do you have to buy polarized. Whats your views. Sorry to keep picking your brains
Most are anti-glare. So many people have Oakleys and rightly so! They are very good and not too pricey.
I have a pair of Quicksilvers (with a rather scuffed lens from a little crash) but my faves are my Version desert camo ones.
You need anti-fog lenses (double layered) polarising is nice but not essential. I carry 2 sets dependant on light conditions. You want a low-light pale orangey lens and something darker for sunny conditions. The low-light lenses tend to cause you to squint a lot in sun and the (often mirrored) sunny lenses are too dark for in the trees and when its thick cloud - you'll miss bumps and ruts and eventually one will catch you out.
Try on a few pairs with your helmet (if you're being sensible and wearing one!) some will fit comfortably but may not fit your helmet that well. You're looking for a pair that will slot neatly into the face bit and leave little or no gaps around for your face to freeze!! I knew a guy who didn't fit his goggles to his helmet and ended up with mild frostbite in a thin line across his forehead! It was a pretty chilly day though!
Mikesx13
09-02-2010, 13:54
Cheers guys. I popped into Noahs and had a good hour long chat about different bits and pieces. Forget to ask about goggles though. Im guessing they are all anti glare? Or do you have to buy polarized. Whats your views. Sorry to keep picking your brains
I was going to say that your best bet is to pop along to Noah's as they're an ace shop and the staff tend to be very knowledgeable and helpful and would rather you bought nothing from them than bought something that isn't right for you :)
I've heard that polarising lenses can be a bit iffy on the slopes, as they can stop you being able to identify ice patches as they don't stand out like normal. Not sure if it's BS or not though :)
I just booked a cheapy week in Austria for the 27th :D
Noice!!! This time next month I'll be playing in the snow too!!! DAMMIT! Why does time go so slowly when you're waiting for something like this???
I was away mid January too, so it doesn't feel like a long wait, that was skiing, this time I'm boarding :D
ferretca18
11-02-2010, 12:38
Im jealous of everyone going to snow!!!!:smash:
LOL, As for goggles, Oakley every time, others are very good but I am a massive fan of the big O. The R&D they put into their product is by far the biggest of any manufacturer (i also have mates that work there and have seen behind the scenes and impressive is too small a word! :eek:)
As for the lense, get what ever youre happy with, polorised just gets rid of some of the glare, although i could see the point about ice, youd still see it, it would just look a little different:)
I've got Oakleys and they were spot on! The only thing I found, as above, is that the orange lenses were perfect for the bright days however when it snowed it made it VERY difficult to see the terrain you were on. I think I'll invest in some clearer lenses for bad weather next year.
And I'll reinterate about making sure they fit with your helmet, although my Burton Red came with a 'goggle-gasket' which attached to the helmet and gets rid of any gaps there might be. My Oakleys fit perfectly but the goggle gasket was used plenty by my better half! She has Anon goggles and Salomon helmet.
I've got Oakleys and they were spot on! The only thing I found, as above, is that the orange lenses were perfect for the bright days however when it snowed it made it VERY difficult to see the terrain you were on. I think I'll invest in some clearer lenses for bad weather next year.
The orangey / yellow lenses should increase contrast over wearing nothing at all - but when the light is very flat it's hard to make anything out whatever you are wearing :(
Lol. I won't have Oakleys precisely because everyone else has them! They are like Saxo's every cnut has one! :p
I want Dragon goggles...
http://images.usoutdoorstore.com/usoutdoorstore/products/full/drgn_dx_brwrdion_10.jpg
I have Quiksilver, Version and Sinner goggles :wack: Ms T says I don't need any more :(
ferretca18
11-02-2010, 14:47
Jord, try out the blue/clear lense they do. There used to be a nice demo on their site that showed the difference between the lenses on snow:):thumbs:
Got my last lesson tonight all being well. Time to start buying some gear . . once the car has gone :D
I'm sad... my 97 GNU Stupid Cap has been officially retired, well officially retired to the, I'll use it when it snows in the UK. However I'm also happy as I've now got a Ride DH2 and will be putting it to very good use in three weeks :D
Mikesx13
22-02-2010, 13:11
I bet you guys didn't know that there were two ski resorts within 40 miles of Madrid!
