Taking Part In A Park Contest

Sometimes it can be hard to get involved in competitive skiing but I would recommend it to everyone. Whether it is competing in gates at your local dry slope, or attending the many events on at
the snow domes or on the piste in Europe there are plenty of ways to get involved for all abilities. For myself it had been several years since I had competed and it made me realise the ways it can benefit your skiing.

Park Contest

The format for the contest required two qualifying runs which would determine the top five through to the final run, where the overall winner was decided. The event had a great atmosphere with a good standard of local French riders. My two qualifying runs went well
and my second a backflip to 540 followed by a successful completion of the rail section on the course got me through to the final.

Unfortunately I fell in the final on my first jump a natural 720 and finished fifth overall in the event. Despite just missing out on the prizes I had such a good day. By competing it pushes you to ski to the best of your ability and naturally encourages progression – this can only be beneficial to all skiers.

skier in the air
On route to the finals!

When I was at University I competed a lot and I remember how much people progressed in that environment. So I would recommend looking into your local ski clubs and dry slopes to see what is available and get involved.

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Keeping Your Head, Hands and Feet Warm In Water

With the high pressure systems becoming more frequent and the air temperatures warming up it won’t be long till the water temperatures around the UK start to catch up. This can only mean one thing! It’s time to brush off the neoprene cobwebs and prepare for the season ahead. But just remember have you got all areas of your body including your head, hands and feet covered with the right gear?

Due to the lack of warmth over the winter many waters around the country will still be well below 10°C, too cold for just a wetsuit alone. Don’t risk getting cold and cutting your session short with cold hands and feet. Let us give you the knowledge to understand the need and options of different gear for your extremities.

It’s widely known that when you get cold your body’s defence is to divert all heat away from your extremities to your core and vital organs, so just relying on a thick winter wetsuit is not enough in cold water. To give you a better idea of what gloves, boots and hoods you could get it’s important to know what time of year you will be going out in, how much use they will get and your budget.

Hoods & Beanies

Recent research has shown that heat loss through your head of around 45% is a myth and is actually around 10%, never the less it’s extremely important to cover your head in cold water. Despite this myth and lower figure, surfers still regularly wear a hood due to the increased chance of being submerged or covered by a crashing wave. This rapid change in head temperature can lead to brain freeze which no rider wants.

Full Neoprene Hood

Full wetsuit hoods vary in thickness from 2-3mm to provide a perfect balance of warmth and flexibility suited to any condition you may throw yourself into. Most hoods come with a peak this provides two functions; gives extra protection against the crashing waves/spray and gives added protection against the bright sun on those rare days.

O'Neill 3mm Cold Water Wetsuit Hood
O’Neill 3mm Cold Water Wetsuit Hood

Many people ask the question to tuck or not to tuck your hood? The real answer is whatever you feel comfortable with, try both ways and you will soon find out which is best for you and your style of riding.

Neoprene Beanie

When a full hood is over kill a wetsuit beanie could be an excellent alternative, suited to lower impact sports and warmer conditions. The possibility of losing your beanie out in the surf is high so many beanies now come with an attachment strap as standard giving you the confidence to take on some huge waves.

Beanies are generally thinner than full face hoods around 2mm due to being used in warmer water, as a result they have increased comfort and flexibility. For that perfect beanie visit (Link to wetsuit)

Boots

Whether you’re planning on spending hours in the water or having fun on the beach being equipped with the right feet protection is important. As a general rule of thumb if you’re wearing a full wetsuit a neoprene boot is best whereas if you’re walking around the beach visiting rock pools a neoprene reef shoe will be best.

Reef shoes are thinner at around 2mm but have a thicker sole perfect for walking across sharp rocks whilst keeping cool at the same time. For extra protection against the cold a full boot 3-5mm thick would be used in conjunction with your wetsuit providing a perfect seal against any water seeping through.

O'Neill Heat 5mm Round Toe Wetsuit Boots
O’Neill Heat 5mm Round Toe Wetsuit Boots

Split or round toe design? Is a frequent question asked by many water sport enthusiasts. The advantage of spilt toe design ensures your feet stay planted in your boot and reduce slipping which could affect your ability to surf. Whereas round toe designs are generally more comfortable and give extra warmth as all your toes are together.

