advice

[Zach]

New to this sport. I am 33 and at one point was a competitive water skier. I have only been on the mountain a few times although had some great success with ski's when I was younger, not so much with a snowboard.

I found these last winter when I was preparing for a snowboard trip with the g/f. I went snowboarding and had little success with it. Spending the last few weeks reading as much as I possibly can about skiboards, I think I want to give it a shot.

like last winter when I went shopping for ski pants though I have a few issues. I am 5'10 266 lbs. I have not snow skied in over 10 years...I spent one weekend last winter tumbling head over heels down the side of a few mountains in northern Vermont. Burlington is a cool little town though!

My girlfriend rents a house near Mount Snow. She plans on going up every weekend this winter. Here is my issue..I hate snowboarding. I never skateboarded, or surfed and maybe that's the problem. The few times i have been in skis I had pretty good success. I figure with the fast learning curve skiboards should be the best thing for me. but at 5'10 266 lbs I assume I would want a longer board no? I found skiboards.com and the rental program so I figure I will rent from them for the first time and if I am successful i will just buy a pair ( hopefully from the forums on here) but by December will I have missed all the "sales". Should I look for a 110 and expect it to preform like a 150 pound guy on 90cm? I want to take things slow at first. Not looking to go to the park, just looking not to tumble head over heels like last winter. Any advice for the fat guy?

I know Greco is from new york, maybe he wants to rent me a pair:-) After all the research i have done I have settled on revel's as it seems to be the most respected and supported brand of boards. Only makes me wonder what i will get as a rental from skiboards.com

[sempai]

Hello Zach,

Welcome to skiboarding! I'm just slightly taller than you but weigh around a 100 lbs. less, and I ride 110's and 120's most of the time. I'd recommend at least 120's for you, if not even 130's (Sherpas). The problem with the Sherpas is they aren't really for the beginner. They take some work to get them to perform to their potential. I recently lost weight and feel that they will probably be too much for me to handle now. I'm actually considering selling them. We'll see. I'm planning to try out the Condors this season. They have pretty much the same surface area and float as the Sherpas. The Condors might be the boards for you to consider also.

I know there are riders out there that are on the heavier side. Hopefully they'll lend some advice, too. I know about skiboards.com renting boards, but I haven't really heard great things about the service. You should contact Greco to see if he'd be willing to let you try some boards out. He's Mr. Customer Service. No better will you find out there.

[Zach]

[/QUOTE] I know there are riders out there that are on the heavier side. Hopefully they'll lend some advice, too. I know about skiboards.com renting boards, but I haven't really heard great things about the service. You should contact Greco to see if he'd be willing to let you try some boards out. He's Mr. Customer Service. No better will you find out there.[/QUOTE]

That's kinda what I figured, but with little guidance and even less support, I didn't have high hopes. I stopped at a ski shop by my house and talked to them about it. I got no support from them. They sell the "head" boards but I was told by the owner that he would not encourage me to even try. All he did was disparage them, and tell me how dangerous they were. He then told me a story about Jason Levinthal, and the line brand. trying to explain to me how they were so dangerous that no one makes them anymore. I listened intently and laughed hard on the inside. This makes me want to go out and prove him wrong even more. So I turn to the forums.

More my question is...at my weight...will the "long boards" end up feeling more like skis? What would happen if i strapped on a pair of 99's? Would I just sink into the snow? Would i have a bad time? When you read the skiboards.com site they suggest you just go out and grab a pair and you will have fun.

[pinkkid]

Welcome Zach! Yeah, you'll get ski shops and ski lift people bagging on Skiboards... they are clueless!

My brother is 6ft and DID weigh in 250 (now 210) and guess what rides... 90cm Snowjams!!!! loves thems! he has no trouble zipping down the slopes. Powder, no way. He also rode the 105 Revolts and really really liked those! So you see, if you are digging a set of 110 Dlp's or 105 Revolt's... they'd probably be fine. I personally think the 110's or 120's, especially the new Condor Rocker's for you. They are wide, but since you aren't used to much else, you'd probably be fine on them! You can go any where on them. Jack can tell more about those once he see's this post.
The 120's are a user friendly board for all and it does well in powder too.
Are there any of the Revel 8 or Spruce boards at SBOL you are liking?
I am certain others will chime in who are bigger riders.

