WantToSki
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Posts posted by WantToSki
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i would see it as okay when you are in a "kashigiri," but with other people (not in your own group)... hhhmmm... havent seen one yet...
well, because even japanese talk about drinking sake while in the rotenburo overlooking the white mountains...
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if the snow season here in the northern hemisphere is this bad - could this be said the same of the southern hemisphere a few months from now?
would it be worth to start planning a trip to NZ, for example?
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"skins"...?Quote:Originally posted by dizzy:
want to ski, you'll wants skins, not snowshoes if you're a skier
would this allow me to use it even with my ski boots on (in contrast to snowshoes)? -
daver
let me note that down, send it to my keitai, then try it on the slopes!!!
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hahahaha...Quote:Originally posted by daver:
although samurai has a point, i can attest he is addicted to tuning. i sometimes wonder what he likes more, skiing or tuning skis.
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I had my skis hot waxed about a week before that day (trip to Naeba)Quote:Originally posted by samurai:
someone slammed on the brakes? sounds like you need some wax.
staying balanced is A LOT easier when your skis actually slide under your feet. If your bases are dry, you're going to lean back just to push them forward, then when you hit a sticky/vacuumy spot, you'll get tossed forward like someone threw on the brakes.
All the body position above is good advice, but I would check your tune. Sounds like you're running on dry planks.
* the only time I can go to the tuning shop is on weekends -
you guys lead...
i dont know much about the fun places in hakuba...
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Wow! That is expensive...Quote:Originally posted by Kumapix:
I think this is a good question. I started bc in Japan. It's not too difficult to learn. It's just learning about snow and to respect it. To jump on the bandwagon you should take an avy course and buy the equipment. Be warned though, it gets very expensive. You're looking at 2man for the basic course, then up to 10man in avy gear. (rough prices: 4man for beacon, 6000 for a shovel, 6000 for a probe, 1man for a backpack to put it all in, 3 man for snowshoes, 7000 for collapseable poles). I recommend taking the course before getting the gear since you can rent the stuff at the course and see what you like. There's nothing worse than buying a shovel that won't fit in your pack! You could also take a bc tour with a professional guide to see if you like the idea of hiking up the mountain in deep snow for 2 hours to get an epic 5min run. Sometimes it's not epic either.Quote:Originally posted by WantToSki:
am im correct to assume that most skiers/boarders here in SJ are the BC types?
how do you guys/gals started out on BC? did you first do it while in your home country (mine is a tropical country, so no hope of that), or after you came to Japan? is it difficult to learn? are there any pre-requisites? how do i begin on jumping on the bandwagon?
Anyway, isnt this the same way we started when we first skied?
Anyway, do you have an recommendations on where to take that basic course (preferably in Japan)?
I may decide not to take it now, but at least I can jot it down, and mark it in my calendar (note: one season later)...
I see... Well, I too am interested in a beginner BC course. However, to what ski level do you need to be to begin BC? (As some would know me here, I only got started in skiing last season...)Quote:Originally posted by SirJibAlot:
WTS, There are a lot of us that are not BC types. I'm mainly piste and park - but I would like to get some BC experience in. First, I think I need to get in better shape - I don't know that I can hike for long in my current state of fitness. Maybe next season (since this one is just wrapping up) a few of us can pool together and take a beginner BC course. I was talking to Slow about it and a few others seem keen to try.
My bindings are white
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okay... ill remember this... hehehe...Quote:Originally posted by Kumapix:
Wanttoski: this is what you want to avoid:
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Wow... That is a nice image to visualize while running down the slopes... What I usually do is just to make sure that both of my hands are within my sight, ie., forming a triangle with my head/face at the top.Quote:Originally posted by soubriquet:
A trick I use is to concentrate on my hand positions. If you lean back, your hands tend to come up. Your hands should be low, at about waist level, in front of you and apart. The position was described to me as "driving the bus". Also, your uphill hand should be ahead of the downhill, similar to your feet. If your hands are in the right place, your weight will be too.
However, I just dont get when you say that the "uphill hand should be ahead of the downhill"... Are you saying that as seen from above, my body is rotated outwards (a slight deviation from the direction of travel)?
I do bend my ankles, but my b**t still falls down (as they would say)...Quote:Originally posted by fjef:
Instructors often tell you to bend your knees - but think about bending your ankles and keeping pressure on the front of your boots...
Yes - it feels so heavy as if Ive hit something heavy in front (basically, I feel like being thrown forward as if someone slammed the brakes on the car). It just feels difficult to move forward...Quote:Originally posted by YellowSnow:
I was in the same position when I self learned how to ski, when I came to Japan, they were laughing at me. Besides its far more dangerous.
