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the free snowsports magazine from natives.co.uk
Interview with Xavier and Victor de la Rue
Getting the right boots
Red Bull Art of Flight
Freeskiing comes of age
“ Our chosen religions, bananas and gimmicks leave us feeling hollow in a way a MAN’S BOARD never would.” —Bode Merrill
— Bode Merrill & Taka NakaiBREWED WITH TRADITION AND COMMON SENSE
Taka Nakai
www.salomonsnowboards.comphotos: oli gagnon
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“ Our chosen religions, bananas and gimmicks leave us feeling hollow in a way a MAN’S BOARD never would.” —Bode Merrill
— Bode Merrill & Taka NakaiBREWED WITH TRADITION AND COMMON SENSE
Taka Nakai
www.salomonsnowboards.comphotos: oli gagnon
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www.reride.co.uk
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Trade-in your old board
for a great deal on a new one.
When ordering enter the early bird
discount code to get discount code:
expires 31 Oct 11 tribe1210% off
“...OH YEAH & I ALSO EARNED MY SNOWSPORT INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATION!”YOU’LL HAVE PLENTY TO TALK ABOUT AFTER A COURSE WITH PEAK LEADERS - REMEMBER WHAT YOU WENT FOR!
tribe talk 8british ski and snowboard championships 12freeskiing comes of age 18the importance of correct boot fitting 22gear guide 24red bull art of flight 30interview with xavier and victor de la rue 36avalanche safety 42how to bum a ski season 47snowpark etiquette 50
Published by Natives.co.uk
London Road, Sayers Common, West Sussex, BN6 9HS
Email: [email protected]
editorial contributorsKatie MacKinnonWendy HollandsChris FecherAdam RowdenSarah FurbankJo WigleyAlex KurkjianEuan Cormack
photographic contributorsRoss WoodhallOla MatssonZack WraggDan MilnerVanessa Sharples
cover
Photo by Dan Milner, courtesy of O’Neill (www.oneill.com)
designMarcus Sheen, Uckfield Press
printUckfield Press (www.uckfieldpress.co.uk)
20,000 copies of Tribe are distributed in the UK and the Alps. For all our distribution points, visit www.natives.co.uk/tribe.
Printed on recycled paper. Why not recycle this magazine as well by passing it on to someone else when you've finished with it, or by leaving it in the doctor or dentist's waiting room?
While all reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included in Tribe, the publishers take no responsibility for accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers. Tribe accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited material being supplied. All rights reserved.
contents
As I write this, the summer sun has turned its back on us, the ski shows are around the corner and winter is definitely on its way. I feel a little butterfly in my stomach; a sense of anticipation for what the winter season will hold this year. I’m eager for those first flakes to start falling.
My mind keeps wander to the mountains. Daydreaming of perfect steep slopes and wide, open powder fields. All too soon, I’m snapped back to the harsh reality that we all have to wait before we head off on our pilgrimage to the snow.
In a very short time, we’ll all be on the snow again, feeling that familiar crunch of snow under our feet as you push off for the first time. We’ll be revelling on the slopes and in the bars, enjoying the whimsical nature of our shared passion. Until that time comes, and it can’t come soon enough for me, Tribe is here to give you your first hit of winter, to get you ready for your season. Enjoy!
The Natives Team
welcome 5
Ragnar Jensen (flickr.com/photos/ragnar1984)
6 tribe gallery
Photo: Zack Wragg. Skier: Andy Collin
This is what happens when you team the resources of Red Bull with craziness and ambition of Simon Dumont.
Widely acknowledged as a leader in the world of freeskiing Dumont conceived the Cubed Pipe concept six years ago and, with Red Bull’s backing, it has finally become a reality. The 22–foot tall, 550-foot long half-pipe was deconstructed into 10 individual cubes by Snow Park Technologies and took over 720 hours
to assemble. With huge gaps the Cubed Pipe encourages big airs and tricks like Dumont is famous for, but it leaves precious little room for error.
The Red Bull Cubed Pipe raises the freestyle bar yet again in exciting, experimental times. Dumont cites his motivation as, ‘pushing the sport,’ the question is what will he think of next?
Watch a teaser here to experience the madness: http://goo.gl/mTl4m
red bull cubed pipe raises the bar
free ski project proves a successA few years ago a group of four freestylers shunned their national team and instead formed their own team, the general opinion was that they’d gone mad.
Unimpressed with the attitude of the French Government towards the half pipe, Xavier Bertoni, Kevin Rolland, Ben Valentin and Thomas Krief set up the Free Ski Project. People scoffed as these four set about paying for their own trainers and cameraman.
However, the gamble has paid off and, under the coaching of Greg Geunet, the four freestylers are dominating the half-pipe.
Kevin Rolland asserts that there’s no rivalry between them, “we ski together all year. We are really good friends so we don’t try to see who is best, we just enjoy skiing and pushing each other.”
With Xavier and Kevin cultivating a huge following of fans through their comic adventures on followus.tv and an impressive roster of medals, including the winning the Crystal Globe consecutively for three years and winning a phenomenal eight X games medals in two years, these boys are proving the Free Ski Project a resounding success.
Bri
an N
evin
s/R
ed B
ull
Con
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8 tribe talk
2011 ski and snow board showsOctober is the month for ski and snowboard shows and this year’s crop are shaping up well, here we look at what’s on offer in 2011:
tribe talk 9
scotland's ski, snowboard and xtreme show 5th – 16th October at the Glasgow SECC
At Glasgow the international professional’s battle it out, pulling sick freestyle stunts to land the title of Scotland’s freestyle champion.
Throw in cold beer from the log cabin après ski, live music and all the resources you need to research and book your winter break and/or purchase all of your ski and snowboarding equipment from the best retailers around - all at exclusive show prices.
More info at: scotlandsskishow.co.uk
relentless freeze festival 28th - 29th October at Battersea Power Station, London
Billing itself as the UK’s only snow, ski and music festival Freeze returns to the iconic Battersea Power Station for 2011 to bring you the ultimate Apres Ski Party.
The world best athletes across skiing and snowboarding compete on the specially constructed 32 metre high jump complete with 500 tonnes of real snow challenges the world’s best athletes across skiing and snowboarding, with an international freestyle ski competition on the Friday and the Snowboard FIS world cup on the Saturday.
After the skiing comes the music and if this wasn’t enough check out the retail village for kit, food and drink. 2011 Artists include The Streets, Groove Armada present Red Light, Zane Lowe, Rizzle Kicks and many more.
the british ski and board show28th – 30th October at the Birmingham NEC
Hop over to Birmingham for a show full of action, celebrities, world class Big Air demos, music, skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing events.
