Show us what you see!!!

For the first time in a few years, there's finally enough snow to bust out the snowshoes. I snuck up on a Wild Turkey (yes, i'm bragging) in the woods this afternoon, and got a quick look at a Northern Flicker too...

2kwik4u said:

Took the oldest to go snowboarding. Kissing Bridge is only about 30min from the house. Was a decently warm day (around 25), and it dumped an extra 6in or so on us while we were there.

$55/EA got us both a 90min lesson, boots, boards, and helmets. Spent another 3hrs or so on the bunny slopes afterwards. I've been riding a wakeboard for decades now, this was weirdly different. The whole "standing on a board that's sliding" is the same, but weight placement and turning is pretty different. After the first lesson I had it pretty figured out, but I need a LOT of practice before we graduate off the bunny slopes.

We fell a couple times, and once I re-aggravated my neck injury. Totally worth it for the oldest to tell me "Best day ever dad" on the way home!

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replying to myself here for context. Tagging in some others for fun

@YoDaddy292 @Thermobrett @Coult45 @AZMark

We went back yesterday. Little bit different deal this time. $55 for board/boot/helmet rental. $15 for "bunny slope" lift ticket. Got there around 1pm, left about 5:30. Not a terrible $/time ratio at about $120 for the day for both of us.

We didn't do any lesson this time, just a bunch of runs on the beginner slope. It's really shallow, and not very long. Only made maybe 10 runs total because of the time it took to get back UP on the magic carpet thing. After about the 5th or 6th run we decided to traverse over to the other "more aggressive" slope that is really just the last little bit of a much larger slope. The steepness was intimidating, but we both did it 2-3 times and didn't crash. Speaking of which, I went the whole session without falling on my tailbone. I was concentrating hard on trying to learn how to get myself to be "toe side" towards the hill, and made a commitment to myself to only "fall forward". Seemed to work, and was nice to not come home with a sore neck/back bone re-arrangement.

We both decided at the end of the day that next time, we're getting a proper lift ticket and we're going to go on the big hills. We don't have to be fast, or completely comfortable at it, but the small slopes aren't giving us enough time to actually practice anything. We can stand, and turn, and stop now; without hurting ourselves. We have enough control to not be a nuisance on the slopes to others. We're both pretty certain we just need mileage now to "figure things out" better.

The oldest is even more hyped about it now too. Spent the evening glued to his phone watching snowboard videos, and then started asking how soon we can get back, and that sort of thing. Not gonna lie, I'm fairly excited about it as well. Might have found our "winter thing to do" in the area (not like we looked that hard to be honest). This is pretty odd for his personality as well. About the only other thing I've seen him "obsess" over like this is skimboarding. That kid just absolutely THREW himself into that, and loves it to the point of begging to spend time at the beach every time we go. Got really good at as well, despite having about 10hrs total practice over ~4 years.

SO.....because it's a picture thread, and I didn't take any pictures yesterday. Here's one of him with a skimboard from this summer.



And yes, I promise I feed him as much as he's willing to eat!

Great picture! And I think you're right, time to get up on the hill and get some longer rides in. You guys are ready. Couple of suggestions...take more lessons periodically. If the instructors are any good, they'll keep your skills growing way past beginner, and you'll progress WAY faster than all those self-taught riders. And - remember that it's the opposite of wake boarding. Standing up straight is the enemy. Stay coiled all the time. Legs bent, dynamic body positions the whole time. Your quads should scream if you're riding the right way.

2kwik4u said:

replying to myself here for context. Tagging in some others for fun

@YoDaddy292 @Thermobrett @Coult45 @AZMark

We went back yesterday. Little bit different deal this time. $55 for board/boot/helmet rental. $15 for "bunny slope" lift ticket. Got there around 1pm, left about 5:30. Not a terrible $/time ratio at about $120 for the day for both of us.