By leaning forward you gain so much control. It might be natural reaction but if you force yourself in a day you should get your footing. Don't go for a neutral stance at first go full leaning in.
The only reasons I can think of for leaning back is for racing and getting through heavy pow.
At first leaning forward feels very heavy, after a while it will really lighten up and you will be able to ski in reverse,tricks, etc. (ill give you 3 days haha)
Also, so, you are saying that I can learn to do tricks in 3 days? Hehehehe... -
am im correct to assume that most skiers/boarders here in SJ are the BC types?
how do you guys/gals started out on BC? did you first do it while in your home country (mine is a tropical country, so no hope of that), or after you came to Japan? is it difficult to learn? are there any pre-requisites? how do i begin on jumping on the bandwagon?
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some ski-related technical question for you guys...
I have always been told that I usually "drop" too far back (in Japanese, "kokei"), wherein my weight falls farther back than the bindings of my boots.
Essentially, skis are "forward-drive vehicles," and Im driving them like they are "rear-driven." Thus, it usually makes it difficult for me to control the skis and I then tend to use exaggerated movements to turn, etc. my skis. In effect, that my skis just run out under me and I lose control.
It is a normal human reaction to basically pull back when something on our feet speeds up... So, how do you guys maintain balance on the center of your skis? Feelings, tips, recommendations, workarounds?
Thanks in advanced...
PS: Its that Ive been trying to “consciously” control my position, ie., ankles, knees, hips, etc. but I still being left by the skis (when I speed up, or going down steep terrain, or through bumps)....
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SJAQuote:Originally posted by SirJibAlot:
I'm going to Happo in two weeks - i already have my shink tickets...that's how confident I am that the season is not yet over!
Ive already made reservations at the Hakuba Powder Lodge (Fattwins) from the 17th until the 20th.
We might bump into each other... -
would just to add that i really loved the Appi Kogen Ski School...!!!
i booked for group lessons (which is about 3,200 yen for two hours, the private lesson is at 19,000 yen for two hours)... when it was time for the students to be separated into their levels, i was the only one at mine...
but compared to when i took a group lesson at Coronet Peak, NZ (since there were only two students at our particular group, the instructor only opted for an hour of teaching); the Appi Kogen school instructor tutored me for a FULL two-hours!!
and it was a great combinations - lots of skiing, with lots of feedback. he also gave me some miscellaneous tips for tuning the skis, gloves, etc. etc.
it was so good that i actually sent him a Japanese nengajo (New Year's Greeting card) last January.
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based on what i have experienced from some SAJ-affiliated schools (Hakuba Happo-One, Appi Kogen, Shigakogen Ichinose), some would actually have "theme for the day" in which they'd incorporate in their groups lessons in the different skill levels.
but i would guess that these are all based on the official SAJ Method Book, which is the basis for being either a certified Associate Instructor, or Full Instructor. requirements for even testing on this is that you have at least a "Grade 1/1-Kyu" in the "SAJ Badge Tes"
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as for the private lessons, Oyuki kigan is probably right... you are at the mercy of that particular instructor, and of course, their teaching skills...
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great...!!! then i wont spend that much going to hokkaido... hehehe...
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I was wondering if would still be any good snow left in Hakuba, particularly Happo-One, two weeks from now? Or, should I just accept the fact that the season is now over?
I plan on spending about four days in Happo-One, Saturday 17-20; however, with the way climate is going, there may not be enough NICE snow to actually enjoy... Or, should I just go somewhere else, Hokkaido maybe?
Suggestions?
Thanks!!!
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Daver is right... Based on experience here in Japan, the more you make a fuss about stuff, the less you'd achieve... All-in-all, I would conclude that the answer provided by the ski school is not that satisfactory; but alas - pursuing it further at this point would just be a waste of my time. Moving forwards, I dont think Id be going back anytime soon - this is enough for one season.
As for what thursday says - I would guess (???) that most Japanese wouldnt really care. Or would they?
Hey, SnowJapan.Com#1 seems to know the kocho-sensei - maybe the next time they meet up, could maybe mention it in passing?
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I really need to get back my assertiveness... Hehehe...Quote:Originally posted by thursday:
The next time you go, and you will, you'll not put up with similar behaviour and will speak out. Therefore you will not go through the same thing again and you'd think the situation has improved.
