Are skis to go the way of fondue sets?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 602, 5 September 1995, Page 7 (Supplement)

Are skis to go the way of fondue sets?

Ex-skier, now boarder John Bache looks at the possibility: In the early stages of snowboarding's development the sport attracted a lot of people who wouldn't otherwise be on the mountain • — mainly surfers and skateboarders. However, there are also a growing number of snowboarders who classify themselves as 'ex-skiers' Most 'ex-skiers' have sold their skis, no longer ski, and are happy to expound the many virtues of snowboarding into the wee small hours (if you let them). North American figures show that 74 per cent of snowboarders have alpine skied, and of those snowboarders only 28 per cent continue to ski. Snowboarding development in New Zealand is

probably at least one year behind North America, so does that mean we'll see I larger numbers of skiers I crossing over to snowboarding here? Is the day coming when skiing will be the fringe sport and the mainstream will all be riding snowboards, pointing out the rebels on skis from the chairlifts? With the ever-increasing numbers of snowboarders each year, the "It's a fad mate, won't lastlong" argument is heard less and less. However, skiers have a variety of other excuses to justify their hesitancy to give snowboarding a go: "It's taken me years to become a good skier, I don' t want to be a beginner again." Two days spent gro velling are two days well invested. You '11 discover a few muscles you didn't know you had, but after that progress will be fast and furious. Remember the satisfaction derived from getting better at something in leaps and bounds? "I' ve got all my own gear. If I tried snowboarding I'd have to hire gear and that's too expensive.". So stay at home for the next two Friday nights. Hiring gear for two days will cost about $90. After that you' 11 want to buy your own gear. Take the hit now while there's stilla resale market for your ski gear. In a couple of seasons selling second hand ski gear could be like trying to sell a fondue set. "I'm too old" Never too old. What happened to the saying "getting older and bolder"? Rediscover your youth with a sport that' 11 have you grinning from ear to ear like a demented teenager. "I'm not into all the jumping and tricks". Don' t worry - there's a type of snowboarding to suit you. Many ex-skiers prefer the responsiveness andcarving ability offered by hard boots and alpine snowboards. If you don't want to catch air no-one' s going to make you. "I wouldn' tfitin with the 'scene'." One of the.best things about snowboarding is that there's room for individuality and freedom of choice. Unfortunately with the increasing numbers taking up the sport and some good old-fashioned media hype and stereotyping, a perceived "scene" has

emerged. Ignore the fashion victims and do your own thing. If you try snowboarding because it looks like fun - you'll fit in just fine. Spring' s an ideal time to give snowboarding a go. The heavy, often wet snow is difficult to ski, but the additional stability offered by a snowboard allows the rider to blast over and through the slush with the greatest of ease. So get up there, give it a couple of days, and then make an informed decision as to who you can sell your ski gear to!