SNOW SKIING

The Appeal of Freestyle Snowboarding

2010-04-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

The appeal of freestyle snowboarding has grown over several decades. The ones who enjoy the sport do not simply enjoy winter sports, but many others as well. The draw for freestyle may come because the sport incorporates skateboarding, surfing, and windsurfing. Therefore, the athletes that enjoy freestyle are the same ones who enjoy sailing through the air on any type of board or equipment that they can get their hands on. The thrill of defying gravity and sailing at top speeds make this sport a huge success.

The term freestyle explains many of the reasons this sport has become so popular and there are different freestyle categories.

Halfpipe: The snowboard-halfpipe is longer than the skateboarding halfpipe and needs to be built upon a hill that you can sail down through. You often see competitions on television with the athletes running down the half-pipe trying to make the biggest jumps, turn, and difficult rotations possible.

Jump Contest: The goal of the athlete is to take off the jump and create the most difficult awesome combinations in the air before landing.

Power Snow-Driving: the absolute joy of snowboarders who enjoy freestyle. You simply find a steep hill that is covered in powdered snow and begin craving your way down the hill. This may be the most beautiful part of freestyle snowboarding because as you are sailing over this snow you feel as though you are flying.

Boarder Cross: This type of course is taken from the motor cross scene with a course complete with ramps, jumps, obstacles, and tight turns. This starts like a race with four to five boarders at the starting line with only one taking home the prize.

France is a big draw to snowboarders who love the vertical drops and trails, some of them being on a glacier. The trails extend over three slopes, the longest being 3,233m and vertical drops that are up to 3,300m altitude make this a place that thrill the snowboarders who can perform their freestyle techniques from sunrise till sunset.

Have you ever enjoyed watching the freestyle professionals perform their maneuvers on television and then turned the volume down because you did not have a clue what the announcers were saying? Here is a list of terms you can listen for the next time you want to enjoy watching your favorite professional perform their jumps, turns, and tricks.

Air – when the snowboarder leaves the ground this can be combined with a trick or two as well.

Bonk – is when the snowboarder rides over an object and then will slap the object they just rode over with their snowboard.

Carve – this is when they use the edge of their snowboard to make a turn.

Duck Stance – this is the position the snowboarders feet are in on the board.

Edges – these are the metal strips that are on the sides of the snowboard. They use this to cut into the snow and to control their board to do a turn, carve, or come to a stop.

Fakie – you have heard of someone who can bat both with their left and right hands, the same holds true in the sport of snowboarding. There are some who can lead with their right foot or their left.

Fall Line – is in reference to a direct route down the mountain you may hear this when they point their board straight down the hill at this point they are generating the most speed.

Garland – this is known as the snowboarder going across the slope. They do this by pointing their board straight down the slope and then turning it back across the slope without going back in the other direction.

Halfpipe – this is the manmade trench in the snow that the snowboarder uses to drive down and perform tricks. You will also see them get a lot of air between them and the sides of the halfpipe.

Kicker – this is a small jump that is used so that the snowboarders can get air and perform a trick.

Lip – this is where they will normally begin to perform their trick. It is at the top of the halfpipe or the end of a jump.

Moguls – are bumps that have been created in the snow by the other riders who turn.

Now when you watch the freestyle snowboarders perform their magic listen for a few of these terms and you may start to understand what they are doing just a little bit better.

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Snowboarding Basics

2010-03-22T02:12:00.000-07:00

You have just purchased your first snowboard or it was given to you as a gift after you begged and pleaded for one. Now you want to know how to use it. This article will look at what you will need to get started in the sport, as well as some basic snowboarding techniques.

The most important thing to figure out is if the snowboard is the right size for you. If your board is too long or short, wide or narrow, this could affect the way you perform and can make your snowboarding much more difficult. Now that you have figured out that, and you have the right board, it is time to go over some fundamentals.

If you have enjoyed the sport of skiing you will find that snowboarding is quite similar regardless of what you have heard or think about that. The way you move and position your body is very similar to skiing as is the design of the board.

When you are riding your board, it is very important to stay relaxed when you tense up you increase your chance for injury.

Do not lock your knees; keep them slightly bent and relaxed. Look at your knees as if they were shock absorbers, if they are stiff going over those bumps is going to hurt, keep them bent.

Now that you are relaxed and your knees are bent, try riding your board with one foot strapped in (your front foot) and try going across the hill before you attempt going down the hill. Comfortable now it is time to strap in the other foot.

It is now time to start going down the hill and remember that you use your front foot, not your back foot, to steer. Now lift your toe up and press your heel down and move those hips backward, and you are snowboarding – congratulations. Stopping is just as simple. Simply turn yourself so that you are facing up the hill and that will slow your progress and you will stop.

When you are ready to snowboard, are you sure that you have the right board for what you want to do?