The show covers everything from the latest trends, resorts news and expert advice on everything from travelling, careers and fitness, to driving in the snow and staying safe off-piste. It’s also packed with130 snowsport specialists alongside workshops and seminars hosted by celebrity guests and industry experts. Everything you need in one place to save time and money on your next winter sports adventure.
Info at: britishskiandboardshow.co.uk
ski and snowboard show19th – 23rd October at Earls Court, London
All the ski industry's top offerings from the newest ski and snowboard gear to the best holiday deals for the coming season.
As well as that, catch the top skiers and boarders showing off their talent in the big air competitions and see the latest ski fashions being paraded up and down the catwalks at the exclusive fashion shows.
Feeling brave? You can also show off your freestyle skills and get judged by professionals on the Hip Kicker.
More info at: metrosnow.co.uk
© D
ave
Hof
fers
& X
ander
Krü
ger
Fancy skiing or boarding in the Netherlands? It could eventually be a reality if the idea proposed by Dutch journalist and former professional cyclist Thijs Zonneveld finds solid financial backing.
In his newspaper column Zonneveld writes “Flat is ideal for growing beetroot, raising cows or building straight roads, but it’s a catastrophe from a sports point-of-view.
I want a mountain, a real one.” This audacious remark by has gathered serious consideration from architects, engineers, construction firms and investors. The ambitious idea to help the Netherlands become a winter sports super power have prompted Dutch architecture
practice Hoffers and Kruger to draw up plans for a man-made mountain in their notoriously flat country and teams have begun to assess the feasibility of the project.
The proposed plans could cost anywhere between £40 billion and £270 billilon to build and could hide swimming pools, cinemas, sports facilities and its own water supply.
It’s an outlandish idea but Zonneveld insists that it could become a reality: “All kinds of big companies have now stepped in, various municipalities and investors are interested. Sport is perhaps the main reason why there is so much attention for this mountain. Because sport captures the imagination.”
winter sports in… holland?!
ski resort sells for $1.4mEver fancied having your own ski resort?
An auction was held at the bottom of the slopes and the small resort of Powderhorn in the USA was sold for $1.4 million.
Powderhorn, near Grand Junction Colorado, attracts about 75,000 skiers and boarders each year and has 1,600 acres of skiable land.
pyeongchang, south korea named to host 2018 winter olympicsPyeongchang has been announced as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics with a resounding 63 out of 95 votes.
In a landslide victory South Korea beat the bids of Annecy in France, which received seven votes, and Munich in Germany, which secured twenty – five votes. The International Olympic Committee named South Korea the victor after only one round of voting.
This is South Korea’s third attempt at securing the Winter Olympics and the country’s excitement was palpable during the ensuing celebrations. The Pyeonchang bid chief, Cho Yang – ho summed up the atmosphere, “this is one of the happiest days for our country, our people and millions of youth dreaming of winter sport… we have been waiting a long time for this.”
South Korea’s slogan for the 2018 games is “New Horizons.” As 2018 will be only the third time the Winter Olympics have been held in Asia, with both previously games held in Japan. South Korea has a solid winter sports record winning six gold medals in Vancouver in 2010.
10 tribe talk
RULE BRITANIA
12 tribe feature
RULE BRITANIA Switzerland is all about chocolate, its banking system
and, of course, the mountains! But this clean country
gets a touch of the Blighty for one week a year when
the stylish resort of Laax hosts the long-established,
winter freeski and snowboard festival, the BRITS.
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Despite the season’s lack of white
stuff, the course shapers worked their
magic scraping together a track
Now in its 22nd year, it was another epic festival where the talent just kept coming - thick, fast and younger than last year! With 2 half pipes, 4 snow parks and a half-melted boardercross track entertaining riders in the day, the nights were spent bouncing along to Pendulum’s DJ set, toe-tapping to The Correspondents, as well as watching the movie premiere of the snowmantic comedy, Chalet Girl.
The week kicked off with the Snowboardcross and, despite the season’s lack of white stuff, the course shapers worked their magic scraping together a track. However, due to the conditions, organisers decided to change from the original format of four man heats to the standard fall-back plan – the riders raced individually. Each rider had two runs with their best time being used towards their attempt to podium in both their age category and the title of overall champion. Taking gold for the girls was 13 year-old Maisie Potter from Wales who flew down in 76.12 seconds. And, taking his second gold in three years, 30 year-old James Foster from Sussex landed a time of 69.79 seconds.
On the other side of the resort, the half pipe was seeing some action in the Freeski Half Pipe event. Perfect bluebird conditions were teamed with loud music pumping the crowd and competitors with adrenaline. The Halfpipe was perfectly shaped and in mint condition so anticipation was high and the crowd were eager for action.
The girls were first up dropping two runs with the best score counting. And what a performance they put in. But it was seasoned competitor Emma Lonsdale who grabbed gold with her big, stylish switch 3’s. Beanie Milnehome took silver and Katie Summerhayes took bronze.
The boys finished the day with gold going to James Machon for his seriously huge back to back 9’s. Murray Buchan was close behind in second place and, fresh from his victory at the European X-Games, James Woods took third place.
Wednesday was another sun-drenched day of the eagerly anticipated Slopestyle event. The course was big and fierce - three kicker lines all with 6 and 10 metre kickers and the large kickers from top to bottom measured 19 metres! The Winter X Gamers stole the show with James Woods and Katie Summerhayes taking home gold. Young gun, 14 year old Tyler Jay Harding, who was commended for his performance earlier in the day on the Half Pipe, took silver and Julian Ball pocketed bronze. The women’s silver went to Servanne Herant and bronze to Molly Summerhayes.
In the Giro Big Air snowboarding event the girls took it to the next level and showed how much the women’s side of the sport is progressing with spins off the large kicker as well as some styley tweaked out straight airs. Newcomer India Stephenson took gold in style while last year’s champ Katie Blundell picked up silver and Becky Menday
took bronze. In the men’s event, Billy Morgan bagged gold with the trick of the day, a double-corked backside 10 as well as a cab 10 earning him 76 points.
Thursday saw more tropical weather as the Boarder’s Half Pipe took place. The pipe to slushed-up as the day went on but that didn’t’ stop world class runs being thrown down with huge methods, Mctwists and Haakon flips. Ultimately, it was The BRITS’ veterans Kate Foster and Ben Kilner who landed themselves gold. Kilner said, “I absolutely love competing here, the Olympics have been a great comp for my career but here it’s just great for British snowboarding.”