Visited one of them for the first time last week and was damn lucky that it had dumped for about four days prior to going up there!
This is what I found when I got there
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/Mikesx13/18022010979.jpg
There was one particular lift with forest either side of the run beneath it that had fresh, deep powder that didn't get tracked out for the whole two days I was there!
No real hiking, no bother, just up the lift, off the lift and go then head back onto the lift at the bottom!
I can see the mountain range (Sierra de Guadarama) from my balcony, the view on a clear day is great, this is the view on a bit of a misty day, you can see the mountains in the background
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee213/Mikesx13/15012010912.jpg
I'm heading off to the Lake District tomorrow. I'm a member of the Lake District Ski Club, and hidden away at the top of Cumbria is a drag lift. It's usually a good hike up a mountain until you even get to the snowline, but assume there will be snow even in the valley at the moment :)
Lol. I won't have Oakleys precisely because everyone else has them!
Man, you are really obsessed with what you look like ........ really you should quit worrying what everyone else has, whats in whats out, whats cool to wear, and just buy something decent and get on with the boarding ;)
I only discovered last year, that I was a cnut for having a Burton, as I apparently only bought it becuase I had too much money :wack: .... despite it being the cheapest board out of the ones I test rode.
Todate I cant even tell you what make goggles I even have ..... the Girlfriend bought then for me for Xmas a few years back, they are designed for flat light apparently .... although She does have Oakleys and the lenzes are better than mine :nod: .... or is she just a cnut.
dow are you on about the lift on raise? i remember helping a mate pull a kayack up there a few years back for some snow
surfing, made the long walk even more of a bitch!
edit: just heard on the radio the kirkstone pass is shut due to snow :D
Man, you are really obsessed with what you look like ........ really you should quit worrying what everyone else has, whats in whats out, whats cool to wear, and just buy something decent and get on with the boarding ;)
I only discovered last year, that I was a cnut for having a Burton, as I apparently only bought it becuase I had too much money :wack: .... despite it being the cheapest board out of the ones I test rode.
Todate I cant even tell you what make goggles I even have ..... the Girlfriend bought then for me for Xmas a few years back, they are designed for flat light apparently .... although She does have Oakleys and the lenzes are better than mine :nod: .... or is she just a cnut.
:p I'm not worried about what I look like! I just like to be different :thumbs: I don't think your g/f is a cnut for having them, they are good at what they do, but I don't want stuff everyone else has (one reason I bought a 200sx... but not that main one by a long way!). I'm not 'cool' and with the in crowd and TBH I don't really care. :thumbs: My boarding gear I've had for nearly 6 years and gets replaced when bits wear out. It was all bought at once (southern ski and snowboard show - big discounts) so I could choose colours so that all works but I wouldn't be bothered with blue pants with my tan jacket... If they are warm and comfortable then not bothered what they look like!
Counting down the days now. 16 days till we go to Morzine...
:p I'm not worried about what I look like!
you sure ...... you seem to spend all your time going around looking at what everyone else is riding wearing :p
only 5 Days till I go to Tignes :thumbs:
Nah - I usually spend my time keeping and eye out for my other half. If I don't, I get a handful of snow stuffed down my back and my ears would be echoing to the sound of her giggling.
Have fun! The snow's supposed to be very good at the moment
Mikesx13
22-02-2010, 15:27
you sure ...... you seem to spend all your time going around looking at what everyone else is riding wearing :p
only 5 Days till I go to Tignes :thumbs:
Cool resort, whereabouts are you staying?
Cool resort, whereabouts are you staying?
