NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Hello everyone, My name is Evan and I am an avid snowboarder (all-mountain freeride that is). I was at Schweitzer last weekend and saw an Alpine Carver just tearing it up, leaning into it and having a blast. Since then I haven’t been able to get the concept out of my mind. I have been doing extensive research by way of calling every shop that may have alpine boards or boarders and picking their brain. I have been on youtube watching vids and wondering what the learning curve (or should I say carve) would be for a guy like me. Also I have been on ebay looking for a reliable “good fit board and bindings” for a beginner bomber… Which brings me to your forum. Any advice big or small would be extremely appreciated. Here is the low down: I am 6’6” tall with a size 14 boot (or 31-31.5 mondo). I am looking for a board with the traditional alpine shape. I have never worn hard boots on a board before nor have I ridden such extreme angle on my bindings… with that said I want to know where to start. I am assuming I need to be in the 168 to 180cm range with somewhat of a softer flex as I am just a novice carver? Along with your suggestions I am open to any equipment you may have for sale that would suite me. I will pay for shipping as I live in Spokane WA. I have been on ebay and have been watching a few alpine boards but do not know enough to pull the trigger on something. Thank you for your time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronG Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Guess I will beat Jack to it. Go here to get a grip on setting up your current setup to try "The Norm" and read as much info as you can input into your grey matter. http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/welcome_center.cfm For buying alpine boards there is no better site than this one, check in the classified ads forum here http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=33 Also, post your info in this area, ride boards. This area caters specifcally to your locale and who is riding where and when. http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=15 Another thing, most carvers on here are more than willing to help a newbie start out on a carving set up. Many riders have extra gear that are willing to loan out to try to get you started in carving. There are many carvers that live in the PNW that post here. Also, check out the N.I.C.E. posting in the message board. Lots of carvers congregate at these events and are more than willing to help http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=32611 looks like it ends Sunday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queequeg Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 I am 6’6” tall with a size 14 boot (or 31-31.5 mondo). Welcome! You may want to add your weight to the information that you have posted, as this is a relatively important factor for finding a board that will be well suited for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Thank you oldvolvosrule!<O:p</O:p I have been crusing the forum and did find a few bombers in my local area... as a matter of fact one that frequents the mt. I will be boarding tomorrow (on my K2 all-mt. Slayblade). I will be sure to drop him an email tonight. Thank you for the links, definitely will be perusing them. I am all ears to equipment suggestions. I have been engulfing myself with info about the sport, boards, and preferences on equipment. <O:p</O:p Thank you again<O:p</O:p e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Welcome! You may want to add your weight to the information that you have posted, as this is a relatively important factor for finding a board that will be well suited for you. Good point and thanks for the heads up, I know better then that, just got caught up in the other minutia... I am 230 lbs with all my gear on. I am open to any suggestions. <O:p</O:p Cheers!<O:p</O:p E<O:p</O:p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcarver Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Make sure you get a wider board for that boot size. I would think the minimal width would be 22 cm so you don't have to run crazy steep angles to avoid boot out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teach Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 With size 14 boots, you should immediately increase your binding angles! I bet you need to go to 40 degrees or more to avoid lots of boot overhang (you'll still have some unless you have a wider board than I've ever seen). When you start it will feel awkward, but give it a few days; you'll find it makes proper carves easier, and when you start getting the board up on edge you won't have the unpleasant surprise of losing your edge due to boot overhang. Angles above 50 degrees or so will take more getting used to (they did for me, at least) but if you keep "the Norm" in mind that will help getting you to not fight the angles. Don't pay much for a board until you've used a few and know what you like. The variety in alpine is one really nice aspect. Don't think you need a wide board; angles above 55 degrees or so make boot length not much of an issue. I ride a 19 cm waist board with about 60 degree angles. I wear size 13 shoes but MP28 boots. That's the other thing: DON'T get boots that are too big. That caused me untold problems. Measure your foot as the FAQ says. Try some shells if you can get your hands on some. Good luck! It's a little involved getting set up but worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AaronG Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Sensory overload here. For the most complete information on Alpine Snowboarding you might want to peruse this site also. http://www.alpinecarving.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike g. Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 hey, where all up at schweitzer this weekend. just killing it. If you can you should try to come over, we have Mr Donek here, with some boards all we have to do is find bindings and boots. the guys u are looking for are here too from spokane. mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teach Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Oh, yeah, at your weight (probably the same as my weight) you probably want to get Bomber bindings. They're not cheap, but on the other hand used TD2s go for less than half the list price of Burton CO2s... later you can experiment but at first you want to be absolutely sure you're not going to break a bail or something. Also, they're very adjustable. Catek also make strong, highly tweakable bindings. To amplify my point about not needing a wide board, when I started last season I was using MP 30 boots (maybe your size, or maybe MP 29 would work for you). I rode a 21.5 cm waist board and a 24 cm waist board. Setting the angles to bring the boots to the edges gave me something like 57 degrees on the 21.5 and 55 degrees on the 24. They didn't feel any different, but the wider board was slower to get on edge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queequeg Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 As others have pointed out, your big feet are going to have to be a significant factor in the board that you begin with. In order to ride with relatively normal stance angles you will need a pretty wide board, otherwise you will need to ride higher-than-normal angles to prevent overhang. Wide carving boards are a bit tricky to come by used, but I'm sure it can be done. I assume/agree that you want something at least 21 wide (probably wider, I'm not sure ... maybe someone with big feet can chime in). At 230 you are going to want something a bit beefier than your average beginner. My feet are in UPZ 26's and I ride boards that are 20cm wide and my angles are 55/60 ... UPZ have a shorter than normal sole length. I would look on the classifieds for wide (possibly all mountain?) boards on the stiffer side to begin with. Although you won't be getting the board high enough on edge as a beginner to boot out, over/underhang is still somewhat important because it makes the board feel funny and harder to control. If you can't find a board that is wide enough in your price range to start - an alternative is to put some risers underneath your bindings, which will reduce the effects of overhang, somewhat (but that should really only be done as a fallback). I would not recommend higher angles for a beginner, as it makes the board more difficult to skid when needed, chattering out with higher angles is also super unpleasant on the knees (in my experience anyhow). Otherwise, if you've got the scratch I might consider giving Sean Martin a call at Donek Snowboards as he makes boards in custom width's for all kinds of riders and can set you up nicely ... the problem with that is that you are talking a lot more money there, of course the upside is that you'll be starting out on a pretty sweet ride. If you are sure you're gonna be hooked, you could always make your first board an "all mountain" carving board, knowing that you will eventually outgrow it in terms of your carving skills. Since it would be an all mountain board it would still be useful to you on days when the snow is not ideal for carving (too soft, bumped up, too crowded); so once you get to that point you can get a new board that is a full-bore carving machine, but still use your "learning" board as an all-mountain deck for jumping into the trees, hitting the bumps etc ... There are a number of big guys with big feet (err I assume) on this forum, I'm sure they can provide more useful information. Oh yeah and you should DEFINITELY head to Schweitzer ASAP and check out the N.I.C.E carving event ... there are a bunch of guys over there that can really get you started *right*now*. Otherwise: make sure to introduce yourself to the PNW carving crew on the PNW ride board: http://bomberonline.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=15 There are some guys there with loads and loads and loads of decks - maybe you get lucky and one of them has something wide and stiff they can sell you to start out on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcarver Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Forgot to mention that a stepin type binding might be better for you. Less flex and less overhang than a standard binding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davekempmeister Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 I wear a size 31.5 (15 US) and use Head Stratos Pro boots, which I believe are the largest size hardboots available of any manufacturer. Anyway, I get away with riding skinny boards (18cm waist) provided I dial up to 54 degrees or better. Also, at nearly your height and a few pounds less, I have learned to beware the too soft board. Your size will preclude many boards based on flex. You are just a few pieces of equipment and a few linked turns from getting hooked. Best of luck and I hope it proves to be what you have visualized. edit: I use Catek OS1 long plates (intec step-ins) at this boot size with great results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 hey, where all up at schweitzer this weekend. just killing it. If you can you should try to come over, we have Mr Donek here, with some boards all we have to do is find bindings and boots. the guys u are looking for are here too from spokane.mike OH MAN! This would be a phenomenal opportunity as I am up there almost every weekend but I committed myself to go local with a buddy as he is limited on time. I am probably headed up Wed. as it looks like we are getting another storm! Have fun and I will contact you mid week to see if you are around. <O:p</O:p Ev<O:p</O:p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Don't pay much for a board until you've used a few and know what you like. The variety in alpine is one really nice aspect. Don't think you need a wide board; angles above 55 degrees or so make boot length not much of an issue....It's a little involved getting set up but worth it! Great advise and yes, i won’t be taking the big plunge (i.e. $1.5k on a Kesser or Sword set up) until I feel comfortable that this is something I can handle. <O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p Boot size has always been a factor in my boarding life but I compensate accordingly and I figured that in Alpine boarding, the case would be the same... Now, finding a pare of used 30-31 mondos is a trick.