FitSugar

Love Snowboarding? Then You'll Love the Sideways Bike

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:30:00 -0800

Riding a bike is a childhood milestone. Once you master the technique, you'll know how to ride for life. Cycling requires left-to-right balance, like walking, so it is easy to learn. Although more challenging, surfers and snowboarders turn their bodies to the side using front-to-back balance. This type of balance inspired Michael Killian, inventor of the Sideways Bike. Also called a Snowboard Bicycle, you sit on it with both legs on one side, similar riding sidesaddle on a horse. Killian says that the front-to-back balance, combined with the drifting ability of the independent wheels "affords you tremendous grace and motion. It's dance-like. It's mesmerizing and entertaining."

Want to see this bike in action? Then read more.

Both handlebars can steer independently so it's not exactly a cinch to learn, but once you perfect this type of balance, it can make you a better snowboarder. They're not in production yet, but when they hit stores, would you be interested in giving this Sideways Bike a go?

Source

Customize Your Burton Board For a Pretty Penny

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:00 -0800

Whether you're new to snowboarding or have been riding for years, wouldn't you be psyched if you could design your own board? The Series 13 website from Burton allows you to do just that.

First you choose the style and size board you want from 15 of Burton's high-end boards costing between $800 to $1200. Next you select a theme for your board from Burton's themes, such as argyle, flames, safari or camo, or you can design your own theme using your own original artwork or photos. Next you pick your colors for the design for the top of the board, as well as the base (bottom). You can also personalize your board with your name (so no one can walk away with it) or a message.

My design (pictured above) would only set me back about $850. Hey, I guess being in control of design doesn't come cheap. But the concept sure is cool.

Spring Skiing and Riding

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I know snow is a weird topic to bring up now, but in certain parts of the world, spring hasn't quite sprung. Many of the mountains are still covered in snow, so this weekend might be the last time to snap on your skis or board and hit the slopes.

For some, spring skiing and riding is better than winter skiing because there has been tons of snowfall, the skies are clearer, and the air is warmer. There's nothing more exhilarating than flying down the mountain in a t-shirt.

Here are some tips to keep you safe and happy:

Get some spring clothes. I know this seems obvious, but if you wear your heavy winter coat, snowpants, mittens, and base layers, you'll overheat and sweat profusely. This will make your clothes wet, and that will inevitably make you cold and uncomfortable.

Get yourself a lightweight waterproof jacket to wear over a thin fleece jacket and short-sleeved wicking shirt. You can probably ditch the base layers altogether, and some people just wear lightweight mudpants instead of bulky snowpants.

If you have glove liners, you can use them, or get yourself some lightweight mittens. Also, get yourself a cute spring hat - no need for one that's fleece-lined.

Want to hear the other tips? Then read more

Wear thinner socks. You don't want your feet to sweat because then you could get some nasty blisters.
Wear protective sunglasses. Not only is the sun's reflection on the snow blinding, but it can also damage your eyes.
Wear sweatproof sunscreen. Since your skin has been covered all winter long, you want to protect your sensitive skin from getting burned by the bright spring sun. Apply sunscreen to your face and arms before you head out. That way, when you start to get hot and peel layers, your arms will already be lubed up.
Get your skis or board tuned up for spring. A spring wax will make your ride much smoother.
Be extra careful. The snow might not be as deep, and certain areas may have melted down. Be on the lookout for exposed rocks, baby trees, and sticks.
Bring a backpack. Whether you keep it in the lodge or on your back, when you get hot, you'll want a place to stuff all your extra layers. Pack an extra long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirt and socks just in case the ones you're wearing get wet.

If you have any other tips, feel free to share them below!

Kitewing: A Sport For All Seasons

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:35:00 -0700

Snow may be long gone soon, but there are still some variations on snow play you all might be interested in. Kitewing, or "the wing" for short, gives you the wings to fly. Check it out. It's like windsurfing, but you can use it with skis, snowboards, ice skates, or in-line skates - so you can use it when all the snow has melted. All you need is some wind and a big open space to soar.

Most riders learn to use the wing within 30 minutes. You can glide along gently, but are capable of hitting speeds of up to 62 mph. You can also use the power of the wind to help you jump and hit heights of up to 15 ft high and 120 feet long.

What's great about this sport is that all you need is you, the kitewing, something on your feet, and the wind of course. That's it. You don't need any assistance to get you going. Plus, it's easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport (once broken down, it's about the size of a ski bag).

Fit's Tips: If you're interested in purchasing one, you can find a dealer near you on their website. Or check Tahoe Demo Center. They have the Kitewing on sale for $1,99.99. Or you can check out Super Dairy Boy website for cheaper models that are between $809.99 - 1.999.99.

