Think Grass!

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 8, 26 July 1983, Page 4

Think Grass!

Grass skiing is rapidly catching on. It is proving to be a popular all year round sport. Rainy weather doesn't deter skiers, but does make the grass surface faster and more slippery. The sport must not be regarded only as a secondary alternative to snow skiing but also as a new form of recreation in its.own right. New grass skiers are strongly encouraged to take lessons, even if they are experienced snow skiers. The reason is that not all the snow skiing techniques are used in grass skiing and, in general, the sport is "more precise than snow skiing. Experience overseas indicates that rank beginners and advanced skiers learn faster than the novice-to-intermediate levels. Beginners quickly adapt to a nonslipping ski without the expectation of skidding learned on snow skis. Advanced skiers catch on quickly because they are carving and edging to turn. For

novices and intermediates experience on grass skis can quickly break skidding habits and move them ahead in snow skiing technique. Although the bindings, which come pre-mounted on grass skis, are adjustable, but non-releasing, there are few injuries associated with the sport. There are scrapes and abrasions, but these can be alleviated with the use of skateboard pads on knees and elbows. Contrary to rumour, slopes don't have to be groomed like a golf course. The ground must be reasonably free of obstacles but the roller action of the wheels quickly removes any minor bumps existing on the slopes. The rope-tow operated by Leisure City is approximately 100 metres in length and is an all-weather facility as the skier is moved up the rope tow on conveyor belting secured to the grass. Full hire facilities are available at the slopes as well as refreshments. The slopes are situated at the Junction end of Miro Street overlooking the Miro Park subdivision of Village Builders. Following a trip to Methven, Barrie Singleton decided it was time to provide alternative facilities for the skiing population that arrived in Ohakune every winter and were then unable to pursue their sport due to adverse weather conditions on the mountain. Barrie and his wife Carolyn have formed a company, Leisure City (Ohakune) Ltd to provide these activities. The company has leased a building in Thames Street, which is

now called Pop's Lounge, the home of the video games, rental bikes and tandems, and soon a coffee lounge where hot mugs of coffee and snacks will be available. Spa pools will also shortly be available. Jet boat rides, helicopter and aeroplane charters can also be arranged. Their outdoor centre, known as Miro Park, is situated at the top of Miro Street provides grass skiing and it is hoped to have the very popular mini bikes operating again shortly^ Due to the mishap of an over-zealous child the operation of the mini bikes was temporarily stopped. A new safety barrier is to be erected so that this popular activity can be continued. The 13 acres at Miro Park provide a lot of scope for expansion, the idea being to provide summer activities as well. This summer should see the development of a mini golf course and a manmade lake for boating and canoeing. Barrie envisages a trip overseas at the end^^ the year to see what new WJ tivities can be made available to the NZ public. There are other projects under investigation which should be popular but further information on these is not yet available. As well as operating this ' leisure business "Barrie will also be setting up his own practice as a chartered accountant in Ohakune. As there is a lack of all-year-round leisure activities available in Ohakune at present, this new venture should be taken advantage of by everyone wanting something to do with that spare moment.