boostertwo

Jasey Jay Anderson competing in the Copper Race To The Cup PSL finals: <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/scripts/pokkariPlayer.js?ver=2008010901"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/syndication/write_player?skin=js&posts_id=1499329&source=3&autoplay=true&file_type=wmv&player_width=640&player_height=480"></script> <div id="blip_movie_content_1499329"> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-JaseyJayAndresonCopperRTTCSlalomFinals998.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_1499329(); return false;"><img title="Jasey Jay Anderson, Copper Race To The Cup Parallel Slalom finals" alt="Jasey Jay Anderson, Copper Race To The Cup Parallel Slalom finals" width="640" height="480" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-JaseyJayAndresonCopperRTTCSlalomFinals998.wmv.jpg" border="0" title="Click to play" /></a> <br /> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-JaseyJayAndresonCopperRTTCSlalomFinals998.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_1499329(); return false;">Click to play. 2X click for full screen</a> </div> </center>

From today's event: <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/scripts/pokkariPlayer.js?ver=2008010901"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/syndication/write_player?skin=js&posts_id=1494624&source=3&autoplay=true&file_type=wmv&player_width=640&player_height=480"></script> <div id="blip_movie_content_1494624"> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-JaseyJayAndersonWinsCopperRTTC459.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_1494624(); return false;"><img title="Click to play" alt="Jasey Jay Anderson, Copper Mt. , CO." width="640" height="480" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-JaseyJayAndersonWinsCopperRTTC459.wmv.jpg" border="0" title="Click to play" /></a> <br /> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-JaseyJayAndersonWinsCopperRTTC459.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_1494624(); return false;">Click to play. 2X click for full screen.</a> </div> </center>

I was fortunate to ride with a snowytom crankin' posse not long ago. <img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/2rm868k.jpg" border="0" alt="snowytom crankin', Vail, CO."> Fast arcs; Big Fun. Volume cranked. Hope to do it again sometime soon. B-2

I love ambience and history at Ski Cooper, Todd. It has a great vibe! <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9NCwN5yah8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9NCwN5yah8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc7j0vxcXD8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc7j0vxcXD8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> I'll look for you next time I'm on the hill. Best wishes, B-2

Hey Steve, I have a Renntiger 163 SL that might work for you. It's the one with the badass flaming sabertooth tiger graphics. 19.5 ww; 9.6 SR. The short turning radius makes it a good choice for blasting high performance arcs on steep, narrow, or crowded slopes. It hangs on at speed, too. <img src="http://i33.tinypic.com/n6dcfr.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Smith, Vail, CO"> Board has been well cared for, but shows typical binding scuffs and small scratches on the topsheet. Base and edges are in very good shape, and will come with a fresh, professional tune. Shoot me an email if you might be interested. B-2

FYI if you didn't score a season pass or 4-pack, Liftopia offers discounted day passes at the Basin (and other select areas). <img src="http://i36.tinypic.com/2dbplap.jpg" border="0" alt="Darren Ratcliffe, secret stash, A-Basin, CO."> Can be a good resource for tickets when friends visit from out of town. Note: you must purchase the day before to be eligible for discount. It's snowing in Wyoming. B-2

In case you're interested, here's an update on Pandora/internet radio: <img src="http://i35.tinypic.com/2hdclfk.jpg" border="0" alt="Thedo Remmelink, A-Basin, CO."> http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/08/pandora-could-b.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/15/AR2008081503367.html IMO the proposed .5 hour audio commercials a la NPR webcasts would be an unfortunate intrusion, tho' I must admit I don't ever look at the on-screen adverts while listening. On a brighter note, snow this weekend above 10k'! B-2

FYI, in Wanaka and Queenstown there are no accomodations 'at the resort'. You stay in town and shuttle/drive/hitch to the ski fields. <img src="http://i33.tinypic.com/143bja.jpg" border="0" alt="Hiking above the (now defunct) T-Bar, TrebleCone, NZ"> There are plenty of lodging options in town, ranging from plush hotels to economical backpackers. Bus shuttles to the ski fields are easy to book and usually pic you up at/near your lodging. Have fun. Post pics. B-2

