jhcolman

Hi All Thanks for taking the time to post suggestions. Cheers Julian

The lowers are size 23.0 to 23.5. The boots are in decent shape. The thermoliner is 1 year new (heatfit once) and there are 3 tongues. A steal for $50.

The boots are sold. Thanks for your interest. Regards Julian

Hi All: Just want to see these boots on a rider who can benefit from them: - includes 3 tongues (soft, medium and hard), worth some $40 - 2004 Thermofit liner (provides better fit, extra boot fit life), bought for $140 - boots still in decent condition, that now sell for $150 + US Surely someone can use all this for $50 !!! Let me know. Regards Julian

Hi All: My son would like to do some "dryland" training/fitness exercise for alpine snowboarding, at home. Any suggestions as what muscle groups to exercise, simple exercises to complete, activities or sports to pursue, etc.? Any fun ideas? 13/14 year olds get bored/lose their focus easily. At 13/14, he probably shouldn't be doing weights (we understand that that is not advisable for that age group). However, there are probably some basic exercises or exercise tools that he can do/use. Anything written anywhere on this topic? Videos? Thanks Julian

Hi All: I have a Raichle 225 hardboot with a 261 mm shell. The upper part of the shell is a mondo 22 to 24.5. We bought the boot about 3 years ago. The boot retailed for about $250 US at the time. Now sells for $150 US. Last year (2004), we added an HPD 23 thermofit liner, which was thermofit once. We bought the liner from Bomber for about $140. The Thermofit liner can be remolded alteast 4 more times and will provide the rider with a nice tight fit. It is very good condition and is worth the $50 US price alone. The boot comes with 3 boot tongues, including a soft mauve tongue that we bought separately, as well as yellow (medium) and red (hard) flex tongues. These tongues retail for some $12 each. The boot is in good but well used condition. The exterior bottom sole ofcourse shows wear and there are some scratches on the outside shell. The 5 position boot flex lever (on the rear of one of the boots) had loosened, but the judicious application of some duct tape around the knob (on which the lever fastens) tightened things up, such that the lever closes and holds fine. The adjustable cant mechanisms and the boot buckles work fine. This is a great boot for a young beginning hardbooter. It has lots of flex, which is key for young light weight riders. Many folks will buy a boot that is too stiff, which a young rider cannot flex. The total price for the Raichle SB225 Boot, the Deeluxe Thermofit Liners and the 3 Tongues is $50. Please let me know ASAP. I would rather sell this boot to the Bomber community. After that, it goes on ebay. Regards Julian

Hi All: I have a pair of Raichle SB423 hardboots for sale in new condition. The boot is also known as a Lemans. It has a mondo 25-27.5 shell Model L3, a mondo 25 Thermoflex Liner and a blue/marine blue coloured boot tongue of size 25-27.5. The boot was purchased almost new from a retailer in 2002, for a favourable price. The boot had been demo'd once or twice (there are a couple of scuffs on the sole plate), but it is otherwise new. The retailer was closing out his alpine carving hardboot inventory and let me have the pair for a favourable price. We bought it and put it on the shelf, for later use by my alpine snowboard racing son. It is dark marine blue in colour. While the boot is excellent, his riding has progressed to the point that we're prepared to spring substantial $$$$ for a high-end racing boot, at a much greater cost than you'll pay for this excellent Raichle SB423 (Lemans) boot. Bomber sells the 2004/2005 model as a close-out for $289 to $325. We'll sell you this just about new 2002 boot (more or less the same as the 2004/5 model) for $149; you save 50%. We'll ship anywhere in North America, using your preferred shipper, at cost. Let me know ASAP; I'll gladly sell this boot to the Bomber community. After that, it goes on e-bay. Questions: email me at jhcolman@rogers.com Best Regards Julian

Hi Boardy: Thanks for the advise. I've also been chatting with Kent (a race coach I met on line). He concurs that an Asym boot would be a good idea, but suggests that we also ensure that the boot has a close fit, and that it has a soft enough flex (some boots that are sized to find teenagers with large feet but lighter weights can be too stiff). I further spoke to our Race Program Director, who rides the Suzukas. He said he had to "crank the stiffness back by 1/2". So, I'm wondering whether the Suzukas would be too stiff for a 112 lb 13/13 year old that is aggressive but ofcourse does not have the muscle strength of an adult. FYI, his son (who is on the Canadian National Team) rides the Indy's, which his Dad finds way too stiff. So, I'm wondering whether we should go with the LeMans with a Thermoflex liner? What do you think? I also understand that one can but some kind of a replacement flex adjuster spring for the boot, which provides better front and rear flex adjustment?. Something that Bomber sells? Do you know about this? Thanks Boardy. Regards Julian