You wouldn’t get the wrong size shoe and wetsuit boots are no different. Too small they rub and feel uncomfortable whereas too big can cause the boot to fill with water.

Gloves

Head, check. Feet, check. Next is picking the perfect wetsuit glove which can be a daunting prospect with the numerous variations and styles out there! With an item such as gloves facing a lot of punishment, being either single or double skinned is an important aspect. Single skin gloves are generally smoother and repel water more efficiently but less durable whereas double skinned are much more durable and slightly stiffer due to the increased thickness a favourite for many people.

O'Neill 3mm Psycho Single Lined Wetsuit Gloves
O’Neill 3mm Psycho Single Lined Wetsuit Gloves

Another factor to consider is the neoprene thickness, this can vary from 1-5mm the thicker the glove the more warmth it provides but gives less feedback to the user, so finding that perfect balance is key. The Psycho Double Lined (DL) is the thinnest fully sealed glove on the market at just 1.5mm, perfect for most UK waters.

Having a glove that is too small can cause poor circulation and cold hands whereas gloves being too big won’t retain the heat so it’s important you follow our size guide link to help choose the right size for you.

Neoprene Maintenance & Care

As with any neoprene product it is important to clean and store them correctly. To ensure your boots, gloves and hoods stay mould free and last for years rinsing after use in salt water and thoroughly drying is a must! And finally store them in a dry environment out of direct sunlight.

This guide should help you pick all the right gear but if you’re still unsure why not pop into store or give us a call and speak to one of our experienced staff.

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Liquid Force Limited Edition Wakeboards

Liquid Force have produced a series of limited edition wakeboards for 2015. These special boards have been pluck form their vast array of quality boards, and given their own look. The technology and shaping is the same; but the look is unique! Take a look at the video below:

There are selected Liquid Force stores in the USA selling these wakeboards; and only seven stores in the UK have been chosen to stock them.  We have gone for the cable specific Liquid Force  Peak LTD wakeboard, in all four sizes: 133 137 141 and 145cm.

They are only available in store, no buying online or iver the phone. So if you want to get your hands on a unique wakeboard; pop down to the Pro Shop and grab yourself a ‘stand out’ board – because once they are gone; there gone!

 

 

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Branded Snow Jackets Making A Comeback!

With severe cold spells striking the ski resorts this season, have you found that your jacket is no longer up to scratch? This week we have seen a rise in post-skiing purchases with bargain buys falling short once outside the relatively mild UK. It appears that quality branded snow jackets are fighting back.

Are you looking to the latest technology jackets to help beat the cold next time round? Found that the -10 temperatures and fierce winds cut through your jacket and despite your numerous layers you ended up leaving the slopes early?

If your jacket has failed you this season, keep these three key features in mind and buy one that will stand the test of time.

Does it have a 10,000mm/10,000g waterproof to breathability rating?

Does it have critically or fully taped seams?

What added insulatory features does it have? Powder skirt? Wrist guards?

See our prior blog posts for an explanation of what to look out for.

Invest in a jacket which will stand the test of time, it will save you money in the long run.

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Ski Touring: Escaping The Crowds

As February rolls in and the school holidays start it is inevitable that no matter what resort you happen to be in there will be an influx of people. I take this as an opportunity to go ski touring and explore the backcountry – escaping the crowds!

exposed traverse three monks rock face
Exposed traverse beneath the Three Monks rock face, on the way up!

Ski touring is essentially the essence of skiing, to climb and then ski are the very roots of the sport, going down is only one half of the story. The beauty of it is there are no limitations to your journey, you can travel to a new peak, traverse glaciers or ride a dream couloir all accessed by nothing other than your own legs. I have sat on enough chairlifts and heard enough quips about people walking up mountains to understand that initially it may not appeal to everyone however I truly believe that any advanced skier could benefit from experiencing and trying ski touring. In a a life where things are moving so fast and every corner of the globe is getting crowded ski touring offers the alternative. It will test you in every possible way not only is it physically demanding but the preparation into route planning and mountain safety will give you a whole new perspective of the mountains.

