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Switching from the Dark Side..

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szznstytrppn
Posts: 74 - Karma: 98
Hello NS,

I am intermediate (greens, blues, blacks, and some double blacks) snowboarder who has been riding for the past three seasons and I feel as though I have come a long way. I can ride powder, some moguls, but have only beginner experience with park. I can shifty and do 180's in (mostly) all four directions (sw bs, sw fs. bs, fs), and I can 50/50 (not even a trick IMO) most boxes. I can also boardslide (though front board is way cooler, I mostly almost always hit my face) and I am super timid on rails.

The point being that I feel like I have it together for only riding a few seasons, and only putting a few months into freestyle, usually hitting rollers on blues and greens for practice.

Since I am still new to this sport, I feel as though I have the advantage when it comes to choosing the winter sport that is right for me. I ride a 156cm NeverSummer Funslinger, advertised as a park board, but totally rips it in the pow, and I really do think I would continue to ride it in pow. While I have little to no trouble keeping up with my friends on skis, there is something about skiing that catches my eye. From hardpack, to park, skiing has way more appeal.

It simply looks more fun; you can go faster, be more agile, turn sharper, spin harder, and rails are just cooler looking on a pair of skis.

To be blunt, I guess my questions are:

Does anyone have any experience with switching from snowboarding to skiing?

Is there any advice an expert skier could give a noob with snowboarding experience?

If I do enjoy skiing (after I rent skis from the local hill and learn the basics)
-deep breath-, what gear should I consider looking at if I want to get into freestyle(so I don't have to purchase multiple skis)?

I'm 5'11, 200lbs, if that helps?

I know this shit isn't easy, but nothing in life is. Thanks NS.

PS: I just built a rail to practice some jibbing (yes, at first on my board, and yes, I still have to build a ramp) and I want you to tell me what you think. Modeled after reading Andy Parry's guide. There are supports in the middle, but you can't see from the picture.

Out!

-szznstytrppn
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Nov 6 2015 3:52AM
26 0
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JoeyBollee
Posts: 19 - Karma: 94
I boarded for 4 years and last year switched over to skis and I regret nothing. Just find a homie that has an old pair of skis he would sell you for cheap and try it out!
Nov 6 2015 9:01AM
2 0
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
I switched over last year and it can be frustrating but just hang in there. Also try it more than once because you might have a bad experience for what ever reason the first time. I decided to try it a second time and fell in love. Newschoolers has definitely helped me out the most so make sure to watch some videos and read some guides
Nov 6 2015 9:07AM
3 0
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Swandog7
Posts: 4956 - Karma: 9,023
If you stick with it, don't buy boots second hand. Go to a shop and blow the cash on a nice pair of boots that fit right, its the most important piece of a setup. id find something on here for cheap, and would try a find a more cambered ski. I snowboarded bout 6 years ago, gapped about 4 years, then started to ski. You'll get familiar with technique i think pretty fast. Make sure to really push on the front of your boots. I would use poles when first learning some basic stuff and rails. It helps keep your arms down and helps you balance.
Nov 6 2015 10:03AM
2 0
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pezzinator
Posts: 25 - Karma: 197
This is actually kinda funny because I made a post about this same thing last season - and to be honest it gets me really excited.

I used to snowboard for 2 years, until I met my s/o which he forced me to rent skis at our local hill late in the season. So I did. By GOD I LOVED IT. I really think you should rent some skis because switching from snowboarding to skiing is such a huge difference and I feel as its exactly like you said, "faster" and easier to move around and switch on etc. So absolutely rent out a pair. I would recommend park skis, and 100% twin tips. It doesn't really matter what brand skis you get as long as it fits your type of style you're going for. I actually just bought some K2 Miss conducts, and full tilt Mary Janes. I'm beyond excited.

Good luck, and try it out!
Nov 6 2015 10:32AM
2 0
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CQBMN
Posts: 80 - Karma: 185
Just get skis that can last more than a year. You don't really need anything more than that, but it's better to get twin tips.
Nov 6 2015 11:42AM
0 0
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szznstytrppn
Posts: 74 - Karma: 98
JoeyBolleeI boarded for 4 years and last year switched over to skis and I regret nothing. Just find a homie that has an old pair of skis he would sell you for cheap and try it out!