Hey Derek,I can't speak for all resorts, but at the ones where I've worked resume/phone interviews might be used for international staff or folks from away w/ high qualifications (I'm assuming you're asking about teaching, not marketing/PR). If you're new to snowboard instructing, you'll likely need to participate in a hiring clinic. As Carvedog said, if you present yourself well and have good interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills you might likely receive a job offer. Not surprisingly, most areas don't weight riding skills as heavily as people skills--the reason being that they can almost always help a less-skilled rider develop their snowboarding/skiing skills, rather than to help someone with hot feet to develop strong interpersonal skills. I suggest contacting each individual area directly with employment queries. They will not flip out if you are checking out other areas (it is, after all, a good job search strategy).<img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/3450chh.jpg" border="0" alt="Luke Wynen, PA Roll, Mammoth Mt. CA."> In my experience, the best approach is to find out who is responsible for hiring in the snowboard school and contact that person directly (do not go through the HR dept.) It it were me, I'd take the same approach if I were applying for a marketing/PR position. For instructing, you can find some areas that might be hiring and appropriate contacts here (click on the division where you might want to work and search employment). Hope this helps. Good luck, B-2

Hey Alex,I've spent a few austral winters living and working in New Zealand and can offer the following thoughts for your consideration. You will definitely be stoked as it is one of the most beautiful, friendly, pristine countries in the world. It can also offer some terrific riding. If you're going primarily for snowsports, I'd leave the North Island for next time and fly to Christchurch (you can fly direct or connect from AKL). It's a great town and close to the Southern Alps. I'd recommend heading to Mt Hutt, which is in nearby Methven. While most of the roads to the ski fields in NZ are exciting, the road to Mt Hutt is the most amazing of all. Steep, unsealed, exposed, with no guardrails. In a snowstorm or gale it's not for the faint o' heart. While in the Canterbury region, you might also take a day at a club field--keeping in mind they are the antithesis of megaresort skiing. Don't go if you're looking for flash lodges, upscale accomodation or amenities, or even grooming. Go if you like off-piste, powder, and adventure. Heading south, you'll want to visit Queenstown and Wanaka, which are home to some of the best ski fields on the South Island, and are also where you can indulge in a wide variety of adventure sports, ranging from bungy jumping, to jet boating, to hang gliding, to rapid swimming, etc. Queenstown is by far the more raucous of the two and if you're into nightlife is the place to raise hell until the sun rises. The skiing out of Q-Town is very good. Coronet Peak is just outside of town and is a good enough place, but I'd recommend hitting the Remarkables first, checking the snow, and then deciding whether to ride there or to head across the valley to Coronet Peak. Coronet Peak sits just a bit lower than the Remarks, and is subject to occasional rain and thaws. The Remarks often dodge this meteorlogical bullet, being just cold enough to snow. It is for this reason that the locals call Coronet "Concrete Peak"; the occasional rain and warm temps can turn it to an ice festival. Both have good beginner and intermediate terrain, and the scenery is simply fantastic. Of the two, my preference is the Remarkables. The hiking at the Remarks is wonderful: there are sensational steep chutes above the lifts. Escalator and Elevator chutes above Sugar Bowl Chair are well worth the hike, and can often bring you to some terrific untracked powder. The Grand Couloir is a sensational steep chute high above the area. Definitely hook up with a local to get local beta. <img src="http://i34.tinypic.com/2dbjl15.jpg" border="0" alt="Yannick carves Shadow Bowl, Remarkables, NZ"> As a small-town guy, I much prefer Wanaka to the bustle of Queenstown. It sits on a beautiful lake, which like all NZ Lakes does not freeze over during the winter. If you've energy, you can trail run, hike, or mountain bike after you get off the slopes. Cardrona is a good place to ride, and has some of the most reliable snow and best groomed slopes on the south island. The slopes off the Captain's Quad feature the best groomers for carving. In Wanaka, my preference is TrebleCone as it offers more challenging terrain (less groomed for carving, but more steeps and great powder stashes). You can hike up the ridge above the six-pack for some sensational off-piste powder stashes. It also offers remarkable views of Lake Wanaka and Mt. Aspiring Park from the slopes. <img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/2ic4mrr.jpg" border="0" alt="Lake Wanaka, viewed from the slopes at TrebleCone."> Just outside of Wanaka is SnowPark, which is a freestyle dedicated area that attracts some of the world's best riders. Hit it if you're into park and pipe, or if you might like to see some of the best freestylers in the world; save it for another time if your focus is on freeriding and carving. When I was there the exchange rate made heliboarding a not-prohibitively expensive option. IIRC Harris Heliskiing (out of Q-Town and Wanaka) have the most extensive permits to bring you to the best peaks and snow. If you're going for carving, it's a good idea to bring along any spare parts you might need as there are as few shops that carry gear as there are here in the US. Expect a wide variety of snow conditions, weather, and terrain. Before you go, you can stoke-up and get a periscope on weather, news, and events on Radio New Zealand. Hope you find this helpful. In NZ, you really can not go wrong. But be forewarned: you'll likely find yourself planning another trip there soon after you arrive. It's that good. Hope this helps, and have fun. B-2