[Zach]

Not really knowing what i am looking for, I don't really know what to "dig". I have spent the last few weeks everyday reading about them, but the info for the "layman" is limited.

I figure I will just keep reading and trying to learn more, although from what I notice on the board, there seems to be a few hard core people, and then a bunch of posts from 2008.

I think not being 17 anymore and worrying about my health when throwing myself down a mountain, I would be digging the easiest thing to learn. My issue with snowboarding was I couldn't stand up when I fell. I took 2 days of lessons, but just didn't have the core strength the get up...let alone keep getting up. I also have never liked both my feet being tied together.

I guess I am looking for advice from the forum, and hopefully someone to take pitty on me with one of the 12 sets of boards they have in there collection ( hint hint) I can like whatever but the idea of spending $400-$500 on something I may or may not like is the issue. That's where the idea of renting for my first time came up.

Id be even happier to buy someone lift tickets to come spend the day with me, as I am sure there will be no "lessons" available at the mountain. Like everyone told me before i went snowboarding...if you have a bad first day...you won't ever want to go again. Well, I went. I did all my research...watched you tube videos before going and learned as much as i possibly could. I did well with the lesson, then to dumb ass instructor sent me up on a blue my first time out. Well...that ended my day with pure frustration. I was doing great on the bunny slope. why he will do that I will wonder for the rest of my life. Needless to say you wont find me strapping one board to both feet again!

The next day, I was so damn sore that I could barely move. took another lesson and then threw in the towel for the day as I could barely move.

So when you ask is there anything I am diggin? Whatever the easiest thing to learn is...That's what I am diggin!

[mahatma]

Zach,

I'm 45 years old, 6'2" and weigh about um, well, um - oh, it's just a number, anyway. I came to skiboarding from a solid snowboarding background.

Welcome brother. You are in luck. There is no such thing as a skiboard that is difficult to learn how to use. That animal just doesn't exist. The growth potential is unlimited but the "buy in" is essentially non-existent. You'll feel no pain. Well, your face will ache from the smile that is plastered all over it for the entire day. But, your wrists, elbows, shoulders and backside will all remain in tact. There are those who will tell you that while skiboards might be easy to learn, they lack in performance. Pure poppycock. Don't be crappy about it but ask them which boards they have tried. You are guaranteed to get a "skiblade" answer. Skiblades were never meant to be performance items. Skiboards are. Any modern skiboard is technically advanced, well constructed and without a doubt performance oriented. "Performance oriented" means they will be friends for years to come as you grow. They just aren't demanding - say like a snowboard. Skiboards are all about you. You use the tool for what you want to do. The tool will respond accordingly.

As for which boards to buy - well, the rockered Condor is the latest rage. Hard not to like them. I own boards that range in size from the 101cm KTP's to the 130cm Sherpa's and love them all. Pinkkid mentioned the 120's. I can say these are the most nuetral boards I own. But, there is no performance envelope on them. Well, if there is that is one damn big envelope. I've never found the edges. KTP's make me smile all day everyday, Sherpa's growl, snarl, pop and porpoise through even knee deep powder and the Lacroix's are sound barrier breakers - best corduroy tools in existence.

Again, I encourage you to digest the fact that there is no such thing as a skiboard that is difficult to learn how to use. You will will be smiling from the first run. Within 3 runs you'll be singing out loud. One run after that you'll be shamelessly scratching yourself and foofing in lift lines (OK, maybe that's just me.). That will be it. You'll be a skiboarder. After that, just enjoy the ride. Again brother, welcome.

[slow]

Hi Zach,

Welcome to the forum.

In addition to all the great advice the forums members have and will provide, I suggest you have a look at the following thread to help you identify what you should be considering in your selection. http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7115#en

My 2 cents is that you go for the 110 ALPs/DLPs or the 120 Spruce. Once you develop your skills, the Condor will be a great choice.

[Zach]

Hi Zach,

Welcome to the forum.

In addition to all the great advice the forums members have and will provide, I suggest you have a look at the following thread to help you identify what you should be considering in your selection. http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7115#en

My 2 cents is that you go for the 110 ALPs/DLPs or the 120 Spruce. Once you develop your skills, the Condor will be a great choice.


Curious..Why not just buy the condor's to start? Its what..and extra 50 buck?