<O:p</O:p Also, thanks for encouragement. I have a propensity to hype focus on something until I get it so I am sure it will all be worth it in the end. <O:p</O:p Ev<O:p</O:p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 Sensory overload here. For the most complete information on Alpine Snowboarding you might want to peruse this site also.http://www.alpinecarving.com/ Yes indeed, thank you. VERY helpful!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Prokopiw Posted February 26, 2011 Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 but the real way to go is to have Sean build you one.I usually have a fair amount of used stuff including bindings.I don't have any mondo 31 boots but I do have a 171 board that is 22.5 wide and is stiff and snappy enough to handle you(or vice versa?) :) You can pm me sometime and I can bring stuff to Silver or Schweitzer or Lookout for you to try.I also teach hardbooting if you're so inclined.We're a big happy family up here;we'll take care of ya.Welcome to Bomber! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 I wear a size 31.5 (15 US) and use Head Stratos Pro boots, quote]If you have any boots you are willing to sell let me know. Thank you for the input! Ev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 I wear a size 31.5 (15 US) and use Head Stratos Pro boots, which I believe are the largest size hardboots available of any manufacturer. Anyway, I get away with riding skinny boards (18cm waist) provided I dial up to 54 degrees or better. Also, at nearly your height and a few pounds less, I have learned to beware the too soft board. Your size will preclude many boards based on flex.You are just a few pieces of equipment and a few linked turns from getting hooked. Best of luck and I hope it proves to be what you have visualized. edit: I use Catek OS1 long plates (intec step-ins) at this boot size with great results. but the real way to go is to have Sean build you one.I usually have a fair amount of used stuff including bindings.I don't have any mondo 31 boots but I do have a 171 board that is 22.5 wide and is stiff and snappy enough to handle you(or vice versa?) :) You can pm me sometime and I can bring stuff to Silver or Schweitzer or Lookout for you to try.I also teach hardbooting if you're so inclined.We're a big happy family up here;we'll take care of ya.Welcome to Bomber! HECK YES Steve!<O:p</O:p I will definitely be in touch! One for the equipment and two for a lesson (that is if I can afford you:) I will be up to Shwei and/or Silver this week dependent on weather and snow conditions. Thank you very much for the offer that I will gladly take you up on<O:p</O:p Boarding mt. spokane today... have fun up there!<O:p</O:p Ev<O:p</O:p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted February 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2011 I am sorry I am going to miss the N.I.C.E. event! I hope to meet you all soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pusbag Posted March 2, 2011 Report Share Posted March 2, 2011 Hey evan, Go take a few lessons from steve p . He is a top notch instructor in the alpine discipline and one of the best snowboarders I know. When you're ready to rip schweitzer let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie Posted March 2, 2011 Report Share Posted March 2, 2011 You might also try alpine touring boots, i ride them more than my raichles, they are lighter, more flexible, hence more forgiving, and maybe easier to find at your local mountaineering shop. My other motive is that sometimes ride two planks and can use them for that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted March 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 You might also try alpine touring boots, i ride them more than my raichles, they are lighter, more flexible, hence more forgiving, and maybe easier to find at your local mountaineering shop. My other motive is that sometimes ride two planks and can use them for that too. I love he look and feel of the alpine touring boots but they are all some serious $$$... I could justify this if I put hard bindings on some of my other boards.. (this is my wife and me after getting deeper and deeper into this facte of the sport ).. You wouldnt happen to be an M31 would you and have an extra set? Thanks and cheers. E Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWboarder Posted March 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 I use Catek OS1 long plates (intec step-ins) at this boot size with great results. You are the member I have been looking for. I am all about compromise and know that I have to make some concessions because of my hight and weight (i.e. steeper angels, stiffer boards). Thank you for the reinforcement. just picked up an F2 Speedster with OS2s and conshox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b0ardski Posted March 3, 2011 Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 Hey Evan, glad to here you've been bitten by the carve bug. Tomorrow, one of the local crew (Dane) will be at Schwietzer giving a newby clinic to a couple of interested parties, it'd be a great opportunity for you if you could make it up here. Looks like boots are your biggest issue now, You could get started with a softer intermediate ski boot. I use a mid range Tecnica ski boot on my 185 race board some times an it works pretty well if you find a boot with enough flex. Give me a call if you want to discuss it 2oh8-61oh-2169. we can get you in touch with Dane, he may have a size 30 you could try on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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