As the day the effect the weather had on the snow meant that the BRITS organisers were forced to close the Skiercross after the qualifiers. The site team made a Herculean effort to maintain the course but it was deemed unsafe to continue. Therefore, the finals were selected based on the one timed run. Peter Whelan took gold with a speedy 46.13 second run and Emily Sarsfield seized her victory with a time of 49.49 seconds.
Friday, or should we say fry-day, marked the final day of events and the sunburnt crowds topped up their panda-eyes one last time. The Freeski Giro Big Air was not to be missed as two 12 year-olds, Chris McCormick and Cal Sandieson, alongside Tyler Jay Harding showed us the face of things to come in the junior heats with 1260’s and corked 1080’s!
But the medals went out to Katie Summerhayes adding gold to her collection for the third consecutive
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year. Her huge switch 540 and even bigger switch 900 off the big kicker proved that she’s up there in the world’s elite.
In the men’s, X-Games Champion James Woods earned himself another gold. Murray Buchan took his second silver and Hector Barbour took bronze.
In the Boarding Slopestyle defending champ Laura Berry fought off stiff competition with her strong
and stylish run taking home gold. And Billy Morgan took his second gold of the competition claiming his success all comes down to his bendy childhood, "I'm pretty stoked to win. I did a lot of acrobatics when I was younger so I think that has probably helped.”
Once again, a brilliant end to another successful BRITs with a few names to watch for the future and awesome
flashbacks of Ben Kilner’s japan air, James Woods’ 1260 high mute, the Summerhayes sisters’ success, and finally the music; Pendulum was a refreshing replacement to all that Swiss yodelling!
After a week of sun, beer and the best of British Freeskiing and Boarding, the crowds subsided leaving Laax time to deflate and revive ready for more mayhem next year!
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COMES OF AGE
FREESKIING
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Over the course of the last season, freeskiing has changed in the UK more than it ever has before. An increase in the level of our skiers, the right results in the right competitions and a landmark Olympic decision have created a perfect storm for freeskiing. I feel that we are still only seeing the very tip of a huge movement.
ThE hISTORy OF FREESKIINGLet’s start at the beginning (which Julie Andrews would have us believe is a very good place to start). Modern freeskiing was born in the 1980s, when ski racers and ‘hot-doggers’ decided that there was more to the mountain than just the groomed runs. They took their skiing styles into the off-piste terrain and the sport changed.
In 1988 freeskiing’s existence was confirmed in celluloid form, with the release of the seminal movie, Blizzard of Aahh’s (watch the opening credits here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJdyPZPcRYU). Still considered by many to be the best ski movie ever made, this film opened the eyes of a generation of young, talented skiers to things they never thought were possible on skis; to a world they never knew existed.
Early freeski competitions started to appear in the 1990s, with the first significant competition appearing in Valdez, Alaska in 1991. Although this competition was dubbed the ‘World Extreme Ski Championships' (extreme skiing being very different to freeskiing), all skiers agree that this event was pure freeskiing. In 1996, the International Freeski Association (IFSA) was established in an effort to allow the sport of competitive freeskiing to grow with the insight of the athletes that participate in the sport.
MOdERN dAy FREESKIINGFast forward to the present day and to twintip and carving skis. Such advances in ski technology, borrowed from our snowboarding brothers, have pushed the sport even further. Skis are being produced specifically for each discipline of freeskiing, making the sport easier and more accessible to the masses.
‘Alternative’ competitions have sprung up to satisfy the demand of the professional freeskiing athletes to compete in the slopestyle, half-pipe and big air disciplines that are not strictly covered by skiing’s official governing bodies. The most notable of these events is the world-renowned Winter X Games.
FREESKIING IN ThE UKHistorically, the UK has only been able to produce a handful of skiers who are able to compete on the world stage. In the past, these British hopes have been in alpine skiing, but this is set to change.
The growth of freestyle training facilities at the UK’s artificial and indoor slopes, as well as on the snow in Scotland, has led to a rise in the number and level of UK freestyle skiers. Grass-roots programmes like the British Snow Tour (www.britishsnowtour.com) and the Salomon Grom Camps (www.salomongromcamps.co.uk) have provided a platform for the identification and development of young talent, giving freestyle skiers a route to the big international competitions.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the results the UK freeskiers have achieved this season. The UK’s top medal hope across all skiing disciplines is the young and modest James Woods (‘Woodsy’ to everyone who knows him). Having forged his skills and abilities on the artificial ski slope of Sheffield, Woodsy has trained hard to develop himself as an international freeskier. This year that goal came to fruition: in February, Woodsy placed 8th in the World Championship slopestyle competition in Park City, Utah. As if that wasn’t
ThE hISTORy OF FREESKIING
COMES OF AGE
FREESKIINGMOdERN dAy FREESKIING
FREESKIING IN ThE UK
hUGE MOvEMENT
I FEEl ThAT wE ARE STIll ONly SEEING ThE vERy TIp OF A
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enough, he took that success and turned it into a 3rd place at the European Winter X Games slopestyle in Tignes, France. That podium placing gave him the title of the highest placed Brit in an international ski competition across any discipline.
Woodsy isn’t alone in this progression of the sport. Fellow Sheffielder, Katie Summerhayes also attended both of these events. At the tender age of 15, Katie took 11th place at the World Championships and 9th place at the Euro X Games, in which she was the youngest competitor.
OlyMpIC RUlINGThe most exciting part of this story is that these results happened to fall in the same season that the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) finally decided to include ski halfpipe and ski slopestyle in the Winter Olympics. In Sochi, Russia in 2014, these young freeskiers from the side of skiing that was once passed off as a fad, will provide Britain’s greatest skiing medal hope. For the first time, the UK will have an Olympic freeski team heading to represent their country.
We would be remiss to think that the medal hope lay just on these two young skiers. The UK team will also feature James Machon, Em Lonsdale and Murray Buchan, not to mention the tireless dedication of the team managers and trainers who continue to help these skier reach the dizzying heights of the Olympic Games.
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THE IMPORTANCEof correct
boot fittingSki boots are the most important part of your kit. They are the interface between the body and the ski edge; poorly fitting boots compromise performance, comfort and enjoyment.
PerformanceBy supporting your lower leg and foot, boots stabilize the ankle, minimizing lateral movement and providing resistance to ankle flex. This allows direct transmission of power and technique to the skis. An accurate match to your leg/foot shape minimizes the loss of power and control associated with loose or poorly fitted boots.
