[Anyone been to Dynaland or other Gifu resort recently?]

Went to White Pia last weekend. It was a little icy in the morning and slushy in the afternoon. Spring like conditions.

[What's the funniest thing you've seen in the lift line?]

Saw a guy shaving with his electric razor in the lift line this weekend. Just about fell over laughing. He must have had a hot date after that run.

 

Anybody else have a funny or wierd lift line stories?

[Watch/lock your stuff at Dynaland!]

Just wanted to give "heads up" to anyone who might be going to Dynaland that you need to lock your stuff!

 

My assistant's snowboard got ripped-off during lunch today. We did not lock our boards so we are partly to blame.

 

The management told us that 2 other boards were also stolen today during the early afternoon.

[How To Justify Buying Another Board?]

Migraine,

 

I say go for the board! You can never have too many.

 

As others have stated in this thread... You deserve it. Enjoy your life dude!!

[Whats the snow like this weekend anyone?]

lin,

 

Went to Ontake (Nagano area) today. Snow conditions were hard. Seems like snow melted duing the week and re-froze. Not much grip on a snowboard.

[Flow Bindings - What's the Scuttlebut?]

Badmigraine,

 

I have not tried the Flow bindings, however, used have something similar made by Winterstick in Utah about 14 years ago. Worked great in powder but a little sketchy on hardpack.

 

Been riding hard boots and plate bindings for about 15 years (last 10 years solid). Picked up a set of K2 Sidewinder boots (1 step below Aggressor boots you mentioned) this fall. Tried them once in Gifu area and put them on the shelf until I can get them dialed in - the upper liner is really stiff and they kicked the crap out of my shins and calves. The K2 Clicker bindings were also a bit of a challenge when packed with snow. Said more than a few 4 letter words that day!

 

Raichle makes a sweet hard boot with great liners, however, they are expensive. Plate bindings are sweet - one click and you're in. The down side is flexibility - limits what and where you can ride. Steeper hardpack runs can be a big challenge.

 

I just bought a set of Burton Ruler soft boots and am amazed with the fit. The liners that came with the boots are really nice (I am convinced that the liners are key to boot fit). Tried them last weekend - it was the first time I rode soft boots and strap bindings in 10 years. Couldn't believe how comfortable they were.

 

As far as your new boots, have you tried custom footbeds (insoles - molded to your feet)? Makes a huge difference. Tried them a long time ago and have been hooked ever since. Used to get cramps in my arches until I tried them.

 

Sorry to ramble so much.

 

I would try your new boots first before dropping cash for new bindings. If the boots fit like you say, you will probably be a happy (happier) camper.

 

Good luck!

[In Japan?]

Moved to Nagoya area from California about 3 months ago for 3-year stay. Must say this site is great and has many useful resources.

 

I have found surfing and snowboarding in Japan to be much better than I expected.