Snowboarding :)

[Ben]

It was your post that got me thinking! - how did you crack your ribs - normal fall?.

[warboys]

Well its actually acutely embarassing, as those that snowboard will know, long sections of level ground are a pain in the backside. So, I did what most of us try and do and build a huge amount of speed on the gradient with a hope that I could traverse the level area without having to release my bindings. The other issue with flat areas is that it is very easy to catch an edge unintentionally.

So picture, me, a large 16 stone lump of a man, hammering it down a slope, banzai style, then catching a front edge on the level section. As if that wasn't bad enough the injury was sustained as a result of me carrying my nut driver (toolkit) in my jacket chest pocket! This is not where I normally carry it, but I had taken it out to use it at lunch time and for some daft reason put it into that pocket.

I am still in a huge amount of pain and am hoping that I am recovered in time for the North Weald sprint on 17th April.

[Ben]

God I know exactly what you mean - in Alpes D'Huez lots of the runs ended with a relatively flat stretch - not steep enough to cut in thus mega hard to stay up right - plus always quite icy! You end up with the board flat trying to get onto an edge - basically totally out of control!.

.. I prefer to be on steep stuff - then you've got the momentum to turn.

I carry my toolkit in my chest pocket - along with water .... need to rethink that!.

[Andy916]

Into 'boarding too and had a great time playing in fresh powder in Fleine in January.

Used to ski but broke a bone in my foot racing bikes nearly a decade ago and took up boarding instead. Haven't looked back!

I tumble a lot but seem to come away mostly unscathed. Don't think it needs to be any harsher than skiing in that respect really. Thinking about wearing a helmet next time, but don't bother with any other pads. Definitely prefer off-piste though!

Andy

[Ben]

Would never risk it without protection! ... going to get a new helmet with inbuilt ipod earphones

[warboys]

I always wear a helmet, I have stopped wearing wrist guards, but am considering some impact shorts for next season.

I never board with music, its too dangerous in my opinion as you can't hear whats going on around you, it would be no different to driving with headphones on, a no no in my book.

[Ben]

but it covers up the screams of the skiiers .... you're right, you do need to be aware.

Joking apart, this year I got hit by another boarder - his board rode over the top of my left boot and sliced my shin nice and deeply! - should have got it stitched, but i'm hardcore - well actually didn't want to have to pay. My once pristine white boots ended up being one red and one white

[warboys]

Likewise I got bowled over by a boarder this year, no injuries resulting though, just shocked me a bit as he wiped me out from behind and I had no warning he was coming, even with no tunes on.

[Andy916]

Not snowboarding but it's in the same area, I quite fancy heading out to the Alps in 2011 and taking part in this

http://www.avalanchecup.com/newlang_2.html

I just need to practise my downhilling skills which is a little tricky given where we live!

Hi James,

Pal of mine has done this a couple of times and I might have a crack next year. Requires some proper training though, it bites if you're not ready for it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L51D8oI_1mE

Andy

[Ben]

Thought you may find this interesting - http://www.blanksnowboards.com .. a site that sells boards devoid of graphics .. thus you can do you own design .. and they workout to cost about