Stan

I'll be hitting the slopes on Saturday, same location choice... Now, does anyone know if Killington has better snow coverage than Stratton right now? . . .

You are right. I'm about 150 lbs, 157 Prime feels pretty stiff to me. Bobdea - my 168 Oxygen Proton GS is a HELLUVA LOTS more forgiving board than a FP. AFter all, I believe FP's were made to be a slalom board and will be in general stiffer then either GS or all-around carving stick. It's all comparative, of course.

FP is a part of my quiver and it's too stiff for a hardboot beginner IMHO. Never tried Speed - not sure if it's more like FP or UP, but pretty sure it's modeled after one of them. UP (Ultra Prime) is fine to start with. Of course, any UP's are now what, 3-4 years old? . . .

Michael - I'd keep riding the soft setup until you start feeling that your heels/toes get in the way of your carves (start dragging). It's possible to do some nice carving on softies - it just won't LOOK as cool as carving on alpine setup. Splurge if you can, have fun on softies otherwise. This forum has always been filled with hardbooting SNOBS (yes, I said it!), so any TECHNICAL advice coming from here is top-notch, but any advice regarding "should I stay on softies or go hardboots" will be heavily skewed in one direction... Offered as an FYI - I switched from softies to Hardboots when my softboot setup started becoming somewhat unstable at the higher speed, and I needed more stability from my setup. Still ride my softies when I feel like taking it easy.

Stay away from Burton Factory Prime, any other Burton alpine board is fine to start on.

Well . . . hello! It says last time I was on this MB was a year ago. Dang. For those who still remember me - I'm alive, well, healthy and (arguably) in a right mind. The reason for me being absent from the board and the slopes is found at the link below. http://home.comcast.net/~stan_popov/BeepBeep.JPG Anyhow - going to ride somewhere in VT this Friday, depending on where I can find someone to ride with. Post here who's out and about!

Well - I'm 30 . . . :rolleyes: Seen, as mentioned, Yes twice, King Crimson once, and what was left of The Doors last summer . . . As for "full moon" and "sun going down" - I find that most of Yes' epics work wonderfully with either a sunset or sunrise . . . I think I put my life in danger listening to, say, "Awaken" during sunset sitting in Jersey traffic . . . :D

I'll just HAVE TO second that ... Got to see them twice this past summer on the 35th aniversary tour . . . Both shows were amazing . . .

I'm quoting Derf because, well, 70's prog is my fav too. Add some King Crimson in the mix, and put Yes on top of the list . . .

Yes and Yes. I was riding my Oxygen Proton 168 on that day. The year before I did the pond on Burton FP 157 . . . Speaking of Hunter - they are opening tomorrow to 2-4" of freshies . . .

Can I come too??? Please??? (Disclaimer - NOT my usual riding outfit - it was my pondskimming costume . . .)

KJL's review sounds eerily akin to the "Movie-a-minute" features on www.rinkworks.comwww.rinkworks.com. At least in style. However, I agree with KJL's points - the trailer didn't blow me away. Episodes I and II left much to be desired. Jar Jar Binks should die a painful (but quick) death in the first 5 minutes of Ep. III. I also agree with Jack - just pretend some scenes are not there. Enjoy what's left . . . I also know I'll be seeing it in the first or second day it comes out - just like Episode I and II . . .

My NJ-born and raised wife married a crazy Russian guy . . . Poor woman . . . :D :D :D

Sweet!

Anyone coding at 30+ WPM is NOT thinking about what they are coding . . . They just don't have TIME to think about it . . . :p

Hunter (where I taught) has implemented a policy where ALL levels of instructors have to teach (including the Director) and they have to teach ALL LEVELS OF STUDENTS. So being AASI Lvl I or Lvl III made pretty much no difference what type of clients you get. Now, if you do a good enough job, they may come back and request YOU specifically - that's when you are cashing in . . . ;o) And there's NOTHING wrong with coding with two fingers... :D

For a part-timer like myself - Level I is sufficient. Level II takes some serious work, and Level III - last I heard 9 out of 10 people taking it - usually fail in one or other aspect (it's a multi-part exam, includes writing, teaching, riding, professionalism . . .) AASI is a snowboarding-specific red-headed step-child of PSIA...

I'm AASI Level I certified - taught at Hunter Mtn. for four years . . . Will be taking a break for at least couple of years - baby on the way . . . Lessons - I've had to take at least 8 hours of training per season as a part of the job description, usually took more than that. Actually, all the free training you get is one of the perks of the job . . . ;o)

1) 40ft LONG. I'm NOT doing a transfer on a 40ft WIDE table, even if I ever find one in our parts (East coast) 2) Advice based on experience . . . And AASI teachings . . .

40-foot table ALMOST cleared is my longest jump that I was able to stick on a FAIRLY FLEXIBLE Oxygen Proton 168 GS. I do know the difference between the table and a kicker and a roller and a lip . . . I was talking about a transfer from SIDE to SIDE (over tables). I also enjoy hiting kickers and go off the side. In terms of "teaching people" - my most valuable advise to new jumpers is "Don't try to speed-check while still in the air . . . " :D

I try to avoid hitting kickers straight-on. From the side is where it's at. Transition from one side to the other if the jump is not TOO wide. Basically, I love jumping (no tricks, just air) but I prefer to land (as previously mentioned here) on my heelside and NOT on flat base.

Hah! The plans are laid out already - on skis by 4 years old, on board by 6 . . . Mountain Creek is SORTA close - but getting there might be tricky. Pennsylvania - here I come . . . Definitely hope to make at least a couple of trips there this winter. Oh course, given half a chance I'll make the drive to Hunter - I'm still hanging with the crew from the MB. Eski and DMC were present at my housewarming party and both of them also went with me to see one of the "Yes" shows this past summer ...

Made me look! :rolleyes:

:rolleyes: mouse traps they are, sorry . . . BTW - I bought a house out in Hampton, NJ, and now I have a baby on the way (arriving in December) - hence my earlier comment to the effect of "my snowboarding is screwed for this winter and a couple of winters to come". Get some turns in for me . . .

Probably Chip, because I don't remember meeting a tom, nor do I own any boards with green on the topsheet . . . sic - do I know you? I think I might . . . Did you buy an Alp from me?... Both of you's (and anyone else riding Hunter) - drop by www.huntermtn.net - say "Hi". Tomc - I will probably not be around Hunter this winter (or any other mountain) - but check with the snowboard instructors to see if Ivan still works there - he was the only instructor riding alpine boards full time. He may have or know of a board you could possibly buy and use. Cheers!