Steve Prokopiw

Actually there are several scenarios that would have a chance in traffic court.Sudden lane changes without signalling or sudden stops on a freeway for example.Roads have lanes,intersections with specific signage; slopes generally have suggestions as to appropriate ability level or 'slow' signs but no strict rules on lane changing.How about turning right from a middle turning lane through the righthand lane into a driveway without the proper lane change before turning into the driveway? I made this mistake once and was hit from behind by the driver who was in my blind spot.It was deemed my fault.

The uphill skier/rider issue is very blurred. Consider how quickly a carver changes direction and the velocity at which they travel.I want to reiterate that the uphill rider could very well be the least at fault,hence keeping one's head on a swivel.Seems those who think it should always be the uphill skier/rider at fault have not thought about what is required for that to always be the case.None of the carving events I have attended had that kind of control over everything the participants did.It seems the only way to control the risks of injury and damage is to regulate who goes when.Otherwise there is a considerable amount of luck involved as well as a need to go either very slow with other carvers in the vicinity for fear you could be the uphill rider in a split-second collision;or be first to the bottom like Frank, of Virus ;-) People watching me ride my favorite run from the lift often yell for me to 'go' when I am waiting for skiers or riders to pass.What they don't realize is that I am waiting for enough distance between us that I will be able to link several turns together before overtaking those downhill from me.Also, the vast majority of skiers still do not experience the benefits of their skis' technical features to the point that most are still not turning any better than before skis got shape and are basically sidelipping while eating up vertical footage faster than I am. Add to that the fact that it is a given that the vast majority of soft booters are not making carves that take up the entire width of some runs or ,even better,straightlining and and sideslipping on the way to the next terrain feature,and it starts to become,in part at least, my responsibility to stay the hell away from them.There are,afterall,many more of them than us.The uphill skier idealology is just that;a concept that is not without considerable grey area.

As with any issue,it is more complicated than the black and white simplicity that most see things as.I've observed many people in all facets of life impose totally different rules and values on themselves as they do on others.For example,I have had considerable damage done to more than one board by friends over the years.I have never collected a dime for any of it,or for the wear and tear and lift line damage to boards I have lent.Damage from lift lines or rocks caused by a less anal approach to contact avoidance by the borrower than I practice with my own boards (or those I demo) is one of several reasons I don't lend out my favorite boards,but have some less expensive but usable boards in good working condition to help people get into the sport.I have a break it /buy it stance on lending those boards,but I know that reality dictates that ,from some people,I will have a hard time collecting.(whether from the awkwardness of trying to do so,or the knowledge that they won't buy a used board to get into the sport if they have to spend their money on a damaged/broken board) . When I demo boards at SES for example,I see the risk of board damage I may have to pay for as an investment in my ongoing search for knowledge of how other boards ride.That said,my fluctuating financial status may at any time have a bearing on how much unadulterated joy I find in riding boards I don't own;or for that matter,riding with people whose bodies I have no hope of paying to fix in the event of a mutual but disputed accident.(The uphill skier issue is still subjective in carving, and far from black and white.) Here's the kicker, I opted not to vote, not because my stance is on both sides of the fence,but because of another possible scenario; if an out of control or obnoxious adult or teen hits and hurts one of my boys or my wife,I will use whatever resources I can muster to pursue retribution.And that could mean taking the law into my own hands.

This thread illustrates why I'm either the first or last one down the hill when riding with other carvers.As much as I love 'sessions',I simply could not afford to replace someone's 1000 dollar board because we met in the middle of the run.No one I ride regularly with could either,nor would I expect them to.If injury was the result and carelessness/negligence were apparent,I suppose I would have to reevaluate. I have a slightly different outlook on this in that simply attending a session is a choice I make with the knowledge that an incident is more likely than when I'm on my own.By attending I have already made the choice to take what comes within reason. ps.My health insurance has a rediculous 5000.00 deductable(fodder for a heated debate on healthcare at another time in another place);further reason to just stay away from other riders.

For the grooming alone it's a great value.So is Schweitzer's deal.Two killer deals within driving distance...what's a guy to do.I'll probably 'settle' for just the Lookout deal with gas inching closer to $4, a 24.00 difference between a trip to the Schwizz and next door at Lookout.I personally think a carving event could be a blast there.

I watched both vids at the same time and enjoyed them.Your description of editing for the participants(and I might add,friends and relatives) is spot on.The four parts of our NICE footage are meant to be more easily watchable for nonparticipants but we will have a dvd of all four parts together available for the people who took part and will like watching the whole 16 minutes. Your videos have been a staple of the bomber archives and a big influence on me.Thanks!

