Skiboard Downhill Racing

[adeehr]

Ok so there really isn't a skiboard downhill race that I know of going on, but tonight I saw at my local hill that they are going to have a men's ski league downhill competition. So I thought I'd politic a little.

A few people later and having talked to the owners and the guy in charge of the race IM IN!! They are going to let me race with my skiboards!! I'm jacked up!!

Now the question for help comes in. Thoughts if anyone has done this before as to form I should use and also starting. The head guy said he was planning on having two starting spots, one for people with poles and one with just some poles coming out of the ground to get a push off from. I am debating on which to do.

I have poles from my downhill days, but I seriously don't think I'd get as good of a push off with poles as I would a stationary object. Thoughts?

The only downfall I see of the stationary poles is I have no added boost when starting off after I'm out of the gate, but I figure I can just dash like hell.

Anyway, let me know what you guys think, I'm all jacked up and can't wait for it to start the first week of February!! :D

[altozwei]

Last season I started racing NASTAR on my skiboards. I did not use poles. I used the sides of the starting gate to pull myself forward and skated the first few yards to get up to speed. I found that a tight tuck with my hands held together in front of me (sort of like holding a small steering wheel in front of you), and my elbows touching my knees really increased my speed. Its sounds awkward trying to describe it but it makes sense when you do it. Of course, downhill is somewhat different from NASTAR but the longer you can hold a tuck the faster you will go, regardless of the type of race. Also make sure that your waxing and edges are as good as you can get them. Have fun racing.

Patti

[trickslide]

also might want to get some " not wax " it is fasst.
(or so i've heard )

[taimos]

yer make sure to max up your board and then put some not wax on it to up the speed.

you'll only need poles if you think they'll give you an edge on any flatter parts of the course or for balance, but really i think just point and go and you'll be fine!

good luck!

[adeehr]

Thanks for the advice guys, looks like i should pick up some of that notwax in addition to the wax i already have, give it a shot right see how it works!

I will probably go pole less as I dont want them to be on me as i actually hit the course. I'll give you guys an update if...no when i take down the skiers!!

[adeehr]

Alto,

Just a quick quesetion for you, do you use release or non release when you race? Also, how do you place against skiers? Any noticable difference? Thanks!

[altozwei]

Originally posted by adeehr
Alto,

Just a quick quesetion for you, do you use release or non release when you race? Also, how do you place against skiers? Any noticable difference? Thanks!

Adheer,
I use release bindings. I have had some knee issues in the past and take no chances with it. As for skiboard racing performance against skis it is somewhat subjective. In NASTAR racing they place you in specific categories according to your age group and you are racing against a standard. I won a bronze in my category last season. There were 5 other women from my ski club, racing in my category (all on skis) and none of them medaled. That's still not saying much though. I'd have to qualify for the nationals to really get a true picture of my board performance against skis.

Patti