I am staying exactly here :-
http://www.skiworld.ltd.uk/ski/chalet-holiday/skiing-Tignes/Aigle-Royal/83
ITs the resort where I learnt to snowboard, so it will be nice going back after all these years and seeing the rest of the mountain and not just a Blue run and a few bars :D
Mikesx13
22-02-2010, 15:38
I am staying exactly here :-
http://www.skiworld.ltd.uk/ski/chalet-holiday/skiing-Tignes/Aigle-Royal/83
ITs the resort where I learnt to snowboard, so it will be nice going back after all these years and seeing the rest of the mountain and not just a Blue run and a few bars :D
It's a really good mountain once your past the beginner stage so you should have lots of fun and the lift link to Val is a piece of piss so you definitely won't get bored of the terrain.
Hot tub and sauna FTW :cool:
Not Happy. Still cant get the heel edge falling leaf (think thats what its called) dialed. Everything else is fine. I keep leaning back. Bailed pretty hard on the dry slope last night. Got a lovely looking knee this morning. :( May hit Tamworth and try on proper snow as its meant to be more forgiving just to build my confidence before trying again.
Also going to walk like a chavvy gangstaaaaa wannabee for a week and just keep all my weight on my front foot at ALL times :D
Mikesx13
23-02-2010, 10:18
Not Happy. Still cant get the heel edge falling leaf (think thats what its called) dialed. Everything else is fine. I keep leaning back. Bailed pretty hard on the dry slope last night. Got a lovely looking knee this morning. :( May hit Tamworth and try on proper snow as its meant to be more forgiving just to build my confidence before trying again.
Also going to walk like a chavvy gangstaaaaa wannabee for a week and just keep all my weight on my front foot at ALL times :D
Being from Cam I assume you're up at Gloucester dry ski slope? That's where I learnt to board way back in 1997, oh the PAIN my thumbs still haven't recovered!!!
I went from learning there to going up to Tamworth every week and yes it is a shit load easier and will definitely build you're confidence and will be a LOT less painful :thumbs:
Snow is much more forgiving but watch out for icy patches - I've come a cropper on a turn and it went from snow to ice halfway through, caught an edge, somersaulted and landed on the back of my head. Thank god for my helmet for I may have done some real damage. As it was I knocked myself out for about 30 seconds - just long enough for my friends to start worrying. I don't think there was and brain damage weeble wibble floop...
In all seriousness though. Even though European resorts don't enforce it, always wear a helmet. I always wear the impact shorts and take kneepads too if we're going to play not just cruise.
Heelside turns are easy once you get used to it - I think its that your body is not used to leaning back without actually sitting down that stops you from doing the turns. Its training yourself to do it in the first place that takes time and confidence. I was lucky - I learnt on snow. Tried a dryslope and vowed never to go on Dendix again.
Give it a go at Tamworth and see how you get on. Boarding on snow is so much better than a dry slope. I guarantee when you do get to the mountians, you won't want to leave. Proper snow, the views, the air, the atmosphere. You'll love it!!
Wait till you try deep powder too :thumbs: Remember how you learnt to turn on the dryslope? Then tried it on snow and on piste. Forget all that and learn all over again how to float in deep powder!
And take a shovel for when you get it wrong! I didn't and it took me ages to dig myself out...
Learning to snowboard on dry slopes... ouch! I did that back in 97, I took some serious pounding, it was a totally different ball game when it came to actually doing it on snow. I will never go back.
Lol I've just remembered doing my first jumps on dry slopes...don't:wack:
ferretca18
23-02-2010, 13:54
LOL, my mate went to a snowboard comp at plymouth dry slope, got off centre going off the kicker and did half a sommersault, landed on his face, thought he was fine, till everyone was going 'holy sh!t, look at your face, you ok?' lol, he had some nice damage, cleared up fairly quick tho!
