bilmur

I started wakeboarding before I did snowboarding. Is the weight distribution close to the former - with a tad more weight in the back leg but without the rope. Also, the wakeboard nose is always above water (or it's going to get messy) so you're kinda edging on the back 1/2 of the board for edges that are (say) 30 degrees to the direction of boat travel. I'm asking cos I wanna try hitting some pow when I'm in Niseko end-Dec but right now it looks like the condition is going to be a greater hurdle to that wish than my lack of pow skills. Any thoughts on that fellow shredders?

So Spook ... or shall we call you Luke now that your cyber alter ego has been exposed ... pls answer the man/woman's question ... "do you know of a good place to get nekkid?" btw, does the last word mean naked or necked in layman terms? So any of you lads and/or lasses heading for Niseko at the end of this year? Oh, and would there be more info from the solids dieters to balance the suggestions given by the liquid dieters? Any good places for yakitori, ramen, hokkaido crab (hell yeah) etc.

OK, so there's a sushi restaurant in Kutchan that claims to be wonderful. Would this count as not really Niseko from a resort perspective (ie. allowing only walking distance or short ride venues)? http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/~niseko1/E_home.html Also seen "Jam" mentioned as a serious watering hole as well as "Gentem Bar" being described along the lines of a bar with exotic (Tibetian) decor. Any comments from those who know these places? Also saw Zug Bug (?) being described as an excellent Italian restaurant ... really? ... or by default? Cos I know there are some "truly" fabulous ones

Please share your off-snow wisdom in any nocturnal recreation, if not carnage, to be found in Niseko. Please state location, description and your thoughts (for and/or against) each place. [Yes I confess. I am the loser who hasn't been to Niseko and, per my usual practise, I'm seeking (humbly) for a little guidance ... planning to go there soon you see]

Hey enderzero, forgot to compliment you on your rocking selection ... respeKt ... looks like you went for a stiffer boot and complimented the set up with a more mobile binding. I went the other way but only because the contra felt weird when I tried them on and the MIGs just look f**king hardcore in my opinion. Happy riding. Would be useful if you can tell us how your set up feels once you've had a few goes.

Got these babies from Tokyo with a stinking Tokyo mark-up but when I tried them on it felt like a post-natal genetic extension of my feet ... plus the guy gave me a 5% discount so hey ... Then bought these mofo bad boys on-line and they, in turn, felt like a post-industrial manufactured addition to what felt like a post-natal genetic extension of my feet ... can't be wrong even at the cost of virtual bankrupcy. Plus (as a mild claim to fame), I've hung out with the engineer who designed the Flights and he says they're forgiving enough even for an utter spastic like me. As for boar

Was in Osaka on business in July and went to this huge 10-storey sports retail complex called SPOTAKA - which apparently stands for Sports Takahashi. To my delight, they were previewing 03/04 snowboard equipment but unfortunately none of the items were for sale. Anyway, I need to get some new boots and I had my eyes on the Vans Fargo with BOA (btw, I'm not trying to start a debate between different lacing systems) so I'm wondering where I might find Vans boots in Tokyo seeing that's where I'm heading to next week. Does anyone have any good recommendations for snowboard gear shopping in To

No doubt there are selfish intentions in my enquiry as I am - perhaps with a hint of naivety - considering a (second) snow trip to Japan around Easter (18-21 April). So far, my research tells me that one obvious possibility would be Niseko (which resort I'm not sure - but probably Hirafu) since the snow holds up til May on a half decent season. I have also contacted Arai (surprised?) cos despite it's low altitude it usually receives as much snow as the best resorts in Japan in terms of snow record. Furthermore, the low elevation of Arai "apparently" works to its advantage in late se

Going for the first time to H-O. Would some extremely kind person enlighten me on the following: 1. I heard they implemented this snowboard test thing a while ago ... does it still hold true that you have to take a test before you can ride? 2. Will be going with some beginner friends. Do they have a good board school with Eng-speaking instructors? Can anyone recommend an instructor there? 3. I'll be staying quite near Hakuba station (apparently) and it'd be great to know where I might find some off snow entertainment - ie. dinner, drinks, arcade games, shopping etc. Someone ment