Well - I think if I hadnt called back to follow-up, he may not have even called back either... *bummer*Quote:Originally posted by thursday:
The guy didn't offer you an apology, but stated the excuse of a scenic excursion. Not the most satisfactory outcome, but at least he had the courtesy to call you back. -
Update:
A while back I called up the Nozawa Onsen Ski School looking for the kocho-sensei, Katagiri-san; unfortunately I was told that he was away. I asked the secretary when he would come back, and told her that there was this issue that I was waiting a reply for...
Okay, so, she got my phone number - and told me that she'd get in touch with the kocho-sensei and have him call me back...
Some minutes later, I did get a call from kocho-sensei; and he told me that the specific instructor (a Ueno-san) wanted to show me more of Nozawa Onsen, the different trails, runs, difficult levels, etc. and approached the lesson from that viewpoint. Basically, since it was my first time in Nozawa and that Im was still searching for my "home gelande;" he felt it that it a chance to introduce the beauty of Nozawa.
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So, the kocho-sensei is saying that it was a case of a simple misunderstanding?
Anyway, the kocho-sensei continues that the next time I do come to Nozawa (and he would want me to come again), that I should give them a call and that they'd do their best that I be satisfied ("manzoku")...
-- note: he didnt say anything whether Id get a free 2-hour private lesson the next time I drop by Nozawa...
Okay... Thoughts?
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I guess that Ive gotten the mostly Japanese (??) "not-to-be-too-outspoken" personality... Hehehehe...Quote:Originally posted by RockyV:
It sounds like you got a raw deal, I'm not sure if it is the same guy or not (maybe a relative) but there is an olympic skier from Nozawa by that name.
I agree that he should have tried harder to correct your skiing and give you more advice, I know it's easy for me to say in hindsight but why didn't you tell him to "stop", "look at me skiing", "what am I doing wrong", "please correct my mistakes more"?
Actually, that's a good question - I had some voice at the back of my head telling me to do so... However, when I did dig in for more details, what came back were, "you should treat skiing on ice barn like you peel fruits, nice and gentle... only on the skin... or, think of it like your girlfriend - handle it gently..." My mind suddenly went "duh!?! what...!?!" Probing further proved to be totally useless since he was using these analogies, though I can understand how they related to skiing - was for the moment, just TOO abstract.
Yes - if I only listened to that little voice in the back of my head then, and complained right away. I may have at least gotten a quick resolution.Quote:Originally posted by SirJibAlot:
I took a lesson here in Cali (my japanese is NOT good enough to hang on the slope)...it was pretty much exactly as you described your expectations to be. I would have been majorly pissed if what happened to you had happened to me.
You should speak up - that just doesn't sound right...
I was too busy at work yesterday - Ill definitely call them today. Would keep SJ posted then.Quote:Originally posted by Curt:
Did you contact them again then? I'm interested to hear how that goes. -
i went on the 25th of December... fine amount of snow (powder snow, included)... nice place...
unfortunately, it was just too far from tokyo. if it werent, may have been going there more often.
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Thanks for the info...!!!Quote:Originally posted by SnowJapan.Com#1:
Hi WantToSki
Very sorry to hear about your experience and I hope that you get a satisfactory response from the ski school.
I just want to say that I know Mr Katagiri and know him to be a very decent chap. I'm sure he would be receptive to your story.
(This is not relevant to your complaint but just out of interest he is a two time former Olympian and has been the head coach for the Japanese National ski team - a very well known character in the Japanese ski scene).
If he is a decent individual as you said he is, then that would be great 'coz I wouldnt have to deal with a "hhhhmmm... sou-desuka? sou-desune? ...." (repeat several times)... Basically, not needing to worry that my complaint would fall on deaf ears.
Frankly, Im not in getting something out of it... Hey, if they give me a refund, or a free lesson next time I come up to Nozawa, that would be great.
At most, I would expect that they "admit that there was a problem in the aforementioned instructors way of teaching, and take steps not for it to happen again." Would this be so much to ask for?
Anyway, just to let them know that yesterday's wasnt a "prank call" - Ill call again to follow-up. -
Yes - I think Ive read some post mentioning that Fattwins is a certified instructor (SIA-affiliated, if Im not mistaken).Quote:Originally posted by Markie:
WantToSki, try making an appointment with Fattwins or EskimoBaseCamp and head down to Hakuba. They are not only great skiers but they know how to teach their skills well. I always recommend them to my HK friends when I bring them down. Last time, because we had so many wanting lessons, we needed extra other coaches as well, but they were all fighting over who would get Fatts and EBC.
Anyway, that wont be a problem - since I may be staying at Fattwins' place in Hakuba around next month...
Boots self destruct
in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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rental boots?
ive read somewhere that the average "lifespan" of ski boots are at about 5 years...