ken

This is exactly my goal. I spend 95% of my time on small, narrow trails and need to be able to ride the whole mountain. I’m a surfer at heart and enjoy that feeling on the snow. I transitioned from soft to hard boots because I wanted to intensify my carving, not really to change my style. There are different styles of carving, some of which are not ideal for all mountain terrain. Here in the states, what works in Colorado does not work for me in New York City (crowds, ice and width of trails). It’s important for you to decide what works for you and will help achieve your goals. As a beginner carver, I learn best by direct tutorial. I can read how to articles and videos all day long, but when I get on the mountain it all goes out the window. For me, a couple of hours with an instructor is more beneficial than 20 hours of studying articles and video. Dont know much about Poland (or your finances), are there any other carvers you know in the area that could point you in the direction of a competent instructor? One day of learning could give you all the insight you need to achieve your goal and equipment you need to change if needed. I went to a all mountain carving camp when I first started and it was eye opening. Don’t get me wrong...I still suck, but I ride all trails, all conditions and have lots and lots of fun!!!

You carving anywhere this weekend or this week? I’m looking to get out again, not sure where. Snows a comin Sunday night. I got my orange pants ready

Monntucky Clear Cut looked incredible!! I wish I went. However, it wasn’t quite promoted as a “learn to carve event. From the eyes of a beginner skilled carver (like me), it appeared more of an event to which the big boys go. Not saying there wasn’t an open invitation to all, there was. I’m just trying to point out that many lone wolfs can feel apprehensive about going to an event where we think everyone else will be a rock star. I loved ECES when I went years ago, I wish there were more events like it. I truly believe that learn to carve events create a comfortable atmosphere for all learning. My view is “ok, I suck and I will feel more comfortable being around others that suck too”, plus it adds a lot to the fun factor. Look at Pure Boarding and Swoard, they each do learn to carve events for total beginners every year. They might not be reaching the masses, but they do draw some. I went to one of Joerg’s 3 day events in Austria, not only did I learn with others who “suck”, I got to ride with some amazing carvers. Most of all, it was really fun! There’s only so much that reading/watching videos can do to help a learning carver, we need to get on the snow and do it. It’s hard to buy a new setup and feel like there’s nowhere to go for additional advice on a mountain.

You called?? I’m already doing that, I have a hard time finding gear in the U.S. Here’s my two cents as an inexperienced carver. Have more “Learn to carve events” if possible and promote them as such. Hardboots, softboots, it don’t matter. Hardboots are difficult to come by in large numbers. I first started carving in cheapo burtons boots on a Gnu Magna Traction (I got some funny looks at ECES, lol) but it got me to the point where I wanted to get hardboots. It was all about the carve, not equipment. Start a beginner section on this forum run by a few select individuals offering advice. Not an open reply section where a newbie asks 1 question and receives 12 conflicting opinions and suggestions for a $2k setup. Offer cost effective, entry level equipment advice, equipment setup and instructional videos on technique (videos are key, imo). The key for newcomers is to keep it simple as possible, many of us forget how intimidating learning this sport can be.

A huge thanks to everyone for the great time! Special thanks to Michael for doing the clinic. It’s been so long for me that I forgot the basics. Great job Michael, Joerg would be proud of you! I vote to get you a PB jacket! Brian, Ween, Robin, Jimmy, Brad, and Michael were awesome, thanks! Glad to hear you’re ok Brad. The last time I was at the Beast, I had to be taken down the mountain on the red death sled to first aid.

@pow4ever i traveled 3 hours to ride with the Great One and you’re not here, even wore my orange pants to match you

Hi David, I’ve read those posts, mostly about Whiteface. Yes, two different mountains. Whiteface is about an hour past Gore. I’m looking for some subjective views on Gore. Thanks

I’ll be in the Lake George area next week, trying to get a day in at Gore. Never been there, anyone have trail recs? Looks like a spread out mountain, don’t want to spend all day exploring. thanks Ken

It’s been a few years since I’ve been on the mountain, just getting back now. Yes, but I have updated my pants to match yours! Glad to see you’re still rocking it. We Have to meet up and carve, I need a lesson. Just got back from Belleayre, 12 inches new for today. I made lots of fresh tracks before I got too tired.

I might be able to do that if I don’t work. Maybe we can talk @dingbat into doing a cameo appearance!

