pmorita

Wow, it started off as cute and quickly became uncomfortable. I'm going to pretend that it was not a real kid on the rails and getting inverted.

I had a rowing coach that said 'practice makes permanent, not perfect'. Nothing beats riding with a group where you can watch, learn and get input. Especially true for people just starting out. It's a pretty painful process for the first few days. Hang in there.

Hi Duke, Good point. If we had even one day a year with knee deep powder I would pick up a second/third board to make the most of it. I spent a season in Steamboat working in a snowboard shop in the 90s and experienced what you are talking about one or two days a week. We would ride the longest, widest thing we could find at the time. I know that what I am talking about with equipment and lessons not helping the current state of the sport is focused on our East Coast, hard packed snow. On the last day of the season this year I saw someone pull up with a brand new swallow tail fish board with plate bindings. I don't think it gets more specialty than that so cheers to that guy. He didn't ride very well though but it was not due to equipment. Thanks for bringing another view point into the discussion. When I get a bigger house I would love to line the walls with split boards, everything I used to ride and maybe a Burton Backhill.

Things seem to be getting a bit heavy here. I don't think anyone is saying that people that ride poorly should be excluded (except many old guy skiers). The way I read the opening thread was that there is a theory about why people that ride for a while don't get more stylish. Not sure how we got into motorcycle comparisons but I have really enjoyed hearing what people think about how to improve this 'issue'. Don't we all want to help people ride under the chair and get hooted at? As an aside, I had rear entry ski boots as a kid and they were way cool. My brother had Hansens with the Neoprene liners and I had San Marcos with a buckle that ran around the back. It was a cool fad while it lasted. Kind of like Flow bindings.

Couldn't agree more with Beckmann AG. There are economics and the appearance of innovation to get people to buy new equipment. To add to this: - What's wrong with making equipment that helps beginners begin? Haven't we all suffered in the early days with first generation equipment that was lacking. Think wooden bases and no metal edges. My first boards were Burton Backyards and Performer Woodys with Sorrel boots and high tops. To look at it now, entry level riders have it pretty good. Rocker boards and shorter lengths make it easier to get started. Granted, we had to live through the K2 Clicker days but overall, things have gotten better for beginners in terms of gear. After that, things drop off pretty quickly. I agree that the mass market manufacturers are doing a bad job of supporting the progression of riding, unless you live the park all day. I struggle to find a good camber board and turn to Coiler or Donek, or find something classic on eBay. I've tried the new Lib Techs with Magnatraction and bawammy rocker and still say nothing beats a longer cambered board of reasonable width for free riding. - Lesson programs stink. I'm sure we have all spent time on the bunny slope because friends and family can't get a decent experience in the beginner group lessons. I have brought many people to the mountain to introduce them to the sport. From the rental line to the lunch line it's a rough time for someone just getting started. Hopefully others have had more luck with beginner lessons as I have pretty much dismissed letting the pros try to promote the sport to new riders. Skiers definitely have an edge here, no pun intended. With better instructors and programs, they are geared up to keep bringing new people in the sport. Especially kids and racers. If learning directors don't address the instruction problem for snowboards, we are going to keep loosing the chance for new blood. This is especially true for intermediate and advance instruction. Where can I send my friends for a carving clinic other than SES and some Pure Boarding events? In the meantime, isn't the responsibility ours? I send my annual letter to Lib Tech begging for a board that suits old guys like me. I spend lots of time on the slopes with friends, my wife and kids as there are no options for good instruction where I live. I send many notes to the school directors and have conversations when I can asking about this. Great thread pointing out how people that have been riding for years are lacking in style. Would hate to think that snowboarding goes the way of Rollerblading or Windsurfing. Now get out there and show someone how to ride that Tanker 205.

Wow, nice grooming. Where is that?

Hi Ghettoraid, I have to agree with the sentiment of others that have replied. You are better off going with used gear that won't be a compromise. As someone that took the long way around and tried to save here and there, I can say that you are better off doing it right from the get go. Great sport with great people so I'm guessing you are going to stick with it. Just be sure to get a board with a waist width of at least 20cm with those big feet of yours.

Hi Teach, Camelback twice a year or so. Will probably go more often now that I see how nice it has been, and now that there is an indoor waterpark. I'm on Long Island and have been frequenting Hunter/Windham as the kids like the outdoor pool at the condos. I'll look for a post next season so maybe we can get a group together. I get lonely with no one to chase.

Spent the morning at Camelback as it looked as if the temperatures in the 20s would make the snow good and stiff. The mountain was empty. So many runs before noon that my legs started cramping. Tomorrow looks like it will be good also if anyone was considering going. Definitly the last weekend for good carving on Raceway. Then, golf.

Send this guy to down a mogul run.

Saw this on the bomber site. Maybe this is the last issue? http://bomberonline.3dcartstores.com/Carving-Magazine_p_196.html

Black Snow Half-Pipe 125

Hi Bricky, Headed up to Windham on Sunday with the family. Will probably split the day between hard and soft boots. For someone that is still getting the hang of it, what runs would you suggest? I'll be on a white Colier with orange pants and green/grey Jacket. Thanks, Pierre

Snow does look nice in the photo. Welcome back.

Lib tech litigator or emma gator. Age before beauty.

Ebay - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nidecker-Alpine-Snowboard-139cm-Powder-Bindings-and-Burton-Boots-Used-Package-/331445400309?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d2baf72f5

Headed up to Jay Peak with the kids for the President's week holiday. Went last year and found a few good runs before the crowds appear. Anyone going to be around from the 15th - 22nd?

What ski area is in the video? Looks like a fair amount of traffic at the top.

36 years. Burton Backyard. Rember having to get lower and upper mountain certifcaitons to ride the lifts at Stratton? Still have mine. Damn I looked young in the photo.

I used to order an annual carving magazine from Greece that was very well done. Is this still around? If so, what is the link? Thanks

Lib Tech Darker is sold. Just the APO 174 left.

Sexy

Yes. Was going to ride it this weekend but got distracted. Let me know if you want it and I'll send my paypal details.

Bindings are sold. Let me know if there is interest in the softy boards before I put them out to the eBay hoards.

Hi all, Some photos. Thanks TLN for the specs. The APO is cambered and the Lib is supposed to be camber-rocker-camber, but looks like camber to me. Enjoy.