I cant wait to get a new job and then hit up real snow:) If i managed to teach myself in a day and a half then you can do it on snow no worries mate:thumbs:
Phoenixx2
26-02-2010, 11:44
Did my first season and first snowboarding experince this year.. And loved it, so much so that i bought myself a board as soon as i returned! :) Atomic Hatchet 159cm tried the dry slope here in plym.. its so diffirent to snow, I wont be going back to that. No comparison for the real thing i think!
Teggers is quite right the feeling you get being in the mountains on the board riding around is unparalled. Cant beat it!!!
Any one tried "skiweekends.com"??? they seem pretty good for a short break for a quick Fix and a good price too!
MattyGee
26-02-2010, 12:32
Snow is much more forgiving but watch out for icy patches - I've come a cropper on a turn and it went from snow to ice halfway through, caught an edge, somersaulted and landed on the back of my head....(SNIP)
Give it a go at Tamworth and see how you get on. Boarding on snow is so much better than a dry slope. I guarantee when you do get to the mountians, you won't want to leave. Proper snow, the views, the air, the atmosphere. You'll love it!!
Learning to snowboard at Tamworth certainly gave me a master class in dealing with ice ;)
Once the snow hasnt been groomed there for an hour or so the lower part of the slope becomes an ice rink, so you have to quickly get the hang of staying upright :D lol
Tamworth is ok but Milton Keynes is better, the slope is nicer and the surface is more varied.
In all seriousness though. Even though European resorts don't enforce it, always wear a helmet. I always wear the impact shorts and take kneepads too if we're going to play not just cruise.
Ive been snowboarding since '02 and only got my first helmet a couple of winters ago after I took a big fall in Whistler, smacked my head on the lip of a crest and knocked my goggles and beanie off. Like your fall it knocked so0me sense into me. Wearing a helmet does look less cool than just having a beanie but when youre pushing your limits going as fast as you can on slopes you dont know well then its not a risk worth taking IMO. Also impact shorts FTW :thumbs:
Im off to St Gervais in France for a week on my board tomorrow and cant wait to get stuck in :)
^^ Nice one! 12 days to go for us... Hoping for lots of powder and sunny days! Just gotta find my decent gloves... Got the old Billabong mitts but they aren't waterproof. got some really good gloves somewhere but its been over 2 years since I've seen them! Probably packed in the garage somewhere. Will have to have a dig this weekend.
I reckon we're going to mainly just cruise around, hit a few kickers and some powder if there is enough - no mental harcore stuff this time as I now have the baby to think of. Yes, he's coming with us!! Not stuffed in my backpack though :wack: Going at the same time as my mum and some of our friends so we can all chip in to look after him. The plan is to base at Chez Flo's cafe in Avoriaz, I do a run while Bex looks after him then we swap. My mum wants him for a couple of afternoons too so Bex and I can trundle off together for a bit. And we're there for mothers day too! Taking her out for a day. Not boarding on the sunday as its changeover day so the slopes will be full of people desperately trying to get one last run in or just arrived, a little wobbly and gung-ho to get going. We do a wednesday to wednesday - cheaper flights and an uninterrupted weekend out there :thumbs:
Sorry for rambling on a bit - I got a little carried away and excited! Not been to the mountains for over 2 years. Not good.
MattyGee
26-02-2010, 17:53
lol hope you have an awesome time! Make sure to get lots of photo's to inspire the guys on this thread who are learning to get out and see the beautiful mountains while they tear up the powder :thumbs:
Pics will probably mostly be scenery - too busy shredding to take pics!! Might try and duct tape my phone to my helmet and stick it in video mode for run or 2. Then get irritated that I broke it with well over a year to go till I can upgrade :wack: Also - we don't do park rally - off-piste and through trees. This makes it a bit hard to take decent pics!
Wouldn't mind one of those little sports camera things but don't have the money spare at the mo after paying for all 3 of us to go! Will try to set up a few pics - either Bex or me taking them of each other as one goes down the slope a bit and yells when ready for the other to come on down. We'll see - don't fancy lugging a DSLR round all day! And she'll get grouchy if I crash and break it!