Hi All: Well, fall is arriving and my son and I are starting to think about equipment for the upcoming race season. He's outgrown his old boots and so we are looking into what we will do for this season. We are trying to decide whether to go for a pair of Asym boots or not. We do have another pair of used but almost new Raichle 423's that date back to about 2001 or 2002. These will fit although Michelle tells me that the boot flex might actually be softer than the old 225's that he has been wearing over the past few years. We got a great deal of these 423's and could sell or keep them. Michelle told us about "asym" style boots, which flex at an angle, which many find performs better. However, the Asym boots might or might not be abit too stiff for my son. We are not sure. We're considering them, as little things are starting to make a significant differences for my son, at his current performance level. The race time differences between placing are also getting quite small, so little things do now make a difference. We'd welcome comments from anyone who is coaching teenagers or has teenagers, who have tried or can comment on asym boots. We'd also welcome comments from any adult women riders of similar height/weight to my son. Frankly, any comments from racers on Asym boots would be appreciated. Abit about my son: He's now been racing for about 5 years and is doing well, placing 3rd to 6th at provincial races. He's laying down some mean carves, but is obviously not as strong as some older teenagers. He's about 5 foot 2 and weights 112 lbs. He's a good strong all around athlete, playing team basketball and soccer in the summer and at school. So, questions: - would an Asym boot work for him? Why? Why not? - would an Asym boot make much difference, compared to the Reichle 423? - which particular Asym boots might work? - I think that flex is still important (ie a boot that is not too stiff), at my son's weight and teenage strength. Am I right? - will an Asym boot be too stiff? - will the Reichle 423 be too soft, with a blue tongue? With a red tongue? (he was riding a Reichle 225 with a womens boot tongue?) I welcome your comments. Please feel free to forward this message to any coaches out there. Just copy it and email it, cc to me ( jhcolman@rogers.com ) Thanks all. Regards Julian

Thanks John, Chris. We'll take your advise and pass on this particular board. FYI, the board that Alex is riding now was a custom build Donek ... for another rider when he was Alex's current weight and height, etc. We bought it used. It's just perfect for Alex now. Its a great board that has really helped. So custom Coilers or Doneks etc can be great. But they need to be built with the right specs for the rider. We lucked out with the Donek. We're just hoping there's a used one out there for next year's season. Julian

Hi John Might be interested in your Coiler, it this is the right length, sidecut, taper, stiffness, etc for my 13 year old son. I don't know a whole lot about the above specs and would need to seek advise. For your information, my son presently weighs about 100 lbs, is 5 ft. 1 inch tall. He races GS up here in Ontario, Canada on the Provincial circuit (akin to your state or regional races, as distinct from national). We don't have alot of powderl alot of hard pack and ice. He's been placing 3rd to 5th in his age group lately. He presently rides a Donek 165 GS that belonged to Mat Clayes when he was my sons height and weight. But we'll need a board for next year, when I expect he'll have grown afew inches and put on 10 lbs or so. Can't likely afford one of Bruce's customs, but am hoping to find the right board with the right specs. So I'm starting to key my eye out now, as this might take quite a while before the right Coiler or Donek etc comes up. So, can you tell me more about your board, its specs, whose been riding it and for what purpose, age/size/weight/capability, etc. Thanks Julian

Hi All I'd like to gain a better understanding of key carving board specifications (length, radius, sidecut, tortional rigidity, etc.) and how they are varied based on age,weight, height, strength, skill level, typical snow and terrain conditions etc. Any suggested reading? My son's board will be good for this season, but will likely be outgrown for next. So I'd like to learn alittle, in preparation. Any suggestions re board specs? For your information, my son is now age 13 and has raced for 5 years and been snowboarding for 7. He's been on a carver for 4 years. He skied prior to that (age 3 to 7), and then switched to snowboarding. He weighs about 100 lbs and is 5 feet 1 and is quite athletic and has good stength. He races at both "recreational" and "provincial" (aka state) races. Due to weather, our 1st races have yet to be held. So we don't know where he'll rank this year. Lets assume that he'll be in the upper middle of the pack. He presently rides a used Donek (160 cm, end to end along the centre of the base) that was custom built for Mat Cloyes (when he was Alex's age/weight). It's was too long/stiff for him last year and perfect for him this year. But he's overdue for a major height and weight growth spurt. So ... any reading suggestions? Any specific recommendations? Any used Coilers, Doneks or Prior's out there? He sure does love his Donek!! We unfortunately can't afford to spring for a new $1,000 Cdn. plus custom just yet. Regards Julian