We didn't do any lesson this time, just a bunch of runs on the beginner slope. It's really shallow, and not very long. Only made maybe 10 runs total because of the time it took to get back UP on the magic carpet thing. After about the 5th or 6th run we decided to traverse over to the other "more aggressive" slope that is really just the last little bit of a much larger slope. The steepness was intimidating, but we both did it 2-3 times and didn't crash. Speaking of which, I went the whole session without falling on my tailbone. I was concentrating hard on trying to learn how to get myself to be "toe side" towards the hill, and made a commitment to myself to only "fall forward". Seemed to work, and was nice to not come home with a sore neck/back bone re-arrangement.

We both decided at the end of the day that next time, we're getting a proper lift ticket and we're going to go on the big hills. We don't have to be fast, or completely comfortable at it, but the small slopes aren't giving us enough time to actually practice anything. We can stand, and turn, and stop now; without hurting ourselves. We have enough control to not be a nuisance on the slopes to others. We're both pretty certain we just need mileage now to "figure things out" better.

The oldest is even more hyped about it now too. Spent the evening glued to his phone watching snowboard videos, and then started asking how soon we can get back, and that sort of thing. Not gonna lie, I'm fairly excited about it as well. Might have found our "winter thing to do" in the area (not like we looked that hard to be honest). This is pretty odd for his personality as well. About the only other thing I've seen him "obsess" over like this is skimboarding. That kid just absolutely THREW himself into that, and loves it to the point of begging to spend time at the beach every time we go. Got really good at as well, despite having about 10hrs total practice over ~4 years.

SO.....because it's a picture thread, and I didn't take any pictures yesterday. Here's one of him with a skimboard from this summer.

View attachment 231275

And yes, I promise I feed him as much as he's willing to eat!

Click to expand...

Like a lot of sports, a little more speed actually makes it easier, and as you mentioned just the time to make 20 turns for practice vs. 4-5 is incredibly helpful. Snow sports definitely reward aggression which is tough because it is counter-intuitive to throw yourself down a hill lol.

Coult45 said:

Great picture! And I think you're right, time to get up on the hill and get some longer rides in. You guys are ready. Couple of suggestions...take more lessons periodically. If the instructors are any good, they'll keep your skills growing way past beginner, and you'll progress WAY faster than all those self-taught riders. And - remember that it's the opposite of wake boarding. Standing up straight is the enemy. Stay coiled all the time. Legs bent, dynamic body positions the whole time. Your quads should scream if you're riding the right way.

Click to expand...

My quads were screaming at the end of the day yesterday. I think as much from bending over to attach the bindings to the boots as the riding, but that's a "beer belly" issue more than a talent and exercise issue.

The "weight forward" is VERY VERY disconcerting at first. I'm getting used to it, and learning how just shifting the weight and effect direction as much as which edge I'm on and how I "carve" (if you can call what I'm doing that at any level)

YoDaddy292 said:

Like a lot of sports, a little more speed actually makes it easier, and as you mentioned just the time to make 20 turns for practice vs. 4-5 is incredibly helpful. Snow sports definitely reward aggression which is tough because it is counter-intuitive to throw yourself down a hill lol.

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It is completely counter intuitive, but I can already see that being true. I'm in this weird place of having enough balance and skill to stay on top of the board, but not enough confidence to pitch myself down the hill and just "trust the board". I'll get there I'm sure, but we're far enough into the season now if we get another 3 trips this year I'll be impressed. Then I'll have to relearn it all over again.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg viewed from Cedar City Utah

zpaul said:

View attachment 231289

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I say they found it on the side of the road, or it has already been to a taxidermist, too stiff. The buck is not dressed, no blood. Staged to turn heads.

zpaul said:

View attachment 231289

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If it is a real photo, I give him props for using the car as a car and not a show piece. I also like the manufactures placement of the tie down hooks on the decklid, true forward thinking for for the individual who needs to transport oversized cargo

2kwik4u said:

replying to myself here for context. Tagging in some others for fun

@YoDaddy292 @Thermobrett @Coult45 @AZMark

We went back yesterday. Little bit different deal this time. $55 for board/boot/helmet rental. $15 for "bunny slope" lift ticket. Got there around 1pm, left about 5:30. Not a terrible $/time ratio at about $120 for the day for both of us.