RsimpsonI switched over last year and it can be frustrating but just hang in there. Also try it more than once because you might have a bad experience for what ever reason the first time. I decided to try it a second time and fell in love. Newschoolers has definitely helped me out the most so make sure to watch some videos and read some guides


SteezyCollinJust get skis that can last more than a year. You don't really need anything more than that, but it's better to get twin tips.


Wow I didn't realize there were so many converts on this website, I felt like a black sheep. Haha. Thanks for the advice guys! Very inspirational! I can guarantee I'll try it multiple times!

When I was first learning how to snowboard I was eating shit for the first week or so, then I started to pick it up. I promise I won't go running back to my board :)

Swandog7If you stick with it, don't buy boots second hand. Go to a shop and blow the cash on a nice pair of boots that fit right, its the most important piece of a setup. id find something on here for cheap, and would try a find a more cambered ski. I snowboarded bout 6 years ago, gapped about 4 years, then started to ski. You'll get familiar with technique i think pretty fast. Make sure to really push on the front of your boots. I would use poles when first learning some basic stuff and rails. It helps keep your arms down and helps you balance.


I heard this was the most important thing. I am already looking at some prospective boots. Read a lot of reviews on the Full Tilt Classic. Lots of people on here seem to use them and dat flex looks crucial. Not to mention they look dope as fuck. I've heard they are fairly comfortable too, though probably not the first week. Haha. I am currently using a flexible and super comfortable boot while snowboarding, Nike Zoom DK's from a few years ago. Still holding up decent since my first season.

Also, I always wondered my people used poles in park. That totally makes sense. Grabbing onto something would help my balance.

pezzinatorThis is actually kinda funny because I made a post about this same thing last season - and to be honest it gets me really excited.

I used to snowboard for 2 years, until I met my s/o which he forced me to rent skis at our local hill late in the season. So I did. By GOD I LOVED IT. I really think you should rent some skis because switching from snowboarding to skiing is such a huge difference and I feel as its exactly like you said, "faster" and easier to move around and switch on etc. So absolutely rent out a pair. I would recommend park skis, and 100% twin tips. It doesn't really matter what brand skis you get as long as it fits your type of style you're going for. I actually just bought some K2 Miss conducts, and full tilt Mary Janes. I'm beyond excited.

Good luck, and try it out!


My s/o skis as well, and she by skis I mean she fucking rips (mostly big mountain). She is starting to learn park as well though, so it might be a great time for us to learn together! Especially with my new rail :)

I was already looking at skis (even though it's kind of early) and I found the shape and design of the Line Chronics (in the upper 170s range) to my liking and kind of similar to the way my board is setup. I also am considering (which I mentioned above) some Full Tilt Classics in I'm guessing the 28.5 range (shoe size is 10.5), though I have heard that might be too big and I could size down to 27.5. Guessing I will need to go and get fitted, then as Swandog was saying buy something nice or at least something off here for the cheap. Thanks I'm super excited!

SteezyCollinJust get skis that can last more than a year. You don't really need anything more than that, but it's better to get twin tips.


Yes, I've heard twin tip is the way to go. My board is a twin tip so I think it would make the switch slightly easier. Especially for riding switch.

Thanks for all the advice ya'll! I love this community.
Nov 6 2015 12:25PM
1 0
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Swandog7
Posts: 4956 - Karma: 9,023
szznstytrppnWow I didn't realize there were so many converts on this



I heard this was the most important thing. I am already looking at some prospective boots. Read a lot of reviews on the Full Tilt Classic. Lots of people on here seem to use them and dat flex looks crucial. Not to mention they look dope as fuck. I've heard they are fairly comfortable too, though probably not the first week. Haha. I am currently using a flexible and super comfortable boot while snowboarding, Nike Zoom DK's from a few years ago. Still holding up decent since my first season.

Also, I always wondered my people used poles in park. That totally makes sense. Grabbing onto something would help my balance.


Never get a boot from reviews, but what fits. If you have a skinnier foot, ask the boot fitter for that, but he will obviously measure your foot and stuff. Whatever boot fits, get that boot, not what people ride. Never buy online unless its the boot the fitter fit you for, and honestly even if i just got fit last year, I'm always going back to make sure the same boot fits best etc. Also, snowboarding boots are quite a bit different so it will take some adjustment for that.

