Friday, April 24, 2009

Snowboarding In Summer: Mid June To August

Snowboarding in summer is a fun thing and summer snowboarding camps can provide some of the best riding available with bright sun and slushy snow making life most enjoyable and also providing ample scope for learning. Most of the snowboarding in summer camps run from the middle of June through to August and a typical season may last one week. If you happen to be looking for snowboarding in summer in North America then you could find two prime spots for the summer snowboarding experience and these are Mt. Hood in Oregon and Whistler in Canada. Also, one can find snowboarding in summer in Europe as well. And, for those who wish to have more winter-like conditions, they could travel to camps in New Zealand and also South America.

Instructors Offer On-Snow Drills And Lead Exercises

Snowboarding in summer is available to experienced riders as well as to beginners and some snowboarding camps have dedicated sessions only for women riders or just for adults. It is the skill level of a person that decides which group he or she is placed in and assigned a coach who will lead the exercises as well as give on-snow drills and will also be able to answer any questions the group members may have.

Camps for snowboarding in summer also have the ability to record the member's snowboarding activities on video and this helps the member and the coach to give tips based on video footage and help improve the overall performance of a snowboarder. Off snow activities at snowboarding camps in summer are included and there are also clinics that provide instructions on how to tune as well as wax the snowboard plus they teach avalanche awareness and stretching.

No longer will the snowboarder have long faces come summertime as there is ample scope for snowboarding in summer at Engelberg which has wonderful half-pipe, Kicker Park and rails all centrally located and the Freestyle Park is reachable by very modern glacier chairlifts that is located a few minutes away from the Titlis top station. It is possible to have a winter free style experience here during summer and one can jump and slide in the summer.

Most ski resorts are very seasonal and operate just for hundred days in the year but with snowboarding in summer catching on, there is reason to believe that four-season resorts would benefit from non-peak season traffic. With the advent of artificial snow surfaces, it has become possible to have outdoor snowboarding all year round, anywhere and in any climate and this idea originated in the United Kingdom, where there are a number of Snowflex Centers.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

Monday, March 9, 2009

Choosing a Snowboard. Don't be Hasty. Be Thorough and Reap the Rewards.

When choosing a snowboard you need to know what to look for. Why does one brand work better than another. Why do prices differ from one board shop than another? Should I let price matter? What if I buy and not like the board?

Unless you have money to burn your best bet is to find a shop that will rent you a board with the understanding that if you don't like it you can walk without obligation, but if you do like it then the shop will deduct the rental fee from the retail price.

Do not be in a hurry. Rent a few different boards. Try to get the feel of each one. Make a real effort to resist buying and do not get caught up in the hype. Every board manufacturer will tell you their boards are better. That is human nature at work. Remember, graphics do not make the board better.

The one point you really must understand is this. Nearly every board is made the same way. The core is wood. It's covered on top with fiberglass and the bottom is plastic. That is all there is to it.

Sure, some manufacturers spend more time sanding, painting, designing and applying nice graphics. Some also spend a fortune on advertising material, but when it comes right down to it, one board is about the same as the next.

The most important factor in the equation is how does the board feel to you on the snow. Choosing a snowboard means all of the above PLUS trying it out on the slopes. Experience the feel for yourself. Do not believe the advertising hype because most of it is a play on words. In the long run, you and you alone will decide what you want and feel.

When you enter a snowboard shop or an on-line shop the first thing you will notice will be the tremendous variety of boards available. Name brands such as Burton, Abbigliamento, DC, Dragon, Gnu, K2, Roxy, Salomon and dozens of others fill the walls. If you question the clerks and ask for their opinion of the different boards you will get the impression that they must spend all of their time testing every board out on the hills. If truth be known, they will probably have one board they use personally. The rest of the information they will pick up from brochures and advertising material.

Choosing a snowboard is a matter of elimination. By trying a board you will either like it or love it. Compare the stiffness of one against the other.

Do not skimp on the bindings. You bought a great board but fitted it with a cheap binding. Big mistake. Advances in binding manufacturing have resulted in equipment that will last for years. Nothing will wipe you out like having that cheap binding give out, ruining a day of what should have been perfect boarding. Now it is back to the shop, buying the more expensive binding. Why not do it all once. Buy the best you are able to afford.

Once you have purchased the board and those great bindings get out there and try it out. Be sure to check how the board and bindings are working together, sort of as a team would do. The employees at the shop are usually very helpful. Do not hesitate to return for binding tweaking.

So there it is. Choosing a snowboard need not be a tough task. Be aware of the pitfalls of paying too much for a fancy board. The cheap one will do just as good a job for you. Place the dollars on the bindings and really enjoy your days on the trails.