We didn't do any lesson this time, just a bunch of runs on the beginner slope. It's really shallow, and not very long. Only made maybe 10 runs total because of the time it took to get back UP on the magic carpet thing. After about the 5th or 6th run we decided to traverse over to the other "more aggressive" slope that is really just the last little bit of a much larger slope. The steepness was intimidating, but we both did it 2-3 times and didn't crash. Speaking of which, I went the whole session without falling on my tailbone. I was concentrating hard on trying to learn how to get myself to be "toe side" towards the hill, and made a commitment to myself to only "fall forward". Seemed to work, and was nice to not come home with a sore neck/back bone re-arrangement.

We both decided at the end of the day that next time, we're getting a proper lift ticket and we're going to go on the big hills. We don't have to be fast, or completely comfortable at it, but the small slopes aren't giving us enough time to actually practice anything. We can stand, and turn, and stop now; without hurting ourselves. We have enough control to not be a nuisance on the slopes to others. We're both pretty certain we just need mileage now to "figure things out" better.

The oldest is even more hyped about it now too. Spent the evening glued to his phone watching snowboard videos, and then started asking how soon we can get back, and that sort of thing. Not gonna lie, I'm fairly excited about it as well. Might have found our "winter thing to do" in the area (not like we looked that hard to be honest). This is pretty odd for his personality as well. About the only other thing I've seen him "obsess" over like this is skimboarding. That kid just absolutely THREW himself into that, and loves it to the point of begging to spend time at the beach every time we go. Got really good at as well, despite having about 10hrs total practice over ~4 years.

SO.....because it's a picture thread, and I didn't take any pictures yesterday. Here's one of him with a skimboard from this summer.

And yes, I promise I feed him as much as he's willing to eat!

Click to expand...

Sounds like you are both well on your way to another expensive hobby!!!

We went back yesterday. Little bit different deal this time. $55 for board/boot/helmet rental. $15 for "bunny slope" lift ticket. Got there around 1pm, left about 5:30. Not a terrible $/time ratio at about $120 for the day for both of us.

Click to expand...

That is still pretty inexpensive. The crap 250' hill that I ride locally is almost $60 for a lift ticket. We went to Park City last year and a two-day pass at Park City Mountain cost me over $550. You can save a good amount of money purchasing early but by the time we decided where we were going the Epic Daily pass was sold out so I ended up paying through the nose.

We didn't do any lesson this time, just a bunch of runs on the beginner slope. It's really shallow, and not very long. Only made maybe 10 runs total because of the time it took to get back UP on the magic carpet thing. After about the 5th or 6th run we decided to traverse over to the other "more aggressive" slope that is really just the last little bit of a much larger slope. The steepness was intimidating, but we both did it 2-3 times and didn't crash. Speaking of which, I went the whole session without falling on my tailbone. I was concentrating hard on trying to learn how to get myself to be "toe side" towards the hill, and made a commitment to myself to only "fall forward". Seemed to work, and was nice to not come home with a sore neck/back bone re-arrangement.

Click to expand...

After getting a solid foundation from a good instructor this is the best way to progress - you need as many laps as you can get. I'm assuming that the instructor taught you how to fall "properly" so you don't break a wrist? Most beginners have the most trouble transitioning from heel side to toe side because they aren't comfortable with their back to the downhill side. Once you start feeling more comfortable with toe side you will have cleared another hurdle. I helped my step-daughter learn how to ride several years ago (she did take lessons) and we concentrated on sliding down heel side and toe side so she could get a feel for how much pressure to apply to stop. We then progressed to J turns and then slowly linking the J turns until she was able to get a better feel. A couple of things that I tried to impress on her was at the end of each J turn to "let the nose of the board fall" (point down the fall line) naturally as you shift your weight - do not try to muscle it around. Another thing that I learned is to "stay on top of the board" with your weight distributed evenly. New riders will start to pick up speed, freak out a little, and lean backwards on their rear foot which makes controlling the board almost impossible as you can't engage the side cut.

