Just because the off season comes doesn't mean the fun of snowboarding has to stop. Here are three boards that are designed to simulate the feel snowboarding. Any of these boards can be used by snowboarders to hone their skills and train during the off season.
The first board, called the Flowboard probably has more wheels on it than any other board currently in existence. Normal skateboard trucks only allow the rider to make up to 25 degree turns. The Flowboard doesn't have trucks on it. Instead there are seven wheels side by side in a curve. This enables the Flowboard to carve up to 45 degree turns. The Flowboard is a great board for carving down roads.
The T-board, made by Tierney Rides is that many snowboarders use to train with over the summer. The T-board has only two wheels that are on caster trucks. The design of the T-board makes it ride like a snowboard does when it is on its edge in snow.
The last board that simulates snowboarding is called the Freebord. This board simulates both the sliding and the carving experience in snowboarding. The Freebord has four outside wheels (two on each side) that simulate the edge of a snowboard. With the Freebord you can control your speed and stop as you would on a snowboard. On the bottom of the Freebord there are two wheels that make the board ride and slide similar to a snowboard. These wheels make it so you can slide and drift into a switch stance while riding down a hill.
All of these boards simulate in some way the thrill and experience of snowboarding. Don't let the lack of snow, or even the cost of lift tickets keep you from having fun.
With the Flowboard, T-board, or the Freebord you can experience the thrill of snowboarding in the off season and snowboard all year round.
For more alternative boards and Extreme Toys, visit ActionIsle, a site dedicated to all things fun.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Gert
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
3 Ways to Enjoy the Thrill of Snowboarding In the Off Season
When The Snow Has Gone...
by Paul la Vella
With the summer upon us, many ski resorts have suspended their winter sports holidays for the season.
Colorado's ski season is coming to a quick close. More than half of Colorado's ski resorts have already closed for the summer. The remainder will be closed by the first week of June. Some of the more popular resorts like Aspen, Keystone and Vail have already closed. Summertime for Aspen, as well as other Colorado resorts, means camping, concerts and plenty of park activities.
In California, Lake Tahoe ski areas closed at the end of April. During the summer months, Lake Tahoe provides just as much fun for outdoor enthusiasts: golf, fishing, rafting, hiking, biking, sailing and lake cruises, just to name a few. Youth camps and extreme summer camps for kids are available during the summer. The resorts also offer gaming and other indoor activities.
Utah is also closed for skiing holidays. The Snowbird resort won't be closing their ski season until May 26, but will be open only Friday through Sunday during May. Summertime activities in Snowbasin and other Colorado destinations include fly fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, backpacking and sightseeing. Of course camping is also an option in your favorite wintertime ski areas.
Recent weather conditions have caused some ski resorts to close early for the season.
Some North Carolina ski resorts expected to be open until mid-April, but closed earlier in March due to above normal temperatures and inconsistent weather patterns. Asheville's Hawksnest in Seven Devils was set to close near the end of March. Seven Devils offers a lot to do during the summer months as well as the ski season. Golfing, hiking, fishing and area theme parks are among some of the attractions. Asheville, North Carolina is also home to the grand Biltmore estate, which is a very well-known tourist attraction during the summer months.
Several European ski resorts also closed early. Through the years, many resorts have remained open through June, but this year most are already closed or will do soon due to lack of snow. Of course this causes concern for resort owners for coming years. Some are concerned that global warming is causing shorter winters and less snowfall. Others simply believe it is due to a mild 2007-2008 winter.
Abondance, one of the smaller resort towns in the Alps, was the first to shut down permanently due to lack of snow. Abondance, though not a functioning ski holidays resort for a year now, offers marked snowshoe paths with guided tours and 10 km of cross-country ski tracks. For cheese-lovers, this small town offers up its specialty cheeses made from cows raised locally. Family discovery holidays are very popular in Abondance.
Many other resorts in the Alps offer great summertime holiday packages. Some packages include camping, hiking and even language classes for those who wish to learn French. Some of the more popular summertime camps offer guided tours of museums and art galleries throughout the Alps. Hiking, biking, windsurfing, paragliding and ballooning are very popular summertime activities enjoyed by summertime visitors.
