Enter a new era in equipment hire

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 585, 9 May 1995, Page 4 (Supplement)

Enter a new era in equipment hire

A new type of ski business has arrived in Ohakune — a 'technical centre' — where the aim is to "fully enhance the enjoyment of skiers and snowboarders who want performance". Experienced ski retail and mechanics, professionals James Foubister and Simon Smuts-Kennedy have seen the need for the specialist shop that aims to provide something better than that available in the executive rental and demonstration equipment line. They have purchased over 100 sets of skis across a range that is not at present available in normal executive rentals or even through retail demo programmes, plus 130 sets of top boots. That is also unique in that very few demo programmes include ski boots. "If someone takes on our programme, it's hke they've purchased 10 different sets of top line equipment," said Simon. He said it allows a skier or boarder to choose a top ski board each day to suit the conditions. For example if one day is hard and fast they could choose a GS ski or carving board and hard boots then if the next day was new snow they could take out an extreme or SL ski, or free riding board. It suits the person who wants to try a range of skis before they buy — a demo programme all season long, any day of the week, not just weekends. But it' s also for those who have skied a lot but may now only ski around 10 days a season but can't justify laying out $2500 a year for equipment. Simon and James explained that the cost of rental for their skis for 10 days in a season equates to the depreciation on a pair of skis. But it goes further than just a great range of top gear — the care and attention they promise to give the gear is also an important aspect of the concept. The equipment will be precision tuned every night specifically for the

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snow conditions at the time. The pair are among the most experienced ski mechanics in the country, having worked through the last nine years in New Zealand and in the Northern Hemisphere. Added to that, they have put together the most up-to-date workshop in the country, worth $80,000. Included is the latest computerised Montana Cry stal Glide machine, Montana snowboard tuner, and a 'Skid' re-soler (which enables the ski mechanic to correct concave base and other irregularities to give a perfectly flat base. As well as providing top tuning services they will be running tuning seminars in association with Toko and Briko wax companies, with the aim being to encourage people to home tane their equipment and to become aware of the advantages of having a properly tuned ski or board. To speed the system along they have installed a point-of-sale computer system which will give each customer a specific number, with details about their equipment preferences, sizes and settings coded in. A customer can call before they leave home, give their customer number and book their equipment and it will set up and tuned to their liking for when they arrive. Other important points include: their boot room is designed so that all boots will be warm and dry each day; they have a Sidas customised boot fitting service; all rental poles are Goode composite high-performance poles. Equipment available includes Salomon, Rossignol, Kastle, Blizzard, Tyrolia, Marker, Goode, Sims, Koflach and Nordica. "The programme suits the technical enthusiast as well as the intermediate skier and boarder who wants to accelerate their technical improvement by trying a variety of equipment, in top condition, aimed at their level," said Simon. For altemative activities they are also offering mountain bike hire, trout fishing equipment hire, and guided fishing tours and instruction.