Life as I know it now

If you find the information on this blog useful, then thank you.   I've left blogging (obviously) to folks more in tune with current trends.  I'm a husband, father, and provider and as a result of this it should come as now surprise I have de-prioritized snowskating.  Heck, I'll stilll go up and ride, but it's no longer the obsession I once had.  Good luck my fellow skaters!

Sell outs!

No, not selling out, but as in "sold out."

Over the last month or so I've been looking at different snowskate companies inventory.  I have a sneaking suspicion that snowskating is starting to hit a faster growth curve.  There have been several companies that have sold out or have their inventory already spoken for.  Most likely, these folks made the same amount as last year assuming they would eventually sell out, but not right away.  See note from FPS from November:

This is a good thing.  It also opens the door for the newer, less established companies with inventory to get their product out.  And different strategies.  For instance, Ralston Snowskates has decided just to sell subs and trucks.  Not a bad idea, right?  There are some great skateboards out there that could easily be used.  And you get the fit you want.

Meanwhile, we in the PacNW are getting epic powder.  Many of my friends have been getting it and I'll be doing the same over the Holiday break.

The Snowskate list. Get your skate on.

As recent snowfalls will attest, it's on.  Well, for most folks - I'm working on it.  But my big issue is I've been rocking my older 1st Gen Lib with 1st Gen Rocker trucks.  It's great, but it can't handle the deeper stuff (I always borrow).  As such, I've done some cursory research for a new purchase.  But I figured you might want a quick reminder of what is available.  I also sorted them by completes versus skis and then size.  There are more things to consider (compatibility with trucks and top decks), shape, and flex but I've kept this simple.  If you want your stuff added, let me know.   I haven't included Chiller or Circuit since they are mostly custom - contact Jordan or Mark for your custom setup.  0910 wasn't in there because the website indicates sold out.  Prices are US.  Oh, and I forgot the Fuse General complete for $300, but I couldn't determine the dimensions (help me out Paul).

A lot of these completes offer the top deck and trucks as an option.  Please contact each of them individually for info.  Caught a typo - Minus-7, a little error and you became Minus-8 and 9.  Sounds like British secret service to me. hahaaha

Obviously, there are new companies popping up, but I listed the stuff you "might" actually be able to get your hands on.

Bring on the snow!

Snowskating's future - the curse of popularity

When I first started snowskating in the early 2000s, there was a real problem getting access to any resort.  They were perceived as toys, foot traffic, etc.  Either way, ski patrol and mountain managers had no clue if these "toys" could go down a mountain without killing the rider and every other person in the periphery.

Fast forward 8 or so seasons...and there are many resorts that have not only accepted them, but have gone as far as to sanction contests or events.  And just this week, Terje Haakonsen was seen at the Ralston Factory and photographed doing big hits on a Ralston snowskate (see pics)

For those who ride, you know you get the "what is that?" questions at the ski resorts still.  But I'm getting fewer of those questions.  More people say "right on." 

But here's my issue - there are folks who gravitate to things because it is new, different - somewhat exclusive.  It's like being part of a special club.  No doubt, snowskaters are still in this space, just like snowboarders of days gone by.  At some point things explode.  The sport gains mass popularity.  Invariably, competitors crop up and the space becomes flooded with wannabe companies hoping to catch the wave.  The old crew will gripe about the good ol' days when we were hardcore and the new school will come out the door thrashing.   In some ways I'm seeing a little of this now.  "Dude, do you know Steve Frink!  That guy started it all!!!"   While Alan Gerlach throws a 50 ft table air and says, "Steve who?"  (By the way, Alan might very well know Steve - see article on Steve here).

Could we be far off from this?  I don't know.  In general, the very concept of riding without bindings is so unfathomable that it's hard to conceive (from a snowboard/ski perspective).  But once you do it, you realize what you can do.  And it's mind blowing.

Have a fun summer my friends...

The closed ski resort - free fun in a tough economy!

While most folks replace their skis for golf clubs or whatever spring/summer sport, don't forget about your local ski resort.  Since my kids are too little to actually ski (2&4), this presents a unique opportunity for the little ones to enjoy snow and sunshine!  And guess what - it comes without the lift ticket prices and freezing children screaming for hot chocolate.  Here in the PacNW, there will be snow for weeks to come.  From last weekend my daughter made a snowman:

 

For the adult (me), I enjoy hiking up the mountain for some early morning runs.  Again, it's great and costs very little (gas money).  In one instance (last spring), I was able to combine the both of them:

The possibilities are endless!

What about you?  Do you creative free ways to entertain your rugrats?

Snowskating is the least expensive way to the snow

What do I mean by that?  It's all relative, but in comparison - let's break down some numbers.  

The specific cost of entry to snowskating is cheap when comparing to gearing up for snowboarding or skateboarding.  For a snowboarder or skier, you need to buy boots ($$), Board ($$), and bindings ($$).  This can set you back $500-$1000 (or more).  Most snowskaters have just converted some boots or skateboard shoes, plus most of the snowskate shoes are almost the same as skate shoe prices (especially on sale!).  Obviously we don't need bindings.  A new snowskate runs about $300.  That's roughly the cost of just a cheaper new snowboard (without bindings).  The same thing goes for skiers.  To that "we are cheaper" point, we have the PBR inspired graphic on a new snowskate from FUSE:

Yes, you can rent snowboards and skis.  Yes, waterproof or at minimum water resistant clothing is still required.  Yes, lift tickets cost you a day's work.  But still! 

There you have it - the cheapest way to get on the slopes without spending all your dough.

Agree, disagree?

 

Snowskate shoes

While at the Roundup, I made a mental note to ask people or look at what shoes they were wearing.  It turns out that at least half of the crew were wearing some form of normal skate shoes.  Some had adapted by wearing either wool socks, waterproof socks or just dealing with it.  Their were still lots of folks rocking the older Vans designs (Motley, Ico).  I'm still wearing the same Vans Motleys I got on clearance for $40 many years ago.  I've added Sno-seal on them to reduce water permeability.

BTW, Sno-seal is amazing stuff.  It really makes things waterproof.  And it's just a natural formulation of beeswax.  And it's been around for 80 years or something ridiculous. I recommend putting this on all your leather/pleather winter shoes - especially if you are adapting regular skate shoes.

What no snowskate shoe has really figured out well is how to reduce getting snow in your shoes.  The older vans had a built-in neoprene gaiter, but even that wasn't perfect.  I'm thinking these might do the trick:  Dirty Girl gaiters.  These were originally designed for trail runners trying to keep debris out of their shoes.  They are cheap, easy to install, and they come in lots of patterns (see skull version pic).  Although not waterproof, I think they will keep enough snow out and dry quick.

What have you done to adapt your shoes?

In case you are looking, the following shoes have been recommended by folks:
DVS Militia (water resistant version)
Nike ACG Woodside or Air Force 1 duckboot
Sorel Chesterman Chukka
North Face Back-to-Berkeley boot
Vans Mtn Edition
Keen Snow Rover (for pow)