“Every step is earned and the value of your achievement is everywhere in your surroundings.”

So as always we meet early, that is the nature of touring, start climbing as soon as you can because you have a long day ahead. The night before I have double checked my bag to make sure all my avalanche safety equipment is packed and ready, the route has been planned and conditions are stable. Our plan will be to reach Montvalazan Peak in the Terantaise Valley and ski the north east face into Italy from France. As we start on the two and a half hour climb the wind is howling straight over the peak into our faces but the skies are clear and we have faith that the wind will be more favourable on the descent. The first stage of the climb is a steady incline along a ridge shadowed by a huge cliff band ahead. When we arrive under the cliff we have to traverse out into the bowl to access the valley leading up to the peak. This is where we can get our first inspection of the snow pack for the climb up. The snow is brutally wind hit with a thin layer covering the icy blue base beneath, in terms of touring this is tricky snow to manoeuvre on and we know we have a challenge ahead. As we zig zag our way up and the gradient becomes steeper it becomes harder to hold an edge and every step requires more effort. In these periods of the climb you are truly testing yourself, it is rare in life to directly pit yourself against something as immovable as a mountain and it is that which also keeps you going. Every step is earned and the value of your achievement is everywhere in your surroundings. No one but your group are there, it is hard, tiring and not for everyone but that is why it is so special.

happy faces walking up
The joys of the journey!

After an hour we reach the second stage of the ridge from here it a direct climb to the peak. The ridge is exposed especially on the north side but provides phenomenal views of Mont Blanc. Far below us in the valley you can see the huddles of people waiting for chairlifts or pistes looking like roads carved into the mountains. The freedom of being so far away from any infrastructure is truly awe-inspiring and only drives us on. The final part of the climb we have to take our skis off and attach them to our backpacks. It is a steep 50m chute which we have to ladder climb. We are nearing 2900m and have been walking for two hours straight this is the final hurdle.

standing at the top
You feel like you are on top of the world!

As we reach the summit, there are hugs and handshakes the feeling is truly euphoric a sense of group achievement that is shared only amongst us because no one else is within a square mile and we are 600 vertical metres above the nearest chairlift. As we enjoy lunch there is no urgency, no rush, no one wants to leave. In this environment there is no race, why would there be, I could descend in any direction and would be skiing untracked powder for 5km. In fact all we all want to do is slow down, try and take it in, capture the feeling as much as possible because we know we can only ever be visitors here despite how amazing it is. Then when lunch is finished and flasks are emptied, you pack your bag put your skis on, take one last look and the other half of the story begins…..

 

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Do You Check Your Snow Helmet For Damage

They say “a picture paints a thousand words”. Well this photograph tells you two things. One it’s sensible to wear a snow helmet when you are skiing or snowboarding; and two always regularly check your helmet for damage! I shall explain.

damages snow helmet showing crack
Always check your helmet for damage!

Last season a customer had a fall whilst skiing in France. Nothing horrendous, just a few tumbles, and although they had an achey knee thought nothing more and carried on with their holiday.

As the photograph shows it was a good job they were wearing a helmet. The impact at the back of the helmet, which caused the large crack, most certainly prevented serious, if not life-threatening, injuries from the fall.

However, with such damage sustained by the helmet; another fall could have been catastrophic! If you have a fall, however minor and whether you think you have hit your head or not, always check your helmet for damage.

 

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Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) In Alpine Skis

Alpine ski manufacturer Head has implemented a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) in their skis!

For those who follow Formula One you will be familiar with the term KERS; the Kinetic Energy Recovery System that stores the kinetic energy whilst the vehicle is braking to use later when the vehicle is accelerating. And you may have read that the Royal Navy want to use KERS to power laser guns on its warships.

KERS In Skis

So why would you want to have KERS in your skis? To go faster like an F1 car, or blast fellow skiers off the piste with a James Bond-like laser in your ski; I think not! It’s all to do with turning.