Thanks for the vid, Willy. We had frost last night and the willow and aspen are beginning to show the first hints of fall color. <a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i38.tinypic.com/jai5v7.jpg" border="0" alt="Chris 'Sando' Sandoski blasting some high performance softboot arcs on Pepi's Face, Vail, CO. "></a> It won't be long! Cheers, B-2

Most ski areas have marketing departments. Contact them directly. A good resource is the White Book of Ski Areas, which lists details and contact info for key depts. at each ski area in N. America. You can get a copy through the interlibrary loan program at your public/university library, or by contacting NSAA. Certification isn't necessary, but can help you to pull a higher wage and have higher priority for lesson assignments. Most areas hire inexperienced instructors with good communication and interpersonal skills. Teaching can also help get you foot in the door for a marketing/PR position. <img src="http://i37.tinypic.com/2cy0ch3.jpg" border="0" alt="Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, A-Basin, CO."> FWIW, you might consider working at a powder/carving heaven (the same place where you'd book a vacation)--because that's where you'll be living, working, and riding. Good luck, B-2

I shot the most of the camp, Silver. Here's some additional footage of the training session for your consideration. I didn't include video of Thedo presenting info or giving feedback, but if you look closely you can infer from the rider's movements the focus of each segment. For example, one focus was to enter the toeside turn 'open' (upper body slightly facing the nose or 'countered' in ski coaching parlance) and to then finish with the upper body in a more neutral alignment. <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/scripts/pokkariPlayer.js?ver=2008010901"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/syndication/write_player?skin=js&posts_id=992571&source=3&autoplay=true&file_type=wmv&player_width=640&player_height=480"></script> <div id="blip_movie_content_992571"> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-FridayTheLostFootage331.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_992571(); return false;"><img title="Alex Kirkpatrick, Cassie Wagar, Thedo Remmelink, Mike Trapp, Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, Mimi Wiencke, Sean Busby, Darren Ratcliffe, Josh Banks, and Ben Fairchild training at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, Friday, May 23, 2008" alt="Alex Kirkpatrick, Cassie Wagar, Thedo Remmelink, Mike Trapp, Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, Mimi Wiencke, Sean Busby, Darren Ratcliffe, Josh Banks, and Ben Fairchild training at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, Friday, May 23, 2008" width="640" height="480" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-FridayTheLostFootage331.wmv.jpg" border="0" title="Click to play, 2x click for full screen" /></a> <br /> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-FridayTheLostFootage331.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_992571(); return false;">Click to play, 2x click for full screen</a> </div> </center> Thedo could speak to exactly the focus in each segment; I was merely the kook-cameraman for the session, not the coach (I've emailed him to see if he might speak to your question, and to Transistor Rhythm's question as well). Anyway, you might find it informative--or at least enjoyable to watch on a hot summer's day. Cheers and best wishes, B-2

Sorry to miss out on the weekend's festivities, Thor; I've headed north of the border through November. Hope to cross paths with you again next season. I'm not sure about your probs with the video loading--are you using your in-the-boonies dialup or broadband? <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/scripts/pokkariPlayer.js?ver=2008010901"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/syndication/write_player?skin=js&posts_id=907590&source=3&autoplay=true&file_type=wmv&player_width=640&player_height=480"></script> <div id="blip_movie_content_907590"> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-StanSloMo129.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_907590(); return false;"><img title="TVR, A-Basin, CO." alt="TVR, A-Basin, CO." width="640" height="480" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-StanSloMo129.wmv.jpg" border="0" title="Click to play, 2X click for fullscreen" /></a> <br /> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-StanSloMo129.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_907590(); return false;">Click to play, 2X click for fullscreen</a> </div> </center> Anyway, here's some Cinco de Mayo footage. Hope you like it. Cheers, B-2

