Head Salamander 94cm Skiboards 2012/13
[HEA1000]

I was an occasional skier who finally took the plunge and bought a season pass, and was considering a snowboard. However, the universal consensus that there was a lot of falling down involved in the steep learning curve convinced me to try skiboards. These were the ones I chose, and yes, I bought them without trying first.

After one session with rental skis (where I used my poles very little) I got my skiboards. After the first day, I had abandoned the bunny slopes for good. This month, about eight sessions into my new gear, I am going down the most difficult runs. The steep trail that I was so afraid of the first time I tried it (but didn't fall) was so easy now that I had to stop and make sure it was the same trail. It's just that much easier - and I'm just going a couple hours each time. I bought poles I used once and abandoned - didn't need them. Now I'm going much faster (with great control - the only way I feel comfortable going at any speed) and feeling the rhythm of the turns - it's a blast!

Some have said that these boards are too heavy - but I have no frame of reference. As someone who's average height and a bit heavier, I have no problem with these boards. I'm not feeling weight of them as being too heavy - it just seems to work well. I've also got really strong legs, I don't know if that factors in at all. I've gotten them waxed pretty much every other time I use them (I start to see wear at the tip and tail) and it takes no time at all. As the tech in the shop said, these "short skis" are a lot easier to wax on the machine - they just zip them through and off I go.

As a very occasional skier and experienced inline skater, I love these boards. I'm looking forward to my second pair next year. Every time someone on the lift asks how I like them ("I've been wanting to try them" is a universal sentiment), I tell them they're awesome and highly recommend them.