Thanks for all of your comments. If I hear you all correctly, it seems that choosing the right specs in a well built custom board are much more important than the use of "titinal" as a stabilizing layer, for most racers. That being said, Bruce posted that Titinal may benefit those racers who race on steep and icy runs, or on rutted icy courses. We'll, that's pretty well what most Ontario, Canada racers run, especially those at the back of the pack. Lots of ice, lots of ruts, irrespective of whether the race is Noram or Provincial. We don't have a whole lot of powder (packed or not). So, question: would a board with Titinal benefit a racer runing Provincial level races in Ontario, where we have ice and ruts, but not long steeps? Thanks Julian

Hi All My son and I have ofcourse read JCJ's raves about the benefit of his new aluminum core Coiler. I'm curious as to your thoughts on alpine race snowboards that have aluminum layers within their cores. Have any of you folks rode a board of this nature (Coiler, Donek or ??? ) Is this a refinement that is only noticable to folks at JCJ's level .... or is this a design improvement that will be of benefit to the rank and file racer? Is this a true "sea change" in alpine race board design? What are the pros and cons? Would this feature benefit both adult and young racers or only adults? Who manufactures these boards? Is this a new (2005/6) feature or has it been incorporated into past model years? Where might we check one out (on-line)? Where might we demo one (in Ontario, Canada)? Just curious. My son will outgrow his board this season. So well be hunting for something for 2005/06. Thanks for any comments. Regards Julian

Hi All Well, we posted this earlier on, to give board members the first opportunity at a fair price. No early takers. So off it goes to E-Bay. This was/is a great board for a young carver/racer. It came well recommended from several coaches and was the perfect board for my 10 year old, 80 lb son. While the board is in great condition, he's outgrown it, so of it goes. Here's the URL: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7108737470 Or search for auctions by JHC2 Thanks Julian

FS: Burton Factory Prime - 144 Hi I have a Burton Factory Prime 144 that my son rode when he was 10/11 (in 2002/2003). I chose that board based upon a fair amount of research and advise. It was the right length and flex for his age and weight. I'm guessing that he was say 80 lbs and about 4 foot 8 inches at the time. He had been racing for a year and was switching from a freeride to a carver. The board was prefect for him. We bought it used, but the board was and still is in good condition; we take care of our equipment. The are some cosmetic surface scratches and surface edge chips, but the base edges and base are in very good condition. (We take good care of our bases and base edges). The base is presently stored with a protective wax coat. This is the board only. You'll need to buy bindings and/or boots. We'll sell it for $95 US + shipping. Regards Julian

Hi All The "Lowriders" Team of the Oshawa Snow Racing Club is seeking an Alpine Race Coach. The Team, based at Mount Kirby (20 minutes north of Oshawa, 50 minutes east of Toronto, Ontario, Canada) has about 30 racers, age 5 to 19 (plus afew more senior folks). The 30 racers are devided into 3 groups of broadly young/beginning, preteen/intermediate and teenage/advanced racers. We wish to build upon our prior successes. We have and continue to lead both the Development and the Provincial Points series of the Ontario Snowboard Association. Three of our Team members are on the Ontario Team and have competed nationally. The Coach must have his/her Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) Level 1 (or equivalent) and ideally also have completed the Race Coach 1 course (of CASI or equivalent). Prior racing .... and .... coaching experience is key, in order to both demonstrate good carving and racing skills and succesfully coach racers to attain them. Competitive compensation and associated benefits is available. More importantly, the Lowriders is one of the largest Teams in Ontario, with a very dedicated and spirited group of racers and parents, most of which have been members of the Team for some time. You'll have alot of fun riding and racing Ontario's ski hills with us. If you cannot apply for the position, but can suggest an individual or recommend contacts (or places to post this notice), please contact me. So, please email Julian Colman at jhcolman@rogers.com or post to this forum. And feel free to spread the word. Regards Julian Colman Oshawa LowRiders

Hi I have a Burton Factory Prime 144 that my son rode when he was 10/11 (in 2002/2003). I chose that board based upon a fair amount of research and advise (ask any coach or senior message board member). It was the right length and flex for his age and weight. I'm guessing that he was say 80 lbs and about 4 foot 8 inches at the time. He had been racing for a year and was switching from a freeride to a carver. The board was prefect for him. We bought it used, but the board was and still is in good condition; we take care of our equipment. The are some cosmetic surface scratches and surface edge chips, but the base edges and base are in very good condition. (We take good care of our bases and base edges). The base is presently stored with a protective wax coat. This is the board only. You'll need to buy bindings and/or boots. We'll sell it for $95 US + shipping. Regards Julian Last edited by jhcolman on September 1st, 2004 at 06:22 PM