I agree. Click on image for more video of the Blue Rider<a href="http://www.bomberonline.com/VBulletin/showthread.php?p=200226#post200226" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.tinypic.com/2woala1.jpg" border="0" alt="Thedo Remmelink, A-Basin, CO."></a>

Part of a race-carving progression from Thedo Remmelink's spring camp at A-Basin. Thedo is a former world cup and Olympic competitor who has coached world cup and Olympic riders. He currently works as pro-am race coach for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/scripts/pokkariPlayer.js?ver=2008010901"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/syndication/write_player?skin=js&posts_id=977882&source=3&autoplay=true&file_type=wmv&player_width=640&player_height=480"></script> <div id="blip_movie_content_977882"> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ProgressionFromThedosSpringCamp189.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_977882(); return false;"><img title="Click to play" alt="Video thumbnail. Click to play" width="640" height="480" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ProgressionFromThedosSpringCamp189.wmv.jpg" border="0" title="Click to play" /></a> <br /> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ProgressionFromThedosSpringCamp189.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_977882(); return false;">Click to play. 2X click for full screen.</a> </div> </center> While he primarily coaches racers, the drills and exercises Thedo recommends are equally useful for freecarvers looking to develop higher levels of performance, accuracy, and precision on their boards. I've participated in many training sessions led by some of the top snowboard trainers in the US, and can recommend Thedo's coaching as some of the finest available. In addition to race-focused camps, Thedo plans to offer several high performance freecarve camps next season. Look for more info on BOL; check it out if you can. My unsolicited .02. B-2

Big thanks to Kevin, TVR, Dennis, and ShredderJen for letting me tag along last Sunday. Here's some footage of the session (2X click for full-screen). Hope you like it. <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/scripts/pokkariPlayer.js?ver=2008010901"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/syndication/write_player?skin=js&posts_id=937625&source=3&autoplay=true&file_type=flv&player_width=&player_height="></script> <div id="blip_movie_content_937625"> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ABasinCarveSession589.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_937625(); return false;"><img title="Click to play" alt="Video thumbnail. Click to play" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ABasinCarveSession589.wmv.jpg" border="0" title="Click To Play" /></a> <br /> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ABasinCarveSession589.wmv" onclick="play_blip_movie_937625(); return false;">Click To Play</a> </div> </center> Thanks again; I'm looking forward to next time. B-2

It depends, P-Dad. You'll likely see more consistent conditions during the winter, and if you book only a single trip, winter might be best. But for warm-weather celebrations, for backcountry treks, and to further hone your skills by being required to ride a wider variety of snow conditions, a spring trip is certainly worth considering (better still if you can combine it with a business trip to Denver/Front Range to help offset cost.)During the spring, you'll likely ride a wide variety of snow conditions, from chalky, cold, midwinter cord, to slush and mashed potatoes, to thawed-and-refrozen cord and reef. And powder. Here's some footage of Darren Ratcliffe riding a powder stash last Thursday, May 15 (WillyWhit, you should be able to get embed code from this player): <embed src="http://blip.tv/play/AbikOQA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="510" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed> As several have indicated, the conditions this season have been outstanding. Worth a trip, IMHO. Cheers, B-2

Just in case you don't have the hookup for free lift tix, here's a site that I've used when friends are in town: $24 adult and $11 kids. <img src="http://i31.tinypic.com/fu2g60.jpg" border="0" alt="Josh, A-Basin, CO."> Please note you can't purchase 'day of'--you need to book the day before at the latest. Cheers, B-2

As many have said the riding continues to be outstanding: plenty of coverage with frequent infusions of fresh snow. Here's one run from Thedo Remmelink's spring training camp shot yesterday (May 16) so you can see for yourself: <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/scripts/pokkariPlayer.js?ver=2008010901"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://blip.tv/syndication/write_player?skin=js&posts_id=917782&source=3&autoplay=true&file_type=wmv&player_width=&player_height="></script> <div id="blip_movie_content_917782"> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ABasinCarvingSession587.flv" onclick="play_blip_movie_917782(); return false;"><img title="Click to play" alt="Video thumbnail. Click to play" src="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ABasinCarvingSession587.flv.jpg" border="0" title="Click To Play" /></a> <br /> <a rel="enclosure" href="http://blip.tv/file/get/Snowfun4you-ABasinCarvingSession587.flv" onclick="play_blip_movie_917782(); return false;">Click To Play</a> </div> </center> Plenty of terrific riding still to be had. Hope to see you here sometime soon. Cheers, B-2