I'll see what we can do ;)
off upto yad moss near carlisle again this weekend as still loads of snow up there, i can't afford a trip abroad this year so am making the most of what we have here for once, will of done 10 days on sunday :D
webcam pic below taken on thursday afternoon (its a bit big!)
http://csc.tayloredtechnology.com/ski/pictures/Yadmoss-2-04-03-2010-14-20.jpg
Mmmm! I want to move up north if winters like this continue!!
4 days till I go... :D 1st time off for over 2 years!
I got back yesterday from Axamer Lizum and my first trip snowboarding, wrists still functional :D
I had a 2 hour taster lesson in January while I was skiing in Italy, went to Austria for a week tried to remember what I was taught, by day 4 I was linking my turns properly and doing reds, happy days :)
On the last day we had about 5 inches of fresh Powder to play with, a few of the runs were left unpisted which was lovely.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/juz13/Web/IMG_1796copy.jpg
Awesome dude! Hope you're not too bruised!!! I go on wednesday... Can't wait!!!
Just got back from Tignes ..... awesom snow out there, dumped almost every night so some awesom blue - powder days
chalet was great to ... it really does pay off to spend the extra cash and get a 5 course meal every night, Hot tub, sauna steam room, ski in ski out (literally - you could hit the boot room whilst still in motion :D )
The down side being the X-Games starts this week .... and I have just come back :(
Inspired by this thread, i'm going to Hemel tomorrow for the day...
I did 4 or 5 lessons (just enough to be allowed on the main slope) in MK in 2008, then stopped going for some reason. I genuinely can't remember anything from the lessons, am hoping that my legs remember what my brain has forgotten!
Will let you know how it goes!
10 days to go until Utah... Countdown has begun :D
Mikesx13
08-03-2010, 16:29
Just got back from Tignes ..... awesom snow out there, dumped almost every night so some awesom blue - powder days
chalet was great to ... it really does pay off to spend the extra cash and get a 5 course meal every night, Hot tub, sauna steam room, ski in ski out (literally - you could hit the boot room whilst still in motion :D )
The down side being the X-Games starts this week .... and I have just come back :(
I totally agree, the extra money it costs would only be sucked up by eating food out all the time anyway, and to be honest the moments when you're sitting in a hot tub looking at the alps with a beer in hand or sitting round a big table with all your mates/family eating and drinking to your hearts content in your own little bubble make the money aspect seem pretty inconsequential anyway :nod:
Finally, after weeks of reading your stories I'm off to Morzine tomorrow morning! DSLR packed, 8mp cameraphone packed (not taking dslr up the mountain every day!) and just washing stuff to go now! Will be taking pics when I remember to do so! Might even try a run or 2 holding camera phone in video mode :eek: (phone insurance? check!)
chalet was great to ... it really does pay off to spend the extra cash and get a 5 course meal every night, Hot tub, sauna steam room, ski in ski out (literally - you could hit the boot room whilst still in motion :D )
Absolutely. I'll never go any other way now!
Only thing we might have trouble living up to is that the chef at our chalet this year was a semi-finalist in the Professional Masterchef a couple of years ago! :eek: The meals were 'alright' to say the least! :nod:
Catered chalet is the only way to go... although the rate I'm going I won't be going anywhere this year as my boss is playing me around and so is my mate. Pissed off to say the least:mad:
MattyGee
10-03-2010, 12:22
Got back from Saint-Gervais-Les-Baines in France last weekend, had an ace time although the weather was a bit variable. Ill have to post some pics up when I get home :thumbs:
All you guys who havent gone away yet this year get stuck in while theres still snow, its great! :nod:
Catered chalet is the only way to go... although the rate I'm going I won't be going anywhere this year as my boss is playing me around and so is my mate. Pissed off to say the least:mad:
:censored::censored::censored::censored: Finally managed to sort the time off only to be let down by my mate this morning... bloody angry and fed up. Anyone want to book a last min deal with me for next week:wack:
I'm going to Utah for 2 weeks tomorrow... :D
Suppose I'd better start packing at some point soon... :eek:
I'm going to Utah for 2 weeks tomorrow... :D
Suppose I'd better start packing at some point soon... :eek:
:cry::cry::cry:
:cry::cry::cry:
Dude go on your own
If you choose a challet for 16 people then you wont be alone in the evening, if anyone is going out, you go with them, if they arnt then they are in the Challet drinknig anyway, so its captive company.