Author : Joe
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Choosing-a-Snowboard.-Don-t-be-Hasty.-Be-Thorough-and-Reap-the-Rewards./1045948

Discount Snowboard - How to Care For and Restore a Used Board

If you are interested in the sport of snowboarding but you can't afford to buy the latest and greatest board model then you may want to look for a discount snowboard offer that will make this sport affordable for you. One way to do this is to buy a used snowboard. There are a lot of people who like to upgrade their boards each season, or every other season, and they sell their boards after minimal use. Other people, like college student, may need money to go home during summer break or to pay their rent and they sell their boards to make money. No matter what the reason is, you can get a great deal on a board by looking for gently used boards.


The first thing that you will want to do when selecting a used board is to look for one that is still in pretty good shape. Make sure that its core is still stable and that it looks like it still has a lot of use left in it. Because the board is used, chances are that it won't be perfect, but don't worry, because there are ways to repair and restore a board.


After selecting your discount snowboard from a second hand store, from a garage sale, or from a classified ad, you next step is to survey it for damage. To get the clearest picture of what condition your board is in you will need to clean it. To do this you simply need to wipe down the board with a damp rag to remove dirt and rocks. Next set it on a flat surface and spread on a base cleaner and then wipe it off. This will clean off a lot of debris and dirt, and it will leave you with a clear view of what damage you will need to repair.


Your next step will be to fill any gouges that the base of the discount snowboard has. To do this you will need a P-Tex candle. Light the candle and allow time for the carbon to burn off of the wick. Then hold the candle over the gouge and tip it so that the wax can drip into the depression and fill it. Once filled allow the wax to cool and harden. Then take a scraper and remove any overfill wax, or wax drippings.


To repair edge damage you can use a snowboard tuning file and instructions provided by the manufacturer's of the board. Use your tuning file to straighten or angle the bevel on your board following the recommendations of the manufacturer. Generally older models will recommend a 0/0 edge, while newer model will recommend an angled bevel.


If the graphic is damaged on your board you may need to reapply a new logo or graphic design to the board. To do this you will need to use your imagination, your artistic talents, and products that are designed for the conditions your board will be put through. You can talk to a snowboard dealer about what paints, logo packs, and varnishes are available for board graphics.

Author : Jamel
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Discount-Snowboard-How-to-Care-For-and-Restore-a-Used-Board/949537

The Top Snowboarding Competitions You Need To Know

The snowboarding mania that hit the young people notably in countries enjoying lots of snow is far from fading. With thousands of young men and women taking part in this extreme winter sport, numerous competitions are being held each year in the different parts of the world.

The first even snowboard race occurred in 1982 in Suicide Six, outside of Woodstock in Vermont. Everything was simple then as participants only had to board down a steep and icy face. However, it was only in the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan when snowboarding hogged international attention.

The X Games

The X Games are an annual event catering to extreme sports fans. The Winter X Games are the newest events that focus on extreme sports like skiing and snowboarding done on snow-capped mountains with great terrain. Sponsored by ESPN, the regular venue of this event is in Aspen, Colorado. First-time and experienced snowboarders have an opportunity to show their skills and tricks here.

US Open

The US Open snowboarding events take place each year usually at the end of the winter season. For more than two decades now, the games kick off in March with the champion getting $25,000 for his prize.

The Olympics

To date, the Olympics feature six snowboard events. These are the men's halfpipe, ladies' halfpipe, men's parallel giant slalom, ladies' parallel giant slalom and men's snowboard cross and ladies' snowboard cross. Although no cash prize is at stake, an Olympic medal for most athletes is already a reward worth treasuring for the rest of their lives.

Burton New Zealand Open

The Burton Open is New Zealand's top winter snowboarding event. It has been held yearly since 2003 at the Lake Wanaka. The New Zealand Open is the first of the Burton Open series which then takes place in Australia, Japan, Europe and the U.S. This event gives Kiwis a big opportunity to compete with some of the world's greatest riders.

Steven's Pass World Snowboarding Championship

Steven's Pass in Washington, U.S.A. is popular for its world class and varied terrain on two different mountains. Its terrain alone covers 1,125 acres while there are about 37 runs. On the west edge of the resort is a huge terrain park while for riders who'd like to get some sunshine can ride on the Mill Valley or the so-called backside. This ski and snowboarding resort is jampacked on weekends and school holidays so, those wishing to go there should book early. Lodging is not available there, though, but those who'd like to stay the night can book rooms in nearby Skykomish and Leavenworth.