Have you considered asking the ski area what they'd recommend to clean it? You might find that in addition to getting some good info on possible cleaning techniques, you might also have it cleaned for you, by the area. All of the areas I've ever worked at help 'greased' guests in this fashion. <img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/2a8eser.jpg" border="0" alt="Sando carves Pepi's Face, Vail, CO."> Of course, it helps to ask nicely. Hope you find a solution. B-2

Hello Flash, Thanks for the additional detail. Before making any suggestions, I'd like to mention it has been my experience that it usually takes a while for people to develop a common language to communicate 'snowboarding'. I'm happy to make a few recommendations, but please bear in mind that what you mean to communicate and what I understand might be two entirely different things. Working with a live, qualified instructor, or posting video or images would provide a much better understanding of what your son is actually doing, and will produce more on-target suggestions and better results. If he's falling forward on his toeside, and backward on heelside near the start of his turns, it's likely that he's making the right move (changing edges), but just a bit early. Beginner riders usually skid their first turns, and if they make the move to the new edge near the start of the turn, they'll typically lose their balance, falling downhill and to the inside of the intended turn. From your description, it sounds like this might be the case. For most beginners, it's helpful to time the edge change so that it happens at the middle of the turn--when the board is pointed downhill. There are lots of ways to help your son make his edge change at the middle of the turn. You can draw a turn on the snow and ask him to point to the place where he'll change edges. You can provide a verbal prompt at the precise moment to change edges ('...not yet...not yet, <em>now</em>!'). You can use cut-in-half tennis balls, colored yogurt lids, or other board-friendly objects to make a course for your son to follow, with a unique one marking the place to switch edges. You can ride alongside your son and provide a bit of physical support (and reassurance) for his first turns. After a few successful repetitions, have him say the word "now" at the appropriate moment, as he's changing edges. He can follow you, making slooow turns to a stop, and copy your movements. Once he gets the feeling for it, it'll quickly become second nature. Keep in mind that it will be easier for your son to focus on timing the edge change to the appropriate part of the turn if there are not a lot of distractions on the slope. A gentle, wide, uncrowded, groomed slope works best. As Ncermak mentioned, it can help to take 'em one turn at a time, and to come to a complete stop before starting the next one (this also allows for post-turn celebration). This sounds to me like he's leaning his whole body to tilt the board on the toe edge, and moving his hips out to tilt heelside (see the sitting in a chair thread--IMHO not the best option for teaching beginners how to tilt the board at lower speeds). While there are situations in which this move works (like going fast) it's not the most appropriate movement to tilt the board at lower speeds, and will usually result in lots of 'tip over' falls. (BTW, I think this also happens to lot of new carvers, who try to 'norm' it at slow speeds and tip over.) At slow speeds, it's far better to tilt the board using movements of the knees and ankles. The riders hips/cm/core move over the 'working' edge, and the knees and ankles are used to further tilt the board on edge. There are many ways in which to get your son to feel the difference between leaning his whole body or hips, and using his knees and ankles to tilt the board. You can hold both of his hands and ask him to lean away from you to tilt the board (you holding him up), and then ask him to instead lean his hips, then his knees, and then pull up or push down with his toes. He can practice in front of a full length mirror. You can place your hands in front of/behind his knees and ask him to push them towards your hands. As he learns to make the move from the knees and ankles, it's also helpful to encourage him to make them smooth, gradual, and small, rather than sudden, herky-jerky, or super-sized. Tasks which require him to tilt the board a certain amount, hold it for a short while, and then slowly make a change help to develop these qualities. You can do this while stationary, holding his hands, or on slow traverses and sideslips (asking him to go real slow, then after riding at a constant slow speed for a while to go a bit faster, then slower, etc). Bottom line: by making the movement out of the knees and ankles, he'll keep his body over the board as he tilts it, and won't tip over. BTW, it's usually a good idea to underscore that all of these movements are good movements, but that there are situations where one will work much better than another. Your son may tip over from time to time as he learns to tilt the board using his lower leg joints, and if he does it would be helpful to encourage him by saying that its the right move--but the wrong situation. He should save that move for when he's really going fast (IIRC the current world speed record on a snowboard is 123 mph). At slow speeds it's better to make the movement from the knees and ankles. <img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/1250u9d.jpg" border="0" alt="Jeff Cooper, Vail, CO."> IMO, that is. Hope this helps. B-2