During the day do lessons or ski guiding and you have company all day long as well
That did cross my mind as I was swearing my head off on the train to work this morning. All I want to do is get on the slopes and have some fun.
I'm off again on Saturday, to a Chalet in Canazei :D
I'm off again on Saturday, to a Chalet in Canazei :D What that's the third time this year is it not... got space for one more:wack:
*yawn* just got back from our week. DON'T take a 7 month old baby with you if you like to have more than 2 hours sleep a night. He was an angel on the plane and during the day but wouldn't sleep for more than 15-20 mins at a time at night.
Got some pics and a couple of vids. Will try to upload them tomorrow. As for now, I'm off to bed shortly.
What that's the third time this year is it not...
:nod::D
Pics uploaded onto home computer. A taster for now (pinched from my other halfs facebook page. Only fair - she pinched the pic from me first!!) until I have time to pop them up.
She's sat on the left of the image as I took it.
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs065.snc3/13300_110283558984013_100000071087170_264252_61602 69_n.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs045.snc3/13300_110283652317337_100000071087170_264257_80473 80_n.jpg
And for nicking my pics, her with her typical vin chaud!
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs045.snc3/13300_110283648984004_100000071087170_264256_73996 57_n.jpg
That mountain range looks awesome. Good time?
Iv just been and got a bargain. Freespirit were having a sale on snow gear. I saw jacket i like. O Neil, was £164 marked up at £70, got to the counter and the whole shop had another 20% off. So i paid £54 for a brand spankers jacket. Just need the board, bottoms, boots, bindings, goggles, helmet now :D
It's snowing in Utah :D
However, we've not been out today as my OH's board is still in Texas, they forgot to put it on the transfer flight :( Should be here later on today though :)
That mountain range looks awesome. Good time?
Iv just been and got a bargain. Freespirit were having a sale on snow gear. I saw jacket i like. O Neil, was £164 marked up at £70, got to the counter and the whole shop had another 20% off. So i paid £54 for a brand spankers jacket. Just need the board, bottoms, boots, bindings, goggles, helmet now :D
Great time! Apart from the baby not sleeping too well at night :(
Awesome deal on the jacket! Mine's an O'Neill Boardcore jacket - lasted me 6 years so far including using it as a normal jacket too :thumbs:
More pics to be put up later ;)
More pics! Full album here (http://s716.photobucket.com/albums/ww164/Teggers/Snowboarding%20March%202010/).
Sorry - very few action ones. It was a bit difficult to hold my phone to take pics. I did get some vids though (to be added later. My work pc doesn't like the format). And we were more concerned with enjoying ourselves than taking pics :wack:
A few choice ones:
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww164/Teggers/Snowboarding%20March%202010/P1236_16-03-10.jpg
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww164/Teggers/Snowboarding%20March%202010/P1343_13-03-10.jpg
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww164/Teggers/Snowboarding%20March%202010/P1449_13-03-10.jpg
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww164/Teggers/Snowboarding%20March%202010/P1559_16-03-10.jpg
http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww164/Teggers/Snowboarding%20March%202010/P1828_15-03-10.jpg
Just a quickie. What waterproof and breathability ratings are best. Im guessing the higher the better. The coat i've bought is 5000mm waterproof and 8 something breathability. :confused:
Waterproofing I believe is tested by putting a tube on the material and filling it with water till it leaks through. I have seen 16000mm waterproof jackets :eek: AFAIK the lower the mm waterproofing the better the breathing.