A professional boot fitter will assess the skiers foot, lower leg, skiing ability and choose the most appropriate boots to match the skiers needs. This will include assessment of ankle biomechanics such as pronation (ankle rolling in when flexing) or supination (ankle rolling out) to guide stabilization of the foot. Often a foot bed is created to create a solid platform within the boot and help support the foot and subsequently the whole body.
ComfortIf the boot does not mirror your lower leg and foot then, movement inside the boot liner whilst skiing which can
result in pain at the ankles, shins and toes or worse, injury to the knee and ankle. Loose-fitting boots often create the illusion of comfort in the shop, only to be compromised by the need to ‘ramp-up’ the clips at the top of the hill. A snug fit throughout the entire foot and ankle also minimizes pressure points enhancing comfort, but also maximizing blood flow (warmth!) to the toes.
The correct ability level of the boot should also mirror the skier’s performance or be a notch higher so that a skier can develop their skills with them. An overly soft flex (also found in well used or second-hand ‘comfortable’ boots) can result in premature fatigue of the lower leg musculature and knee pain. Too stiff (often a symptom of using boots overly advanced relative to ability), can cause shin pain and create difficulty in transferring power to your skis, particularly in the initiation of the turn. In general, mistakes in technique are accentuated rather than absorbed by the flex and padding in the liner, so it is key to get the balance right between performance, ability and skier type.
Rental of ski boots
is not a great option (apart from when you first try skiing). The main reasons being that the choice of boot designs is always very limited and the time taken to fit them is a fraction of a “sale” fit. You will generally have to ski in a boot that is used by all foot shapes, lower leg sizes and ability levels. Rental boots have minimum customization opportunities too, which is far from ideal. You will always compromise performance, comfort and enjoyment by renting your boots.
Enjoyment
Buying your boots should be viewed as an investment into a better skiing experience. A correctly fitted pair of ski boots will give you the best opportunity to progress and ski to the best of your ability in comfort. As a result you will have more FUN; which, after all, is what skiing is all about!
A correct boot fitting will take anything from an hour or more as the professional boot fitter will cover these various steps in the sale
Analyze your feet and lower leg
1.
Ross Woodhall (www.rosswoodhall.com)
22 tribe guide
2. Build a picture of your ability level and skiing goals3. Select 2-3 boots that are suitable for your needs4. Build a foot bed to help stabilize you foot and customize if required.5. Once the best fitting boot is selected any customization of the liner and/or shell is undertaken. 6. Fine tuning such as boot stretching, alignment and canting can be undertaken7. The end result is that you will have a great fitting, comfortable pair of ski boots guaranteed by the retailer!
Ross Woodhall (www.rosswoodhall.com)
The British Association of Ski Boot-fitters (BSBA) was created to provide training and support for the skilled trade of boot fitting. We now have an industry accredited training structure in place with a growing network of individuals and retailers.
It was previously “pot luck” whether you were fitted by good boot fitter when buying boots. Now you can have peace of mind that, if you source a BSBA member/retailer, you will be fitted by a skilled and trained professional.
For more info check out www.skibootpro.co.uk
tribe guide 23
ARC’TERYX SCIMITAR JACKET and SENTINEL PANTS440/300.00 from arcteryx.com
ROXY BROOKE JACKET
(Printed) This bright number will keep you warm and stylish on the piste, leaving you with only one question, what colour pants to wear?
200.00 FROM DARE2BE.COMDare2B WOW WEE Jacket
When it comes to the freeski range Dare 2b have become braver and bolder than ever before with the inclusion of fashion statement prints and checks. The jewel in the crown of the collection is the Exclusive WOW-WEE Jacket – which was created between Dare 2b designers and the team of riders. Inspired by the theme of what the mountain means to them the jackets print features quotes, doodles and quirky imagery provided by riders such as Chris and Nick Southwell.
The Sabre SV Jacket features progressive styling for on-area riding and skiing. Built with a lightly insulated GORE-TEX® Soft Shell material, the jacket is wind and waterproof and has articulated patterning for athletic mobility. The Sabre Pants are built for riders/skiers and are shaped with our most relaxed fit. Large cargo pockets and high-mounted laminated powder cuffs fit under snowboard highbacks.
400/300.00 from arcteryx.com
Arc’teryx Sabre Jacket & Pant
235.00 from roxy.com
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Engineered to address the needs of those tackling the most severe descents, the Scimitar is pattered both for unrestricted mobility and cold weather layering. The pants are designed to flatter the female form while delivering technical freeride/freeskiing performance. Large cargo pockets with internal volume, channel cargo away from impact zones, and high-mounted laminated powder cuffs fit under snowboard highbacks.
MENS ARC JACKET175.00 from bonfiresnowboarding.comThe Arc Jacket gives you a feeling that something unreal is about to happen. Full 80g body insulation, with 60g sleeves for improved flex and uncompromised fit.
MENS SPECTRAL PANT125.00 from bonfiresnowboarding.com
Bonfire’s Classic fit, best selling Spectral Pant is time tested, fully taped guaranteed performance. Now available in black Long and short fit styles for the perfect fit on every rider.
170.00 from
bonfiresnowboarding.com
WOMEN’S HEAVENLY JACKET
With all this sass and style the Heavenly Jacket is still full- fledged performance. Stretch twill fabric is flattering and gives you a free range of movement for riding.
190.00 from bonfiresnowboarding.com
WOMEN’S TAYLOR PANTS
ARC’TERYX SCIMITAR JACKET and SENTINEL PANTS440/300.00 from arcteryx.com
We love these. Straight up, built to move. The Taylor pant’s 2L Stretch twill makes snow yoga an actual possibility. Try them on and you’ll never want to take them off.
200.00 FROM DARE2BE.COM
26.99 from nucleus-
online.com/skullcandy
skullcandy UPROCK
The Uprocks give a clean, refined form and great sound in a nice little package. Perfectly comfortable for daily use, they have a modern feel, ergonomic functionality and unsurpassed sound for the price.
gear guide 25
(Navy) The perfect marriage of style and sass for park, pow and beyond. 10k waterproof/10k breathability, critically seam sealed and insulated. With everything you need to keep toasty warm and keep that snow out without compromising on steeze.
SEYMOUR JACKET149.99 from westbeach.com
COLTRAIN JACKET149.99 from westbeach.com
(Ultramagnetic Blue Plaid) 10k waterproof/10k breathable, critically seam sealed and insulated. Looks like a shirt but performs like a jacket, super steeze on the hill…
O’Neill Freedom Moonstone Fullsuit219.99 from oneill.com
The Moonstone Full suit is a show stopper. Technically great with a water column and breathability of 10/10, and styled with a O’Neill twist you have come to expect. To top it all, we use O’Neill Originals colours to make you unique on the mountain.