Additionally, you may choose to take an air-guided tour to experience a true birds-eye view of the Alps.
Ski resorts offer much more than skiing and snowboarding. Many people often don't consider these resorts when planning summertime holiday destinations. Ski resorts world-wide welcome summertime visitors and offer many unique activities for individuals and families.
About the Author
yourandorra.com has details of the upcoming 2008/9 ski season with ski Andorra reviews and has a now report and the weather in Andorra
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Avoiding Common Snowboarding Injuries
by Jasmine Stone
Snowboarding is a fun sport to undertake but it has its risks that you need to be aware of. Nothing would suck more that returning from a snowboarding trip with a broken leg or sprained wrist. There are a number of broad safety measures you can follow to diminish your danger of a snowboarding injury that we will discuss.
Make sure you're in shape to ski. Organize for your winter sports trip with a training programmed to progress core stability and muscle. Endurance and leg strength is predominantly vital to lend a hand in preventing injuries.
Wear suitable layers of clothing, that don't confine your movement. You do not want to be all bulked up and unable to move freely. If you cannot move then you cannot snowboard properly and the entire thrill aspect is gone.
Just like any other sporting activity, warm up and cool down. Before you hit the slopes take some time warming up and stretching to help train your body for action.
The top injury that a majority of the snowboarders receive is a wrist injury. Falls are more frequent during snowboarding. The natural response to a fall is to stretch out a hand to break the fall, and falls tend to occur more often in beginners. For this reason Colles fractures Scaphoid and fractures of the wrist are a relatively common feature, with around 100,000 wrist fractures worldwide among snowboarders each year. Snowboarders should wear wrist guards as they significantly reduce the incidence of wrist injuries during falls. Another common injury is head injuries which can lead to serious conclusions. Helmets are effective in reducing the incidence of minor concussions during low velocity collisions. Be sure to grab both of these when you do your shopping for snowboarding.
You may think this will save you money, but in the end it may cost you thousands in hospital bills. Don't borrow equipment from friends; it significantly increases your risk of injury. If you are hiring equipment make sure you hire from a recommended store. Ensure that all the equipment fits properly. This will help avoid serious injuries and unnecessary falls due to non fitting equipment.
Another good tip is Use 'multi-mode' release bindings if possible. The superior release available in modern bindings is just one factor that has helped prevent injuries. Rear release boots can significantly reduce the risk of ACL injury.
Self-test your bindings every day. Self testing of bindings is simple. Step into the binding and then twist to the side to release the toe-piece under the control mechanism. The heel can be tested by stepping into the binding and leaning forward, to release the heel-piece. Both the toe and heel should be able to release if properly adjusted.
The Final Suggestion is to follow the FIS Rules for Conduct in Winter Sports.
1. Respect for others
A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others.
2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
3. Choice of route A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
4. Overtaking
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
5. Entering, starting and moving upwards
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.
6. Stopping on the piste Unless it is absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.
7. Climbing and descending on foot
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the piste.
8. Respect for signs and markings A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.
9. Assistance At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
10. Identification Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.
With all these tips that have been shared with you, I hope you learned something and will have a very safe trip. Come home in one piece and start planning the next.
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About the Author
If you want more skiing tips, visit http://www.ski-trip-planning.com for information on skiing vacations.
Tip for Selecting Snowboard or Ski Goggles
by Don Shalin
The earliest use of snow goggles starts with the Inuit people who lived in the coastal regions of what are now Siberia, Greenland, and Alaska. Archeologists have uncovered prehistoric sites thousands of years old with snow goggles in them. The Inuit version of the snow goggle was a carved piece of bone, shell or driftwood, with horizontal slits for eye holes about an inch and half wide. The goggles were held in place by sinew, and were used to cut down on sun's glare and ultraviolet rays, thus preventing snow blindness (snow blindness is in effect a sunburn in your eyes, and is an painful as it sounds. In extreme cases it can cause blindness).