I think mines a 6000mm waterproof but thats probably down to about 10mm now after 6 years of use :wack: 5000 and 8 should be fine (although TBH I don't know much about the breathability rating) Mine has zippable vents under the arms, a snowskirt and sufficient pockets for my needs. As long as you're not expecting it to stop rainstorms then all should be ok. IMO, warmth would be better than amazing waterproofing.
Cool cheers mate. Just didnt want to get out on the slopes and find i'd bought the wrong jacket. Brr. lol
Best suggestion I can make for you? Take a backpack. Wear several thin layers - Helly base, t-shirt, hoodie and jacket is my max for really cold (as in -25 and lower). Put layers on and off as needed ;)
While we were away, I only did t-shirt and jacket. One T-shirt only for one day - it was a sweltering 4 degrees! But then I don't feel the cold much. Hot weather is a different tale altogether though - can't cope with more then 25-30 degrees. I tend to pass out at that point!
Cheers for the advice. I tend to feel the cold if im working in it but sledging is a different story :D. I'v bought a large jacket but usually buy medium clothes. plan was more space to layer up.
Me again. Paid a visit to Noahs. They have a 25% off everything sale. Looking at getting A Salomon Surface 159 board, some Salomon boots and some Burton bindings. All for £370 brand new. :D Just looking to see if anyone has a view of the Salomon Surface board. I am only a beginner. Cheers.
Most Salomon stuff seems OK - I know their skis are well regarded, dunno about their boards. Sounds like a reasonable deal tho..
We are back from Utah now (still got messed up sleep patterns, hence the 5am post :wack:) - had a fantastic time :D The snow wasn't the best, they had a few big dumps with some very sunny days in between, but it meant for decent boarding in blazing sunshine - there were only 2 days when it was too slushy to board - and we went to Bonneville on a petrolhead day out one of those :D
Typically they had a massive dump the day before we left (which was nice) - which has since carried on until now, so they probably have in excess of 2 foot of fresh powder now :cry:
I'll post up some decent pics and maybe some video at some point when I've sorted them out - bought a GoPro camera so plenty of HD footage of me falling over ;)
Both Bex and i use Salomon boards and my boots are too. No complaints at all. Very good kit for the money. TBH I donMt know that much about their new stuff but I'm sure its still good!
Mikesx13
04-04-2010, 14:47
Salomon stuff is a safe bet, I particularly like their boots :)
Cheers for the info guys. Was chatting to a mate who's just got back from Tokyo. He said the Salomon Surface is a beginner board which i'd probably outride after a few uses. Found a crazy deal on an 09 Burton Clash. Anyone riding one of these? The bindings look slightly further to the rear of the board than the boards i've riden in lessons. The training board i've riden has and equal distance between front of the board and front foot as there is from the rear of the board to the rear foot. How does this affect riding? Sorry to keep asking questions but want to find out as much as i can before buying gear. :D
Cheers. Aid
Mikesx13
06-04-2010, 22:51
It's called stance setback, zero setback so stance totally centred gives good stability and quick turns - common stance for freestyle boards/riders
If a board has stance setback built into it then it's moving towards being a freeride board as the further back you are the easier it is to float on powder and the likelihood of nose dive is lessened
A slight stance setback usually indicates an all mountain board, a more extreme stance setback indicates a pure freeride board, turns will be more labour intensive and much slower to initiate but gives great performance in powder.
If you are a beginner I would recommend going for a board with very little stance setback built in :)
Edit: Just had a look at the clash and it's directional: means the nose is longer than the tail (has stance set back) twin tip: means they've tried to fashion both ends in the same way to make switch riding easier.