The skis have piezoelectric fibres which transform kinetic energy whilst skiing into electrical energy. This electrical energy is stored for when the skier is at the end of their turn, when the ski is at maximum flex, and released to stiffen the tail of the ski. This gives the skier extra ‘pop’ into their next carving turn.

supershape ititan skis
The Head Supershape iTitan skis have KERS, so get motoring!

As with comedy; it all about ….. timing. So the boffins at Head skis programme the sensors to release at the appropriate point of the out-turn and depending upon the ski type how stiff to make the tail of the ski. The Head iSupershape iTitan skis have KERS technology.

Clever stuff, but I still like the idea of a Bond-like laser in my skis!

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Our Experts Guide To Alpine Skis

Alpine skis should be bought with a goal in mind. Like a car, they are suitable for certain terrain. Looking for speed then you wouldn’t buy a Ford Focus, you would buy a Ferrari so don’t settle for second best when it comes to your skis.

Best All-Piste Ski…

Our instructor’s picked Saloman X Drive 8.0 FS 2015, £549.99. With the best bindings of the lot, and excellent technology with an integrated carbon rod, this is a clever ski that will see you high and dry on all surfaces. While at the steep end, its all-rounder nature makes it a cheaper alternative than buying multiple skis for different occasions. Rather than settling for second best, this all rounder is at the top of its game. This ski boasts a super light honeycomb/Koroyd insert at the tip ensuring decreased weight at the extremities and increased dampening, the result? Ease of manoeuvrability. With Integrated PTP provided by elastimer pads at the ends of the X-Chassis, as well as a full basalt layer, Salomon have ensured power is smoothly transferred to edges ensuring that vibrations are reduced. This ski also boasts a rocker stabilizer system which improves precision and steering while on-piste. Combined with the twin rocker all-terrain 2.0 system, this ski is able to adapt to whatever skiing condition you expose it to. The combination of technologies means this ski is light but stable, innovative and long-lasting; an awesome option for any confident skier.

Best Value Ski…

Then look no further than the K2 Rictor MX 12 All Mountain 2013/14 ski, ideal for intermediate to experts. Reduced from £564.99 to £282.49, this sale bargain proves that you don’t lose out on technology if you go for last season’s skis. With an all terrain rocker, this ski will ensure you feel at ease no matter what the surface, even at high speed. Their in-built dampening system which combines Mod suspension and Mod Monic (a solid zinc mass attached to the suspension) reduces vibration and increases ski control. K2’s choices of core materials are also crucial. The combination of Aspen and Paulownia wood ensures that this ski is quick, and when combined with metal laminate construction which surrounds this wooden core, the ski remains stable and stiff at speed. This ski is the epitome of versatile and high end performance yet at a snippet of the price.

Off-Piste Skiing For You?

Look no further than our window display where you will find the Line Sir Francis Bacon 2015 at £489.99. Wide, at 108mm, combined with Line’s 5 Cut Sidecut, this ski is designed to handle whatever the mountain throws at you; bring it on deep powder! Relatively stiff, it is ideal for experts who have the skills to ensure maximum power and control.  With the cherry on the top being the Maple Marco Block Core, under the right feet this ski can handle the highest speeds and the most uneven of surfaces while maintaining stability at all times. Combine all this technology with the essential thicker and stronger base and edges and this ski is made to last season upon season; priceless!

The Opposite, Looking To Ski On-Piste?

