Day #4 skiboarding on Spruce 120's

[mahatma]

To All,

Yesterday, I dropped Jeff Singer at Spruce Mountain a quick E-mail with a "newb" report. I am new to skiboarding and am using Spruce 120's with Spruce Riser Pro releasable bindings. Jeff thought my review might be of value to some and suggested I post it up here. See below.

Jeff,

Just a quick note to let you know that yesterday was my 4th day skiboarding and on my Spruce 120's and that it all seemed to come together. The day started on rock hard corduroy and improved to a few inches of powder as the day progressed and a little snow fell. From the first run I knew it was going to be my day. It just all happened for me. All of a sudden I
took on this sort of Frankenstein pose with my knees bent, backside somewhat down and my arms out and quickly realized that if I watched my hands that the rest of me followed. I stopped really paying attention to the fact I was skiboarding. The 120's seemed to smooth out just about everything and I just went about the business of having fun. I was actually keeping up with and even passing skiers on the blues and snowboarders spent the day in my rear view mirror. I also hit a few powder stashes (small stuff that I could see through to the other side or it was clear where the groom met back up) and quickly found how much easier powder is on my legs when skiboarding. I fell a few times as I discovered that at speed you must always pay attention to weight distribution - not doing so carries an immediate (and I do mean immediate) price. I should mention that in the morning when it was rock hard the 120's held a great edge - even under my less than deft guidance. By the end of the day my thighs were pure pasta. A great day. Negatives? I still look like a dork getting my first skiboard off if the terrain is less than flat. I'm hooked beyond redemption. I'm a 41 year old father of 3 and feel like a teenager, again. Do you know anyone who wants a nice Donek Sasquatch 170? Ha ha.

[Greco]

i think he wanted you to post it in the store under the 120's. just log into www.skiboardsonline.com and go to the boards you have and it will give you the option to post a review.

thanks,

g

[slow]

Mahatma,

I too am having a blast with the 120 Spruce and my EMPs as a soon to be 49 year old. Both great boards that bring a big smile whenever I get out to the resorts.

BTW, I found that there is not much need to take the gorilla stance except when you want to maximize speed. More upright works while cruising and is easier on the legs.

[mahatma]

Greco - oops. Thanks. Done.

Slow - Ah, so it's called the gorilla stance. That makes sense. I'll work on standing straighter tomorrow. I agree that constantly squatting does take a toll. But, right now my problem is I feel tipsy when I stand up straight at speed (well, what is speed for me). To be honest, my biggest issue is that I've discovered my right leg is a little lazier than my left. I guess that makes sense as I'm left handed but that little issue crops up at the most inopportune times. Ha ha. That was where the gorilla stance really helped. When I'm squatted down I seem to be able to dig the board in harder allowing my "inside" leg a more natural transition. Any tips on how to overcome side preference would be greatly appreciated.

[slow]

It took me nearly two seasons to develop the leg strength to overcome my lazy left leg. It will come about on its own in time.

I am not suggesting standing straight up, more of an upright slouch to take some load of the thighs for periods of time on the flatter sections. I too find that by getting into the gorrila stance, carving is improved.