lili Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 <o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" images="" smilies="" redface.gif="" border="0" alt="" title="Embarrassment" smilieid="3" class="inlineimg"></o:smarttagtype> Hi all, I had my first season in hardboots this past winter. I’ve seen a bunch of posts on first days, so I thought I'd post mine... Let me start by saying I only had about 7 days in softboots. The first time I was on a snowboard was about 1999 and I LOVED it. For some reason I didn’t go out again until the 2007/20008 season. <o></o> In April 2008, I went to <st1></st1><st1><st1>Mt.</st1> <st1>Hood</st1></st1> w/a friend and his friend, who is a hardbooter. I was a newbie in softies and was semi-terrified and preoccupied with the size of Hood – so I’m not sure I ever saw the hardbooting guy really ride and got the difference, but he did give me lots of good pointers. Anyway fast forward a couple of months, the hardbooter guy and I stayed in touch and he would NOT stop talking about snowboarding. I mean, it was summer and we were at the beach! I didn’t get it…until one day, this short film “Carved” came out. You have to understand this guy is inseparable from his I-phone and would show that short to everyone..he even made my mom watch it. At some point, which I don’t really remember, I must have said I'd give hardboots a shot. Nothing would ever be the same… <o></o> Next thing I know, I was sucked into the vortex of Bomber, of You Tube videos on carving, boards I should check out and boots. O-M-G..the freaking boots. Styles and foot measuring and BTS thingys and liner questions and emails of things to research flooding my work inbox. Are you serious?? Next thing I know, we’re buying me boots off Bomber. I remember thinking right about then “holy S****, I’m really going to have to do this!” <o></o> So come this past November, the same three of us go out to <st1:state><st1>Colorado</st1> </st1:state>for some early season riding. Only having about 7 days on the snow ever, we took my softboots AND my new hardboots (just in case) but only my softboot board. I spent the first 3 days in my softies. I was having serious boot issues and I was really unhappy and probably not so much fun to be around. So we decided to give the hardboots a shot. My friend set my softboot board up with a spare pair of Carrier bindings he had and put my angles around 40something. We got off the lift the next morning and this is how it went: Hardbooter friend: Make a flat spot and just step in with your back foot Me: I try to step in and slide 10 feet. Try again and slide another 10 feet and so on and so on for about 5 minutes . Me 7 minutes later: Finally clip in while I’m sliding unwillingly, my feet at these weird angles, slightly terrified and shout to my friend (who I’m hating at this point) “Now what??” Hardbooter Friend: SNOWBOARD he shouts back. <o></o> That’s all the instruction I got down my first trail in hardboots. I haven’t been in softies since. I’m hooked. I try on my gear about once a month during the off season, think the summers are to long and the winters are too short. I can’t really carve yet, but I’m determined. I even take turns extra sharp on my bike to and from work because I imagine it almost feels like carving. <o></o> You guys are die-hard. I love it. Can’t wait for season 2! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guesswho Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 <o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" images="" smilies="" redface.gif="" border="0" alt="" title="Embarrassment" smilieid="3" class="inlineimg"></o:smarttagtype>Me 7 minutes later: Finally clip in while I’m sliding unwillingly, my feet at these weird angles, slightly terrified and shout to my friend (who I’m hating at this point) “Now what??” Hardbooter Friend: SNOWBOARD he shouts back. <o></o> LOL, thats great stuff. Sorry I havent replied to your post in the NY, NJ, PA section of the ride board. I go through stages where Im obsessed with the bomber forums then other stages where I get wrapped up in the summer sports and barely look at it. Im psyched to hear of another newb in NYC! It was great to hear about all the experience riders too, but its good to know Im not the only learning. I'd be glad to share the bit of progress Ive made if you're interested. Let me be the first to say (if it hasnt already been said) Welcome to your newest, and hopefully longest lasting addiction :) -Adiel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
www.oldsnowboards.com Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 Wow, great story!! Coast to coast!!! It only gets better. Just a guess, do you know Jim ?? Hurry back to Mt Hood !