Yes, I tried skis. Please forgive me. It had been 16 years since I was last on a pair. They were much different back then, long, skinny and straight. I was a terrible skier. I couldn't even snow plow without busting my butt. Would things be different after all these years on skiboards. Read on and find out.
So I went to Mt. Rose this morning and rented these skis in 165 cm:
Salomon Scramblers Model 700
I also went with 125 cm poles.
After getting the skis on, I went straight to the bunny slopes. I made a handful of trips down the green runs. The first couple weren't pretty. I didn't fall, but I definitely was sloppy. Then after a couple more attempts, things started to click. I then decided to try my luck on a few blue runs. I did very well. It surprised me. I even went into the trees. I had to find a different technique than I usually use, but I managed to get through them without a wipeout. Now I was feeling really confident, so it was time to tackle some black runs. I worked my way through each black run taking what I considered was the easiest to the hardest. Once again I had no issues. It had only been like two hours on skis before I hit the black runs. I was very pleased with myself. Yay me!
So here is what I have discovered. Skis today are much better than they were back when I skied. All my years of skiboarding definitely provided me with the skills needed to be a good skier today. Skis have some advantages over skiboards. They are faster and more stable at speed. Skis also float through the slush better and do not get bogged down like skiboards. I also like the extra surface area for landing jumps. I found skis easy to carve and keep in control. I thought I'd never say this, but I actually enjoy using poles. They're handy in the lift lines and for initiating turns. I really like all the extra glide skis give. It makes for a lot less skating. Now for what I like better about skiboards. They are lighter and way more maneuverable. They are more fun and playful. Skis are fun in their own way, but they definitely aren't playful IMO.
My dilemma going forward will be that I want to skiboard and ski both. I sold off a bunch of boards this season trying to simplify my choices. Now after skiing today, I want to buy skis. I'm even thinking about the Spruce longboards again. I really liked having the added stability and speed today. I love my shorties, but I have to admit that they take a toll on my aging body. They're great on nice snow, but in variable junk they wear me out and make my body ache.
Oh, one thing I didn't mention about today is that I really enjoyed not feeling like an outcast. I had no questions to answer or derogatory remarks to endure. It was nice!
P.S. Bluewing, I get it now.
So I went to Mt. Rose this morning and rented these skis in 165 cm:
Salomon Scramblers Model 700
I also went with 125 cm poles.
After getting the skis on, I went straight to the bunny slopes. I made a handful of trips down the green runs. The first couple weren't pretty. I didn't fall, but I definitely was sloppy. Then after a couple more attempts, things started to click. I then decided to try my luck on a few blue runs. I did very well. It surprised me. I even went into the trees. I had to find a different technique than I usually use, but I managed to get through them without a wipeout. Now I was feeling really confident, so it was time to tackle some black runs. I worked my way through each black run taking what I considered was the easiest to the hardest. Once again I had no issues. It had only been like two hours on skis before I hit the black runs. I was very pleased with myself. Yay me!
So here is what I have discovered. Skis today are much better than they were back when I skied. All my years of skiboarding definitely provided me with the skills needed to be a good skier today. Skis have some advantages over skiboards. They are faster and more stable at speed. Skis also float through the slush better and do not get bogged down like skiboards. I also like the extra surface area for landing jumps. I found skis easy to carve and keep in control. I thought I'd never say this, but I actually enjoy using poles. They're handy in the lift lines and for initiating turns. I really like all the extra glide skis give. It makes for a lot less skating. Now for what I like better about skiboards. They are lighter and way more maneuverable. They are more fun and playful. Skis are fun in their own way, but they definitely aren't playful IMO.
My dilemma going forward will be that I want to skiboard and ski both. I sold off a bunch of boards this season trying to simplify my choices. Now after skiing today, I want to buy skis. I'm even thinking about the Spruce longboards again. I really liked having the added stability and speed today. I love my shorties, but I have to admit that they take a toll on my aging body. They're great on nice snow, but in variable junk they wear me out and make my body ache.
Oh, one thing I didn't mention about today is that I really enjoyed not feeling like an outcast. I had no questions to answer or derogatory remarks to endure. It was nice!
P.S. Bluewing, I get it now.
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