utahdeafcarver

Thanks two_ravens! I have received some contributions from a couple members of this forum. Thank you! Keep spreading the word. Lee W, the guys who tried out for the team were all on softboot setups and none had racing experience. It's difficult finding qualified alpine racers in the USA. After I'm done with 2015 Deaflympics, I will be focusing solely on coaching and establishing a developmental team to prepare for 2019. And yes, I still have the same cell number.

Thanks all! Just as a point of reference, I was the only hardbooter in the USASA Nationals (40-49 age group) SBX last year and took 2nd. I won the time trials and had lane choice all the way. The four-man final was not easy competition at all. I'm aware of the square-tailed board limitation and used a stiff Volkl XXX all-mountain board (probably 10 years old!). I used my standard TD3's with the softest e-ring (yellow) and Deeluxe hardboots (stiff but with quite a bit of flex). With this said, wouldn't it be fair to say that rider skill has much more to do with it than a softboot setup? I had no trouble pumping and jumping in my regional SBX races last year (the courses weren't "Nationals" level but they weren't "child-garden" either), nor at Nationals. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but we all know people have done all sorts of freestyle tricks in hardboots, some even taking the AASI/PSIA tests in hardboots. Appreciate all who have shared their views.

I reviewed the FIS Equipment Rules and was surprised to see that hardboots are not specifically outlawed or banned from boardercross. I was told they were. Did I miss something? If they're not officially banned, what's the general consensus on using them in FIS sanctioned BX competitions?

Hey MJB! Saw a picture of you on the Canadian Snowboard Team roster on the 2015Deaflympics FB page. Looking forward to meeting you in Russia. Peace! ;-)

Hi all, Long time since I've been on the forum. Life has gotten in my way. However, I'd like to update you all on the upcoming 2015 Deaflympics being held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, from March 28-April 5. Check out the website at www.2015deaflympics.org. Elite Deaf snowboarders from all over the world will be competing in PGS, PSL, SBX, HP and SS events. This is my fourth time competing in the Deaflympics, having won four medals in the past three Deaflympics. This year, I am coach for the women's alpine team and also the sole male alpine competitor from the USA. I will be competing in the SBX event as well. At the 2014 USASA Nationals, I took the silver in GS, SL and SBX in my competition group. I know I have an excellent chance of winning medals for the USA. This is where I need your help. While the Deaflympics are sanctioned by the IOC, the USOC provides NO financial support to us (as you all well know from the Sochi Olympics). Funds are needed for airfare, lodging, transportation, food, etc. Please see my GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/eeh8bo), contribute, and spread the word. I am in need of a new SBX board (I cracked mine last year at Nationals) and Sean at Donek has offered me the generous team discount, but I still need to raise those funds (I'll gladly accept a used SBX board if anyone has one lying around). And yes, I am contributing my own funds every two weeks. Your awareness, connections, and support are much appreciated. Feel free to contact me here if you have any questions. Much love! --Jeff-- (why hath Ullr forsaken us this year??!!)

UP, I sent you a private message.

Welcome U.P. (hate to call someone "poop," so can we use real names?) Thanks Mick and Scott for the nice compliments on my riding! :) U.P., I have an extra pair of bindings if you want to borrow them. I'm also a coach and instructor but not working with any particular resort this season (I'm with the U.S. Deaf Snowboard Team). Throw me an email at utahdeafcarver at hotmail and I'll see if I can meet up with you at 'basin.

This is my second year racing with a Donek plate on my GS board (Prior WCRM 177 Wide). Granted, I'm just a weekend warrior now (used to train more often) but I've noticed the plate does absorb a lot of crap that I would otherwise adapt to without (this ain't no joke, I was uncomfortable on my SL board after riding my GS board soo many days; it took awhile to adapt). It IS harder to get the board back on course if you need to correct your line, but you figure that out quickly (or the more you ride it).

Hi all, I've not posted much lately but I still feel the hardboot groove with ya'll. I've been invited to USASA Nationals in the Legend group and I'm curious who else is going? I see names on the invite list but I'm unfamiliar with "who's who" if any of you are on that list. Since I'm Deaf, chatting in person is sometimes a struggle but if I get to know you a little better through this forum, before we meet at Nationals, it may make communication a little easier. So, who's going and which class are you in? I'll probably only be there April 4-6, the dates for the Legend SL & GS races, with the 6th being a weather day.

Sometimes I lock, sometimes I don't. Interesting hypothetical though: Imagine you're in the lodge and you see your board getting lifted by some kid in tennis shoes. You're in hardboots. The thief could outrun you for sure. Your only hope is to yell for others to stop the thief. Makes me think it's certainly worthwhile to lock up my boards!

Hey all, Saw this posted locally: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=19130699&cat=193&lpid=0&search=race Dunno the authenticity of Mark Fawcett's autograph but someone here might be interested. I'm only a 10 minute drive from where this is being sold. If anyone here is interested and wants me to check it out for you, I'd be happy to do so. --Jeff--

Ron, I'm in Layton and bought mine at Sliders running store.

i was able to find a store less than a mile away that carried these. i picked up a bottle for only $1 more than it sells online and will try it this weekend. thanks for the suggestion, Pat!

I love mine. I use it with step-ins/intec heels. Rails great on groomers. Boat hull shaped nose is awesome in the pow.

Snowbasin got 15" over the last 24 hours. How's Park City faring, Martin? Other resorts, anyone? One thing for sure, it ain't "The greatest snow on earth." Too warm.