[slow]

Curious..Why not just buy the condor's to start? Its what..and extra 50 buck?

I cannot speak to the 2012 Rocker Condor, but the previous non-rockered Condor models require a little more effort to get on edge because of their width. Beginers may be OK with the extra width, but some may not be. Once you master the edging on another skiboard, the Condor is a great ride, IMO.

[Zach]

I cannot speak to the 2012 Rocker Condor, but the previous non-rockered Condor models require a little more effort to get on edge because of their width. Beginers may be OK with the extra width, but some may not be. Once you master the edging on another skiboard, the Condor is a great ride, IMO.

Definitely a good thing to consider.


What about bindings?

[slow]

Definitely a good thing to consider.


What about bindings?

You will have to make a personal decision on releasable or non-releasable based on your risk tolerance unless you go the Spruce 120 route, in which case you are forced to go releasables. But in either case, buy the best binding you can afford because you will get a lot of use out of them and they can be mounted on any skiboard you move to in the future (except non-release on skiboards greater than 110cm).

BTW: also check out this thread if you have not done so already: http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6725#en

[Zach]

You will have to make a personal decision on releasable or non-releasable based on your risk tolerance unless you go the Spruce 120 route, in which case you are forced to go releasables. But in either case, buy the best binding you can afford because you will get a lot of use out of them and they can be mounted on any skiboard you move to in the future (except non-release on skiboards greater than 110cm).

BTW: also check out this thread if you have not done so already: http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6725#en

read that last night slow..along with a good portion of the rest of the board:-)...thanks

The size chart makes no sense to me though. just like the fact that they don't really make ski cloths for big people. Do you know how hard it is to find snow pants to fit me?? Its beyond me. So is that chart. it only goes up to 210 lbs...am I THAT unusual?

[slow]

it only goes up to 210 lbs...am I THAT unusual?

Going only up to 210+ lbs in the chart reflects laziness on my part. :o

The 2 cents I shared earlier is based on my assumption that you are going to be riding all mountain with a groomer bias. We have a number of heavier riders that do very well on the DLP, Spruce 120, Condors and even the KTP as Mahatma pointed out.

[mahatma]

"Heavy" has such a negative connotation. I prefer to be thought of as properly proportioned for my natural body structure.

KTP's hold me up in powder up to the top of my boots. Condors seem to float nicely in anything I've taken them into, 120's have never failed me although I lean back when the going gets deep/heavy and Sherpa's would porpoise the Eiffel Tower through thigh high champagne.

On everything but KTP's I run releasables. But, jjue is near 200 lbs and runs Condors with non-release bindings.

[Zach]

"Heavy" has such a negative connotation. I prefer to be thought of as properly proportioned for my natural body structure.

KTP's hold me up in powder up to the top of my boots. Condors seem to float nicely in anything I've taken them into, 120's have never failed me although I lean back when the going gets deep/heavy and Sherpa's would porpoise the Eiffel Tower through thigh high champagne.

On everything but KTP's I run releasables. But, jjue is near 200 lbs and runs Condors with non-release bindings.


Thank you all for your help. Girlfriend came home from work and I got the "go ahead " to do whatever I like. I still would like to rent boards the first time so I told her we need to get up to Hunter mountain...or another place close, just to get a feel for them.

It it snowing yet?

[jjue]

Zach , I like the Spruce 120 for you ... you have had some long ski experience, you are on the east coast where deep powder is less frequent and firmer snow is the norm , you want something you will enjoy and get you on the hill with friends ... the 120 is just the ticket ... comfortable , easy to pilot . length helps with stability but still short enough to have that wonderful easy going skiboard feel ... narrow enough to easily get on edge for folks getting back into skiing from a long hiatus ...
I am a Condor fanatic and I think the new rockered Condor is great and an easier Condor to pilot all around BUT I still believe that the Condor should be considered a board folks get into later after some experience with skiboarding ,.. it is very wide and demands that folks know how to carve properly first ... narrower boards are easier to get the hang of carving properly ...
the biggest difference I see in getting folks with skiing backgrounds into skiboards is that skis especially recreational skis tend to be narrower and the turning is sort of " edge and skid " maybe with a little stem turn thrown in
rather then pure carving ... it is important to learn how to get both boards on edge and carve from the get go with skiboards... a board that will be comfortable and easy to learn on and get the hang of the proper technique is I think really important and the 120 is just such a board for a heavier larger person ..... just my 2 cents...

