"Neil Gendzwill" wrote in message
om...
"Joe Ramirez" wrote in message
...
1. Am I correct about the learning curves of boarding vs. skiing? If
not,
what's the reality?
The first 2 days are tougher on a board than skis (you *will* be stiff
and sore). After that, snowboarding is a much faster path to
intermediate skill. Once you're an intermediate, I'd say the learning
curve to get to advanced/expert skill is about the same.
I don't know if I will be able to put in the time to become advanced in
either sport, but I certainly want to become an intermediate, so this is
comforting.
My skiing is rusty and my snowboarding pretty good, so with the
limited time I now have in the hills I tend to ride. If I could get
in more days I'd do both. If I could get in a lot of days I'd take up
telemarking. Sliding downhill on snow == big fun, no matter the
equipment.
Exactly what is telemarking? I've seen this term before but I don't know
what it means.
4. If I took up snowboarding and persevered long enough to become a
decent
rider, would I be able to hit the slopes with the brother and/or
brother-in-law (I mean the ones within my capabilities)? Or is there
something awkward about going snowboarding with skiers? Does one get
"left
in the dust," so to speak?
The best solution to riding with skiers is to use step-in bindings, to
avoid the main problem which is them having to wait around while you
fiddle with straps.
Aha. That sounds like good advice if I reach that stage.
In fact, at your age and with your goals, I'd
recommend hard boots with an Intec-compatible stepin and an
all-mountain board. See www.bomberonline.com for more info on the
hard-booting experience, and one of the friendliest and most helpful
online communities. In particular check out the welcome centre
(http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/welcome_center.cfm) and the
forums
(
http://www.bomberonline.com/VBulleti...p?s=&forumid=2).
Why would hard boots be better than soft boots? I've been to the
bomberonline Web site already, but it seems to assume preexisting personal
experience of the difference between the two. Also, are hard boots for
snowboarding, as opposed to ski boots, difficult to find? Do most ski/board
shops carry them, or are they a specialty item?
Thanks,
Joe Ramirez