For poles, it helps you balance, keep your hands down and in front of you. Highly recommend using them for your first year, and don't buy nice poles, as they will break/bend from falling on them. Snowboarders at my hill sometimes steal them so maybe be carefully where you put them as well.
Nov 6 2015 12:51PM
0 0
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cdip
Posts: 1563 - Karma: 2,449
I know someone who snowboarded and his first year of switching he could front 2 blind 2 and front swap.
Nov 6 2015 1:17PM
0 0
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szznstytrppn
Posts: 74 - Karma: 98
Swandog7Never get a boot from reviews, but what fits. If you have a skinnier foot, ask the boot fitter for that, but he will obviously measure your foot and stuff. Whatever boot fits, get that boot, not what people ride. Never buy online unless its the boot the fitter fit you for, and honestly even if i just got fit last year, I'm always going back to make sure the same boot fits best etc. Also, snowboarding boots are quite a bit different so it will take some adjustment for that.

For poles, it helps you balance, keep your hands down and in front of you. Highly recommend using them for your first year, and don't buy nice poles, as they will break/bend from falling on them. Snowboarders at my hill sometimes steal them so maybe be carefully where you put them as well.



Awesome! Thank you Swandog! I will be sure to keep all those things in consideration! I guess the reason why I was leaning toward FT is because the construction I feel would allow for more control, but whatever fits will work.

That's pretty odd that snowboarders would steal poles, you sure it's not just jealous skiers? Haha. Usually I just yell at a skier friend to throw one over if I'm starting to slow down on flats, because I neglected my wax.
Nov 6 2015 1:48PM
0 0
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szznstytrppn
Posts: 74 - Karma: 98
cdipI know someone who snowboarded and his first year of switching he could front 2 blind 2 and front swap.



Damn, that's quick
Nov 6 2015 4:15PM
0 0
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r.simp
Posts: 361 - Karma: 670
szznstytrppnDamn, that's quick


Yeah idk if it's been said but if you can build a summer setup do it they make your progress if you put work in and they're a lot of fun
Nov 8 2015 1:38PM
0 0
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gnar_whal
Posts: 1286 - Karma: 3,788
Whatever you do, learn how to ACTUALLY SKI first. Don't just go straight into the park, you must become a somewhat competent skier and at least ski blues easily before you even think about going into the park.
Nov 8 2015 1:44PM
4 0
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DBack1321
Posts: 410 - Karma: 485
I've ever been snowboarding and don't plan to haha but if you're going to start buying equipment buy boots first. For the love of the sweet lord baby Jesus please go to a boot fitter. It will be more expensive, but your boots, good fitting ones at that, are the most important thing. Do not go into the boot fitter with things in mind because you can google, let him do his thing and you will be thankful.

Other than that, keep your shins firmly against the front of your boots (if they are not = no control), keep your hands up, use your poles to start your turns, use your lower body to absorb the terrain and the goal is to keep your torso facing down the hill With you lower body doing all the movement. I have no clue how snowboarding is so I have no comparisons haha.
Nov 8 2015 2:10PM
0 0
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szznstytrppn
Posts: 74 - Karma: 98
Thanks a lot for the advice guys!
Nov 8 2015 2:28PM
1 0
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GrapeHunter
Posts: 2403 - Karma: 8,733
I snowboarded all my life since I was 5. Switched over 2 years ago, best decision of my life. Skiing is so much more fun in my opinion, and it just feels more free. If you have a friend the same foot size as you, ask them if you can take a few runs on their skis. I did that, and ended up falling in love with skiing right there. If you can snowboard, switching over to the feeling of skiing is a simple transition. As stated above, don't skimp out on boots. Buy new, and make sure they fit right, anything else (skis, bindings) you can get used. If you're wanting to do park, go strait for twin tips, don't waste money on the normal skis. Good luck, and have fun
Nov 8 2015 2:36PM
0 0
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lion.pappa
Posts: 123 - Karma: 149
I was in the same situation. Boarded for about 3~4 years (20~30day seasons). I rented a pair of skis to try out, liked it. Bought a pair of new old model skis. I can only say...wow, it is so much different from rental skis!! Personally i think, it took me about 2~3 days of riding to get comfortable on it. But it the switch wasn't hard at all, and im never going back to board (unless teaching my frnds). Last year is my full season on skis. Cant wait for this season to start!!