[jjue]

Thank you all for your help. Girlfriend came home from work and I got the "go ahead " to do whatever I like. I still would like to rent boards the first time so I told her we need to get up to Hunter mountain...or another place close, just to get a feel for them. It it snowing yet?

Sure , go ahead and rent skiboards and give it a go .... on the skiboards.com web site ... their 99 Nomad is somewhat similar to the 98 Slapdash , BWP here .. their 110 Custom is somewhat similar to the ALP/DLP, and their 125 Marauder is somewhere in between the Sherpa and the Spruce 120 in feel .. unfortunately the 125 Marauder is NOT the same as the 120 Spruce in terms of ease of use .. it is much wider and is harder to get the hang of properly carving ... if you rent ... rent their 110 Custom to get an idea .
Then if you decide you like skiboarding , I strongly recommend you BUY your first skiboards from this site rather then skiboards.com . I feel strongly about this , here is why ...
http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10265

[valmorel]

Def with Jack on the 120 thing. My all time favourite board. Huge performance envelope, not sensitive to rider size.

[sempai]

It it snowing yet?I freakin' wish!

I agree about the 120's. You really can't go wrong with them. I buy and sell a lot of boards, but you'll never see me part with my 120's. If I could only have one set of boards, they would be the one.

[Zach]

i freakin' wish!

I agree about the 120's. You really can't go wrong with them. I buy and sell a lot of boards, but you'll never see me part with my 120's. If I could only have one set of boards, they would be the one.


I am out of work these days...whos up for hitting up a mountain close to nyc for the first snowfall with me...Im paying:-)

[Gromit]

I am out of work these days...whos up for hitting up a mountain close to nyc for the first snowfall with me...Im paying:-)

Greco, the owner of Skiboards Online, is only 60 miles north of Long Island at Brewster. Have you been in touch with him as suggested by Sempai in the first response to your initial post? Maybe you could tag along with Greco? You can reach him via the SBOL contacts page (http://www.skiboardsonline.com/html/contact.htm#en) or a PM here on the forum. :)

[Gromit]

There is also the Meet up and Ride section (http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10#en) on here. Perhaps you could start a thread on there Zach?

[shortydude]

Zach, I'm vertically challenged for my weight. I used to be 6' tall and now I'm 5' 10" carrying the same weight swings as I normally did as a big boned 6'er. I have several pairs of shorties from over the years and a set of Spruce 120's with releasable bindings which are my current favorites.

I would suggest that you go with the 120's, stay on the groomed runs and you'll be great.

Oh, and welcome to SBOL, glad you signed up and posted.

[Zach]

There is also the Meet up and Ride section (http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10#en) on here. Perhaps you could start a thread on there Zach?

Im kinda looking to get out there at the first opportunity, with one or two guys who can show me the ropes. like i said earlier in my posts...my girlfriend rents a house at a resort in Vermont for the season. I wanted to get my "ski legs" before we start spending the weekends up there.

From what I have read, a day or two should do it, so I am just sharing that I would be happy to pay someones way if they are willing to help me out for the day. lunch included..haha

[Zach]

Zach, I'm vertically challenged for my weight. I used to be 6' tall and now I'm 5' 10" carrying the same weight swings as I normally did as a big boned 6'er. I have several pairs of shorties from over the years and a set of Spruce 120's with releasable bindings which are my current favorites.

I would suggest that you go with the 120's, stay on the groomed runs and you'll be great.

Oh, and welcome to SBOL, glad you signed up and posted.

Thanks shorty...Think that's what I am going to do. Can't wait for it to snow!

[sempai]

Im kinda looking to get out there at the first opportunity, with one or two guys who can show me the ropes. like i said earlier in my posts...my girlfriend rents a house at a resort in Vermont for the season. I wanted to get my "ski legs" before we start spending the weekends up there.