So in summary it's a nu school freestyle board which you could quite probably also ride in powder :)
Cheers for that mate, so you wouldn't recommend that for a beginner? can get a new one for 170
Mikesx13
07-04-2010, 01:16
Cheers for that mate, so you wouldn't recommend that for a beginner? can get a new one for 170
No, I WOULD recommend it for a beginner, I know that slightly contradicts what I originally said but the setback is not much and what Burton say about it suggests it's aimed at the beginner market i.e.
'soft, forgiving flex and low camber construction. Even the edges have been turned up at the nose to make it easier to steer, spin, stop, and spray your buddies'
Deffo a beginners board, maybe one that you could ride for a while but you might find that as you get faster and more aggresive you want a stiffer board :)
Edit: The Salomon Surface is a VERY similar specced board aimed at the same market (beginners all mountain board) with the same design principles going on.
Do you know whether you prefer park or piste or off-piste riding? If not then both the Salomon and the Burton are safe bets at the right price.
Cheers again mate. Not been out yet but hoping to hit the park (if my balls are big enough) and on piste to start but you never know. Cheers for the in depth descriptions too. Really helped, got to fix the car now, new rear bushes and tyres so put on hold for a month or two now. Grr. Im liking the Burton though, i'l keep you posted. :thumbs:
Aid, take a look at this, excellent board that you wont get too good for for a few years
http://www.freezeproshop.com/burton-mayhem-snowboard.ir?cName=brand-burton-snowboards
really good price too
Here's some shots from my visits to the Dolomites :)
Me and giant plastic cow!
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/juz13/Web/IMG_1314copy.jpg
Mmmmm sunshine
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/juz13/Web/IMG_1363copy.jpg
A pano and the ever lovely Mrs Juz
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/juz13/Web/snowcopy.jpg
Looks nice! If a little flat runs (try off piste! Much more fun :thumbs:)
They are all a bit flat aren't they! Here's something with a bit of gradient :)
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a20/juz13/Web/IMG_1717copy.jpg
Thats a bit more like it :D I love the way the icicles form on the cliffs - got more than a few phone pics of them from Morzine
This thread has dropped down a bit so back up you go!
As some of you may know I learn to ride last October time at Xscape - went to Les 2 Alpes and had an awesome time. Now booked for Alpe d'Huez on the third week of January. As per usual figured it'd be cheaper second year round with regards to equipment etc but so far I've bought myself a new Grenade jacket, new Avalaan trousers (I was too grey last year! :D) and last weekend a pair of Burton Hail 2011 boots. I've been to Xscape the last 5 weekends running but not had a chance to bed the boots in yet so can't wait to try them out!
My missus has properly got the bug too now and we're both feeling slightly guilty that we are getting more excited about snowboarding in France in January than our Xmas and New Year trip to New York!
Forgot about this thread! In the last month myself and Mrs Cloudy have been to Hemel Snow Centre twice, had loads of fun trying out my new board (Ride DH2) and showing off to Mrs Cloudy. Going to head back there in a couple of weeks for sure. As for going away we're going to book something very soon, either in Canada or France (Meribel) - can't wait.
Pic of new board attached if anyone is interested.
We've not had a summer holiday this year, and work doesn't look like it will let us get away until close to xmas...
So we've started planning towards a few boarding hols instead - probably a trip or two to europe for a long weekend and 2 weeks or so away later on... We've been talking about boarding in Japan for the last two or three years so maybe we'll go all out and just book it :D
Would love to board over in Japan :nod:
Would love to board over in Japan :nod:
We've been on about it for ages - when we first looked it wasn't too pricey, but the last couple of years it's been loads...
Since I've been to Japan (Tokyo) with work a couple of times so now know a bit more what to expect, and also know plenty of people in our Japan office that would be able to help, so hopefully we can save some cash that way :)
They are supposed to get a metre of powder a night in some of the northern resorts :eek::eek::wack:
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.9 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.