skategoat

I just thought of a great idea for an air source. In fact, it's 4 feet away from me as I type - the aquarium air pump. They are cheap and are meant to run continuously. Attach a plastic hose and run it right down into the toe of your boot. Should work like a charm.

Home heat works well and you can even buy these metal racks that allow you to place your boot liners upside down on top of a vent. I made my dryer for the kid's winter boots mostly. They were constantly soaked last winter.

Felt inspired after seeing some of the snowboard rack and boot dryer projects. Feeding this puppy is a 6hp compressor. I hope it actually works.

I think I'll just spend this whole winter demoing. I'll throw my ski boots in the trunk whenever I go riding. If I find a demo tent that day, I'll try out some skis.

I've been looking to buy new skis since last March and still cannot make a decision on length. I've been recommended everything from 165 to 190. I'm 190, 5'10".

Jack: Isn't the problem with technique and not equipment. With skis, radius doesn't really matter because most old school skiers still turn like they did on straight skis and never actually finish a carve. I know that's the way I used to ski on my Rossignols (210 cm.). I would use maximum unweighting and jump from edge to edge. I never gave a thought to natural turning radius. I'm eager to try skiing again after 3 seasons of snowboarding. I'm guessing I'm a better skier having learned to carve - sort of. HK

Todd: You're telling me he raced with a shoe on one foot? Must've been at Chedoke. Henry

Two things I can say about step-ins. 1) It hurts when you fall on the receivers. 2) Always carry an extra heel assembly when you travel.

Sean: If you can cut pre-cambered cores, is there any reason why you're not doing it? I realize there is more wood waste but I can't imagine that the raw material cost of wood is that big a deal. Not trying to challenge you, just wondering if there is a design or business rationale for pressing the camber as opposed to cutting it.

Adding one more to the mix: http://www.extremecarving.com/attachments/swoard/robcrobar.mov Taken at Apex Mountain in BC (fleaman's home resort).

Jack, it's all about filling the hotel rooms and restaurants. The resorts don't actually care if you ski or ride. They just want you spending money.

Ya sure. I went to Killington once for a Nov. 11 opener. Completely shredded the bases on my skiis. I remember there were actually 2 inch diameter steel cables exposed on the runs. You should see what a steel cable does to your base.

I know a ton of consumer goods move from the US to Canada but far less the other way. Most of us Canadians who buy from US sources have figured out ways to minimize tax and shipping. I was just wondering if American hardbooters lean towards American suppliers for the reason that they don't have to ship across the border. The reason I ask is that I have a friend in the freight forwarding and fulfillment business and I thought a possible source of business for him would be Canadian snowboard mfgs selling to the U.S. He could set up a US shipping location. But, if it's not a big deal to American buyers then there's no opportunity.

Just wondering - is the fact that Prior or Coiler are made and shipped from Canada a deterent to buying? For Americans, that is? Are you guys getting dinged only the State sales tax or is there additional duties/tariffs? Is the shipping more expensive and does it take longer than say a Donek?

Irwin, that is very cool (pun intended). Next time I am in The Netherlands, I'm bringing my board. Does the "fridge" work year round? What's the vertical drop?

Chiming in late here but one "tool" you might to consider carrying is an old credit card. I punched a hole in an old credit card and attached it to one of those spring-loaded beltclip thingees that's meant for keys. Works well and much more gentle on your boots and bindings than your girlfriend/wife/kid's ski poles. BTW, I actually "downgraded" to standard clips from my step-ins this year. I didn't like the rock-solid, no give feel of the step-ins. I also had trouble with an Intec pin breaking off once. Luckily, I noticed in the lift line and not during a high speed run.

Nice job. What software did you use?

The problem in the East is that the landing areas are usually very hard and icey. Very narrow margin of error and if you have your weight even a little bit back, the board will shoot out from under you on landing and the last thing you'll remember is the crack of your coconut hitting the ground.

Last big jump I took, I hit it with my weight a little forward and over my toes. In the air, this weight inbalance transitioned into a tumble forward and I landed on my head and shoulder. My friend thought I broke my neck but somehow I just ended up with a big frickin' headache. Now I keep my board firmly planted on the snow.

http://www.csf.ca/english/ Which begs the question - where does one snowboard in the Netherlands? Last time I checked, the entire country was flat and below sea level.

Interesting Neil. I had the opposite experience. I bought an old wooden steering wheel for my Alfa Romeo off eBay for $150. It was properly and accurately declared. But, the over-zealous Canada Customs official figured he knew antique car parts, revised the value to $500 and charged me based on that. My buddy who works for Revenue Canada figured it was a summer student trying to do his part to reduce the deficit. I appealed, sent a copy of my eBay invoice and got a refund back within a month.

I have a couple already but if you have something you could share, please send it along. Also, does anyone have a good comparo photo of softie gear vs. alpine gear? This article is an informational piece to introduce people to the concept of hard booting. Thanks, Henry

Guys: Just a note of caution since the season is just beginning. I own both TD1s and TD2s. When I mounted my TD2s last year, I left the "short part" of my leash on my boot from my TD1 kit and used the new "long part" of my leash that was included with the TD2. The clicked together and looked the same. However, they are NOT secure. If you pull sharply, they will come apart. I assume there was some small design change since the parts don't appear damaged. I found this out the hard way - on the hill. I released my bindings while sitting on the side of the hill so I could walk up to a missed turn. I dropped the board while walking, the leash separated and the board took off like a missile. I was holding my breath thinking it was going to kill someone. Thank God the slope was relatively clear and the board went harmlessly into the trees. Check your leash! Give it a good yank to make sure it stays together.

Being in Wa., one alternative you could explore is shipping to a BC address and then going to get it. The land crossings are usually much more lenient in terms of charging you taxes and duties. If you don't know someone in BC, Mail Boxes, Etc. will accept packages for a small fee. I always load up when I travel to the U.S. Can make for interesting conversations at airline counters and customs though. "Sir, why does you suitcase weigh 120lbs.?" "Umm...brake rotors.". Followed by funny looks.

Anyone here over the age of 40 hesitate to buy a board called "Undertaker"? Or is it just me.