Freestyle Boards – are most popular with beginners. This style of board is comparatively short, wide, and flexible. Learning to turn with this board is relatively easy. As you advance in your techniques, you can also use this board as you learn tricks and show your skills in the snow parks. Unlike other boards, the nose and tail of this one are identical. When buying a boot for this board you want to look for one that is soft and short.

Freeride Boards – is a board that is used for a variety of terrains and snow types. With this board you can enjoy the trails or go off the trails – enjoy the snow wherever you find it. You will notice with this board that it is longer and thinner than the freestyle board a bit more rigid. This style of board also has two categories the freeride and freecave. They vary slightly in how the perform. When purchasing boots for this type of board you want to look for soft and tall as well as soft bindings.

Alpine or Race Boards – You will see the board primarily in competitions. The tip is less curved and the tail is almost completely flat. This allows for the greatest edge contact between the snow and the board. This board is also thinner than the other boards, which makes it more stable and this allows for reaching high velocities and quick turns. These boards perform best in packed snow, but do not discount them in the powder. This board also has two categories: giant slalom and the slalom. When purchasing a boot for consider one similar to a ski boot that will provide the maximum in support and control.

Boots are usually bulky and come in either high or low styles depending on what you prefer and remember when you purchase boots for the snowboard they usually run a size bigger than you would normally wear. If you are not sure that you are ready to invest in the gear necessary for the sport of snowboarding, you may want to consider going to the slopes and renting what you will need the first couple of times. This will help you make certain you are ready to make an investment in the sport of snowboarding. There are the very basic steps to get you out on the snow and as you become more confident, consider taking a lesson or two you will learn the sport of snowboarding much faster that way.

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Surf the Cold White Stuff Try Snowboarding

2009-01-22T02:16:00.000-08:00

It is not easy to pinpoint when snowboarding actually started. Men and women, boys and girls have been sliding down hills with or without snow for as long as there have been mountains. History can backtrack to when snowboarding became the sport that most people are familiar with today.

You will be surprised to know that the first person actually to try to slide down a snowy hill with their feet strapped to a single board, occurred in 1929. M.J. Burchett attempted to tie his feet to the board with clothesline and horse reins, snowboarding has come along way since 1929. The next time the snowboard made an evolution was in 1965, thirty years later by Sherman Poppen. He made a snowboard a bit more stable by connecting two skis together and attaching a rope at the nose so that his daughter could stand on it. This added stability to the board.

In 1969, Dimitrije Milovich began making snowboards, as he based his idea on a combination of the surfboard but with the flexibility of skis. He called his design “Winterstick.” In 1977, Tom Sims created his version of the snowboard by gluing carpet to the top of a piece of skateboard and covering the bottom with a sheet of aluminum. In 1980, the official snowboard design is produced by Burton, who combines ski technology into the snowboards he created. In 1982, the first National Snowboard race was held outside of Woodstock, Vermont.

Snowboards, like skis, come in different styles depending on what you want to accomplish here are a few different types of boards and what they are designed for:

Burton 2006 Custom: this board is used to ride on powder as well as park and pipe. The tip and tail shapes of the board remain stable when the snow becomes choppy whether you are taking off landing.

Snowboards

Ride 2006 Havoc: If you are a snowboarder who likes a lot of punch and a good drive, this board is for you. The core is versatile and provides a stiff flex and response. If you are looking for a board that provides high-energy do not pass this up.

M3 2006 Discord: This board is used often in freestyle snowboarding. It is great for a variety of terrains and shredding.

Bindings

SPX 88-Men’s: provide lightweight precision with perfection. They are made with exceptional ergonomic quality in the ankle and provide the best in comfort and control made with a reinforced base plate of carbon fiber.

Pro FS-Men’s: this provides great response to freestyle, park, and pipe boarding and provides the greatest range of motion.

Poison-Women’s: Every aspect of these bindings was made with the women’s anatomy in mind not simply modified men’s bindings. If you are looking for high performance and comfort consider these bindings.

Cinch 05-women’s: These bindings offer women ease of adjustment as well as entry and exit. The performance and precision is unmatched as these bindings have an ergonomic high back and contoured straps.

Boots

Burton ION-men’s: This could well be the most agile all-terrain boot made for the snowboarder. Engineered with ultra-light Ion, this boot provides performance versatile flex that will give extra power when the rider hits natural kicks or enjoys being creative in the snow park.

Burton Supreme-women’s: This boot features a lacing system that allows you to adjust the upper and lower laces independent of each other and features the ultimate in comfort and support.

Snowboarding Backpacks

Camelbak SnoBound: This pack easily and securely carries your board vertically along with anything that you may need to hike in and out of the backcountry for some great snowboarding adventures. You also can carry 100 ounces of hydration with you. This pack is comfortable, rugged, and stable and can carry anything you need while traversing the backcountry.