We both decided at the end of the day that next time, we're getting a proper lift ticket and we're going to go on the big hills. We don't have to be fast, or completely comfortable at it, but the small slopes aren't giving us enough time to actually practice anything. We can stand, and turn, and stop now; without hurting ourselves. We have enough control to not be a nuisance on the slopes to others. We're both pretty certain we just need mileage now to "figure things out" better

Click to expand...

I've been asked several times over the years if snowboarding is hard and I say "no, but getting off a lift on a snowboard is hard" - at least at the beginning. I'm sure that you're aware of this already but when you get on/off the lift your rear foot is not secured into the binding and you have to skate off at the top when you get off the lift. This can be difficult depending on the physical characteristics of the lift exit. If it's wide and semi flat you're generally OK but if its a bit steep or you have to go left or right it can be intimidating. I always move forward on the seat and rotate my upper body so I can position my board parallel to the movement of the lift, push my rear boot against my rear binding, let the tail of the board touch first, get to the standing position, push off of the lift a little and ride away. Remember to "keep your head up" when getting off the lift - if you look down that's where you're going. Some people will not put their rear foot on their board when exiting the lift and just try and skate away - this never really worked for me. The other thing that can be challenging is if the lift is full and everyone tries scrambling off and you get pushed. I would recommend going at a time where it's not super busy so just the two of you can ride up if the hill has something other than double chairs. I'm assuming that your rental boards have "stomp pads" in front of the rear binding - this allows for you to get more traction for your rear foot when exiting the lift - or just skating around. I recently saw something pretty cool called a "Shredhook" that looks like it would make getting off the lift much easier for new riders - look it up if you have time.

The oldest is even more hyped about it now too. Spent the evening glued to his phone watching snowboard videos, and then started asking how soon we can get back, and that sort of thing. Not gonna lie, I'm fairly excited about it as well. Might have found our "winter thing to do" in the area (not like we looked that hard to be honest). This is pretty odd for his personality as well. About the only other thing I've seen him "obsess" over like this is skimboarding. That kid just absolutely THREW himself into that, and loves it to the point of begging to spend time at the beach every time we go. Got really good at as well, despite having about 10hrs total practice over ~4 years.

Click to expand...

Have him look up a guy named Malcolm Moore on YouTube - he has lots of great instructional videos for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders.

This is a good time of the year to start looking at gear as the sales are starting. There are all kinds of boot, binding, and board options to choose from. The board profiles and how they match your riding style (camber, rocker, cam/rock hybrid) can be confusing so you need to know what you're looking for before you spend $$. If you walk into a shop and they say that you size a board by length so that the edge is at your top lip walk out and head to the next place. The "Angry Snowboarder" has a good YouTube channel and his reviews of snowboard gear are usually spot on. If you have any gear questions feel free to PM me.

That's cool he's catching the bug! Once he gets a good foundation of riding I would also recommend trying skiing. You just never know, he might like skis more. For context I started skiing at a very young age skiing the small mountains of North Carolina, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Wolf Laurel. When I was around 17 in 1989 I spent 10 days in Aspen and I first tried snow boarding. It was so new at the time skiers hated boarders and the only mountain you could ride on was Buttermilk. It was outlawed at Snowmass, Ajax, and Aspen Highlands. So from 1989 to 2004 I only snow boarded. Then my kids started skiing. I was older, beer gut, and riding the flat slower runs was more work, so in 2005 I switched back to skiing. Now I only ski but I still have my original pair of K2 snow board boots I bought in the early 2000's. So you just never know.