Now that the comments are flowing....Plus One on everything philw wrote,although I am finding I can get pretty stable helmet mounted follow cam footage based on how I mount the gopro to my helmet and how I adjust the helmet straps for angle..The top mounted gopro mounts are shaky and give a less realistic viewpoint;that and I feel less safe following a high performance rider while carrying something like a long pole.I use both as they each have their strengths.The H2 Gopro will shoot in 120fps and do 10 frame photo bursts,which I am excited to use.ACE,the main thing I would like to see for my own selfish entertainment would be to see more of you and your exciting riding style in your next video.

1.What would you change? A bit of your personality and humor shows through and it was fun to watch.From an editing standpoint;if it was mine I wouldn't change a thing.Right on! I've found that getting people to shoot what you envision when they shoot you is tough and takes practice with them.I've also found (and learned many years ago from a good cameraman/friend)that good form has nothing to do with being able to get closeup follow cam footage.I like following closely as it's a whole different riding challenge.Again it helps to practice.I wish I had more opportunties to do it and have started doing more of it with my boys,now that they're tearing up the whole mountain. 2. Did you get FREE PBR'S for the product placement?

Check out from 2:20 to the end to see Troy 'b0ardski' Moore and his poles in action. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nyWdudWILXw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

That means a lot coming from you and KK! Funny thing was,Nathan,Evan and I all got the flu and spent the next week out of commission.Nathan 'dreamed' of snowboarding every night that he was sick and wouldn't you know it,he didn't pick up where he left off,he took control of his toeside from the get-go! Check it out :-) <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ddTZCNlAsEE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Make some more hardboot in the park vids,that's what.Cool!

Me too,but in the youtube description I put 'retro bag' since many of my family(my kids for example) and facebook friends would see it.Ironic that I am more comfortable being non pc here than on facebook...

Thought Mardi Gras would be a great excuse to take a fagbag out of the closet(hehe)and wear some beads. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wSnUg_XR2Sg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Hardboots Hardboots with BTS springs Hardboots on all kinds of boards on all kinds of terrain Riding with skilled riders Teaching other riders oh,and my nosemounted camera :-)

Plus One! Seems to take unsustainable industrial protectionism out of the equation.

Thoroughly Excellent!

I've bought a few used items from bomberites including bindings boots and boards.The main shout out I'll give is for Mike Tovino(Mike T.) If you ever want a like-new board from an honest seller, I highly recommend buying from Mike.I have two Coilers bought from him.

Count me in for Friday.I'm not sure I can do more than Tues,Wed and then come back up on Friday,but I will play it by ear.Pray for slightly cold and sunny!

Is done by replacing two bolts for the binding disc with longer ones to secure the boom on top of the disc but under the boot.I haven't adapted this design to TD's yet but will soon.

Some of the later clips are Not for the easily nauseated as I was experimenting with a pivoting head that was counter weighted to swing freely but right itself according to the horizon.Sort of works but some obvious kinks to work out.The cable operated version used earlier in the video is more promising I think.The free pivot is great for setting the GoPro to take photos every 2 seconds however;when I get the new H2 camera the quicker shutter speed will make for some cool shots without the blur I get with the slower HD1. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W0xBgFsUoS8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I think we used the term 'advanced' to refer to riders already possessing the skills to make medium intensity carves on intermediate terrain who are looking to step things up a notch or two.From this common skill level it is a good advancement to gain confidence on steeper or varied terrain as well as practice new maneuvers on familiar terrain.It is my plan to include a bit of both.

I'm excited to be coming up next week.A reminder to those interested;I will be leading an ADVANCED CLINIC on Wednesday at 1:00.I was thinking that the participants and I can get a head start on the clinic by eating lunch together. I will have an extra gopro camera mount with me if anyone would like to view themselves from a great perspective for observing movement patterns.If you have your own gopro camera it can be inserted into the mount too.I will only have one gopro camera with me but people can take turns with that one.If someone else does have a gopro hd camera,we can have two at a time going,which could be very productive providing video to pay dividends toward skill development in the future:-)

The one of Joerg is my choice for best pic.

Best EFf'in day of the week at Silver.Rearrange yer work schedule and get yer slackerass up to Silver.The last few Mondays have been Sunny and Awesome!

I had little faith in judged events before, but I have even less now.