Camelbak SnoDawg: This pack can carry all you want and more along with enough water to assure you will not become hydrating while you hit the slopes. This pack has 780 cubic inches of storage space and a container that holds up to 70 ounces of water.

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Snowmobile Racing aka Snowcrossing

2009-01-22T02:14:00.000-08:00

What is it that draws so many people to snowmobile racing? Is it the snow, the snowmobiles themselves, or perhaps the crisp fresh air of winter? Suffice to say the draw is all of the above mentioned. Snowmobile racing is a cross between watching the Daytona 500, speed skating, and roller derby. Throw in a few hairpin turns and paint the snowmobiles bright neon colors, and you have yourself a snowmobile race. Where are some of these snowmobile or snowcross races held?

Eagle River, Wisconsin has had a snowmobile derby for the past 41 years and this race and location is rich in history. In 1944 the first snowmobile (well at least one that closely resembles the models of today) was built. It basically consisted of a toboggan on skis that could be driven over the snow. During the 1960s is when the thought of using snowmobiles in the form of a sport caught the attention of many. The idea came as a way to boost the winter economy and boost, it did. The snowmobile derby in Eagle River today can draw crowds upwards of 50,000 people.

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West Yellowstone in Montana has some excellent areas for experiencing the thrill of riding your snowmobile and they also have the Snowmobile Expo. There are also several snowmobile race competitions to enjoy. The races bring in the cream of the crop and you will not be disappointed watching the freestyle techniques of the professionals! The Three Bear Lodge is a great place to stay due to the fact that you are near the best trails and action around. After a long day on the trails, you can come back to the Lodge and relax. Then you will make you are way to the Expo and races all are within a close proximity to your accommodations.

Salem, New Hampshire has a snowmobile-racing site also at Rockingham Park. The racers will go over jumps that could be as much as 30 feet high and take them a distance of more than 80 feet in the air. This is an amazing race to watch as the skill level ranges from beginners, semi-professionals, to professionals all racing through bumps, turns, ramps and going as much as 60 miles per hour.

There is also the International 500 that began in the 1960s and is run entirely by volunteers. The volunteers prepare the track; the snowmobile racers come, qualify and race at top speeds. The spectators love it and you will, too. This great race began with the simple comment of one man asking another man how many miles can snowmobiles run consecutively. Thus the International 500 Snowmobile Race came to life. Come and visit Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The Maritime Snowmobile Racing Federation (MSRF) began in 1978. With each passing year the MSRF abounds with more and more individuals wanting to join the race. They come from all over the Northern United States and Eastern Canada. As diverse as their racers are, the locations are spread thought cities all across the Northern United States and Eastern Canada. To watch these professionals in action is surely an event you do not want to miss. You can contact your local snowmobile outfitters and they will have a schedule of when the MSRF will be near your city.

Island Pond, Vermont has joined the ranks of many other states hosting the snowmobile racing teams. The particular team that met up in Vermont is part of the Rock Maple Northeast SnoCross Series. If you have the opportunity to watch these professionals in action, it is amazing to see them flying across the snow. They reach upwards of 60 miles per hour as they try to make the hairpin turns, fly over the bumps without hitting another racer or wiping out themselves. It is truly exhilarating!

If you want to know all there is to know about snowmobile racing, you may be interested in the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Germain, Wisconsin. Within this museum, you will see the past come to life while viewing sleds, clothing, and trophies from years gone by. They even have a theater, which shows amazing racing videos. Each year they have a Classic Sled Roundup when the owners proudly display their snowmobiles from the past this is a great time to be had by all.

Skijoring What is it and How It Got Its Start

2009-01-22T02:09:00.000-08:00

Skijoring is a unique sport indeed. The idea behind skijoring (Norwegian for ski-driving) is that if you have a dog and you own a set of skis, grab some rope and you have a new sport! Is the image becoming clear? Think of being pulled in a dogsled, now minus the sled and insert skis and you have skijoring!

Skijoring began in Scandinavia (can you think of a better place?) where they would hook themselves to horses and reindeer to get to their destinations. Eventually dogs proved to be more manageable and some even had three dogs at a time connected. In the 19th century Scandinavian immigrants are believed to be the ones who brought skijoring to the

United States

. Minnesota has proved quite popular to the skijoring community.

While you are enjoying the thrill of being pulled by your dogs, remember that small breed dogs do not fit the bill here. You have to also have to remember that you do not control the speed, direction, or the breaks and you could reach 15 miles per hour or more. The breed that works the best for this sport are dogs that weigh at least 35 pounds and love to run in the snow. Yes, you have your poles, and most likely you have enrolled in a course to show both you and your dogs how it is done.