Here's a link to one of the craziest Red Bull Lines of Winter. It's a little long but trust me freakin insane. Watch to the end. This video always gets me Psyche'd for the Winter and when "Don't Sweat the Technic" comes on my playlist when I'm skiing I most definitely kick it into a whole new gear!!

WiskyDan said:

Sounds like you are both well on your way to another expensive hobby!!!

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Absolutely we are.

WiskyDan said:

That is still pretty inexpensive. The crap 250' hill that I ride locally is almost $60 for a lift ticket. We went to Park City last year and a two-day pass at Park City Mountain cost me over $550. You can save a good amount of money purchasing early but by the time we decided where we were going the Epic Daily pass was sold out so I ended up paying through the nose.

Click to expand...

I think Kissing Bridge has 550' of drop. Is that a lot? Good? Bad?

WiskyDan said:

After getting a solid foundation from a good instructor this is the best way to progress - you need as many laps as you can get. I'm assuming that the instructor taught you how to fall "properly" so you don't break a wrist? Most beginners have the most trouble transitioning from heel side to toe side because they aren't comfortable with their back to the downhill side. Once you start feeling more comfortable with toe side you will have cleared another hurdle. I helped my step-daughter learn how to ride several years ago (she did take lessons) and we concentrated on sliding down heel side and toe side so she could get a feel for how much pressure to apply to stop. We then progressed to J turns and then slowly linking the J turns until she was able to get a better feel. A couple of things that I tried to impress on her was at the end of each J turn to "let the nose of the board fall" (point down the fall line) naturally as you shift your weight - do not try to muscle it around. Another thing that I learned is to "stay on top of the board" with your weight distributed evenly. New riders will start to pick up speed, freak out a little, and lean backwards on their rear foot which makes controlling the board almost impossible as you can't engage the side cut.

Click to expand...

I don't mind my back to the hill, but I'm still VERY hesitant to slide on my toes. I know the "butt bonk" that comes from catching an edge and falling over backwards and that's what I'm trying to avoid. I ride left foot forward as "normal", but already feel pretty comfy with right foot forward as well. I suspect this is from years on the water and being mostly ambidextrous in terms of stance there. So far most of my time has been sliding more than turning and kind of "see sawing" my way across the slopes on my heels. The only way I can transition over to my toe edge is to really "commit" to the turn and lean in towards the hill. I'm sure I'll get used to it, just need practice.

The instructor didn't give any real good info on "how to fall" so to speak. Again, I'm just avoiding the butt bonk, and trying to fall more on my arms, shoulders, than anywhere else. No idea if that is good or bad though.

WiskyDan said:

I've been asked several times over the years if snowboarding is hard and I say "no, but getting off a lift on a snowboard is hard" - at least at the beginning. I'm sure that you're aware of this already but when you get on/off the lift your rear foot is not secured into the binding and you have to skate off at the top when you get off the lift. This can be difficult depending on the physical characteristics of the lift exit. If it's wide and semi flat you're generally OK but if its a bit steep or you have to go left or right it can be intimidating. I always move forward on the seat and rotate my upper body so I can position my board parallel to the movement of the lift, push my rear boot against my rear binding, let the tail of the board touch first, get to the standing position, push off of the lift a little and ride away. Remember to "keep your head up" when getting off the lift - if you look down that's where you're going. Some people will not put their rear foot on their board when exiting the lift and just try and skate away - this never really worked for me. The other thing that can be challenging is if the lift is full and everyone tries scrambling off and you get pushed. I would recommend going at a time where it's not super busy so just the two of you can ride up if the hill has something other than double chairs. I'm assuming that your rental boards have "stomp pads" in front of the rear binding - this allows for you to get more traction for your rear foot when exiting the lift - or just skating around. I recently saw something pretty cool called a "Shredhook" that looks like it would make getting off the lift much easier for new riders - look it up if you have time.

Click to expand...