Yo; Bola,I'm not sure I understand exactly what you're asking. If you're referring to the images, I don't dress 'em. I just shoot 'em and get the hell out of the way. <img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/2132gqw.jpg" border="0" alt="Garrett Lisi protecting his noggin, Beaver Creek, CO."> Cheers, B-2

Here t'is. Sorry about it being so long; I didn't have time to write a shorter one.Cheers, B-2 Hello Flash,I'm no expert, but I do have a little bit of experience helping people learn and improve on their boards and would like to humbly offer a few suggestions to complement the other good advice you have received in this thread. By way of disclaimer, I should state up front that to optimize your son’s learning it would help to have some more information about your son’s riding and the environment in which he is practicing. This would enable BOL members to recommend much more specific tactics and exercises to enhance his learning. It is not clear from your description exactly what your son's difficulty might be. Is he able to consistently control his speed and direction on either edge? Does he lose his balance when attempting to turn? If he does, is there a consistent pattern in the direction he falls? This info can help diagnose what aspect of his riding he should focus on. Generic Advice: Equipment check: I'm assuming that you are helping your son with his equipment and that the board, boots, and bindings fit him well. As I'm sure you know, loose boots can detract from performance, requiring a rider to make a bigger movement, taking more time, to transition from edge to edge. If you're not helping your son fasten his boots, it'd be a good idea to check to make sure they are comfortably snug (is he riding soft boots or hard?). Same with binders. Terrain/Snow/Traffic Check: Find a productive environment in which to practice. From your description, it sounds like the slope isn't too steep, which is sometimes a psychological challenge for new riders as they start linking turns. As you mention, you are on the bunny hill, but even so, it can help to try first linked turns (with an edge change) on very benign, mellow parts of the slope (even bunny hills can have steeper and less steep sections). A wide, well-groomed, uncrowded slope is preferable as it removes distractions when performing first turns with an edge change. Work up to linked turns through a logical sequence of easily mastered tasks: If your son is having trouble making the entire turn with an edge change, it often helps to break the turn down into smaller, more easily learned parts. You mention that he "is able to turn (on his edge) to the right and to the left". If he is doing this on a traverse, steering the board partly (but not completely) down the slope, it might help to have him focus on progressively steering the board further and further done the fall line, until he is able to steer it completely down the slope and back across, staying on a single edge. Practice long, swooping turns across the slope, and then with smaller 'surf curback' moves (this allows a new rider to feel the movements necessary to redirect the board for longer durations at first, and then adds a degree of athleticism as he takes the same movements and makes them larger and quicker). Again, you're looking to develop comfort and confidence with guiding the board down/back across the slope. Start with shallow traverses and work your way to steering fully down and back across the slope, heelside and toeside. A good next step would be to then develop accuracy and precision with these moves. One exercise to develop this is ‘target traverses’, in which he is asked to try stopping on a target. A shadow, track, or small clump of snow works well. A count works equally well, as in ‘come to a balanced stop when I count to three’. Start with larger ‘zone’ targets and decrease the size of the target and the increase the speed of your approach as he develops proficiency. This can also help a rider to develop confidence that they can reliably and consistently control their speed and direction, which can help address any psychological hurdles to performing first turns. <img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/2rh8t4x.jpg" border="0" alt="Target Traverses help to develop accuracy and precision--and boost confidence. Start by traversing mostly across the slope. Decrease the size of the target and increase speed as rider develops proficiency."><br> [*]If he can do this consistently on either edge traversing the slope, it is a fairly easy (and small) step, to then add the edge change. He can get the feeling of the edge change through a variety of exercises. One is to simply have him practice the edge change move on flat ground, without the distraction of his board accelerating down the slope. You can do this on lift lines, after strapping in, at the top of the lift—anytime you have a flat spot and a few minutes to devote to developing the edge change movement. He can also practice this movement at home, in front of a full length mirror. Focus on smooth, gradual movements to engage and release the edges. As he does this, it is helpful to focus on the movement he is using to tilt the board—it is generally most productive to move the core over the ‘working’ edge, and to further tilt the board by flexing the knees out over the toes (toeside) or through slightly straightening the knees (not fully locked) and pulling up the toes going heelside. Often, people make a big leaning movement of their entire body to tilt the board, which works well at higher speed, but isn’t the most effective move to tilt the board while moving more slowly. At slow speeds, think knees and ankles. [*]You can also practice this using an 'alternate skate', pushing from the toe/heel edge on every other push. This requires the rider to move his core across the board with some degree of accuracy and precision in a controlled (benign) environment before applying it making his first linked turns. [*]When your son can consistently perform the edge change movement while stationary, a good next step might be to try it on a extremely gentle slope, where acceleration to warp speed straight lining down the slope would not be possible (the slope should be so mellow he doesn't accelerate any faster than walking speed). Straight run the mellow slope and make smooth, gradual movements to roll the board from heel to toe edge, and back again. When he is able to consistently change edges on a straight run in control and balance, add a further challenge of doing so with higher levels of accuracy and precision. A fun way to do this would be to make a course, using gloves, small snowmen, or other benign objects around which to turn. [*]When taking the turn onto the bunny slope, it is helpful to focus on the timing of the edge change. It has to happen when the board is moving straight ahead (otherwise he will catch his edge). For most beginners, this occurs at the middle of the turn. It can help to diagram this out on the snow, and to provide a verbal cue for his first turns with an edge change ("…not yet,...not yet,...now change your edge"), and then, as he practices, have him say the word "now" at the appropriate time for the edge change. As Phil mentioned, it can also be helpful to provide a bit of physical assistance as your son is learning this. I've had good results riding to the inside of the intended turn and loosely holding the rider's rear hand. Provide support when needed, but encourage your son to balance on his board and to use your hand for balance only if he feels like he's going to tip over. [*]Lastly, focus on finishing each turn. Remind your son that as he starts his next turn he will be adding to the speed he already has. If adding to his speed would put him into the ‘yikes’ zone, he should continue to steer his board across (and, sometimes, up) the slope to slow down. If he’s OK with adding to his speed, and if slope/traffic/snow conditions are favorable, start the next turn. [*]Have fun. <img src="http://i26.tinypic.com/o8uyie.jpg" border="0" alt="Timing the edge change is critical for success in first turns: it needs to happen when the board is moving straight ahead. For most beginners (who are likely skidding) this is near the middle of each turn. As a rider develops proficiency (and can carve), the edge change happens at the start of the turn."> My .02. Hope it helps. Cheers, B-2