Our Ferrari equivalent is the Head iSupershape Magnum Ski SW TFB 2015. While at £679.99 our most expensive offering, it is worth every penny. This ski is designed to maximize performance, with Head’s infamous ERA 3.0 technology but S, that’s right, this includes the ERA sports model, this ski is the sports car of the pack. ERA 3.0 technology is exclusive to Head, it ensures all-ability steering excellence, increased turning efficiency, and increased stability through the reduction of vibrations via their piezoelectric Intellifibers. Confused? Don’t be. Just know that that the additional S means that the magnum’s ERA technology has been supersized. Combine this ERA 3.0 S technology with a speed rocker, Head guarantees that every wannabe-racer is at the front of the field. These skis are for experts; a combination of expert technique and expert ability will ensure that you feel the benefits of this skis top-end technology. This is personified by the KERS inbuilt technology. The faster you go, the more you get out of these skis. KERS stands for kinetic energy recovery system. The energy stored from the vibrations is transferred down the length of the ski, the result? Additional power and acceleration through the increased rigidity in the tail upon turning leading to increased speed upon your next turn. Imagine putting your foot full throttle on the accelerator, KERS has that same affect but does it for you, the result: effortless speed. The icing on the cake is the Race Structured UHM C Base, a combination of the fastest base and finish which ensures high performance, high quality, high speed, and expert precision. This is our instructor’s dream ski!

Racing Not Your Thing? Instead You Freestyle?

Our instructor’s favourite is Line’s Afterbang Ski 2015 at £349.99. Unlike the other Line on our list, the Sir Francis Bacon, the Afterbang is suitable for intermediate to expert skiers. 10% lighter than its 2014 equivalent, 2015’s Afterbang offering retains its technical prowess and then some. Its integral Skate Deck Construction is enhanced through the addition of increased durability and a carbon Ollieband which creates a spring that freestyler’s dream about. Further, the ski boasts 3D Butter zone technology which means that the thinnest part of the ski remains in-front and behind the binding in order to increase control over pressure placement. All this with the added bonus of Line’s Fatty Base and Edges, the 30% increased overall thickness means these skis are durable and long-lasting, and with a rocker-free camber base, Line ensures maximum edge hold when on-piste.

Feeling Left Out Lady Skiers?

Head’s Women Absolut Joy Ski SLR 2015 is an excellent all mountain ski, and a steel at £429.99. Unless you are buying a ski that can suit both yourself and your partner, it is best to pick a woman specific ski. The women’s camber on the Absolut Joy means that the ski technology compensates for women’s smaller and less powerful frame and lower centre of gravity by ensuring that the waist of the board is further forward. As a result, unlike unisex skis, the weight is evenly distributed ensuring that maximum speed can be reached. Essentially these skis are high performance, and easier to handle. With the additional benefits which arise from the inclusion of their ERA 3.0 technology, Head is a brand not to be messed with.

head absolut joy women's skis
Head Absolut Joy ladies skis.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

If this article, full of technicalities has left you bewildered, after-all you were only looking for a beginner’s ski that you could easily control to avoid looking the fool on the slope, we have the ski for you. Welcome into your life the Atomic Nomad Smoke Ski+ XTO 10 Bindings 2015 at £374.99. All mountain versatility…check. Unisex…check. Bindings included (no need to read another technical website, the world of bindings is as complicated as skis)…check; you are on to a winner! And yet this ski can rival the technicality of the others featuring a metal laminate core, which increases power and reduces vibration, and ARC technology, a single central bind point which ensures natural flex. The Atomic Nomad is the epitome of smoothness, encourages accuracy, and ensures that the beginners among you feel at home on the slopes.

All you need to do now is order the one that matches your ski personality at Tallington Lakes Pro Shop.

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Our Experts Guide To 2015 Season’s Best Snow Pants

Got your jacket, bought some skis, time to accessorize the look? Your first port of call has to be snowpants. While colour is top of most people’s criteria, try to buy snow pants like you would a jacket, consider their technicality: how waterproof and breathable are they? Do they have a fitted gaiter? Are there air vents? Are they innovative or a safe bet?

Snow Pants For Your Bottom Half

While people often consider snow pants as an after-thought, you should treat your bottom half as being as important as your top half. While the insulation of a jacket is crucial, your core temperature will drop in an instant without it, the waterproof level of trousers is is the most important element. Imagine sitting on a ski lift and all you can think is how wet your bum is; far from ideal with a long day of skiing ahead of you!

To prevent indecision, and help you on your way to the perfect snow pant, here is our instructors’ top 5 from our current selection.