They ask that getting off the Magic Carpet thing that both feet are on the board. So it's kind of like what you're describing. You don't really skate off, but it's pretty shallow/flat and you kind of glide for 3-4ft, and then have to skate away. I'm sure the chair lift is totally different, but there's only one way to learn right?

The rental boards don't have the stomp pad things, but the instructor talked about them. He mentioned that the resort purposefully uses boards that have non-slick top surfaces, and boots with a certain kind of soles for this reason. I'll try to grab the make/model next time I'm there. Only thing I really know is that they put G on a 145 board and me on a 160 board. I think that's centimeters in length, right? I'm 6'2" tall, or 188cm, so the "as tall as your lip" kind of fits there. Honestly, I took whatever the shop gave me as a rental.

WiskyDan said:

Have him look up a guy named Malcolm Moore on YouTube - he has lots of great instructional videos for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders.

Click to expand...

Added to the house playlist. Thanks!

WiskyDan said:

This is a good time of the year to start looking at gear as the sales are starting. There are all kinds of boot, binding, and board options to choose from. The board profiles and how they match your riding style (camber, rocker, cam/rock hybrid) can be confusing so you need to know what you're looking for before you spend $$. If you walk into a shop and they say that you size a board by length so that the edge is at your top lip walk out and head to the next place. The "Angry Snowboarder" has a good YouTube channel and his reviews of snowboard gear are usually spot on. If you have any gear questions feel free to PM me.

Click to expand...

Will do. We stopped in a little ski shop on the way home (I need better gloves immediately) and looked around a bit. Talked to the owner for a minute, but he was super busy and I didn't want to take his time from other customers. We'll stop in and talk again when he's not swamped on a prime snow day and we're close to spending some cash. I really like the idea of a seasonal rental for the kid. He's outgrowing stuff so fast I have to think he's only going to get a season or two out of a board/boots/bindings/etc. I might consider a good board for myself (I'm pretty much down growing), but want at least another year and some real time on the hills before I make that decision.

We've had pretty good luck as a family with "buy a cheap version first" mentality. I know it puts us a disadvantage, and ultimately costs more money, but we've saved a few times with it as well. His skim board is a great example, where we bought the crap thing plywood version from "Surf Style" or whatever the little Florida tourist trap place was. He had it for a few seasons and got the basics sorted out, still loved it, so we sprung for the high dollar fiberglass unit from a reputable surf shop, and he immediately "levelled up" his riding. I'm hoping boarding can be the same way in the snow. Rent a couple seasons, figure out that we like it and are ready for the better equipment, then get ourselves some good stuff.

Thanks for all the tips and help. Really appreciate having a friendly ear as we wade in!

2kwik4u said:

Absolutely we are.

I think Kissing Bridge has 550' of drop. Is that a lot? Good? Bad?

I don't mind my back to the hill, but I'm still VERY hesitant to slide on my toes. I know the "butt bonk" that comes from catching an edge and falling over backwards and that's what I'm trying to avoid. I ride left foot forward as "normal", but already feel pretty comfy with right foot forward as well. I suspect this is from years on the water and being mostly ambidextrous in terms of stance there. So far most of my time has been sliding more than turning and kind of "see sawing" my way across the slopes on my heels. The only way I can transition over to my toe edge is to really "commit" to the turn and lean in towards the hill. I'm sure I'll get used to it, just need practice.

The instructor didn't give any real good info on "how to fall" so to speak. Again, I'm just avoiding the butt bonk, and trying to fall more on my arms, shoulders, than anywhere else. No idea if that is good or bad though.


They ask that getting off the Magic Carpet thing that both feet are on the board. So it's kind of like what you're describing. You don't really skate off, but it's pretty shallow/flat and you kind of glide for 3-4ft, and then have to skate away. I'm sure the chair lift is totally different, but there's only one way to learn right?