129.99 from westbeach.comKAMTOW PANT
(Laura Lips) Like your favourite pair of skinny jeans, keep it tight and tech for killer style and performance. 10k waterproof/10k breathability, Fully seam sealed and uber stylee!
134.99 from westbeach.comLONGHORN PANT
(Dirty Denim) Look pro sending jumps in the park or taking numbers after dark. 10k waterproof/ 10k breathable and fully seam sealed… looks likes a pair of your favourite jeans but keeps out the snow and performs like your most reliable snowboard pants.
Featuring a time tested classic. The original Vans vulcanized “waffle” outsole completes the package offering incredible flexibility and grip.
53.00 FROM Vans.comVans Sk8 Hi Fleece
26 gear guide
15%OFFSkiwear at www.dare2b.com with checkout code
D2BNV15Code expires 30/11/11 and can not be used in conjunction with any other promotions
Brewed with tradition and common sense. The pop of bamboo and the bomb-proof strength of basalt; The Mans Board with ABC Green roll construction is a back country bully, with the biggest balls in the room. A quick turning shape, perfectly balanced with Cross profile for stable response and rock solid landing and take off tracking.
Shout out Loud. Easy press core for on-point pressing over groomers and into the jib park. OH Yeah!
270.00 from salomonsnowboard.com
OH YEAH board
The BBR defies categorization. A powder ski that carves on-piste. A piste ski that floats in powder. BBR is a ski like no other ski ever made. An oversized, surfboard like tip and rocker shape enable the ski to float in powder and adapt to uneven terrain smoothly and predictably. The BBR's tip and tail ensure great floatation in powder, and amazing on-piste carving while reducing unnecessary weight compared with a normal freeski.
500.00 from salomon.com
130/125.00 large/small
From dakine.com
DaKine Split Roller
The benchmark in wheeled luggage, it features a split-level design for easy loading and unloading. Function, style and DaKine durability, means this bag will serve you well for years to come.
79.99 from dakine.comDaKine Heli Pro DLX 20L
This stylish pack is loaded with practical features such as: cross and vertical snowboard carry, retractable cable ski carry, fleece lined goggle pocket, quick draw ice axe sleeve and external snow tool/shovel pocket. If that wasn’t enough for you there’s even matching gloves.
available from warandpiste.comWAR & PISTE BOOK
19.99 from Zainihats.comZaini ‘Original’ Baggy Fit
(Blue and turquoise) All hats are handmade with super soft acrylic yarn meaning they are resistant to water, wind and non- itch. Ideal for those days on the slopes or apres in the bar. All provide fun, colourful accessories for any outfit!
War and Piste is the tale of Poppy Connors who swaps her life of suits and cappuccinos for a job as a ski rep, she soon finds that resort life on the side of an Austrian Alp is more than she bargained for. The story centre on a world in which 200 foot cliffs, midnight shootings and the intrigues of the megalomaniac resort manager soon start to feel normal.
28 gear guide
Salomon BBR
370.00 from salomonsnowboard.com
MANS BOARD
KIDS UNDER 11GO FREE
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£5 off the door price. Quote ‘SEASON’ online NOW*
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Resort Reports
10TH ANNIVERSARYLoads of prizes to be won!
for a new breed of action sports film as Red Bull Media House, in association with Brain Farm Digital Cinema, present “The Art of FLIGHT,” a Curt Morgan film.
Equal parts action and adventure mix with the inevitable drama encountered along the way, presenting viewers with an exclusive opportunity to appreciate firsthand what it feels like to take part in these exhilarating endeavors.
This recipe yields the most comprehensive look ever into the quest to progress snowboarding to previously unimaginable heights.Two years in the making, “The Art of FLIGHT” gives iconic snowboarder Travis Rice and friends the opportunity to redefine what is possible in the mountains.
Experience the highs, as new tricks are landed and new zones opened, alongside the lows, where avalanches, accidents and wrong-turns strike.
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Danny Zapalac/Red Bull Content Pool
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Receive unprecedented access to the best snowboarders in the world as Rice handpicks his accomplices from the top riders of our time including John Jackson, Mark Landvik, Scotty Lago, Nicolas Muller, DCP, Mark McMorris, Jake Blauvelt, Pat Moore and Jeremy Jones.
Join in the sometimes successful, often trying quest to open up new, unexplored mountains. Chilean Patagonia’s Darwin Range, Alaska’s Tordrillo Range, Wyoming’s Snake River Range, Aspen, Colorado, the Andes, as well as British Columbia’s Kootenay Mountains, Revelstoke and Goat Range are the stage for this epic production.
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Immerse yourself in the cinematic experience as Brain Farm and their ever-expanding arsenal of filmmaking technology and tools are used to capture the dramatic beauty of the culture, wildlife and stunning scenic landscapes the riders take in along the way.
This fall, the creators of “That’s It, That’s All” and Brain Farm’s all star production team completely rewrite the formula for action sports cinema with “The Art of FLIGHT.”
www.artofflightmovie.com
34 tribe feature
A Zaini hat won’t make you ski any better,but you’ll look world class.
Get 10% off by entering the word ‘Natives’ as a discount code.
www.zainihats.com
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In the unlikely setting of the Lovebox festival in Victoria Park, London, we found Relentless Energy snowboarders, and brothers, Xavier and Victor de la Rue (www.relentlessenergy.com). We took the opportunity to take them to one side and quiz them about their season.
Natives: What are the best trips you’ve had so far this season?
Xavier: I think my all time best trip has to be Antarctica for sure. Greenland was one of the best until Antarctica. Relentless films took me out there and it opened my mind. I loved riding on the maritime terrain. It’s definitely changed my vision of snowboarding and in the future that’s the kind of trip I want to be doing. It’s given me good direction I think. This year I rode Alaska as well. It’s been a difficult season but Alaska at the end
of the year was amazing, but it’s not as unique as Antarctica.
Natives: What made maritime riding so different?
Xavier: Well, imagine being in a boat on the water and looking at some of the runs from the water. The terrain in Antarctica is amazing because it’s like Greenland but with 200-foot walls of ice everywhere, and penguins. There is this power of nature that you don’t get anywhere else so it’s just a privilege to have been there.
Natives: What was your favourite trip this year, Victor?