Revolution Tour

The Chevy Revolution Tour is a series of competition for snowboarders that began in 2005. Aimed at helping young riders progress to the elite level competition, this event is the brainchild of the U.S. Snowboarding. The 2008 competitions took place from January to March and were held in various areas such as Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, Oregon and Philadelphia. Events featured were snowboardcross, halfpipe and slopestyle.

Enter The Dragon

This yearly snowboard contest features slopestyle and superpipe events with great prizes at stake. Open to all ages, this competition welcomes young and old riders who want to participate in a fun-filled and relaxed atmosphere.

FIS World Cup Circuit

This is best for professional snowboarders around the globe. The European countries of Italy, Austria, Slovenia and the Netherlands played hosts to the 2006 series while more countries joined in during the 2007 event such as Switzerland, Russia, Japan, Korea and Quebec in Canada.

Author : robin
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-Top-Snowboarding-Competitions-You-Need-To-Know/999670

Top Choices For Snowboarding Holidays Around The World

The snowboarding fever among the younger generation worldwide just shows no sign of stopping. This extreme sports activity has become a big hit among the young ones that it has achieved much the same level of popularity as the conventional snow sport of skiing. In fact, skiing resorts have also become ideal venues for snowboarding these days and players of this sport or just the hobbyists have a lot to choose from when it comes to where to spend a great snowboarding holiday.

North America

A foremost requirement for this extreme winter sport is, naturally, lots of snow. Excellent terrain with all those slopes comes next. The U.S. and Canada in North America definitely have all these features the reason they have become popular venues for international snowboarding events. And with the number of professional snowboarders on the upswing, ski resorts are providing fantastic terrain parks suited for the freeriders.

The U.S. West Coast offers so many snowboarding destinations that allow riders to enjoy great adventures. Among the top choices are ski resorts found in California.


  • Mammoth Mountain in California's Mammoth Lakes is a top spot for snowboarders because of its excellent parks and pipes. Snow falls here are in large supply and the superpipe in the area is a popular place where professional riders are seen shredding.

  • June Mountain enjoys continuous snow during the winter season with the terrain open to riders. The USASA slopestyle events normally take place here.

  • Squaw Valley is about 42 miles from Reno, Nevada and offers three terrain parks. These are Ford Freestyle Superpipe and Park, Mainline Park and Belmont Park. Snowboarding and freeriding can be enjoyed in all venues.

  • Sierra at Tahoe is in the Twin Bridges area and has lots of great places to snowboard. Among its numerous attractions are the Superpipe, The Alley, Burton Progression Park, Wagon Trail Boardercross, the Upper Main Halfpipe and the Aspen Rail Park.



Australia

The land down under's unique terrain and runs have also attracted its own share of snowboarders. And with a big following for this ultimate winter sport, a rider just needs to pick one among the highly recommended resorts.


  • Mt. Buller Alpine Resort is situated 250 kilometers northeast of Melbourne with an area of 2,300 hectares. With an altitude of 1,805 meters above sea level, the resort features some of the most excellent alpine and sub-alpine terrain. Ski trails here cover 180 hectares with lots of wide, open space above the tree line.

  • Jindabyne is known for its wide range of ski and snowboarding areas, inexpensive accommodation, vibrant nightlife, numerous restaurants and hotel clubs and pubs.

  • Hotham Fact File in Victoria not only boasts of spectacular terrain for all levels but also first class accommodation as well as fantastic and breathtaking scenery. It enjoys higher natural snowfalls compared to other ski resorts in the state.

  • The Perisher Blue is ideal for riders looking for a much wider terrain. With 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain, snowboarders here can have the time of their life engaging in their favorite extreme winter sport.



Austria

Austria is home to the beautiful Alps mountain range making it a top snowboarding destination. Here, you will find fantastic terrain, villages and resorts, quality board parks not to mention scrumptious cuisine.

Whether you're a rider who goes for vibrant resorts or the more peaceful places, there's always destination waiting for you in Austria. For glaciers and a lively atmosphere, there's St. Anton, Maryhofen, Kaprun, Solden and Saalbach while family resorts like Katschberg, Niederau and Galtur are best for those looking for a quieter area. Other resorts ideal for the family are Rauris and Oberau.

Riders in search of steeper and world-class terrain should go to Obergurgl, Hochgurgl, St. Anton and St. Christoph. These places are best for off piste and powder snowboarding. For first timers, recommended resorts are Galtur, Katschberg, Niederau, Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, Rauris and Soll.

Author : Robin
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Top-Choices-For-Snowboarding-Holidays-Around-The-World/1002108