Thousands of years later, one of the primary functions of ski goggles remains the same: protection from ultraviolet rays of the sun. All but the most inexpensive ski goggles provide ultraviolet protection; do not purchase a pair that does not offer this most basic function. According to the American National Standards Institute, look for a lens that blocks the two components of UV radiation UVB and UVA by 99 percent and 95 percent, respectively. In addition to protection of your eyes from UV rays, goggles also serve as a physical barrier keeping snow, wind, ice, rocks and flying debris from your eyes. Keep the following tips in mind as you shop for ski goggles:
Be sure to choose a pair of ski or snowboard goggles that have good peripheral vision- when traveling at a high rate of speed it's important to be able to identify hazards quickly. Those hazards can be natural- such as uneven terrain, rocks or trees, or even your fellow snow boarding or skiing enthusiasts.
Fit- You are going to be on the slopes for hours at a time, make sure to try on several pairs of snowboard goggles to get a comfortable fit. If you wear a helmet, be sure to try the goggles with it before you hit slopes -- there's nothing worse than constantly having to adjust your equipment, or worse yet discovering you can't wear those expensive snowboarding goggles at all.
Anti-Fog- Look for a ski goggle with anti-fogging technology built in. There are several approaches- a double layer lens, chemical treatments of the lens during manufacturing, and finally as a last resort, you can pick up an anti-fogging spray or wipe at the store.
Match your lens color to the conditions you'll be skiing or snowboarding in- In low light or overcast conditions, yellow or rose snowboard goggles will provide better contrast, and you'll be able to see more. If you're going to be out on the slopes at night, wear clear goggles. Finally, with bright conditions, use a darker tint (purple, green, etc.) to reduce eye strain. Some newer ski goggles have interchangeable lenses, which allow you to select the correct lens color for the current conditions. Finally, Uvex has come up with an interesting approach to having the correct lens at hand. Using a battery powered liquid crystal technology you can switch from high contrast (for flat light) to a darker lens for bright conditions by simply pressing a button.
Ski goggles have come a long way in technology, and comfort, but their basic purpose-protecting your irreplaceable vision, remains the same.
Read the original article for updates: Tips for Selecting Snowboard or Ski Goggles
About the Author
Don Shalin has been skiing since he was a child, and his favorite ski goggle store is at Goggle Ferret.
Snowboarding At Its Best
by Jasmine Stone
Snowboarding by itself is a fun and safe sport which is basically a cross between skiing and skateboarding. Using a single large snowboard, enthusiasts rush down slopes through the snow. The feel and balance is quite different from regular skiing since navigation through the snow is achieved on only a single board, and unlike skateboarding, snowboarders let gravity do all the work of propulsion for them as they slide down the slopes.
Naturally, once snowboarding caught on in popularity, it was only a matter of time before the most highly skilled practitioners decided to tackle harder and harder slopes, finding ones with more dangerous terrain, or natural formations that allowed for stunts like turnpipes in skateboarding.
Thus was born extreme snowboarding. Extreme snowboarding involves extremely tough slopes set at 45 degree angles or less, making runs down these slopes extremely fast and difficult to control. Unlike gentle civilian snowboarding slopes, extreme slopes will also usually have outcroppings of rock jutting out from the snow as part of the challenge.
This is not a fact to be taken lightly, and not a sport to be taken by amateurs. Given the speeds at which an extreme snowboarder can go, even a casual splash on the slope an lead to broken limbs or a broken neck from impact with the snow alone. When you factor in the presence of actual rock formations, you can see how this sport is one that is not undertaken lightly.
Extreme snowboarder slopes actually dont have any of the usual conveniences of a civilian ski or snowboard slope. There are no trans for uphill transport, no waystations for shelter and relaxation. It is wilderness all the way. More often than not, during extreme snowboard competitions, the boarders actually ride airlifts to get to the top of the course.
Like some extreme sports, snowboarding enthusiasts have even merged their styles with that of other extreme sports. For example, some snowboarders actually pack parachute gliders on their backs These extreme sportsmen take a snowboard and do a run all the way down a slope which ends at a sheer-drop cliff, and once they fly off the cliff, trigger the chutes and hang glide all the rest of the way down the mountainside. If that isn't an adrenaline rush, I don't know what is!
