Snowboarding: Mountains, Snow & Thrills
Posted by admin on Jan 13, 2011
Snowboarding is an adventure sport, much younger than surfing, skateboarding and skiing. Its history runs back to the 1960s, when this sport was developed in the United States, after conceiving inspiration from the predecessors of this sport. It is an item in the Winter Olympics too. Just like skiing, surfing and skateboarding, snowboarding also involves moving at good speed. The surface is snow and the movement is downward from a snow covered hill or mountain top. The rider can balance himself/herself on a snowboard, jumping over the hillocks and performing amazing stunts while in the air.
It requires special skills and courage to take up snowboarding. The rider has to wear protective cloth to ensure protection against the ice cold weather. If you choose the location right, snowboarding is not a risky sport. It is an adventure sport, but not riskier than similar forms of sport, which have ocean waves and solid ground as surface. The technique has to be right, so is the selection of snowboards.
Snowboarding has been served by quite a few companies that designed strong, reliable snowboards, which guarantee better stability and pace for snowboarding. The main equipment is the snowboard, which is attached to the boots. The early history of snowboarding goes back to 1965, when Sherman Poppen designed Snurfer, which was essentially a skateboard without wheels. Then in the 1970s and 80s, much innovation was brought into the designing of snowboards. Slowly, ski resorts became open to the idea of opening their space for snowboarders and there began the history of snowboarding.
Free ride, freestyle and free carve are the main styles of snowboarding. They all are adopted at varying pace by snowboarding enthusiasts. In freestyle, you can find manmade obstacles placed in the path and the snowboarders manoeuvring over the obstacles with much agility and flexibility. Seeing the action is quite an interesting thing, with the riders going past at a good speed and performing gravity defying stunts.
Snowboarding enthusiasts also should observe the safety precautions to be safe. Protective gear are designed in good numbers. Goggles are a must to ensure protection to eyes and to prevent temporary blindness from happening, especially in a bright day. Essential protection needs to be given to the wrists, knees, head, shoulders, etc. The key thing is to be able to identify the origin of an avalanche. Also be alert enough not to trigger an avalanche. Emergency response at time of an avalanche about to happen is also a key skill required by snowboarders.
Snowboarding as an adventure sport has got the attention of several publications and now there are several magazine available out there, solely for the purpose of telling you about snowboards, safety gear and snowboarding holidays.
Nobody knows why snowboarding was invented so late. It doesn’t matter, once people get used to snowboarding, it is one smooth ride. All the beholders enjoy a snowboarding competition event, where the riders pace down the terrains, go up in the air and perform various tricks, while ensuring a safe, comfortable landing.
Dev Saras
Green Snow Holidays – From Bbc Green
Posted by admin on Feb 23, 2010
Here’s our essential guide to skiing and snowboarding the green way
Skiing and snowboarding are not the obvious choice for an eco-friendly traveller. After all, air flights, luxury spas and hacking your way through the pristine snow are a far cry from a tree-planting camp in Devon.
But it doesn’t have to be like that – winter sport is about enjoying the great outdoors, so we’ve looked at some of the best ways to respect it too. Here’s our advice on how to get there, where to stay and what kit you should bring with you.
Take the snow train
If you’re looking for a greener way to the slopes than flying and are tired of the inconvenience of flight delays, then travelling by train could be for you. Thousands of skiers and boarders choose to make their journey to the heart of the slopes this way every season.
Rail Europe’s Snow Trainis an overnight sleeper service from London St Pancras and Ebbsfleet International, Kent, to a number of skiing destinations in the French Alps. There is a specially designated sound-proofed disco carriage, so you can party all night, or if you’d rather save your energy for the slopes, there is comfortable, flat-bed sleeping accommodation.
In many cases, ski train journeys are similar in length to flying. Remember, by train there’s no two-hour check-in time, fewer delays and (on most trains) no long transfers to your resort.
Plus, most independent research says that travelling to the slopes by train produces a relatively small carbon footprint compared to flying or going by car.
It’s worth remembering though that you need to change platforms at Paris before travelling onto the stations at Chambery, Albertville, Moutiers, Aime la Plagne, Landry and Bourg St Maurice.
The Snow Train can also be more convenient if you’re taking your own gear, as there is no charge for carrying your skis or boards in their ski locker. You arrive early Saturday morning and depart last thing the following Saturday, so you get maximum time on the slopes.