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lili Posted August 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 Wow, great story!! Coast to coast!!!It only gets better. Just a guess, do you know Jim ?? Hurry back to Mt Hood !! Thanks! I don't know Jim. But I do plan on getting back to Mt. Hood as soon as possible. @ Adiel--- Would definitely appreciate any tips you've picked up! Thanks, Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeoffV Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 Lisa, great story. Keep and eye out for posts regarding the East Coast Expression Session (ECES). Things are in the work for this bi-annual event. This is a great venue from you to get some hands on lessons and tips for riders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carvedog Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 ..... I’m hooked. I try on my gear about once a month during the off season, think the summers are to long and the winters are too short..... sounds like you have the fever. carvedog likes this cuz he has been there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjvircks Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 Yep... we are nuts about it! Welcome to the Asylum! Recently I bought a new set of liners, was fitting them in the living room and wearing the boots a bit to see how they'd work out. A few days later I awoke slowly from a carving dream... fully stoked to get first tracks... only to realize I was in Iowa and had to go to work. Bummer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptran11 Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 hi Lili, I was in a similar position. My lady wanted to switch to snowboarding, I had to do it to otherwise we'll never get down the mountain together while she was learning the sport. I some how found alpine carving on the internet and quickly bought used gear. I knew just from watching the videos that I'll be hooked and I was. I took the route to learn snowboarding on hard boots right away and by passed softies. While it was super challenging and painful it was fun. I can't wait until winter. I'm ready to hit the slopes last month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 Its good to have another junkie in the midst. The addiction only gets worse, the more you ride the more you want to ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Brown Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Hi Lisa, Great post - thanks for setting the Wayback Machine for me! ... Keep and eye out for posts regarding the East Coast Expression Session (ECES)... +2 -- yep, great time and super for taking your riding up a notch or 12 or something! And, yes this is one deranged crew Just too much freaking fun!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lili Posted August 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Thanks for all the notes everyone. Glad to know I'm in good company. Looking forward to riding with some of you at ECES! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groovastic Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 couldn't you talk to my wife..? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arclite Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 <o></o>I haven’t been in softies since. I’m hooked. I try on my gear about once a month during the off season, think the summers are to long and the winters are too short. I can’t really carve yet, but I’m determined. I even take turns extra sharp on my bike to and from work because I imagine it almost feels like carving. Thats a great story! I love the instructions your friend gave you. :lol: You might still go back to softboots when you get powder. A bunch of hardbooters still do that. If you haven't already, Longboarding (especially with the right equipment) feels a lot like carving a snowboard. Ebay has some boards up for a descent price and if you really want to get serious The Loaded Dervish and Vanguard are both good longboards for basically everything. Trust me, this is an expensive hobby you're getting into. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queequeg Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 [/indent]Me 7 minutes later: Finally clip in while I’m sliding unwillingly, my feet at these weird angles, slightly terrified and shout to my friend (who I’m hating at this point) “Now what??” Hardbooter Friend: SNOWBOARD he shouts back. [/indent] I always get a giggle out of this story :D Lisa is by far the most enthusiastic new snowboarder I have ever met, and very determined to lay down trenches - she's got a ton of heart, goes for it, refuses to give up and just generally kicks a whole lotta' ass. I'm sure she'll be killin' it in no time--particularly with help from all the great riders on this forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Posted August 15, 2009 Report Share Posted August 15, 2009 Hi Lili! Great to have another female on-board. I love your story...its a little familiar to me;) I see that you are in NYC. If you get a chance to come to Vermont next season, I ride at Stratton and would be happy to make some turns w/you. You should definately attend ECES this season, as it'll give you a chance to meet lots of local riders and demo some equipment too. For now, keep thinking snowy thoughts:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lili Posted August 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2009 I see that you are in NYC. If you get a chance to come to Vermont next season, I ride at Stratton and would be happy to make some turns w/you. Thanks Steph for the offer! I'm sure I will be up at Stratton this winter so will definitely give you a shout. @ Queequeg - Thanks. Looking forward to the winter! Lili Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlibs69 Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 Lili, welcome to a new world. Go see Steph up at Stratton. She will give you sound advice. (She rides better than most of the guys on this forum). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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