![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Poster: A snowHead
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HI Guys, I,m looking to get back out sking asap, not been since i was about 18, I was an average ability then but could get by, I fancied trying boarding but not sure. I am an ex ice hockey player and a few of my friends have bought blades and said they found them quick to adapt to and progress quicker,
Would these be a good way to get back out there, having never been on them just looking for adivise really
Thanks in advance
JT
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) 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?
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Thanks for that, Is there any length of ski you would recommend that would be best for me, I,m a big guy around 17 st and 6ft tall or are they all much the same, Its amine field when you have no clue. I just want to get out there asap lol, I think I,ll get back to that first before I think about boarding,
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Jamiet1977, I recommend a snowboard as it's easier on the knees. I'm suggesting that at 17st you'll have a longer career ahead of you on a board than on skis.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Jamiet1977,
If you're sense of balance is good (and as an ice hockey player, I'm guessing so), you should find the short but steep 'learn how to stand and turn' on a snowboard much easier than the longer (but arguably more fruitful) curve to skier-goodness.
however, if you're 17st is not as much muscle as it used to be, be aware that the ground can be hard when you fall on it (especially from 6ft up) - get a helmet, and consider wrist protectors.
If you're just at the end of your ice hockey career, you're probably fit enough to jump straight to skiing - might take you a few more weeks to get to 'all piste' riding ability, but with less falls...
There are as many opinions as to which is 'better' or less harmful - a guide I was with (who's now prob 45+) has stopped boarding as it was hurting his back - and the way he romped down the powder indicated no knee problems....
As an aside, it's taken me about 7 weeks to go from 'first time on ski's since a kid' to 'linking a few turns in deep powder'.... YMMV, though.
just get out there and do it!
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Quote: |
Is there any length of ski you would recommend that would be best for me, I,m a big guy around 17 st and 6ft tall
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there are heaps of threads about ski length on snowheads, and I'm no sort of expert. If you were my son, and I was organising hired skis for you (and probably paying for them, as my son is always skint...) I'd ask advice in the hire shop, get you a general on-piste carving ski and be most reluctant to accept anything longer than shoulder level. How high are your shoulders? I'd also be urging you to have a couple of private lessons. And maybe lose some weight?
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