The rental boards don't have the stomp pad things, but the instructor talked about them. He mentioned that the resort purposefully uses boards that have non-slick top surfaces, and boots with a certain kind of soles for this reason. I'll try to grab the make/model next time I'm there. Only thing I really know is that they put G on a 145 board and me on a 160 board. I think that's centimeters in length, right? I'm 6'2" tall, or 188cm, so the "as tall as your lip" kind of fits there. Honestly, I took whatever the shop gave me as a rental.

Added to the house playlist. Thanks!

Will do. We stopped in a little ski shop on the way home (I need better gloves immediately) and looked around a bit. Talked to the owner for a minute, but he was super busy and I didn't want to take his time from other customers. We'll stop in and talk again when he's not swamped on a prime snow day and we're close to spending some cash. I really like the idea of a seasonal rental for the kid. He's outgrowing stuff so fast I have to think he's only going to get a season or two out of a board/boots/bindings/etc. I might consider a good board for myself (I'm pretty much down growing), but want at least another year and some real time on the hills before I make that decision.

We've had pretty good luck as a family with "buy a cheap version first" mentality. I know it puts us a disadvantage, and ultimately costs more money, but we've saved a few times with it as well. His skim board is a great example, where we bought the crap thing plywood version from "Surf Style" or whatever the little Florida tourist trap place was. He had it for a few seasons and got the basics sorted out, still loved it, so we sprung for the high dollar fiberglass unit from a reputable surf shop, and he immediately "levelled up" his riding. I'm hoping boarding can be the same way in the snow. Rent a couple seasons, figure out that we like it and are ready for the better equipment, then get ourselves some good stuff.

Thanks for all the tips and help. Really appreciate having a friendly ear as we wade in!

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You can hurt your wrists really bad as you get faster. I wouldn’t get too locked in on avoiding falling on your butt. Learning just hurts for sure.

BigN8 said:

So in 2005 I switched back to skiing. Now I only ski........

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Blasphemy!!!!

AZMark said:

You can hurt your wrists really bad as you get faster. I wouldn’t get too locked in on avoiding falling on your butt. Learning just hurts for sure.

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Biggest issue with the butt landing is the shockwave it sends up my spine to the bulging discs I have in my neck. Dove into a pool about a decade ago and hit my head. Lucky I didn't break my neck and end up paralyzed. Was diagnosed about 3yrs ago with ruptured discs in between a couple vertebrae in my neck. By and large, they don't bother me unless I sleep in a really odd position (think head on the armrest of the couch overnight), have really poor posture at work or on a road trip, or do something stupid like try to learn how to snowboard; or try to ride one of those endless wave machines on vacation after 3 margaritas. First trip out on the snowboard I landed butt first a few times and had a bit of whiplash in the neck/head area after catching an edge and flipping onto my backside. Took 3-4 days and copious amounts of bourbon and advil to get it calmed down.

2kwik4u said:

I think Kissing Bridge has 550' of drop. Is that a lot? Good? Bad?

Click to expand...

I'd be happy as a clam if my local hill was 550' - it sounds like its a good place to learn.

2kwik4u said:

I don't mind my back to the hill, but I'm still VERY hesitant to slide on my toes. I know the "butt bonk" that comes from catching an edge and falling over backwards and that's what I'm trying to avoid. I ride left foot forward as "normal", but already feel pretty comfy with right foot forward as well. I suspect this is from years on the water and being mostly ambidextrous in terms of stance there. So far most of my time has been sliding more than turning and kind of "see sawing" my way across the slopes on my heels. The only way I can transition over to my toe edge is to really "commit" to the turn and lean in towards the hill. I'm sure I'll get used to it, just need practice.

Click to expand...

Try a heel side J turn and come to a complete stop. Release pressure on your rear edge and let the nose fall towards the bottom of the run and once you are flat on the base and moving down the hill shift pressure to the toe side edge - basically: heel side - flat - toe side.