Victor: Well, like Xavier said, we had a pretty bad season in Europe so I’ve been travelling quite a lot this season. I’ve been to Japan and that was super nice for me because it was really
a few minutes with
and
Interview with Xavier and Victor De La Rue
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different from what I’m used to. All the cultural stuff and all the powder was totally different from what I’m used to riding. I was super stoked and thought that was the best place I’ve ever been to. After that though I went to Canada and it was even better because it was steeper and the terrain was awesome. We had lots of really good snow, all the features were better and we had loads of opportunities to ride stuff, so now Canada is top of my list.
Natives: So what were your season highlights?
Xavier: My highlight this year was that I did something pretty new, that I wanted to do for a while; riding ice. It sounds a bit stupid, but in steep snowboarding you’ve got those runs that slowly get covered by snow, normally when you get into an ice patch you do a belay and rappel down with a rope. I wanted to find a run that wouldn’t be rideable so that I could just be riding on the snow and then when the ice came just straight line the ice. I found the perfect couloir, it’s been something I’ve been looking for for years and it’s definitely the highlight of my season. I could say something like being world champion or whatever but it’s something that makes you feel that you bring an evolution to the sport so it’s the best feeling.
Natives: And how about you Victor?
Victor: I was injured in the beginning of the season so I decided to concentrate on shooting videos. I had two projects, a promotional Ripcurl movie and also another European movie project, Harakiri. When I ride I try to be original and do stuff I haven’t seen before. My highlight would be when I hit a couple of features I’ve never seen before on video, I was stoked about that. It’s pretty weird jumping, doing some tricks and landing on two walls. It’s unreal but if you see the shots you’ll understand.
Natives: Did you have some pretty hairy moments over the season? Some gnarly crashes or anything that weren’t so great?
Xavier: Yeah, I’ve had a bunch of crashes, two big ones actually. Once when I was trying the ice at some freeride competition and I hit the snow really hard. Then, at the end of the season, I went on the steep ice runs and I chose one I thought was snowier
and it turned out to be ice. I was really lucky because I was ready to stop myself and just stopped in time, if I’d been going a bit harder I would have been in a lot worse shape. I’m careful sometimes and it pays off.
Victor: This winter I was doing this big jump it was in Japan and I was landing on the avalanche breaker so it was super scary. I tried it and first try I landed on it and it was perfect and then I saw my track and underneath it was all rocks so I screwed my board and I did it again on the same track so I screwed my board completely and I realised that if I had fallen on my ass or something I would have been mince meat. I’m lucky nothing happened and I landed on my feet otherwise it would have been really bad. It created a nice shot, but it was the scariest time from my winter.
Natives: What are the current projects that you’re working on at the moment?
Xavier: We’ve got a sick big project we’re working on, probably with Relentless, and that’ll involve the two of us. I think it’s going to make some big noise. We’re going to be doing it in the sea either in Norway or Greenland. The location is going to depend on many factors but it will be up there in Scandinavia somewhere. There’s also going to be a lot of new stuff that’s going to be really interesting but unfortunately we can’t talk about.
Natives: How did all your competitions go last season?
Xavier: Well, I didn’t win the tour for the first time.
Natives: First time in four years!
Xavier: Well, I won the first contest and I kept on going for it no matter what. I had a pretty big margin so I could ride easy and just do enough to win but I decided to try to show stuff at my best and even improve. This year I won and then I crashed a couple of times in a row and broke a binding. At the end of the season I missed a result but it’s fine I don’t care.
Natives: Next year, perhaps.
Xavier: Maybe. I don’t mind. I’d rather be riding and pushing myself than just do average stuff that doesn’t bring anything to the sport and win a title
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that doesn’t mean anything. Go big or go home.
Natives: What are you both planning for the summer and your winter training?
Xavier: Everyday wake up at six o’clock and eat fruit, go running for two hours and do a weight-lifting session… no just kidding. A bunch of parties, we started paragliding together, skateboarding, surfing, mountain biking; there’s lots of fun stuff out there to do.
Natives: What are you reading at moment?
Xavier: I’m reading this French writer about this society where all the children killed the adults so they didn’t grow up so they became a children society and it’s really funny to see the relationships and I relate to that. Sometimes I think we try to
be too adult too serious too focussed and we forget a few things on the way
Victor: I read The Alchemist not so long ago, just telling you to follow your dreams.
Natives: What dream trip would you like to do in the future?
Victor: I like filming with one crew, having no pressure and just doing your own stuff with people you know and you like to work with. I do freestyle, so for me the best thing is to go there and see all the obstacles and see all the opportunities you have. I like to ride any kind of stuff
Xavier: It would be cool to have this session where we can go together and share. I get a little bit of his terrain and he gets a bit of mine.
40 tribe feature
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AVALANCHE SAFETY
In the first of a series on snow safety Chris Fecher will unlock some of the secrets of snow craft to leave you with a basic understanding of mountain safety and, we hope, a thirst for developing your own off-piste skills. Whatever your level, avalanches are one of the most dangerous factors in backcountry skiing. But with careful planning and the right knowledge you can reduce the risk of being caught in a potentially lethal situation.
There are many factors that cause avalanches and there are a number of forces and elements that dictate whether a slope is safe to ski. The safety of a slope is determined by the stability of the snow pack, which in
turn is affected by wind, aspect (the angle to the sun), moisture content, weather conditions and the gradient of the slope. A good freerider considers all these factors when deciding what and where to ski.
THE FACTSIf you are buried in an avalanche for up to 18 minutes there is a 91% chance that you will survive. After 35 minutes this chance drops to 34%.
These figures show that every second counts and is of vital importance to find and rescue a victim as quickly as possible.
The basic equipment you must carry when skiing off-piste is an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe.
But you must also have the skills to use them.
Equipped with the correct equipment and a knowledge of how to use it
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AVALANCHE SAFETY
you stand a much higher chance of surviving an avalanche or finding your skiing buddy if they get caught.
It usually takes rescue teams, dogs and helicopters longer than 18 minutes to arrive at an avalanche site so it makes sense to give yourself, and the people you’re skiing with, the best possible chance for survival.
TYPESAn avalanche is triggered when the slope can no longer hold the weight of accumulated snow. The most common types of avalanches are slab and loose snow avalanches. Slab avalanches are the largest and most dangerous. They start from a fracture line and, as the name suggests, an entire slab of the snow pack breaks away, initially in a single piece.
Slab avalanches happen most frequently on 30º to 45º slopes. They occur when a layer of tightly packed
new snow, or wind packed hard slab, is weakly bonded to the layers below. The top layer slides over the layer below initially as one slab, then it breaks up as it flows over the ground. Cracking or dull booming noises are clues that you may be on a hard slab.
