mikel45

CODA skwal arrived Monday and rode it on Wednesday - here is my review. It arrive well protected with a few extras included in the packaging, e.g. decals, bottle opener and even a safety strap. Regarding build quality, there are a few top-sheet imperfections on both the tip and tail as in not enough care taken during edge routering. One of the inserts arrived non-functional. There is no indication on the skwal where the center of the effective edge is located - problematic for those whom ordered a different hole pattern. Unfortunately my board number (a nice security feature) was not included because of bad graphic placement. Regarding ride performance, the board has a softer flex, easy to put on edge, wanders side-to-side at higher speed, overall, a fun ride and good conversation starter. Happy to answer any questions?

Some of us prefer Cateks for skwal riding, here is a local listing - they look like "longs" - best to double-check with seller.

Besides Thias, they also OEM'd the Sims snowboard and Lacroix skwal

Don't quote me but I suspect Quebec-based Surf Politix - can't say for sure if they are still in business.

Here - sweet deal Paul

It's Ian's fault . . .

Heading into January, Liftopia has some nice 2 & 3 day discounts for Tremblant tickets.

Yah, I'm with you on this, we have the vicinity now if we could only locate. Coincidentally Mont La Réserve has cat skiing ($10 per run) on their south slope.

Was riding up Calabogie lift last winter with a woman who was highly recommending this small hill - yes, over on the Quebec side. She told me the name of the place, but of course I've forgotten. Apparently, as quoted "it's a hidden gem". Anyways, at the very least because of my search I know now of many overlooked micro-hills, e.g. Mont Rigaud, Mont Chilly, Mont Shefford, Mont Alta, Mont La Réserve, Massif du Sud, Mont Édouard, Mont Grand-Fonds. Just like me, some of these hills are still stuck in the 70's. Anyone here visit Mont La Réserve? It's located relatively near Tremblant.

On the subject of off-the-beaten-path ski hills - anyone know the name of small Quebec ski hill with Russian owners within the Ottawa vicinity (1-2 hours)?

The number of spacers to use depends on your preferred lift & cant settings. To ascertain your lift & cant, start with the following tilt calculator. Go ahead and set the heights for the tilt screws. When completed select number of spacer(s) that will be required for your seated tilt screw height, reference 2nd page of manual. Looking at the photograph, it looks like you just need two spacers. Hope this helps. CHEERS! M.

Feb. 1-2 Pure Boarding Carving Session, Mont Blanc, Quebec Feb. 24-28 East Coast Expression Session, Stratton Mountain, VT

Let the fun begin . . . Mont Saint-Sauveur opens this weekend.

The folks over at RAD snowboards posted a skwal extremecarving instruction video . . . <iframe width="460" height="260" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nVveXrZmEC8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Prototype of Iridium Board

Skwal SX by Oxess Canada

WaterSki magazine write-up on how skwalling might improve your slalom water skiing.

Went with off-the-rack. Board is not as stiff as you may think. Contact Chad - he is open to customization. Alternatively, try out his rental-by-mail service.

@Excelsior - I'm quite happy using Catek - invaluable for anyone starting off riding skwals for tweeking to find your own sweet spot.

Hey skwallers, ordered Edge Skwal from Chad @ CODA

Heck, I would be the first to admit I know next to nothing about bamboo, or for that matter OEM construction requirements - so I stand to be corrected regarding lumber availability. Though I was wondering if it might be hypothetically possible to use Georgia farm grown bamboo poles for snowboard sidewalls. The Thigpen Trail Bamboo Farm caters to wholesale customers.

Japan Skwal Community [ on facebook ]

Re: Shipping bamboo Despite its image as a product only shipped from China - the United States has productive bamboo farms.

@ Excelsior . . . re: Price - mention Obi One name when corresponding with PHK. Also, you might be interested in this thread regarding Phiokia. Hope this helps - CHEERS!