I'm 5' 7", 165lb, i bought 2012 k2 recoils with marker squire bindings (300$) and got a cheap used Atomic hawx 80 for 80$ (i just bought something affordable because i know i will need new gear later when i know what kind of skis/boots i want). After a full season, i sold my skis just to change to a longer size 169 and got a pair new dalbellos.
Nov 8 2015 4:24PM
0 0
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jimmy_buckle
Posts: 174 - Karma: 502
I did it.....best thing I ever did
Nov 8 2015 7:48PM
0 0
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Will.Herring
Posts: 176 - Karma: 721
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/792782/Gooble-Gobble-One-Of-Us-
Nov 8 2015 8:43PM
1 0
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qyleberry
Posts: 788 - Karma: 2,211
I've been boarding for 5 years and two seasons ago I decided to rent skis for the day, It took me a couple hours to get the hang of it, but it was so fun. I switched the next season(last year) and I just had a blast. I can definitely say I'm addicted to skiing and I'll never go back. I even made a summer setup in my backyard with my buddy. I still can't wait to get on the snow again.


I think the switch was so easy for me because I have been playing ice and roller hockey since I was 3 (I'm 16 now)

I will say this, When I first put skis on it was the most awkward thing ever, but you will get used to it and love it.

SO SWITCH TO SKIING YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT
Nov 8 2015 8:46PM
0 0
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szznstytrppn
Posts: 74 - Karma: 98
Tip.Tuggerhttps://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/792782/Gooble-Gobble-One-Of-Us-



Hahaha this
Nov 8 2015 8:53PM
0 0
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szznstytrppn
Posts: 74 - Karma: 98
skigl198I snowboarded all my life since I was 5. Switched over 2 years ago, best decision of my life. Skiing is so much more fun in my opinion, and it just feels more free. If you have a friend the same foot size as you, ask them if you can take a few runs on their skis. I did that, and ended up falling in love with skiing right there. If you can snowboard, switching over to the feeling of skiing is a simple transition. As stated above, don't skimp out on boots. Buy new, and make sure they fit right, anything else (skis, bindings) you can get used. If you're wanting to do park, go strait for twin tips, don't waste money on the normal skis. Good luck, and have fun


lion.pappaI was in the same situation. Boarded for about 3~4 years (20~30day seasons). I rented a pair of skis to try out, liked it. Bought a pair of new old model skis. I can only say...wow, it is so much different from rental skis!! Personally i think, it took me about 2~3 days of riding to get comfortable on it. But it the switch wasn't hard at all, and im never going back to board (unless teaching my frnds). Last year is my full season on skis. Cant wait for this season to start!!

I'm 5' 7", 165lb, i bought 2012 k2 recoils with marker squire bindings (300$) and got a cheap used Atomic hawx 80 for 80$ (i just bought something affordable because i know i will need new gear later when i know what kind of skis/boots i want). After a full season, i sold my skis just to change to a longer size 169 and got a pair new dalbellos.


jimmy_buckleI did it.....best thing I ever did


qyleberryI've been boarding for 5 years and two seasons ago I decided to rent skis for the day, It took me a couple hours to get the hang of it, but it was so fun. I switched the next season(last year) and I just had a blast. I can definitely say I'm addicted to skiing and I'll never go back. I even made a summer setup in my backyard with my buddy. I still can't wait to get on the snow again.


I think the switch was so easy for me because I have been playing ice and roller hockey since I was 3 (I'm 16 now)

I will say this, When I first put skis on it was the most awkward thing ever, but you will get used to it and love it.

SO SWITCH TO SKIING YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT



You folks are all really inspiring me to get after it, can't wait till my mountains open up in the next month. I'll be sure to share some progress later on! Though I was able to go ride up on Big Sky yesterday. I do truly love my board, and powder will still be ideal on it, but I gotta start skiing ASAP
Nov 8 2015 8:55PM
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CHORIZO
Posts: 2003 - Karma: 10,039
learn grinds and spins both ways. al ot easier to do thi at the begining then learn unnatyy l8r
Nov 8 2015 8:59PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,994
There's no such thing as 'the dark side'

Snowboarding is cool. The 1990's are over.
Nov 9 2015 10:28AM
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SKRockies
Posts: 606 - Karma: 1,689
Skied for 8 years then switched over to skiing and i love it way more. Picked it up fairly quickly and honestly find perfecting my technique way more challenging than anything i faced while snowboarding. In my opinion there are so many more ways to have your own style in skiing and snowboarding and you can see it on the hill if you look hard enough
Nov 9 2015 11:39AM
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SKRockies
Posts: 606 - Karma: 1,689
^meant to say i snowboarded for 8 years.. fuck
Nov 9 2015 11:40AM
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