The 10 Essential Things you must do this summer!!!!!

I think also the trouble with youngsters snow-boarding is they dont just want to be able to come down a mountain safely they want to be progressing to tricks, riding rails, half pipes etc. I think they probably need to be about 15 having learnt to ski first. I learnt to board at 50 its the hardest thing I have ever done, I love it but feel more in control on ski,s. Thats just my opinion but I am sure others think the earlier the better. When I had my lessons I was the oldest by far in the group, the next ages down were about 21-25, but there was one 12 yr old, he had no fear but we all thought he was an accident waiting to happen he was a right little dare devil.

caron-a wrote:
This is a consideration for me, I've always wanted to give it a go, but my specialist said it's particularly hard on the knees while you're learning. Is this right?

Another question. I heard somewhere that it's recommended that kids shouldn't learn to snowboard until they're 13 as it's detrimental to their wrists at a young age. any opinions? I keep promising my boys but I'm delaying...

I would say from my experience that there is little risk to knees while learning to board. The knees can take some knocks when falling on them and for that reason many people wear light knee pads under thier ski pants.

When I learned to ski, my legs were strong from years of boarding so it is hard for me to make a good comparison. I also go light on my din settings, so despite some major falls, I have never really felt any stress on my kness during releases from ski bindings. I do think there is more stress when skiing on chopped up snow than there is in the same conditions on a board. I have met several people who have had major leg injuries from skiing and feel much safer on a snowboard.

Caron, I would certainly entertain the idea. Maybe when your legs are stronger and the stores have thier winter gear next autumn, go and try a snowboard set up to see how it feels. If that feels good then try a lesson. I would certainly opt for a private first lesson to have the instructor set your gear up comfortably.

As for the age at which to start kids on a board. It is generally thought that kids do not have the coordination to snowboard, much befor eight years old. This was certainly the right age for my daughter. Of course there are always exceptions and I have seen five year olds doing well.

I would not wait until the mid teens to try boarding, as at this age, ego is everything. Looking silly falling down on a board is torture to a teenagers self esteem. Most kids at this age seem to prefer to keep on skiing.

As for the wrist risk. Everyone sould wear wrist guards to learn. Wrist guards are a must for riding in the park and icey conditions.

Thanks Trencher. I think what we'll do is get through next season on skis and then take a trip to the snowdome in the summer, have a lesson and take it from there.

Pavel, I'm already thinking ahead to essential things I must do next summer! :thumbup:

Caron-a,

Your comment about next summer's plans tells me you are a "smart" women and practicing one of the key business strategies many multi-national should practice! That is being ahead of the "curve"! Looking ahead at will happen and NOT at what is happening!

You intrique me since few people think two summers ahead! Does that mean you have already planned your winter?

I reviewed all your "messages" and indeed you are a "fanatic" skier! If you have a chance view the SKI FANATIC site you may be surprised!

Pavel

I am indeed fanatical, Pavel, everything in my life is all or nothing, black or white, no grey areas. Something to do with being a Libran I've been told. I'm also glass (at least) half full and therefore always look ahead with optimism.

My plans for 08/09 season in Tignes are in place (with hopefully an extra trip earlier depending on the knees) but, unfortunately, my plans for 09/10 have to change now. We were going to go on a major 10-14 day trip to whistler over christmas but my sister has very selfishly decided to get married on christmas eve 2009!!! Of course, I'm only joking, I'm very happy for my sister :twisted:

What is the ski fanatic site?

Caron :D

Caron-a,
Sorry for great delay,,I am busy on some projects!

The ski Fanatic site is a store in Eastern USA which has the very best deals I have seen! I bought my Spyder Underwear there for $20,,when regular price is $120!

Think globally! Just look at the numbers! $20 for underwear,,,$6 shipping!!!!


The owner has a CAM so you can see product! I can recommend this place since it has just quality ski material! Again I have nothing to do with store!

Let me give you all another example. I have a friend who works at an Alaskian ski resort! She has one ski shop in area and prices are.........out of this world! I send her two pairs of powder skis! Priced for her here $250 and $400! Shipping via Fedex $27 per ski! Same skis in Alaska were $700 and $1,300!!!!

If you do go to Whistler,,,,plan a day stay at Vancouver! You can buy all sorts of ski equipement at very very low prices! Then go enjoy your skiing!

I've been busy googling, Pavel...
Is the shop in Pittsfield, Ma or Campton, NH?

Not wishing to put a damper on global shopping, but shipping is a deal killer. Then there's the dreaded VAT. To make it worse US postal services has stopped ground shipping to the UK, so now there is only air parcel.

If US ski trips are still such a good deal next winter, I would buy on line and ship to a US contact for pick up when you are here.

Trencher