Replying to Ski facts needed for paper

I am writing a demo speech for my speech class. I think im going to film me doing a summer rail or two, while also having some facts on "freestyle", or newschool skiing. So if anyone knows anything (factual information please), such as first pair of skis, first pair of twin tips, anything like that, that'd be great. thanks for the help.

also on a side note, does the cheap astroturf from menards work as good as a little more expensive stuff?