Eco-friendly coach travel
Coach travel to the Alps is a long-haul option but it is also great value. National Express’s Eurolines service runs from London Victoria to nine resorts in both France and Switzerland, and there is no charge for skis and snowboards.
The journey takes approximately 18 hours and most coaches leave in the afternoon and arrive early next morning. Reclining seats means you should get a decent night’s sleep and there’s usually a film to watch in the evening.
Greener accommodation
Finding a good value eco-friendly hotel or chalet can feel like an uphill struggle, as they are few and far between. But if you look hard, you can find wood fires, solar panels, and composting heaps among the hot-tubs, spas and gyms.
If it’s composting toilets you’re after you may well be out of luck, but lots of companies are increasingly looking out to protect the environment that their holidaymakers enjoy. Here are some of our favourites…
Whitepod
This unique Swiss eco-camp located above Les Cerniers, a small village at the foot of Dents du Midi, features five wood-fire heated domes around a 19th-century chalet. The igloo-shaped pods are each made from weatherproofed cotton stretched over a storm-proof steel frame, which should keep you snug and warm.
Inside, the pods are lit by petrol lamps and are furnished with recycled or sustainably made furniture. You can only get there on skis or snowshoes and your luggage is delivered via snowmobile, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.
If you don’t want to ski or snowboard you can always go snowshoeing, dog-sledding, relax in the hot tub or try the star-gazing platform with telescope. If you have children, the site also offers an Eco Kids Camp from July to August, which includes wildlife observation, local farm visits, organic picnics and evening games.Winner of the Responsible Tourism Awards 2005 for innovation.
From 325 euros per night including coffee and afternoon tea.
For more information:Whitepod
Whitepod is renovating the camp to cut its footprint and ensure that the level of service remains high. As a result, it will not be open for this coming winter 08/09. However, their mountain refuge, which sleeps up to 60 guests, is open from 1 December 2008.
Green Rides – Challet Montperron
This luxurious 18th century eco-chalet is based just outside Bourg St Maurice. With five large double bedrooms, it includes all the usual chalet amenities such as wi-fi and cable as well an open log fire, spa area and a wood pellet-fired hot tub.
The electricity is sourced from wind and solar farms in northern France. All food waste is composted, the rubbish is recycled and energy efficient light bulbs are used throughout the property. The owners are also planning to install a solar panelled roof and offer a discount to customers who take the Snow Train.A week typically cost from £385 per person.
Green Rides
Karibuni – Lodge Aravis
This 100 year old catered chalet is set in the Aravis Mountains near La Clusaz and sleeps 35 people. It has a gym, sauna and massage room as well as a children’s area and an onsite ski hire shop.France can be hard for veggies but Lodge Aravis has been accredited by the Vegetarian Society, soust ask for their vegetarian menu. All waste is either composted or recycled and they aim to source as much fair trade, local, and free range produce as possible. The chalet also offsets its carbon emissions through Climate Care.
The people behind Lodge Aravis also run a number of other smaller chalets, including Chalet Aravis which can sleep up to 11 people and uses solar panels to heat all of its water.
From £580pp a week (including a lift pass for seven days of skiing).
Location: Aravis Mountain, French Alps. For more information: Karibuni
Green shopping for snow gear
When it comes to being green on the slopes, skis, snowboards and winter gear can pose a problem. Nearly all of them are made of a combination of wood, fibreglass, foam, plastic and steel, which are stuck together by epoxy resin, and are nearly impossible to recycle.
However, many manufacturers are taking green steps, from carbon offsetting to using sustainable materials, such as bamboo, and even solar-powered factories.
New Zealand company Kingswood Skis won a product sustainability award for their bamboo-core carbon neutral skis. They are also looking into a flax alternative to fibreglass which is used in almost every ski and board made today. And they provide a clear breakdown of all the materials used in their products on their website.
Arbor makes its snowboard’s cores from renewable, fast-growing bamboo, which has come from sustainably managed forests and the bases are made with leftover poly-ethylene. They have pledged to donate a portion of all their revenue to organisations involved in protecting the environment. Also, its factory’s machines are wind-powered.
Don’t forget the eco-benefits of buying secondhand gear or renting ski or snow equipment. Freecycle and Ebay are just a couple of online places you could try.