Hi I have a Burton Factory Prime 144 (if I have the measurement right - it's 140ish; I can remeasure) that my son rode when he was 10/11. I chose that board based upon a fair amount of research and advise. I'm guessing that he was say 80 lbs and about 4 foot 8 inches at the time. We bought it used, but the board is in good condition; we take care of our equipment. We'll sell it for $120 US + shipping, which covers our cost. Regards Julian

Hi I have a Burton Factory Prime 144 that my son rode when he was 10/11 (in 2002/2003). I chose that board based upon a fair amount of research and advise. It was the right length and flex for his age and weight. I'm guessing that he was say 80 lbs and about 4 foot 8 inches at the time. He had been racing for a year and was switching from a freeride to a carver. The board was prefect for him. We bought it used, but the board was and still is in good condition; we take care of our equipment. The are some cosmetic surface scratches and surface edge chips, but the base edges and base are in very good condition. (We take good care of our bases and base edges). The base is presently stored with a protective wax coat. This is the board only. You'll need to buy bindings and/or boots. We'll sell it for $95 US + shipping. Regards Julian

Hi I have a Burton Factory Prime 144 that my son rode when he was 10/11. I chose that board based upon a fair amount of research and advise. I'm guessing that he was say 80 lbs and about 4 foot 8 inches at the time. We bought it used, but the board is in good condition; we take care of our equipment. We'll sell it for $95 US + shipping, which covers our cost. Regards Julian

Hi I have a Burton Factory Prime 144 that my son rode when he was 10/11. I chose that board based upon a fair amount of research and advise. I'm guessing that he was say 80 lbs and about 4 foot 8 inches at the time. We bought it used, but the board is in good condition; we take care of our equipment. We'll sell it for $95 US + shipping. Regards Julian

Hi Chris My 50 year old memory is momentarily failing me. I think we met. Did you lend us a pair of Raichle's for my son to try on, when he was starting out carving a couple of years ago? Anyway, I'd love to start alpine snowboarding. However, my 12 year old son initially took up snowboading, racing and then carving, so he would not have to complete with his ski instructor / former racer mom, fairly accomplished skier dad and ski racing sister. We understood and supported him on it. I raise the matter ever now and then (because I'd really love to start carving) and he still wants to be the lone snowboard hardbooter in the family. Frankly, when I take up a hobby / sport, I go after it with a passion and eventually become expert at it. So he's probably abit worried. Perhaps in another year he'll grow past it. Or perhaps another kid can convince him that its ok for me to ride. Sigh :( In any event, thanks for the kind offer. I'll take you up on the tryout if one of the Oshawa "Lowriders" folks (my son's team) can't dig up something for me. BTW, have you bumped into Paul (Pony) Morrisson or his son Mat lately. Now there's two hot carvers. Mat made the Ontario team this year, along with Jordon Jacket. They train at Mansfield. A fantastic rider by the name of Brandon used to coach our guys, but has moved onto coaching the Ontario team. Also, we'll be out racing at Cedar Valley on Saturday, Devils Elbow Sunday and then Mount St.Louis Moonstone for finals the following Saturday. The last two are both "development" and "provincial points" races. Might you be there? One parting thought: the Oshawa Lowriders is always on the lookout for seasoned race coaches. So if you know of anyone, let me know. Take care Julian

Hi All The Carving Community comes through once again. Many thanks. Wish I could offer something back; however, I'm a skier and don't have the carving knowledge and experience as you folks do. Any, thanks once again. Regards Julian

Hi All My son has great control over his carver when free riding. He has great speed coming down the course. But he tends to "skid" when turning at the gate, and sometimes falls. He is really keen to improve, but can't seem to get past this difficulty. Any suggestions as to how we can help him, inclusive of corrections to riding style and training exercises? He rides a Donek 155 that is suitable to his 90 lbs weight and 5 ft height. Reichle 225's on Burton Race Plates. FYI, this is a new board this season (he rode a Burton FP 145 last season). His freeriding has improved immensley on the Donek (he has great short radius control and can also lay in a great long radius carve). However, somehow when he gets on the course, he builds up alot of speed and then skids at the gate. I'd like to pass his coach a couple of ideas that might help. Thanks for your help. Julian