2kwik4u said:

The instructor didn't give any real good info on "how to fall" so to speak. Again, I'm just avoiding the butt bonk, and trying to fall more on my arms, shoulders, than anywhere else. No idea if that is good or bad though.

Click to expand...

If you fall forward pull your arms in and try to land on your forearms/torso - never stick your arms out and land on your hands/wrists. Theres some good YouTube videos on this as well.

2kwik4u said:

They ask that getting off the Magic Carpet thing that both feet are on the board. So it's kind of like what you're describing. You don't really skate off, but it's pretty shallow/flat and you kind of glide for 3-4ft, and then have to skate away. I'm sure the chair lift is totally different, but there's only one way to learn right?

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That's the spirit!! Looks like the Tanglwood Chair double gives you access to a longer beginner trail (Dream) which looks ideal but it's on the north end of the hill.

2kwik4u said:

The rental boards don't have the stomp pad things, but the instructor talked about them. He mentioned that the resort purposefully uses boards that have non-slick top surfaces, and boots with a certain kind of soles for this reason. I'll try to grab the make/model next time I'm there. Only thing I really know is that they put G on a 145 board and me on a 160 board. I think that's centimeters in length, right? I'm 6'2" tall, or 188cm, so the "as tall as your lip" kind of fits there. Honestly, I took whatever the shop gave me as a rental.

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Yes, 160 is in CM and giving you something based on your height sounds like a typical rental experience as they have limited options. Weight is a better way to size a board - did they ask? Once the top of the board gets wet it's gonna get a bit slick if the top sheet is smooth. Stomp pads are usually textured which makes it grippier.

2kwik4u said:

Added to the house playlist. Thanks!

Will do. We stopped in a little ski shop on the way home (I need better gloves immediately) and looked around a bit. Talked to the owner for a minute, but he was super busy and I didn't want to take his time from other customers. We'll stop in and talk again when he's not swamped on a prime snow day and we're close to spending some cash. I really like the idea of a seasonal rental for the kid. He's outgrowing stuff so fast I have to think he's only going to get a season or two out of a board/boots/bindings/etc. I might consider a good board for myself (I'm pretty much down growing), but want at least another year and some real time on the hills before I make that decision.

We've had pretty good luck as a family with "buy a cheap version first" mentality. I know it puts us a disadvantage, and ultimately costs more money, but we've saved a few times with it as well. His skim board is a great example, where we bought the crap thing plywood version from "Surf Style" or whatever the little Florida tourist trap place was. He had it for a few seasons and got the basics sorted out, still loved it, so we sprung for the high dollar fiberglass unit from a reputable surf shop, and he immediately "levelled up" his riding. I'm hoping boarding can be the same way in the snow. Rent a couple seasons, figure out that we like it and are ready for the better equipment, then get ourselves some good stuff.

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Visiting a shop is a great idea but be careful of ski shops that just happen to sell snowboards - the expertise may not be there. I agree on the rental option for your son - this is not a cheap sport (my boots, bindings, and board are pushing $2000) so renting as he grows is a good idea. The most important piece of snowboarding gear is a pair of quality boots that are fit/sized properly.

There is a website called GearTrade that sells used ski/snowboard equipment and you can get some really good deals if you know what you're looking for.

2kwik4u said:

Thanks for all the tips and help. Really appreciate having a friendly ear as we wade in!

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Glad to help.

It is a proud moment when you realize your kid surpassed you a long time ago. I occasionally get a jump on her when we get off the lift while she’s cranking her boot buckles and still she has to wait 15 seconds or more for me when we get to the bottom. The sad thing is is that I FEEL like I’m flying.

My Flotilla commander sent me this from Airstation Clearwater. He is helping set up for sector training. I will get a whole bunch more when I’m there Saturday.

Thermobrett said:

My Flotilla commander sent me this from Airstation Clearwater. He is helping set up for sector training. I will get a whole bunch more when I’m there Saturday.
View attachment 231382

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Does that bird have guns on the front?