Loose snow avalanches start from a set point and are progressive – they gather more and more loose snow as they move down the hill. They usually happen on 40º to 60º slopes where the snow is loose, like sand.
Avalanches start when forces and triggers affect the stability of the layers of snow in the snow pack. Weak layers, like icy layers, or a weak bond between layers, like powder on top of hard packed snow, make the chances of avalanche more likely. As a seasonaire you will know the history of the snow in your area but digging a hole to look at the layers or using your probe to push down into the snow will give you an idea of the state of the snow pack.
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TErrAIN FACTorSThe avalanche path has distinct sections: the starting zone (this could be high above you), the track and the run-out zone.
Start zones are typically steep slopes, the top of gullies and bowls, ridges and slopes exposed to wind deposited snow.
It’s also important to be aware of how a potential avalanche would react with features on the slope when planning your line on a face. An avalanche can be directed by trees, gullies and ridges, try to note where a potential avalanche could start, travel and run-out.
Slopes in the lee of the wind (sheltered from the wind), cornices and the sheltered crest of slopes receive more snow so avalanches are most likely on these slopes.
Convexed slopes are a hazard because the slope is under tension, below rock
characteristic snowflake. But on this journey snow crystals can be affected by wind and temperature and they don’t always end up looking like the perfect Stellar Crystal we have grown to recognise. In fact, there are several different types of snow crystal.
Basic snow crystal form:
l Stellar Dendrite (dendrite). Most recognisable snow flake from, six-branched star
l Plate. Hexagonal flat platel Column. Six-sided, hollow column, l Needle. Fine, long, crystals
Factors that alter the snow pack
As soon as snow crystals hit the ground they begin to metamorphose, or transform. From the moment they hit the ground, snow crystals (or grains), continuously change size and form.
Since the snow is constantly changing, it can either be gaining or losing strength. Internal changes in the strength of snow pack layers can also be caused by the mechanical action of packing the snow underfoot, but they are usually related to temperature.
How the snow pack gets stronger
When the snow pack is deep, water vapour moves from areas of high vapour concentration, like the ends of the snow crystal’s arms, to low, hollow areas of low vapour concentration, like the place where two round crystals touch each other.
Over time, the snow crystals will become more rounded and individual crystals will become glued together, this is called sintering and this strengthens the snow pack. Characteristics of this snow type would be hard snow with small densely packed grains.
How the snow pack gets weaker
If a there is a big difference in temperature between the top and the bottom of the snow pack, free water molecules in the pore spaces between the crystals tend to move upwards towards the surface. When they reach colder air, these molecules cling onto the under-side of the snow crystals above them.
Over time, these crystals will develop a faceted, or square appearance and will lose their ability to interlink, or
stick to each other. This is known as TG Metamorphism because the temperature gradient within the snow is usually higher than 1ºC per 10cm. The faceting process creates un-cohesive, sugary snow, called depth hoar. Melt-freeze metamorphism also weakens the snow pack and is as it sounds – the rapid melt and re-freeze of snow crystals in the snow pack. This creates a strong pack when it is frozen, and weak when not.
This is characteristic of spring snow, when the snow pack becomes weak in the afternoon sun and gets stronger over night as it freezes.
The development of surface hoar crystals is very dangerous in a snow pack. Not to confused with depth hoar crystals, these crystals are produced when there is a deposition of water vapour from the air on to the cold surface of the snow.
They are typically fan shaped, or feathery, in appearance and occur when the air temperature is higher than the snow surface temperature.
If found deep in the snow pack, say from a period of warmer weather, hoar crystals can create a major instability that can only be improved by a lot of time, rain and avalanches. In the backcountry hoar crystals are a major factor in instability.
Strong Snow
l Crystal Shape = Small and bondedl Density = Highl Bonding = Sintered round grains,
frozen wet grainsl Temperature = Cold
faces, trees and rock out crops are also potential start zones.
Be aware of terrain traps when considering whether to ski a slope. If an avalanche occurs watch out for any natural features that could potentially trap and bury a person. Steps, bowls, crevasses and obstacles may cause injury and assist burial.
Generally safe areas when skiing in the backcountry:
Ridge tops; gently sloped windward side of ridges; level ground far away from steep slopes and dense forest.
Slightly less safe areas:
On the ridges of higher ground on a slope; clumps of trees; rocks.
Potentially unsafe areas with an unstable snow pack:
Steeps slopes; lee slopes; convexed slopes and cornices; lee side of ridges; slopes exposed to the sun for several hours and gullies.
PrEPArATIoN1. Check the general and local weather conditions.
2. Talk to ski patrollers and/or guides about where you are going.
3. Check transceiver battery life and wear the transceiver under your jacket (not in your backpack).
4. Switch mobile phones off – they interfere with the transceiver signal.
5. Never ride by yourself.
6. Choose your line carefully.
7. Choose an escape route.
8. Travel at the top of start zone, bottom of run out and avoid mid slope
9. Move from one safe spot to another.
10. Ski down and across, reduce disturbance and consider a safe speed
How SNow FormSThe birth of our beloved white stuff ‘snow’ occurs when super cooled water vapour crystallises into tiny snow crystals high in the atmosphere. During their journey to the ground the small crystals clump together with other crystals to create the
44 tribe guide
safe slope that represents the aspect, or steepness and angle of the slope you are interested in. Dig down to base or the last layer you observed and look at the different layers. To firmly understand a snow pack, the information really needs to be built up over the season, so test profiles on different aspects and suspect slopes should be done throughout the season. When visiting an area it’s a good idea to speak to the ski patrol or local guides to see what’s been going on before heading out.
FracturesWeak Layers
30cm30cm
One of the most useful tests for snow stability is the compression test. Get used to doing lots of these as they provide a quick way of determining the upper layers’ stability.
Clear off the rear wall of your pit and as shown below and isolate A test block 30cm wide 30cm long and 100cm deep. Place your shovel blade squarely on the top of the block.
Tap the shovel blade 10 times with your finger flexing at the wrist, failures at this point would be ‘Easy’. Next Tap 10 times flexing from the elbow, failures at this point would be ‘Medium’. Finally Taping 10 times from the shoulder would produce
a ‘hard’ score. Canadian and New Zealand avalanche research suggests human triggered avalanches are more likely associated with ‘Easy’ fractures than with ‘Hard’. The more test’s done the more accurate your results will be.
The key to successfully making avalanche predictions is practise and number crunching, from a more practical point of view a skier needs to be aware of all the elements and how the snow is changing from day to day.