From what I have read, a day or two should do it, so I am just sharing that I would be happy to pay someones way if they are willing to help me out for the day. lunch included..hahaI'd love to try out an East Coast resort. Buy me a plane ticket, and I'm there. :D

[Zach]

I'd love to try out an East Coast resort. Buy me a plane ticket, and I'm there. :D

Get to New York, and I'll pick you up..drive you there...buy you a ticket and lunch...maybe a beer later in the day..New york to Minnesota is only what..a 20 hour drive no? ill even spend the 20 bucks and take you to the top of the empire state building...you will need quarters for the shitty binoculars they have up there though..lol

[pinkkid]

I'm still giggling over you guys! good thread, good new friends!
Zach, save your money and buy a plane ticket for two to Reno, rent a car and you and your girlfriend come to SHREDFEST!!!!!!!! we all have extra boards for her to ride and you to try! :D

By the way, I too agree about the 120's for you.

[Zach]

I'm still giggling over you guys! good thread, good new friends!
Zach, save your money and buy a plane ticket for two to Reno, rent a car and you and your girlfriend come to SHREDFEST!!!!!!!! we all have extra boards for her to ride and you to try! :D

By the way, I too agree about the 120's for you.

The girlfriend and i are already talking about a trip to Utah EARLY season. Think I am booking tickets tonight.

Shredfest is in Tahoe right? when is it?

[slow]

Here is the preliminary Schedule for Shredfest IV. http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12072

Dates will not change, only ski resorts on specific days possibly. It would be great if you joined us, a great time.

[Zach]

Here is the preliminary Schedule for Shredfest IV. http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12072

Dates will not change, only ski resorts on specific days possibly. It would be great if you joined us, a great time.

Its my girlfriends mothers time share, we will have to see if we can get one in tahoe, in february:-)

[pinkkid]

ohhh I bet they have timeshare trades, just be sure it's closer to North Shore(Tahoe City, Northstar...) rather than over in South Shore. We switch things up from South shore to North Shore each year. This year is actually our first time to stay in North Shore. Check the thread for Shredfest (http://www.skiboardsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11774&pagenumber=#en, )it's also on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=217854121582516)

[sempai]

Way to hijack this thread Shelley, LOL. :)

[Zach]

Way to hijack this thread Shelley, LOL. :)

nah..its cool...keep me posted...Looks like we are going to Park City, the 2nd week in December...well from Thusday till Monday...So around the 8th to the 12th or something. Plane tickets are crazy cheap through jet blue. Liftopia has resonable lift tickets...hope for snow now!

[Zach]

nah..its cool...keep me posted...Looks like we are going to Park City, the 2nd week in December...well from Thusday till Monday...So around the 8th to the 12th or something. Plane tickets are crazy cheap through jet blue. Liftopia has resonable lift tickets...hope for snow now!

P.s..the time share in lake tahoe is in SOUTH tahoe:-(

[pinkkid]

Way to hijack this thread Shelley, LOL. :)

I moved it.;)

[dis]

Back to the original topic, I'm a 6'2" rider who started off when I weighed about 265lbs. My first time ever was on HEAD skiboards, then I spent my first season learning on Salomon snowblades. My first real skiboards were KTPs. Some people said I might have issues with edging, but I didn't, probably because of my weight. Last season I switched to the ALPs (DLPs now) and fell in love after the second or third time out. The extra length gave a smoother ride, and I felt way more comfortable. I'm not a park guy, I just get down the hills and I like to do it at a reasonable pace (70km/h, I don't know in MPH). I ride primarily east coast, which means now powder, but I've used the KTPs in Colorado, and the ALPs in Seattle and Banff, I made it through anything that I had thrown at me, though I didn't go looking for powder.

[Hotmilk]

Instead of buying plane tickets and this and that just buy the damn boards and be done with it! :P you wont regret it!
And if you do (I spose there is always a few) you can just sell them on here again ;)

I snowboarded last season, and this season just gone I bit the bullet and bought some skiboards (DLP)
I'd never skied before, only snowboarded, but used to play inline and ice hockey a bit so figured i had a bit of the balance thing going on. First day I didnt stack once and was doing blue runs no dramas by the end of the day. I wouldnt say i had the most style on the mountain or the best technique or whatever, but I could get down the hill no dramas.
I still have my snowboard and planned to do some days snowboarding with my mates and some days skiboarding.... Even when my mates were with me on their snowboards I just skiboarded... it is that much fun!!
The one day that I did snowboard cos I had my snowboard boots on packing the car as we were checking out of our hotel and couldn't be bothered putting my ski boots on, I only last like an hour. Snowboarding is hard work! ahaha plus I hurt my knee doing it by (you guessed it) having both feet strapped into the one board.