Hi Matt, Welcome to Carving! As a relative newbie carver, I can agree with all the advice given to you so far. My advice would be: 1. Go to the rally! Joerg will be there giving instruction on his carving technique. I know that ECES starts on Monday in Stratton and it's the biggest carving event on the east coast but if I were you I would make it a priority to go to Berkshire East. There will be far less people at the Rally than ECES, it's a much better way to get some quality time in with Joerg. Riding and hanging out with the guys from Pure Boarding is a blast! (and that guy Mark at Berkshire East isn't too bad either! :D) 2. Do yourself a favor, don't buy a board just because you feel like you want one. Go to the rally, try a couple of different boards, learn to carve, have a beer and enjoy. Once you figure out what style of carving you like then you can buy a board. I say this because I learned this one the hard way and almost killed myself! I hope to see you at the Rally! Ken ps. if you want to buy bindings I will be bring a pair of snow pro's with me that you can try/buy if you like.

Don't worry, I have retired that trick. Another stunt like that and I will be lucky to go tubing! I will be doing some Mamby Pamby carving, just like grandma. Will somebody please bring the snow? I'm going up to Windham NY today and I'm not sure if I should bring my snowboard or mountain bike... This is craaaazy! Ace, thanks for the heads up on the snowraider gloves. They rock! See you guys soon

Kinda an inside joke with Mark...long story. Looking forward to the rally, Ken

1. jimcheen: Traditional carve Wednesday morning. Intermediate 2. Mark Bennett: Pure Boarding Wed. morning. Intermediate, Traditional carve Wed. afternoon. Intermediate. 3. Mark Brown: Traditional carve Wednesday morning. Intermediate 4. Tabatha: Traditional carve Wednesday morning. Intermediate 5. jp1: Traditional carve, Wednesday morning, Intermediate 6. Michael Mercurio (aka lafcadio), Pure Boarding Wednesday Morning, traditional carve Wednesday afternoon, Novice/Intermediate 7. Stéphane Paquette (Surf Quebec): Traditional, Wednesday morning intermediate 8. Bill Coates (wiremaker): Traditional carve Thursday Morning, intermediate 9. Jean-Philippe Veilleux : Traditional Carving Wednesday morning. Novice/intermediate 10. Derek Bonser(powdahbonz): Intermediate Traditional Carve Wednesday morning 11. Ken Pure Boarding Wed morning, Traditional Carving Wed afternoon, novice

Hey Mark,. Count me in for sat and sun, Ken/Ken Also, I am willing to do a "Flying Dutchman" clinic on Sunday afternoon for those who are interested. Cheers

still looking? Ken

Good to hear. Enjoy the board!

I'm sure you already looked into this but have you checked in with any of the public storage places to hold it till somebody can pick it up? Or, how about calling a local surf shop in MV and having them ship it to you (or a BOL member who is closer) Might pay a premium, might be worthwhile. At least they should have experience packing and shipping boards. The reason for my interest is that I was going to do a trip to Cape Cod which is now postponed. I would have gladly picked it up for you. It sucks that you are having problems with this. Ken

The gloves arrived yesterday via USPS. The palms and fingers are a bit tacky, hopefully this wont last. I would definitely keep these away from direct heat (dryers, fireplaces) until the tackiness goes away.

Steve at Thor sent me an email with a tracking number for USPS. It looks like I will get them by Tuesday latest. Edit: Steve sent me a second email and seemed genuinely concerned. He also wants feedback on the gloves. Thor customer service looks much better now.

Yes, it's still Available Ken

Ace, I will be patient. I'm really in no rush to get them. They could just be a bit more on top of things, that's all I'm saying.

Bw1- Pics sent

It appears we all received the same email. Anyone receive a "your gloves have been shipped" email yet? It's been 4 business days since my purchase and 3 days since I got that email from them. The gloves should have been shipped yesterday. It just seems like these guys need to shape up their shipping department.

Hi TJR, I weigh about 175lbs. I first used a softboot setup with Nidecker 900 bindings and Malamute boots. Then I switched to a hardboot with UPZ RC10's and Snowpro bindings. This board works well with either setup. My angles were about 47 front 35 rear. I wear 27.0 boot and never really had an issue with boot-out even with lower angles. Hope this helps. Thanks Ken