Hello Flash,Thanks for the kind words. I’m stoked you’re out with your son and he’s excited about riding. The reason I pulled my post this morning is that, on reflection, I thought it was presumptuous to recommend any action without first asking a few questions to better understand exactly what your son is doing. I regret I didn’t have time to rewrite it this morning as I had some business out on the hill at Vail, but I was planning on revisiting your question this evening. I think it would be helpful if you could describe in more detail what your son is finding difficult. You mention he is “…able to turn (on his edge) to the right and to the left, but he is having the hardest time linking his turns.” When he is ‘turning’on either edge, is he traversing mostly across the slope—or is he able to steer his board so it points down the fall-line and then make a turn back across the hill? When he tries to make a turn with an edge change, does he consistently fall in a particular direction? Where in the turn (start, middle, end) does he lose his balance? Does it happen only on one turn (either toeside or heelside), or on both? You mention he is practicing on the bunny hill; is there traffic on the slope or other potential distractions that might affect his learning? The answers to these questions will likely help identify a more specific and effective course of action with your son. If you've time, please post any additional info you might be able to offer and I'm sure that you'll get even more specific--and helpful--advice to help your son. <img src="http://i29.tinypic.com/2hduo38.jpg" border="0" alt="'When performing any linked turn with an edge change, your core and base of support must 'swap sides'. Yannick, Remarkables, New Zealand"> Cheers, B-2