Old guy's story...intro

I'm 35 and have snowboarded for 15yrs, when I started, and don't argue about it 'cuz you guys are always capping on gapers, skiing was ghey. Plus I had been a part of the skateboarding revolution, sideways people! About 6yrs ago when my oldest son was 4 I bought him a pair of snowblades to learn on. I also picked up a pair for myself because a.) they were cheap and b.) I knew it would be a pain in the arse to teach him to ski when I was snowboarding. He picked it up right away, so did I, probably because we both play hockey and those are some short skis. It was just like ice skating. He has now been snowboarding for 3 years and doing very well. Keep in mind this was during the NewSchool transition phase. Right when daffie/spreads were starting to lose their flare.

Over the last few years the NewSchool thing was starting to catch my attention.

This season my younger son 5 has begun skiing as well. He did not have the advantage of playing hockey so it was rough at first, on top of that he can be a temperamental little booger (a term much lighter than I would like to use). In any case the snowblades proved difficult for him because they're short and don't turn well so I picked him up some 90s and that has been good. During these travails, as I slowly follow him down the hill, I have seen the progression of your sport, watching you guys hit the kickers and spin, spin, spin, hit the rails and spin, spin, spin, and haul ass backwards at 40mph, fly over a 100ft table, spin and land backwards again.

Skiing is no longer ghey.

So being a good dad, wanting my child to have some skiing company and wanting to satisfy my own curiosity, I went out and picked up a pair of 171 Salomon 1080s. Now I am a pretty decent athlete, and a pretty advanced snowboarder. I figured I'd be hitting the booters in the park in no time. Ummmm, not so much. The first time I got off the lift with those long ass, wide, goofy looking planks hanging from my feet I knew I was in for an interesting ride. It was a unique feeling to have my legs try to separate themselves from my body, going in completely opposite directions. After 3 runs and some solid pizza action, burning quads and sore knees, I finally made it, in my mind, to a decent level. Still no way was I gonna be hittin the booters. I could do a bad ass 50-50 on an 8 inch box though...go on dust your shoulders off.
So after a few ski's only days and a few mixed SB and ski days I am feeling good. I don't think I will make a complete transition but I will keep going at it. Getting used to landings has been the most difficult, no ankle flex.

The other day my youngest asked me when he can start snowboarding. After watching our local hot shot pop a muted 7 across the 80ft table, my mind said 'probably never', what came out of my mouth was 'maybe in a couple years'.

Good work fellas on the resurrection and progression of skiing. A once die hard snowboard only shredder from back in the day has now softened and become converted, although not completely, to the dual plank way of life.

Keep it up, and be a good example to the little rippers out there. Watch your language and be respectful. They watch every move you make, especially if you give them some props. If you see my little ripper with the yellow skis while at White Pass, WA, give him a pat on the head and show him some stuff, it's gonna be awhile before his dad can!