Many ski areas are beginning to allow both the skiing enthusiast and their beloved dogs to join them on their winter vacations. Although you do not have to go to a ski resort to enjoy skijoring, this sport can also be done in public parks, golf courses, snowmobile areas, and most any cross-country trails. The type of skiing you do is called “skate skiing” which is more of a side-to-side motion rather than a forward motion.

If you are familiar with sled dog races, you know that sled dogs are known for moving at fast speeds over a large portion of the snow (15 or 20 miles is easy) and enjoy doing so. If you were to fall, your dog may or may not feel like stopping-- just as when you are playing fetch with them they may or may not feel like bringing the ball back to you, remember they are having fun!

How can you tell if your dog is right for skijoring? Most dogs love to run, even when you are walking them with a leash. Even if you dog have never pulled you before but love pulling things, all you have to do is put them in with a lead sled dog and they will learn by example.

If you are seriously considering the thought of trying skijoring, you do not want to cause injury to yourself or your beloved pet, therefore, invest in the proper equipment. The harnesses you use to walk your dog are not adequate for skijoring, as the force of pulling is not adequately distributed over their body and could cause injury and never use only a collar. Choking can be a problem if this is done and can injure your beloved pet. They make harnesses specifically for skijoring. It is also a good idea to buy a harness for yourself that has a quick release in case you fall and your beloved dog thinks this is just another way for them to pull you. Getting started in the sport of skijoring may set you back about $70.

If you have never used your dog for skijoring before, please remember that they will get tired as we do and do not expect them to react as if they have been pulling a sled or you all their life. Start slowly and build up that in turn will give you a chance to recover also.

Can you imagine the delight you dog must experience for being allowed to pull you and not get yelled at? Training your dog to walk with a leash is a task in itself and if you are a proud owner of a dog who thinks it is their life purpose to pull you while they are taking their walk then grab a pair of skis because your pet has the temperament for skijoring.

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An Overview to Skate Sailing

2009-01-22T02:06:00.000-08:00

In its simplest application, skate sailing refers to an athlete who wears skates, yet is propelled by the wind, which catches in a sail the athlete is holding. If the sport is played on ice, then ice skates will be used. If a different surface is the playing field, the roller skates are acceptable. Due the many different kinds of skates available, this activity can be done anytime in the year, during any season, at any time.

There really are no particular rules to observe, and many of the suggestions that are made to avid skate sailors are simply common sense:

You will need to learn how to stop and make turns while holding a sail. While this is easier said than done, it can be learned in a few hours.

You will need to get to know your tolerance for speed and know when to slow down.

Safety gear is highly recommended, and usually a pair of durable long paints and some safety goggles will do the trick.

Obviously, you want to dress appropriately for the season; thus, if you skate sail in winter, you will want to dress in warm clothes. Avoid cotton since it retains any moisture and keeps it close to your skin. Dress in layers so you can shed some or add some, depending on your comfort level and outdoor temperature changes.

Pay attention to others around you. Since you will quite possibly gain a lot of speed, you want to make sure that you do not run into anyone or anything.

Of course, while these ideas truly are common sense suggestions, you will soon find that skate sailing is a lot easier to describe than to actually do. The biggest hurdle for many novices is how to accurately handle the sail while keeping the balance on the skates is usually not that hard to do. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you to navigate your sail without loosing your grip, or worse, heading toward places you did not intend to:

Positioning your hands on the front edge of the sail and then maneuvering it above your head in a horizontal fashion accomplish stopping. Do this while you are pointing in the direction of the wind. When the sail is in this position, the wind will not add speed to your movements and you will be able to easily stop your movements via skating stop and slow motions.

Sailing happens when you move the sail to the shoulder that is exposed to the direction of the wind, actually putting the sail like a shield between the wind and you. As you turn into the direction you wish to skate to, lean against the sail and let the wind actually hold you up. When you switch sides, always bring the sail back to the stopping position. This will allow you to switch sides without jerking around suddenly but while you are loosing momentum which will make your movements much more fluid and thus easier on the joints.

If you believe you are loosing control of your sail, or have lost control already, simply let it go. There is no sense in trying to hold on and either breaking the sail or getting hurt while holding on for dear life. Instead, let go, break your speed, and then go after the sail.

As you can see, there is a lot more to skate sailing than meets the eye. While it looks like effortless elegance when done by a pro, don’t feel like the sport is not for you simply because the first few outings do not go smoothly. Instead remember that even the apparently effortless pro started out small, and probably had to let go of the sail quite a few times before she or he finally got into the groove of things. So go ahead, dust off your skates, make sure the blades of your ice skates are properly sharpened, and get yourself a sail. This inexpensive sport is a lot of fun and can be enjoyed alone or with others. Best of all, it will get you out into the fresh air and allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature year round.

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