bigwavedave

Yea, I was first exposed to carving in the early 1990's by some windsurfing friends. It looked like they were from another planet, or the future--I had to try it, and I was hooked. Learning from windsurfers, I learned to look at the hill like a wave, and at the time, these were some of the best of the the few videos for absorbing technique. Started seeing shaped skis on the hill within a few years after that. One of my favorite shots is at 8:15 where a carver cranks a big carve around some stationary skiers, leaving a giant plume of powder. It cracks me up to watch the skiers almost crank their heads off trying to follow him and to imagine them going, "What the hell was that? ".

Yea, here's an old thread. I've been doing the analog-to-digital transfer of my old vids and films and stuff (no snow or cold here yet) and thought I'd try uploading 2 old Pure Carve videos for those who couldn't find copies, as it looks like nothing further happened with this. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/1nLT6UZQNOY If this is a problem, as it is copyrighted, I will delete the video. Hope it's okay, as these are great videos to share with the carving community.

size 28 boots and running about 55° front and 50° rear, just so there's no overhang. My "narrow" carving boards are 20.5cm wide and angles end up about 62°-60° F and 57°-55° rear, again with no overhang being the guide. For me, anything wider than 23.5 is noticeably more effort and slow edge to edge. My aging knees seem to get more particular about stance every year.

Hi E, I agree, it's a great all around board (and maybe somewhat under rated or overlooked in the forum here). I've been thinking about getting this board made for a few years, and your photo from last year inspired me to go with the solid black top sheet. A few years ago, I picked up an old blue 180 Incline (2001 custom build for Ken Delrossi) , longer and narrower (23.5 waist) than a stock glass Incline. I was surprised at how great it carved in hard boots on perfect corduroy. But, where it really out-performed my narrower metal carvers was in soft snow, where I was digging in and breaking away. The Incline was superior in everything from super soft packed powder after fresh snowfalls to wet spring granular and resort powder. I now think I prefer the feel of a wood core glass board in soft snow and crud, but wouldn't give up the metal board for the icy hard stuff.

And, here is another black board...delivered to my door 12 days after placing the order! ...Thanks Sean. Now, just have to wait for winter to get here. A little brother for the 180 Incline...

Hi Mike, I've got a 180 REV with a 13-18.6scr. Not carbon, but CARBONium! A 2013 build. I rode this at SES back to back with my Kessler 180 and found it more fun, so sold the Kessler and bought this board. I have since replaced this REV with a custom REV tweaked to my specs, so this one should go. http://forums.bomberonline.com/index.php?/topic/41283-donek-rev-180/?p=420311 Dave oops, just saw that you already asked about this one nevermind...

Reminds me of this--a pure work of art it was! The penultimate all-terrain snowboard. Pretty sure this was the invention that allowed (or forced) Fin to retire from Bomber! All you need is a few more plates and stuff and you're there.

The St Louis river, at the point that they are drawing from, is at the same level as Lake Superior. In other words, its the same as drawing water from the lake. In spring, when it melts, much of it will go back into the river, so the net effect is minimal--better than using expensive treated city water (which also comes from the lake). Spirit is still one of the least expensive ski areas in MN.

...I can say there was a sighting a few weeks ago and word is he has settled in for another winter at Spirit. Here's an interesting article about recent developments at Spirit, and future plans... http://duluthreader.com/articles/2015/10/22/6122_spirit_mountain_water_line

20cm waist, 13-18.6m scr

OK, let's get this started: Spirit Mt in peak fall colors from Clough Island in the St Louis River. Rowing along the river, I saw the new pump house which will enable them to draw unlimited water from the river to make more snow faster! The water is brown with tannins, so it will be interesting to see what color snow we will be riding on.

bump

Had to take a picture of this sign at the upstairs cafe at Indianhead. For a moment , thought I was back in Aspen! Have a good summer...

First tracks at several places in northern Minnesota and Michigan; Spirit Mt, Giant's Ridge, Lutsen and Indianhead.

A collection of clips from 1st runs this season put to a piece of music that I first heard at the W Buttermilk mid station this year at SES. Love the organ and guitar riff on Loud Pipes by Ratatat and could just see it working with some carving video. I cut the song short just to get the idea. No fancy carving moves. Just having a little fun. Hope you enjoy... https://youtu.be/de-hn0drpDU

Never been there, but you should go here... https://youtu.be/P1g36YXcGfQ

Wow, holy crap-omatic! The Alps look terrible for carving! Thanks for the heads-up Snowmatic. Makes me appreciate all the more how many perfect, empty waves there are to surf here.

Pronounced Loot$en, home of the most expensive lift ticket in the mid-west ( I was fortunate to have a comp pass). The new Spirit mt season pass will now get you $30 off a Lutsen ticket and 3 half price tickets per year. Lutsen reminds me of the old New England ski areas with a lot of narrow, steep (and often icy) trails--a real skier's hill. Even though the Moose Mt expansion has nice wide carving slopes, the grooming is often sketchy. If I had continued alpine skiing when I moved to the mid-west, this would be the only place I wouldn't be bored to death...but...it would be great for snowboarding on the rare pow day. Dem der Iron rainchers are found at the more affordable Giant's Ridge (not as much fun to say). Lake Superior (the inland sea).

Pretty dang good day, one of the better days of the season. 5" new snow over the past few days along with colder temps provided the recipe for near perfect firm packed powder, with no ice base!. Not too crowded for a weekend, no lift lines. Everything from Voyagers to FIS was groomed. Rode the Coiler Revelation from 9-1 then went over to Blackjack and found Al and Beth there. Took a few runs, snow was getting soft and I was feeling tired. Felt like a good end to the season. Indianhead closes after tomorrow, Blackjack open another week. Picked up a 4 pack on sale for next year. Some of the best carving days have been at Indainhead!

"Ice-base" with "surface groom"...the new terminology to describe normal Minnesota conditions describes the conditions at Lutsen today. Surface groom consisted of coarse granular (ice pellets) with a mix of bergy bits (ice cubes). Not too bad, but you had to use your best technique and an ice board. The sun softened the ice base later in the day. Beautiful day overlooking lake Superior, one of Lutsen's best features. Got some nice pics...using the MEcam... Off to Indianhead tomorrow.

Planning to be at Indianhead Saturday, March 28. Looks like several inches of new snow yesterday and today and it's still snowing. Have to use my last ticket.

Heading to Lutsen Friday, March 27. Cooler temps and a little fresh snow, should be good. Then off to Indianhead Saturday.

Short video in slo-mo from yesterday at Giant's Ridge. 1st ride on the new 180 13-14scr safari Coiler Revelation

First tracks of spring at Giants Ridge with rwmaron...

Sunday March 22 Drove up from Duluth with Russ this morning making sure to call ahead to see that lift was repaired. Just a handful of people on the hill all day. Snow was very nice for carving, a firm packed sugary groom with temps below freezing most of the day and clear blue skies. One of the nicer days this season! I'll let the pictures do the talking...