Also if you have skied before, you *should* pick it up no dramas at all. My girlfriend came up with me last season and decided she'd try snowboarding with me. She lasted half way through the lesson and gave it up as she has a bad knee from old sporting injuries. She hadn't skied in about 15 years, went and rented a pair of (long) skis and took off down the mountain like she did it last week... unlike me on the snowboard who tumbled down the mountain for 2 days!

But if you insist on someone coming with you, just buy me a plane ticket from down here in Aus to NYC and i'll bring mine and let you have a go :P

[Zach]

Instead of buying plane tickets and this and that just buy the damn boards and be done with it! :P you wont regret it!
And if you do (I spose there is always a few) you can just sell them on here again ;)

I snowboarded last season, and this season just gone I bit the bullet and bought some skiboards (DLP)
I'd never skied before, only snowboarded, but used to play inline and ice hockey a bit so figured i had a bit of the balance thing going on. First day I didnt stack once and was doing blue runs no dramas by the end of the day. I wouldnt say i had the most style on the mountain or the best technique or whatever, but I could get down the hill no dramas.
I still have my snowboard and planned to do some days snowboarding with my mates and some days skiboarding.... Even when my mates were with me on their snowboards I just skiboarded... it is that much fun!!
The one day that I did snowboard cos I had my snowboard boots on packing the car as we were checking out of our hotel and couldn't be bothered putting my ski boots on, I only last like an hour. Snowboarding is hard work! ahaha plus I hurt my knee doing it by (you guessed it) having both feet strapped into the one board.

Also if you have skied before, you *should* pick it up no dramas at all. My girlfriend came up with me last season and decided she'd try snowboarding with me. She lasted half way through the lesson and gave it up as she has a bad knee from old sporting injuries. She hadn't skied in about 15 years, went and rented a pair of (long) skis and took off down the mountain like she did it last week... unlike me on the snowboard who tumbled down the mountain for 2 days!

But if you insist on someone coming with you, just buy me a plane ticket from down here in Aus to NYC and i'll bring mine and let you have a go :P

let's see...plane ticket from Australia...around 1500 bucks....new pair of boards...around 400...hmm tough choice there:-)

My thing with buying lift tickets and paying for someone was not to use there bards, but when you get to the mountain and strap them on your feet there is no one to tell you what to do. no one to say...ok, now do this. no lessons , and well basically, since my girl snowboards all season she has no drama going down the mountain, and she will end up waiting for me. So I figured, if I had an experienced ski boarder to hang out with and correct me if i am doing something wrong, its a small price to pay isnt it? I know there are people near me who board, Wasn't looking to fly people in from Australia, but i appreciate the offer!

[Hotmilk]

let's see...plane ticket from Australia...around 1500 bucks....new pair of boards...around 400...hmm tough choice there:-)

My thing with buying lift tickets and paying for someone was not to use there bards, but when you get to the mountain and strap them on your feet there is no one to tell you what to do. no one to say...ok, now do this. no lessons , and well basically, since my girl snowboards all season she has no drama going down the mountain, and she will end up waiting for me. So I figured, if I had an experienced ski boarder to hang out with and correct me if i am doing something wrong, its a small price to pay isnt it? I know there are people near me who board, Wasn't looking to fly people in from Australia, but i appreciate the offer!


hahahaha damn, thought i was in with a chance there :p

I see what you're saying though but i'm sure you will pick it up no dramas. It really is *that* easy to pick up in my opinion.

Enjoy your season though! (wish our season lasted as long/had as much snow/was just beginning:( )

[lunarroyale]

I am out of work these days...whos up for hitting up a mountain close to nyc for the first snowfall with me...Im paying:-)

I wish New Jersey would get their act together and finish that SnowDome by the new Giants/Jets stadium. I'd probably be up for that drive to meet you half way. Also we'd be on the snow by now rather than having to wait til December.

[Zach]

I wish New Jersey would get their act together and finish that SnowDome by the new Giants/Jets stadium. I'd probably be up for that drive to meet you half way. Also we'd be on the snow by now rather than having to wait til December.

