J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dshenberger

Haha! And skiing isn't? :P

I gathered from his original post that they were in the base area, and doing a stationary comparison. I didn't read anything about a follow me demo down the main slope.

I have to go with Dave on this one. If you get out there, and it all comes back the way you used to do it - there is no law that says you have to conform. There is a lot of talk on here about skiing "properly," but what does that even mean? If you are having fun, and being safe, show me where it is wrong. :) The problem with getting a lesson the first time back is: They will try to get you to do it in a way that is totally different than what your body remembers. That is great if you want a new style, but don't feel bad about trying it again on your own. If you realize that it isn't like you remembered, you can always find a willing instructor.

Trencher is right on! They sound like a good place to start, but if you get aggressive, you might find they don't "snap" back. Either way, they will always be useful.

One other suggestion: If you aren't real active - you might want to get out and do some running, or something to build up your legs. The dry slope sounds like a great place to suffer for a few days! I'm not sure if they damage your skis, so you might want to rent for there. . .

I enjoyed the Metron 9's I demoed last year. I use Volkl Supersport S4's most of the time. But, I think most all skis will perform very well. If you liked the Metrons, I don't think you can go wrong with them!

I love seeing the smoldering antagonism! :) I guess I am a really young one here. But, I first skied on straight skis. I don't remember much of the details of my early experience. It was a matter of getting down the slopes while falling as little as possible. Two years ago, I started to get much more serious about it, and bought a pair of modern "carving skis" (All knives can be carving knives, but some are specifically for carving.) ;) Yes, I am sure I still skid all over the place sometimes, but every now and then it all comes together, and I get some nice carving in! I got on a pair of 162cm Metron 9's last year, and I think it was impossible not to carve!!

Not to start another war, but I question the obsession with "professional" lessons. How often do you get refresher classes on walking, driving, skating, etc? Learning can be intuitive, and kind of like walking - more than one style is acceptable. It is ridiculous to think that one can't be a good skier without some, usually, self-proclaimed expert critiquing your every move. Now I run to my fallout shelter. . . :)

Umm. You kind of have to be born a US citizen to be President. Although, a certain candidate is under suspicion of lacking this qualification. . .

Personally, I enjoy the process of waxing my skis. It makes me feel like I am better than the masses who blindly take their skis to the shop in November, and ski unwaxed the rest of the year. :P Incidentally, every time I wax - I do a hot wax scrape with cheap wax to clean the base before putting on my good wax. As for edges: I don't mind sharpening, so, I run a little more acute edge than factory. The factory edge is a compromise between functionality and durability. If you don't like to service your skis - go with a wider angle. Oh, and I detune a couple inches at the tip and tail just because I am a sheep. ;)

I would have to go with both. If it is snowing you are going to have problems with the glasses. I don't think that speed is a huge issue for sunglasses. Especially, if you are new to the sport. BUT, fashion sunglasses are not ideal! You want something big and ugly. :) Good sport glasses do a very effective job of redirecting the wind. And, on warm days - goggles can get really uncomfortable. As far as tint: if you are only getting one pair, I would go with a yellow, persimmon, etc. Unless you never do any night skiing. I ski in the Eastern US, and we go 'til ten at night. A little bit of contrast helps then too, but black might be too dark.