Poster: A snowHead
|
Really enjoyed the ski test at MK today (I was the dude in the wee wee yellow jacket) but what i was surprised at was just how good it was compared to the real thing.
The drag lift killing my front foot aside, I thought it was a great place to do some interim boarding before the season starts again and was really surprised at the chilled (pardon the pun) atmosphere. Even had one of the instructors give me a bit of free tuition, which was spot on.
A couple of questions regarding indoor boarding and Mk in particular...
First up, does that snow at MK wreck your board? A few people I know who go there say it's best to use a rental board to save your own one. Mine's a bit pooped anyway but I can't see any damage greater than that I received when I spent a week in France. Plus, loads of folk seemed to bring their own boards so the snow can't be all that bad?
Secondly, do they run any nights where you can learn tricks and rail work? I know they have a freestyle night with ramps etc, but can you actually do lessons in it? Managed to do some jumps today and even did the rail down the bottom a few times and loved it, although I want to learn how to do it properly.
Slightly off track, what's everyone's views on indoor snow Vs outdoor dryslope? I know dryslopes are much cheaper but do you get the same grip and feel as you do on the indoor snow? The mags rate dryslope boarding highly as a good learning tool but I've seen people really turn their noses up at it.
Has anyone been to the one at Swadlincote or Sheffield Ski Village? SSV is supposed to be massive and really good but I haven't got a clue - opinions are most welcome.
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Specialman, I've only been on artificial snow a few times, over at Tamworth. I can't really see how it could wreck your board but I've hired when I've gone because I'm to lazy to bother carrying my own on the train.
It looks like MK do lessons in a seperate zone on Thursdays (details here).
In terms of dryslope vs. wetslope I think the ballsiest (is that a word?) riders to be found are outdoor. I learnt on dry and it forces you to sort out your technique. Plus, the grin you get when you first encounter the real stuff is priceless Although I learnt at the Cardiff slope, I ended up using the Wycombe slope a lot before it burned down. The riding there was very high level and made me realise how committed freestyle dryslope riders are.
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Dryslopes suck. They are unpleasant.
Indoor slopes are better. They are closer to the real thing.
Fake indoor snow will not harm your board.
Fri nights are the best times for pulling tricks up at MK.
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
|
|
Specialman, you reckon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
|
|
Specialman, No breakages yet on my end but I havent done a rail yet ! Still mastering jumps at the moment
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
Specialman, my trick is going for a big jump, panic last second and actually face planting into the top infront of everyone
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ahh, the old classic, the 'faceplant into a kicker' trick. One that I have perfected over many years!!
I get the fear when it comes to rails, especially the metal ones at MK. They look nasty (especially for blokes, if you know what I mean?) an the run up is a bit bumpy so you have to line up millimetre-perfect.
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Specialman, I been told to avoid the metal ones as the boards stick to them. Have to say my jumps are pretty ok now, getting good air, and landing ok, just need to perfect the arm position so it looks natural. Even went in a half pipe this year, but only went up the sides
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
When you crack the metal ones it feels great. Boards do seem a little sticky on them though.
I went on the half pipe in la Plagne in March and crapped myself! The sidewalls are soooo icy it's unbelievable. Managed to carve across it though, the whole length, but it was a bit hairy as it was so slippy. No grip at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|