Some of the more popular and challenging snowboard slopes are located in New Zealand and Alaska. In the Alaskan slopes, there are 4000 foot vertical run areas with gullies, ditches, and wind lips, as well as trees to contend with on the slope. There is also an area with natural half-pipe formations and rolls where freestyle exhibitions similar to that done for skateboarding can be performed.
The New Zealand slopes are more challenging for those who enjoy absolute speed runs. With one of the steepest and sharpest slopes around, navigating the New Zealand snowboarding slopes requires perfect balance and control to keep from spilling.
Given the risks of snowboarding, every professional competing extreme snowboarder is required to learn first aid specializing in cold weather injury treatment, as well as survival, search, and rescue techniques for winter and mountainous terrain. On their runs, they are also required to bring avalanche transceivers for emergency pickups in case of an avalanche or if they go off course and get lost.
Like most extreme sports, extreme snowboarding is most definitely not for the weak or the faint of heart. But for those who are up to the challenge, it offers one of the most exciting blood rushes around.
About the Author
For ski trip help or planning tips visit Ski Trip Planner.
Snowboarding Gear For Fun
by Jasmine Stone
With the winter season fast closing in on us, it's time to start getting ready to hit the slopes. Burton Snowboarding Gear is one of the best companies to come up with snowboarding equipment that keeps the fun-loving ones in mind. Where other snowboard manufacturing companies tend to focus on professional level gear that's patterned after "the equipment used by professionals" or some other similar sales pitch, Burton's focus is on the rest of us who just want to snowboard for fun, have a good time, and stay warm and comfortable while doing it.Burton's lineup involves not only snowboards, but apparel and accessories that focus on stylish appearance, safe performance, and user comfort. While they also have their own line of competition level gear, a vast majority of their equipment is meant for casual enjoyment and usage. Here are some samples of their offerings.
Kiddie and Beginner Snowboards - these snowboards are designed like bikes with trainer wheels, in that their balance and shape are very forgiving on the slopes. Performance wise, don't expect to pull stunts with these boards, but if you don't know much about snowboarding, you can expect that you'll be eating the snow a lot less than you would with a normal board.
Intermediate to Advanced Snowboards - these are top quality snowboards designed for speed and agility. If you actually know what you're doing and want to hit the slopes with a board that will let you strut your stuff, these are good purchases. Just make sure that you really DO know your stuff, as these boards can turn pretty quick, and it you're not quite as agile as you think you are, you might wind up making a pretty good snowman on the slopes.
Kid's Apparel - snowboarding is for everyone, even little kids, and Burton's lineup takes into account high factors of both warmth and safety in their children's clothing. Warm multi-layered socks, flashy jackets that make it easy to spot your kids on the slope, and heat-retaining pants are just some of the offerings. There are even additional lines for girls, featuring fleece jackets and beanies. These are meant as much to look good as they are to keep their wearers safe and warm.
Adult Apparel - these are full sized regular adult snow gear that affords warmth and protection. However, Burton's winter gear lineup for adults also offers a greater degree of freedom of movement than some other winter gear manufacturers. While still warms and comfy, these jackets, boots, and pants are built light and sturdy to allow for quick and easy motions.
Gear Bags - Burton's lineup of winter gear bags are made to mold to a snowboarder's back during a run. Compact, light, and built with shallow profiles that cut on wind resistance, these bags can be taken on a board with no worries about their weight and balance throwing you off at a crucial moment. Even the arrangement of the straps has been taken into consideration, as they are designed to avoid binding up a person's arms and shoulders when snowboarding.
Belt Pouches - Burton also has a lineup of belt pouches that hold small odds and ends if you don't want to hassle with a full backpack on a snowboarding run. Some of these belt pouches are even specialized, like ones meant to hold the average portable CD player so you can listen to your favorite sounds while you're on the slopes.
About the Author
For ski trip help or planning tipsvisit Ski Trip Planner.
