Noob Boarders

[bradfordski]

OK, bringing some first timers this winter, including a couple mono-plankers. A couple of these guys are concerned as to how to board Tucks, I'm a skier so... anybody have any tips I can relay onto them, other than "try your best and don't fall."
Thankyaveymuch.

[Affix Snow]

Try your best and dont fall.

Good luck. ;)

[cgr]

In the immortal words of Charles De Mar: Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way, turn.

[NtrentT]

The best thing I can tell you is go there, take a look at the terrain, and the conditions for that day when you are there, and make a judgement.

The bowl is what it is, a Bowl, it gets steeper as you go up, so climb to your limit. There is a point where you will not be able to strap in and you will have to climb to the top, or down climb (not good); so be aware of that.

[Rider.Steve]

Let's face it, boarding Tux is easier ;) however, ahem....

The ascent and changeover are the most challenging part for me:

1. Soft boots are not good on the headwall. I recommend crampons.
2. Carry the board on your back/pack to keep your hands free for whatevers.
3. The changeover can be tricky. It is essential not to drop the board down the headwall and endanger others (plus, how the hell will you get down without it?). I recommend a long leash to facilitate holding/lashing the board to your body before strapping into the bindings.

Steve

[yuckster]

2. Carry the board on your back/pack to keep your hands free for whatevers.

Needed to be said again. Too many boarders in spring pushing their board up with their hands while they climb, then losing control of it.

[cgr]

Every time that I've been up there has usually been a popular place where people who aren't climbing to the stop stop and gear up. There is usually a trench(or you can kick one out) that you can use to strap in with. I usually face downhill when I strap/click in.

Because the trench is usually right next to the boot ladder your first turn usually wants to be away from the ladder. So depending upon your stance you may need to ride switch or just slip sideways to get room to make that crucial first turn.

[BladeGirl]

1. Soft boots are not good on the headwall. I recommend crampons.


Or follow a bunch of skiers up and have them kick a good boot ladder in for you!;)

I led a border up once (stranger following my footholes) who was perfectly content to wait as I paused to to rest, never taking me up on my offer for him to lead. Didn't get it until a few years later.

-BG

[bradfordski]

OK, well, sounds good, thanks ya'll. We will see what happens to em'.
Yuckster is right, I saw a runaway board in the Left Gully last April:eek:.
Xtra reps to steve for minimal sarcasm... as annoying as boarders are, they can, at times, be good company.:p

[Bannick]

Have your skiing friends carry you up...

[Rider.Steve]

Or follow a bunch of skiers up and have them kick a good boot ladder in for you!;)

I led a border up once (stranger following my footholes) who was perfectly content to wait as I paused to to rest, never taking me up on my offer for him to lead. Didn't get it until a few years later.

-BG

No doubt he wanted to take his time and enjoy the incredible views.

[2plankerider]

:justdoit:

[2plankerider]

:justdoit:

there can at times be spectacular views in the bowl

[footlong]

QUOTE=2plankerider;109203]:justdoit:

there can at times be spectacular views in the bowl[/QUOTE]

:ng2006:[:eek::D

[samthaman]

learn to ski?

[surf88]

Let's face it, boarding Tux is easier ;) however, ahem....

The ascent and changeover are the most challenging part for me:

1. Soft boots are not good on the headwall. I recommend crampons.
2. Carry the board on your back/pack to keep your hands free for whatevers.
3. The changeover can be tricky. It is essential not to drop the board down the headwall and endanger others (plus, how the hell will you get down without it?). I recommend a long leash to facilitate holding/lashing the board to your body before strapping into the bindings.

Steve
I've boarded the ravine more than I've skiied it, and these are the three things that came to mind for me also. As far as technique goes, Remember keep those knees bent in the steeps. Your natural survival mechanism is to straight leg, and dig your edge in, but that 1) is bad form, (you look stupid)2) takes away you ability to absorb the bumps, 3) gives you a higher center of gravity. Almost every ragdoll boarder I've seen, was a result of tensing up and straight legging.