I'm with you on that one!

[mahatma]

Zach,

Of course, you are right. As with doing anything new, you would benefit from having an experienced skiboarder at your side. But, take it from a guy who before skiboards had never been on snow with anything other than a snowboard - you are going to be fine. Just go to the bunny slope, point down hill and take it easy. It will all come naturally. You'll read about guys/gals running tough blue trails by lunch. That was not my experience. I'm not the brightest bulb so spent 3 straight days on the bunnies getting it all together. Every one of those days were among the most fun I've ever had. A little apprehension is good. It will keep you safe. But, don't let apprehension become fear or let it be an excuse. I absolutely, positively promise you that you'll do fine, have a great time and won't hurt anything except maybe your ego (I wish I were there to see you get the boards off the first time you need to go to the bathroom or eat lunch.).

[shortydude]

Zack, you could also share SBOL with your gf. Turn her on to some of the many wonderful people and videos here. She may even be up for trying skiboards with you. I know a couple of couples that all they ever use are shorties. I think it helps bond them having something so enjoyable to share.

[Zach]

Zach,

Of course, you are right. As with doing anything new, you would benefit from having an experienced skiboarder at your side. But, take it from a guy who before skiboards had never been on snow with anything other than a snowboard - you are going to be fine. Just go to the bunny slope, point down hill and take it easy. It will all come naturally. You'll read about guys/gals running tough blue trails by lunch. That was not my experience. I'm not the brightest bulb so spent 3 straight days on the bunnies getting it all together. Every one of those days were among the most fun I've ever had. A little apprehension is good. It will keep you safe. But, don't let apprehension become fear or let it be an excuse. I absolutely, positively promise you that you'll do fine, have a great time and won't hurt anything except maybe your ego (I wish I were there to see you get the boards off the first time you need to go to the bathroom or eat lunch.).

I agree, and while I don't doubt my ability or natural talent, it would still be cool to hang out with someone more experienced to point me down the hill, and then tell me to turn:-)

[Zach]

Zack, you could also share SBOL with your gf. Turn her on to some of the many wonderful people and videos here. She may even be up for trying skiboards with you. I know a couple of couples that all they ever use are shorties. I think it helps bond them having something so enjoyable to share.

Way ahead of you, She is right next to me on the couch actually. The other night she asked if I was going to start an affair with sbol:-)

I am planning on getting her a pair ( maybe off of ebay) and getting her to rent some hard boots to join me. Although she keeps telling me she is a snowboarder...i will get her to convert:-)

[slow]

Way ahead of you, She is right next to me on the couch actually. The other night she asked if I was going to start an affair with sbol:-)

I am planning on getting her a pair ( maybe off of ebay) and getting her to rent some hard boots to join me. Although she keeps telling me she is a snowboarder...i will get her to convert:-)

WTG Zach getting your GF interested in skiboarding.

My kids snowboard but often like changing up and go skiboarding. My son rents and my daughter bought a pair of skiboots.

BTW: Snowboarders and skiers often join us at Shredfest, it is not only for skiboarders.

[dcox20]

Well I better chime in here too. I'm fairly certain I was the biggest skiboarder ever, started out my adventure on 99cm Solomon Snowblades when I was 6'4" and 365 lbs. Yep that's a 3 in front of the 65. Pushin' 4 bills on those little guys was so fun I had to research where to buy my own. Found Revel8 the rest is history.

Favorite board for me is the 110 DLP - Condors are too wide for me to get on edge, likely because I lack muscle tone or stamina in my legs, but the DLP is absolutely perfect as far as stability front and back and I can get 'em on edge just by thinking about it.

Now 365 was the biggest I ever was and that was in 2005, since then I've been on a somewhat steady decline in weight and have tried every board R8 makes - literally (except the bantams). You'd be happy with anything in the 98-120cm range I bet.

I could always send you a pair if you pay shipping, to try them out. If you hate them send them back (again you pay shipping) If you love 'em I'll make you a sweet deal. email me if you want to go that route. dave@elevendy.com

[eldiablodenieve]

I could always send you a pair if you pay shipping, to try them out. If you hate them send them back (again you pay shipping) If you love 'em I'll make you a sweet deal. email me if you want to go that route. dave@elevendy.com

This is why this is the best snow slidIng community on the webbernets!