Take a look at our shop now for the best eco friendly shopping.
Green Rewards
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/green-snow-holidays-from-bbc-green-745771.html
GoPro Helmet HERO Wide 5 Megapixel Video Camera
Posted by admin on Jan 11, 2010
The GoPro Helmet HERO Wide quick-release attaches to vented and non-vented helmets, bikes, kayaks, skis, snowboards, and even includes a head strap for wearing like a headlamp. Features the industry’s widest 170 degree wide angle lens and 5 megapixel…
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what is the best brand for snowboards and snowboarding gear?
Posted by admin on Nov 29, 2009
im just going to go up and down a moutain so a good brand for all mountain boards
I think it all depends on who you are.
I love my K2 (I have tried a few different brands like Burton and Rome etc) and so do my friends that have them but I also have friends who swear by Burton and other brands.
Some mountains have certain days where you can test ride boards. Ask your local mountain if they are having a day like this.
As for gear I have Spy goggles for cloudy and dim days and Oakley A frames for my regular riding.
Burton boots.
For pants & jackets I have Burton, Powder Room and 686.
Various gloves.
Under Armour, etc.
Go for comfort.
Snowboarding Gear : Fitting Snowboard Bindings
Posted by admin on Oct 21, 2009
The process of fittings snowboard bindings has a lot to do with what kind of board the snowboarder has, and whether or not they are on a four-hole pattern board. Learn about the bolt patterns of snowboard bindings with help from the manager of a snowboard store in this free video on snowboarding gear and equipment.
Expert: Andy Varner
Bio: Andy Varner has been the manager for 14 years at the MAX snowboard shop at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.
Filmmaker: Erik Hutchins
Duration : 0:1:32
Snowboarding Gear : Fitting Snowboard Bindings
Posted by admin on Oct 21, 2009
The process of fittings snowboard bindings has a lot to do with what kind of board the snowboarder has, and whether or not they are on a four-hole pattern board. Learn about the bolt patterns of snowboard bindings with help from the manager of a snowboard store in this free video on snowboarding gear and equipment.
Expert: Andy Varner
Bio: Andy Varner has been the manager for 14 years at the MAX snowboard shop at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.
Filmmaker: Erik Hutchins
Duration : 0:1:32
Snowboarding Gear : How Are Snowboards Built?
Posted by admin on Oct 19, 2009
Snowboards consist of wood, fiberglass, polyurethane sidewalls, hard plastic and metal that is fused together. Find out how to grind the base of a snowboard with help from the manager of a snowboard store in this free video on snowboarding gear and equipment.
Expert: Andy Varner
Bio: Andy Varner has been the manager for 14 years at the MAX snowboard shop at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.
Filmmaker: Erik Hutchins
Duration : 0:1:24
Snowboarding Gear : Common Snowboarding Injuries
Posted by admin on Oct 17, 2009
The most common snowboarding injuries include a broken wrist, fractured skulls, concussions, broken tail bones and bruising. Prevent injuries while snowboarding by wearing helmets and wrist guards with help from the manager of a snowboard store in this free video on snowboarding gear and equipment.
Expert: Andy Varner
Bio: Andy Varner has been the manager for 14 years at the MAX snowboard shop at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.
Filmmaker: Erik Hutchins
Duration : 0:1:56
Snowboarding Gear : Common Snowboarding Injuries
Posted by admin on Oct 17, 2009
The most common snowboarding injuries include a broken wrist, fractured skulls, concussions, broken tail bones and bruising. Prevent injuries while snowboarding by wearing helmets and wrist guards with help from the manager of a snowboard store in this free video on snowboarding gear and equipment.
Expert: Andy Varner
Bio: Andy Varner has been the manager for 14 years at the MAX snowboard shop at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.
Filmmaker: Erik Hutchins
Duration : 0:1:56
Snowboarding Gear : How Do I Resurface a Snowboard?
Posted by admin on Oct 15, 2009
A snowboard can get contaminated with salt, road debris or transmission fluid. Find out how to resurface a snowboard through light grinding and sanding with help from the manager of a snowboard store in this free video on snowboarding gear and equipment.
Expert: Andy Varner
Bio: Andy Varner has been the manager for 14 years at the MAX snowboard shop at the base of Park City Mountain Resort.
Filmmaker: Erik Hutchins
Duration : 0:2:9