Purefreeride freeride and backcountry holidays offer a practical look at avalanche safety and the chance to put the theory into practise.
ComPrESSIoN TEST
Weak Snow
l Crystal shape = Largel Density = Lowl Bonding = Faceted Grains, loose wet
grainsl Temperature = Warm
Wind
The way the wind effects the snow is one of the most important factors to consider. Wind transported snow is deposited in large amounts on more sheltered, lee, slopes.
The wind blows snow crystals around and brakes them down into smaller grains forming denser layers (slabs). Warm winds heat the snow pack while cold winds cool. Loose snow is redistributed by the wind.
SNow ProFILEWe have discussed snow grains and the factors creating a strong or weak snow pack. But the density, weight and thickness of each layer of snow are as important as the grain size, type and shape and the bond between these layers is, perhaps, the most important factor.
The best way to look at the snow pack and build a picture of the history of a snow pack is to dig a test pit. Find a
Make your test pit big enough so you can get in there and have a good look, smooth off the sidewall with a ski and carefully cut through the snow with a thin card (your mates credit card if you like) feeling for the layers as you go.
Try to identify the weak and strong layers and the weak bonds between them. Using a crystal card and magnifying eyepiece to identify crystal form and size will help you determine the state of the crystals.
Tap
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BUMMING A SEASON OR FANCY A CHEAP SKIING/BOARDING HOLIDAY?
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The good news is that the stereotypical Great Unwashed ski bum who couch-hops and subsists on chalet scraps does not have to be your reality.
plannInG You won’t be working for a tour operator! Rejoice! Now, dig into your pockets for accommodation, food, lift pass, insurance and transportation. You can save on these.
Choose your resort carefully. You want an area varied enough for at least one winter, but one that won’t cost a fortune in accommodation and lift pass. Some resorts offer ‘early bird’ season passes before winter, so check their websites.
If you want a large resort, consider living in the next
village to save hundreds of pounds and get a nicer
pad, but check that it has a bubble
or regular free buses to the
resort.
Try to arrange a place before winter. Even if you find nothing, you’ll get an idea of what to pay. Sharing with strangers can be fantastic or terrible, and friends hold no guarantees either.
If money is tight, find a second job in summer. For every tiring shift, think about the freshies you’ll get while the seasonnaires are stuck working.
In resorT Once you’ve arrived, find friends to hit the hill with. Being a bum can be lonely when everyone is working, so your network should be extensive. Don’t rely on freebies through your working friends: nobody likes a sponger. If they do give you free stuff, be discreet and grateful. Charm goes a long way. Girls have the added bonus of cleavage charm.
To economise, take lunch. A thermos of soup and a baguette will taste better and be more filling than overpriced fries. Ask for a seasonnaire discount in shops and pubs: they can only say no. If you need to buy equipment, check the local boards for pre-loved bargains, or ask
for extras like waxing when you buy from a shop.
Tore a glove while drunk? No worries. Lost And Found has too many. The same goes for hats and goggles. Ask a lift attendant or pub worker for directions.
If you run low on dosh, ask around for cleaning or driving jobs. Ask for cash. Posh chalets are best as you may get unfinished rolls of toilet paper and leftover food as well as the usual range of guests’ left-behind toiletries.
Finally, punter love. It’s a no-no to many seasonnaires, but that’s because the punter is often a client. For fast romance that won’t haunt you for the rest of the season, embrace the punter.
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Take your timeNow, you don’t want to dive straight in. The phrase; don’t run before you can walk comes to mind, although my friend Shane actually could run before he could walk, but that is neither here nor there. So when you arrive, just sit and watch for a while. You will notice that there is a flow to what is going on before your eyes.
What you will also see is that most riders will be setting off for the each jump or rail from roughly the same spot. Try and mimic them in their actions when you finally decide to give it a go.
Getting startedYou should always wait until the point you are aiming to his is clear before you head off. You should always ensure that the skier or snowboarder in front of you has moved out of the way before you continue.
You should never go if you are unsure whether or not the other rider has moved on. You don’t want to be landing on them now do you? They wouldn’t like that at all would they? Always allow for enough space between you and the rider in front.
The landing area can sometimes be obscured or hidden behind the jump itself. You can either wait for the rider
in front to come back into your line of sight, or you can get a friend to spot for you letting you know when the coast is clear.
Once you have hit a feature remember to get out of the landing area pronto. I know it can be tempting to stand and celebrate as you finally mastered rail or a certain trick on a kicker but don’t be a bozo, other people want to ride it too, so get out of the way.
If you land badly then don’t lie there in embarrassment, either raise your arm to let everyone know you are ok then get up and move along; or if you are hurt call out for help. You will be surprised how many good Samaritans will come to your aid.
Have others in mindMake sure you aren’t getting in another skier or snowboarder’s way before entering the pipe or hitting a kicker. When it is time for you to drop in simply raise your arm and let everyone around you know you are going. Why not give them a shout? “Next!” or “Dropping in!” will do.
Now there is nothing more frustrating than having your run in ruined by someone in the way, so if you are filming or photographing your friends in the park make sure you are out of the way.
Don’t stand in the run-ins or in the landing spots of features and if you
are a skier; never stand with your skis poking out over the edge of the halfpipe.
Know your limitsDon’t head straight for the black kickers or the halfpipe. Take your time and develop your skills, it will benefit you and your technique in the long run. It can be dangerous riding in the park so make sure you are comfortable before you move on to a harder challenge.
Also don’t be afraid to ask other riders for hints and tips. You would be surprised how many experienced boarders and skiers are willing to help you out if you just ask.
Don’t be a twodEveryone has to queue, it is a part of life, so don’t ever cut in. There is nothing worse than someone who feels that they are more important than the people around them.
Oh and be polite, the park is a place for people to hone their freestyle skills and have a good time. It is so much more fun for all if everybody gets on.
Well, I hope this has been of some help. If you are heading to the park for the first time then good luck my friend, and remember to relax, follow this tips and have fun.
So you’re considering gearing up and heading to the park for the first time?
You want to spend the day getting to grips with some kickers, or learning to ride the rails and pipes. Well, I don’t blame you; mastering your freestyle technique can be extremely rewarding and there is no better way to practice than by shredding up the park.
We all know how intimidating it can be heading to the park for your first time. If you approach it in the wrong way then it could become dangerous for you and other riders around you, or you could simply embarrass yourself in front of a large group of people.
Here is a small set of unwritten rules that should help you out on your first visit to the park.
don’t run before you can walk. when you arrive, just sit and watch You will notice that there is a flow to what is going on
tribe guide 51
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