Old Guy's Story.....update.

I've posted previously (see my signature) about my perspective on skiing's progression and my semi-conversion from snowboarding to skiing.  Here's a little update for those that are interested.

Well it's the end of the season and I have to say that I'm pretty hooked on skiing.  It's hard to beat a snowboard in the pow but I think I'll be mostly skiing from now on.  I spent most of this year skiing, trying to get proficient technically before I get crazy in the park.  (Well ...my version of crazy anyway) 

I was able to get some instruction from a buddy who is very good technically, but not hip with going airborne.  It seems that I was skiing pretty upright and back on my skis a bit.  I think I corrected that and I feel really good on the groomers but pow is still a bit difficult.  The only real way I felt I could manage it was to almost bounce up and down to weight and unweight the skis. 

I've learned to become quite a bit more comfortable in the air, no more windmill action.  This is going to sound a bit dorky but early in the year I finally mustered the courage to attempt a .....get this.......180.  I know, I know it's pretty risky but I laughed in the face of danger and lo and behold I landed it.  I even threw a little fist pump after sticking it.  See, on a snowboard you don't ever land 'backwards'.  If you do..... you get the pleasantness of catching your heelside edge and tomahawking down the landing.  You may get an understanding of trepidation.  Anyhow by the end of the year I was landing small 3's.  I've also been trying to slide boxes sideways and having some issues....which foot do you typically put most of your weight on, front or back?  Hit me up with some pointers.

I've also decided to purchase some different gear.  I got some new threads.  Gone is the old North Face gear, I'm going hip-hop dog!  I got some bonfire pants, a sessions striped jacket and K2 rant lid.  I got a couple of pairs of boots that I bought from some of my NewSchoolers brethren....neither of which ended up fitting properly.  They'll be back up for sale (Tecnica Vento 8 size 28.5 and some really sweet Nordica Supercharger Ignitions size 27.5).  I picked up some used but great condition Liberty SB180s from the great BURRITO.  What a different ski than the 1080s that I was using.  I like them way better.  Next year I may try to pick up some Hellbents but we'll see.

Anyhow, thanks for reading and hopefully we'll see you on the hill.

PS:  My son still won't shake the snowboarding desire.  Looks like I'll have to throw him on one and see what happens :).