Snowblades for beginner, lacking confidence?

Hi,

I am going to La Bresse Hohneck over Christmas. The last time was in a ski resort was 5/6 years ago, and I had about 3 private lessons whilst I was there (Borovets, Bulgaria). I could do snowplough turns by the end, but lacked confidence massively and was very critical of myself. I also "got stuck" on a button lift and developed a bit of a phobia.

Now I'm a different person - more positive, more confident, and also fitter and slimmer (I work out 3 times a week now) and I'm really keen to have a lot of fun and show my son (now 4) how fun snow sports can be. Still, I'm thinking that a fresh start with a "new sport" might help me put that last experience behind me.

I saw that snowblades can be easier for beginners, but I am reading mixed things about them. I used to roller skate and ice skate as a kid, haven't for like 25 years though.

Couple of questions:

- What are opinions about learning on snowblades? I am not bothered about ever doing proper Alpine skiing, and I'm not bothered if proper skiiers laugh at me, I just want something that is a bit easier for me to have a bit of fun on piste with. Will they do this?

- I was looking at a pair of Saloman snowblades, with Saloman C609 bindings. They are 90cm long and a have a 6.0 radius. The bindings are fully releasable. Will they do me OK to try on?

- Will I be able to get lessons on skiboarding/snowblading at a regular ski school?

- Any other tips?

So excited, but so determined not to end up in tears again :-)

LJB

Hi and welcome :-) ,
If you were lacking confidence because of balance issues, feeling out of control at speed or finding it difficult to adapt to changes of terrain (soft snow to ice or bumpy pistes) then snowblades will make things worse I think.
Unless your going to pay for private lessons then it will be difficult to get tuition on blades.
They are great fun for a couple of hours though.
I struggled with confidence in the early days but once I had a private lesson focusing on my weaknesses I felt much better and I'm really glad I persevered. If you can I suggest you get a couple of private lessons before you go or even a couple of group lessons at a dry slope (dry slopes are so much more difficult to ski on, they make real snow seem like a doddle after).
If your slimmer and fitter than six years ago you may well surprise yourself with how much easier you find things. With improved core strength your already going to be ahead of the game in comparison. Have fun.

Why take the blade option ???? keep taking the lessons and it will all eventually click, Learn to ski and then try the blades :wink:

Hi,if your worried about confidence, blades are not for you, I've been using blades for about 5 years, purely for the fun and speed factor. Down side of blades are, speed, you can get fast very quick, don't even think of trying a snowplough to stop it may end up messy. Fresh snow they don't like, lost count of how many face plants I've done.
I used normal skis last year and to be honest it was more enjoyable. I'd get more lessons and look at blades in several years when your fully confident, especially in stopping.
Hang in there, it comes together eventually.

numnuts wrote:Hi,if your worried about confidence, blades are not for you, I've been using blades for about 5 years, purely for the fun and speed factor. Down side of blades are, speed, you can get fast very quick, don't even think of trying a snowplough to stop it may end up messy. Fresh snow they don't like, lost count of how many face plants I've done.
I used normal skis last year and to be honest it was more enjoyable. I'd get more lessons and look at blades in several years when your fully confident, especially in stopping.
Hang in there, it comes together eventually.

I have a pair, I find my skis are faster 8)

Hi Ian, I find i'm more confident on blades thus making me quicker than skis, it took me a day to get used to normal skis again. I find everything much more fluent on blades.

I think blades are a good option for someone who wants to fast track getting around the mountain without the hassle and time commitment required in learning to ski properly. I'd say go for it. Probably need private tuition, if you want to get lessons. They pretty much go the way you point them however, so you won't nt need loads of lessons.
I think they're fun items but I agree they have a tendency to throw you around if you try go too fast.

Shipjack

numnuts wrote:Hi Ian, I find i'm more confident on blades thus making me quicker than skis, it took me a day to get used to normal skis again. I find everything much more fluent on blades.

Yep they are a good side line for a spot of fun but a set of skis will beat a set of blades on speed :wink: