Michael_A

xxguitarist ... yes, surfing is my main thing too ... I live 20 minutes from Crotched Mountain but I really don't like to snowboard unless the snow is decent.

Anyone been at Sunapee recently? Wondering if the rain we had last week has wrecked the snow (i.e. turned it into New England ice) Michael

This sounds fun, I had a blast in spring bumps last weekend up at Stowe; didnt' realize how fun it could be. Michael

Kudos to John, He said he could do it and now he's showed us he can do it. And, he makes it look easy! Michael

***Sold*** Hey Shred, I also have a Volkl Cross 167, decent condition, will be posting on BOL Monday. Has a 25cm waist, 9-ish scr, ridden about 30 times and a PTC tune. Michael

***SOLD*** Hello, These boots have been used about 30 times and are in fine condition. I replaced the heelpad with Bomber ones (a big improvement). They also have booster straps which make them stiffer if needed. I have two sets non-thermoflex liners; one I used (and have ankle wedges; I have thin ankles); the others are not used. What's missing: I got custom footbeds made and tossed the original footbeds. From what I recall these were simply a very thin sheet of plastic the shape of a foot. I don't think they add much if anything to the boot. Boots are lower end but they always worked fine for me; if you are big and heavy or an experienced ripper you will be wanting something stiffer, from what I have read. Asking $100 obo + shipping. I'm going soft-boot as I have two young boys just learning to ski and I need to "go slow" for a few years. Thanks, Michael

I have a Volkl Cross 167, good condition, ridden about 30 times. Bought it new (NOS) a year and a half ago, with ptc tune. Would sell for $150 plus shipping. One impressive scratch on deck, some minor dings on base have been repaired. Can post pix if you are interested. Definitely a good board for plates, 25cm waist so it works eve if you have big feet. Michael

Hello, In my experience board length should be decided by one's weight and riding style (a longer stiffer board favoring a more aggressive style). I am 6'6" but weigh only 165#. Some people think that gives me more leverage so to buy a board based on a heavier weight than what I actually am. Personally, I don't see how a higher COG means I can flex the board more. Anyone out there done any experimentation? I'm in the market for some new equipment but am getting conflicting advice.... Michael

Rob, What angles do you ride (duck)? I am guessing 21/-6 or such? Michael

Rob, For softboot carving, do you have any control over the radius (the way we can in hardboots) or are you more locked into the board's radius? If all you can do is stay balanced over the edge (especially on heelside) what else can you do to get more dynamic through the carve? Michael

John, Thanks for al that info, it is great! I just picked up some Union Force DLX for $129 (brand new) and will set them up tonight. A vid or photos would be fantastic to supplement your words. Are you doing any binding/setup clinics in the Boston area these days? Michael

Hey Bob, Do you have any experience with the Union bindings John Gilmour mentioned? Can't tell if they are really any different or if it's just the straps that people like. Michael

John, Are you using those Force DLX bindings in conjunction with a pretty stiff boot? I'm needing to upgrade my boots and/or bindings -- they are both only moderately supportive ... and wondering if my best investment is in boots or bindings. Michael

At 44 I have found that strengthening my core has had DRAMATIC effects on aches & pains, overall fitness, ability to recover after big days, balance, posture, etc. I do a 20-minute routine about 5 days a week which doesn't sound like much but makes a big difference. The book I use is by Mark Verstegen. Michael

jtslalom, Hey, I would love to see any good videos of softboot carving...do you know of any links to some good ones? I am riding at 30/21 on a softer board and finding those angles are fine, just about to upgrade to a stiffer board (Donek Sasquatch) and boots which I hope will make things even better! Michael

I have size 13 (Mondo 30) feet and my original board was 26cm waist. I am riding at 30/15. I got some Palmer Risers (20mm) and that ended boot-out completely. It also gives you a lot more power onto the edge (I don't know why but they work as advertised!) I second the recommendation to back down your angles and either use a wider board or risers to avoid bootout. I personally love wide boards and don't find them any slower edge to edge. Michael

When I got my hardboots I put them right onto my freeride board which was a K@ Union, 164, moderately stiff. The boots and plates are so much more powerful than most softies that they make the board seem much more flexible (bendy). That is, I had a lot of fun for a day or so doing effortless low-speed short-radius carves but then you start going faster and faster as your comfort level increases and the board feels less and less safe. ANd it's really easy to twist it in weird ways too. So it was an OK transitional time.... Michael

Now you've got me curious. What are the other 5 techniques???

Interesting, I used to ski a lot in the 80s before shaped skiis ... I thought I'd never ski again but now that I see what racers are doing it looks kind of fun and very similar body dynamics to snowboard carving. WB, you see benefits to "cross training"? Michael

Trailertrash, Yes, my kid's school program ends next Thursday so I think I can make it to Sunapee on 2/14! Seeing other people ride is key ... I was struggling with crossunder for days ... then I saw a good rider doing some really quick crossunders and all of a sudden I got it. Funny thing is he was 100 yards away and I only saw 4-5 turns but that was all it took. Michael

OK all, What avenues have been most helpful in your improving??? (Let's NOT include obsessive forum reading, video watching, or posting pics.) My goal is to ride smoothly, efficiently, to "own" the mountain rather than the mountain (or board) controlling me. I'm in my third year and really loving it. I don't want to get into EC vs race-specific techniques; rather more general concepts that I can focus on, one at a time. Here is what has worked for me: -- Time on the slopes (30 days so far). More riding, less thinking! -- Core fitness program on "off" days -- Riding with better riders (except hardly anyone seems to carve on my mtn) -- Keep low, initiating turns from ankles up, upper body quiet and upright -- Riding with my hands behind my back (has really cleaned up my style and eliminated rotation/hand waving) What all has worked for you guys? Michael

Chris, Nice riding with you the other day, send me an email if you have a chance so we can keep in touch .... Michael

Hi Guys, I am a new carver & want to come up (2/11 is my first available Thursday). What time are you guys on the slopes? What trail(s)? I'm usually at Crotched Mtn with my boys (9 & 7) but a field trip is in order! Michael

*** Sold*** Hi, I have a 167 with a ptc tune, 20 days use before tune and 10 after. Couple of scratches on the top sheet and a ding or two (repaired) in the ptex. It was brand new when I bought it two years ago. Send an email if interested. I weigh 165 and would not want a smaller board (if using hardboots). Michael