Your duty as a skiboarder?

[Rink]

This has popped into my head this morning since I'm hitting the indoor snow slope in the next few days.

There's a woman I occassionally see (not that kind of see) who rides indoor on skiboards (well... snowblades) with poles. She looks happy, moves quite well and generally goes about her own business.

But I can't help feeling maybe I should say something.

I'm not a good skiboarder by any stretch of the imagination. I'm a n00b but mainly thanks to this forum, I'm an informed n00b. I remember what it was like when I knew nothing and the struggle I had to find information; and I know that in the UK, skiboarding is an even more lonely sport than in the US.

Do you think its my duty to approach her and let her in on the real skiboarding that seems to be largely a secret here in the UK? Even though she seems happy doing her thing as is? Or would I just seem like an arsehole talking down to her even though sometimes I'm lucky to make it down the slope without paralysis?

I know what you're thinking. No, she's not fit. :)

[PNPRO]

ummm ya man... if your riding skiboards and you "just happen" to get on the lift with her then ya inform her... thats the only way that this great sport is gonna grow, maybe even let her know about this amazing website where she can get all the information she could ever want about skiboarding. Dont go about it like some cocky guy just straight be like "i see your riding skiblades" and then inform her about wats up and the experience you had with it... She should take well with your advice but if she doesnt... shes not gonna like freak out or anything, shell just ski away out of your life forever :) haha so ya go ahead and try to say somethin to her

[Rink]

Yeah that sounds good.

As far as I'm concerned, people can come down a snow slope any way they like. But I'd feel bad if maybe she was interested in this whole skiboarding thing and noone had bothered to point her in this direction so she could decide if this is the route she wants to follow.

Maybe she's just a learner skier who's riding snowblades because they're "easier" to get started with. But maybe she's one of us and doesn't know any better yet.

[PNPRO]

Yeah that sounds good.

As far as I'm concerned, people can come down a snow slope any way they like. But I'd feel bad if maybe she was interested in this whole skiboarding thing and noone had bothered to point her in this direction so she could decide if this is the route she wants to follow.

Maybe she's just a learner skier who's riding snowblades because they're "easier" to get started with. But maybe she's one of us and doesn't know any better yet.

exactly.. so yes it is kinda your duty to educate her

[Courtney]

I would talk to her and use the term skiboard. For example, don't see many other skiboarders around here. Or how long have you been skiboarding? That should at least give you somewhat of an idea as to how much she knows about skiboarding vs snowblading. It'll also break the ice and you can take it from there.

[mi6_]

Just give her the website and tell her to check it out.

[SkaFreak]

Or just mention that she should try it out without poles someday and that it gives an entirely different feel. That's what I usually do when I come upon people riding with poles. I usually get some interest since most people you see like that are riding snowblades and can just see the difference when I'm on my Revel8s or Spruces

[harrysiii]

I wonder if she's just learning to ski and was it was suggested to her to begin on snowblades with poles in order to learn how to better ski on skis and make nice turns?

Yes, I agree though, I would still approach her and ask how long she's been doing it...etc. Then, I would just say something like "here's a card for a very informative skiboarding website. next time you're in the market for new skiboards, I suggest you do some research on here. They only deal with the best equipment and customer service."

[Rink]

All good advice. I'll definitely give it whirl.

Managed to get down there this morning; the lady in question wasn't there but another "gentleman" was. I tried to say hi since he was riding the bigger brother's to mine but he didn't seem the talkative sort. Or maybe the sight of a long-haired, pointy-bearded, hoodie-wearer screeching to a halt inches from him put him off a little. :D