Burton’s Cargo Mid Snow Pants

Burton’s Cargo Black Mid Snow Pants, at £159.99 are a tailored technical pant. With a waterproof rating of 10,000mm, Fully Taped seams, and no insulation, these pants will keep you dry whatever the weather and with no insulation, they are pants suitable for every season. Add to this a mesh-lined test-I-cool vent system; these cargo pants are multifunctional and practical. Burton cargo pants are the most robust and durable while maintaining an excellent level of technical features.

Nike SB Ruskin Snow Pants

To invest in a classic pant which is expected to come to an end this season, head for a Nike SB Ruskin Brown, £147.99.  With an adjustable stretch waist, side zip vents for breathability, interior cuffs with stretch binding and zip outer cuffs to enable quick changing and a custom fit, articulated knees for a natural range of movement, 10,000 waterproofing and breathability rating, fully lined, and full taped seams; this is a pant that just keeps on giving. Invest in an iconic snow pant that will see you through numerous seasons.

nike ruskin snow pants
Nike Ruskin snow pants in brown, for this season only!

Picture Royale Snow Pant

Want to buy something evidently technical?  Are you an eco-warrior? Picture is the brand for you, and their Royale Blue Snow Pant is the snow pant of choice. At £189.99, you will feel the burden of its technical features on your wallet, but they are worth every penny. While their critically taped seams are not for everyone, they still boast a crucial 10,000 waterproof and breathability rating, a powder skirt and connect to jacket system to ensure maximum comfort, warmth, and minimal snow entry points; features which will guarantee that you stay warm and toasty on the slopes. With venting zippers and a drawstring system, accessible from the pocket, which lifts the bottom ensuring easy changing, Picture has considered everything. These snow pants are for the gadget lover among you.

Salomon Response Snow Pant

Meanwhile, for a cheaper option, head to Salomon for their Response Black Snow Pant, £139.99. This is a no frills pant that is designed to be practical and affordable. With the standard 10,000 waterproof and breathability rating, fully taped seams, inner leg air vents, an internal fleece panel, knee articulation, and a powderskirt; this pant combines all the positives of the others at a fraction of the price. If you want a technically sound product that does what it says on the tin, this is for you.

salomon response snow pants in black
Salomon Response snow pants in black

Whatever your poison, here at Tallington Lakes Pro Shop, we have a ski pant for everyone.

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What Are Base Layers?

An often overlooked, yet crucial bit of kit which will ensure maximum comfort on the slopes is a base layer. The addition of a base layer maximises the efficiency of your top layers ensuring that you feel the benefit of your jackets excellent breathability.

What Are Base Layers?

Designed to wick away sweat from your skin, base layers ensure that core body temperature is maintained. Base layers fall into two main categories, synthetic or merino wool; pick depending on whether your priority is to stay dry, or dry and warm. In synthetic base layers, moisture is moved through to the outer layers quickly through a process of capillary action, known as wicking. Meanwhile in merino layers, warmth distribution is maximised, yet wicking properties are reduced. Whichever you pick, ensure that base layers are tight to the skin to maximise their wicking abilities.

helly hansen base layer
Helly Hansen Dry base layer in red.

Base layers too expensive when you could just layer your average cotton t-shirt? Think again. Base layers are expensive for a reason. The layers of material, whether synthetic, merino wool or most recently bamboo, ensure effective wicking so, unlike cotton which holds sweat close to your skin keeping you clammy or cold, base layers wick away moisture preventing sweat from sitting on your skin. Investing in a good quality base layer ensures that all the more expensive bits of kit become more effective; a high breathability rating means nothing if the moisture does not reach the jacket. Lastly, without a base layer, optimum core body temperature will not effectively be maintained.

The First Base Layer Manufacturer?

Helly Hansen of course. Their introduction of base layer technology, in the form of LIFA, was revolutionary in the 1960’s and 70’s and led to them being awarded the Nobel Prize in 1963. LIFA refers to the specific yarn spun from polypropylene fibres, a fibre which keeps the skin dry and warm.  And from LIFA’s simple origins, Helly Hansen have now adapted LIFA technology to provide cross purpose base layers which have a LIFA technology interior, and a merino wool exterior.

From £24.99 to £44.99, pick a base layer which suits your needs.

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