Ski Like a Woman

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:15:00 -0800

March may soon be coming in like a lion, but there is still plenty of good skiing to be had. I just found a really great resource called ski like a woman. It's an online directory of ski and snowboard lessons and programs for women, at over 250 resorts around the world. Isn't that a brilliant idea?

You can search for different types of snow sport lessons, like alpine, telemark, or cross-country skiing. Or you can search a certain area in the world, such as the U.S. or Europe. And you can also search by dates.

It's an easy way to locate women's programs, or even ones for the whole family. You can focus on a certain sport or a certain skill, and learn from instructors who understand that men and women learn differently (they're patient and sensitive).

You can find a program that's right for you, where and when you want it. Could it be anymore convenient?

Noboarding: I Say Yes to the No, bindings that is

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 12:30:00 -0800

If you are a surfer in your heart and soul, nothing can compare to the freedom of gliding over ocean waves, with nothing but a board between you.

But in the winter, your only option is to snowboard, but the feeling of being locked into bindings that are attached to a board, isn't much like surfing at all. Until now.

Check out the noboard. No bindings. Nothing but you and your board. In order to stay on, you hold onto a rope that's attached to your board, which has a heavy duty, thermal-set, elastomeric pad. This just means that it's specifically designed to have outstanding grip and it's able to handle cold temperatures.

Noboarding allows you to use your body more freely, which obviously makes it much more difficult than regular snowboarding. Which was why it was created in the first place by the late and great Gregg Todd.

You can check out the Noboard short film (Yes to the No) coming to a town near you - the Banff Film Festival World Tour features this and other stunning short films on mountain themes that are like nothing you've ever seen.

Want to see a some photos and a video of noboarding? Then read more

View 4 Photos ›

Do You Wear a Helmet When You Ski or Ride?

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:31:19 -0800

Design Your Own Board

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 07:30:00 -0800

How cool would it be to design your own snowboard? Burton can make it happen.

You can design a snowboard using your own art or photos. You upload the image, customize your board design and they'll make it at BMC, the finest snowboarding manufacturer in the world.

Here's how it works:

You choose the type of board you want, the size and the shape of the base. You can choose a theme or pattern they have or use your own art design or photos. Then you pick out the colors, and any text you want on it. That's it. Then you're good to go.

So I did a mock design and if I ordered it, it'd run me $849.95. Not cheap, but very cool.

Get Fit for Snowboarding

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 10:15:00 -0800

Starting out snowboarding, whether new to the season or new to the sport altogether, is an incredible workout. I love finding additional fitness outlets during Winter months, especially things that are super fun. One thing to keep in mind, however, is you'll get the most out of the season if you hit the slopes already trained. Even if snow seems weeks away, I would start now so you'll be ready.

Here are a few areas to pay attention to while training:

Quadriceps: The quadriceps muscles are extremely important because maintaining the correct position for snowboarding (read: squat), along with trying to turn and control the board, means that your quadriceps will be working overtime while you're snowboarding.
Good exercises: Leg presses, lunges, and squats
Hip flexors: While snowboarding, your hip flexors will be in full force as your body is moving up and down and maintaining your balance.
Good exercises: Hanging twisting leg raises and leg raises on a step
Core: Your core muscles will keep you upright and help you to balance. Core strength is essential for everyday living, but crucial for hitting the slopes upright, rather than face first.
Good exercises: Plank and dying bug
Total body: Snowboarding is truly a full body training sport, especially when you're just learning. To be ready to hit the slopes and keep a balanced training program, be sure to train your whole body, not just your legs.
Good exercises: Seated rows, lat pull-down, calf raises, hamstring curls, push-ups, bicycle crunches, and triceps dips

Fit's Tip: Don't forget to work on your cardio endurance too, since some of those slopes can be several miles long. Need some ideas? Try a few of my cardio programs.

Source

Snowboarding 101

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 03:30:00 -0800

You've made up your mind - this winter you're going to learn to snowboard. Just so you know, your bum and the snow are going to become BFF. Don't stress - in the beginning, snowboarding is all about falling and laughing.

Here are some tips for new riders...

Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting snow clothing. Don't forget gloves, goggles and a hat. Wrists are very vulnerable, especially for beginners - consider wearing a pair of wrist guards and a helmet.
Get into your bindings on level ground - you don't want your board to go sliding down the hill without you. Start with just your right foot.
Take some baby steps up the incline about 10 feet (this is exhausting). Now plant your butt down in the snow and put your left foot into the binding.
Make sure your board is perpendicular to the slope before you stand up - that way you won't start sliding down. Keep your weight back on your heels.
To start sliding down the hill, lean into your toes. To stop, lean back on your heels. Repeat this until you get the hang of starting and stopping (very important skill).

Fit's Tip: At this point you'll want a snowboarding friend or instructor to give you a lesson on getting on and off the chairlift. Get ready for more laughing.