Operation: Convert a Snowboarder

Here's the scenario.  For the past couple of years we've had pretty good snow here in the Midlands and with fingers crossed, we'll get some more this winter.  Each time it snows, Allestree Park gets a reasonable number of snowboarders, a popular destination due to its reasonably long and steep slope (fairway) and its close proximity to Derby city centre.  Weather conditions last November were especially bad and so venturing out further into the peaks was particularly sketchy.

The plan this time round is very similar to last years - to chat to as many snowboarders as possible and explain that we ride these hills and the surrounding area all year round, and ultimately to try and convert some of them to the dirt-side.  This time however, I'll be a little more organised and will be arming myself with a few ATBA flyers with the facebook derby details scribbled on the back.  Maybe it'll be worth laminating them so they don't get wrecked in the snow.......

Its worth keeping some flyers to hand generally for those occasions when you get chatting to the dog walkers and a selection of promotional material can be downloaded from the ATBA-UK website.
So, fingers crossed we get some reasonable snow some time this winter, and perhaps we'll get some new riders in the area.  Watch this space.....

If you've no place to go....

...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (and go snowboarding!)

Sorry for the lack of updates recently, but I really have been out having too much fun.  Turns out that buying snowboard kit in August was a very good move indeed and that being snowed in has plenty of advantages.

However, all play and no work makes for a very rubbish blog, so please make do in the meantime with a few words and lots of pictures, plus a bonus video from Rob who sacrificed his camera in the process.  I think he thinks it was worth it..... 

New Toys and Stuff

Every year that we get a reasonable amount of snow fall, I scour the pages of ebay for cheap snowboards,... along with every other dude with a similar idea.  Used boards of all makes and models turn up and inevitably go for silly prices as everyone bids in hope.  Problem is separating the wheat from the chaff and the genuine bargain 'used once and didn't like it' from the 'two years old (but used on the dry slope twice a week since'.

Speaking to a couple of people in the know (though who really knows...) seemed to suggest that the new season stuff comes in around September time so hey, see what you can get your hands on around August sort of time.  And besides, how much of an advancement does a board make from one season to the next anyway?

So, board, boots and bindings were sought, and as of today, I'm a third of the way there...

Brand new, 2006 Ride Control 162 should do me alright bought for not many pounds of ebay. I think I got lucky as there are plenty of people bidding on items, even at this time of they year - they must also have the same idea.  As mentioned previously on other postings, I never get to Tamworth Snowdome more than once a month, even less so at the moment with the 7 month-old on the loose and the chance of real snow this year is minimal so I don't need anything too advanced.

Boots and bindings still to be sorted, though I was quite disappointed to be told that snowboarding in hiking boots and my noSno Rage bindings wasn't a great idea. Following advice to get down the shops and try on some boots it seems as though Salomon Dialogue boots will support my high arches and would you believe it, it's the only pair not to be on sale right now :-(    But the fella from Salomon Customer support reckons the F20 boot is the same shape inside and they seem to be £40 cheaper.  But that's still loads so its back to ebay, gotta get those bargains!

Operation 'Obtain a Snowboard' project!

Just a cheeky request:

Wanted: Snowboard (Adult)
Does anyone in the Derby/Midlands region have a snowboard in their shed or garage that has sat unused through the last cold period or has been replaced with a new one? I am looking out for a second hand board that I could use if/when we get more snow. Condition not important as long as its ride-able but probably needs to be at least 158cm due to me being tall and heavy.

Any offers considered, alternatively if you know of any good deals or anyone that might be getting rid of a board, please let me know.


Cheers, Ade!

ps: just to clarify, I only ride snowboard around four times a year, usually at Tamworth Snowdome and hire their kit.  Its unlikely I'll get to go abroad anytime soon with the new baby and I'm only going to get to use a board on the local hills if or when it snows.  Splashing out on new kit is therefore probably a waste of time so not looking at spending much, plus, any decent board will soon get scratched up by the inevitable patchy snow or lovely hidden rocks.  Ahh, thank god for mountain boarding for the other 50 weeks of the year!  On the subject of spending, need to pull my finger out and get sorted those 9 inchers......

Tamwoth Snowdome

Tamworth Snowdome deserves a blog entry now that I have visited it a couple of times now.

http://www.snowdome.co.uk/

My first experience of snowboarding was here and after visiting a handful of centres, remains my favourite.

They offer a 'Learn to Snowboard in a day' for £85 off peak which includes all kit hire, lunch (tasty!) and various teas and coffees. All thats needed to take is gloves, waterproof(ish) clothing and a sense of balance. The morning consisted of strapping in, controlled sliding down the hill toe and heel side and a couple of turns. Afternoon consisted putting it together towards linked turns with those who were comfortable allowed to take it from the top. Very knackering, but cheeper (I think) and quicker than buying the lessons seperately.

The main slope (smaller practice slope available but not seen) is approximatley 170 metres in length, ~ 20 metres wide and covered in snow. How the snow is laid, I do not know...
A continuous rope loop is used to pull people half way up the left hand side, or there is a very handy escilator up the right hand side that goes right to the top. From the top, the slope goes down approximatley 30 metres before turning 90 degrees to the left before going straight to the bottom. Round the corner it is steeper and quicker the closer to the apex you are.

Visiting last Friday we got 3 hours on the slope for £25 including all kit hire and tea/biscuits afterwards, which isn't bad I reccon.

Also to note is that Friday and Saturday nights are the freestyle/slope style nights which I hear are excellent and sounds like could be worth a visit.

One thing to note is that the lockers take 20p 's though these are non refundable, so check you have enerything before locking up!

Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre

Website

Location

Went here the other day with brother Rob for some snowboarding action. Cost us £15 for an hour and half with equipment hire included.
I've only riden at Tamworth Snowdome previously, so riding the artificial surface was a bit strange- felt similar to thick Velcro.
Apparently the trick is to ride like you would on ice and if you can ride here, then the real thing is a doddle. mmm.
Two lessons were taking place when we were there but other than that it was quiet. I assume that it may get busier towards christmas.
Friendly staff which is always a bonus.
We had to declare that we were both able to do linked turns in order to ride without instruction. Whilst linked turns were easily do-able at the snowdome, I found it a lot harder to do at Swadlincote. Non of the staff seemed to mind though and let me get on with the falling over.
Didn't bother with helmet. Just wore gloves and kneepads. Under the surface felt springy and I think the worst you can do is get a burn from exposed flesh on the surface. Despite this, on an earlier occasion, Robs gf managed to break both arms independantly there somehow so the risks are definetly there.
So, in conclusion, whilst I preferred riding at Tamworth Snowdome, with Swadlincote being closer to Derby and slightly cheeper (depending on offers), I will be back there soon.
Edit: Updates for spelling mistakes and to state the at peak times (December - Feb) the price goes up by £2 and the centre is much busier. I can also thoroughly recommend the option of a burger for an addition £1 on admission.