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SamuiKitsune

SnowJapan Member
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Posts posted by SamuiKitsune

  1. Ah, now that you mentioned, I was sitting on my rear leg. The obvious really does need to be pointed out sometimes.

     

    As for board size, I am really second guessing my choice. The Custom feels like a little too much board for me right now. I can get that thing accelerating in a blink of an eye. I am wondering when I can start to flex it more (between 5' 11 and 6' 0 and between 86kg and 88kg without gear).

     

    I am wondering if I should borrow a board with a softer flex and shorter length. Will it make the learning process quicker?

  2. Thanks for the advice. I did not get a chance to have a lesson this past weekend. I will have to wait for the official lesson at Niseko Highasiyama on the 22nd. I have tentatively signed up for a full day lesson (4 hours, there is a 1.5hour lunch break) in English.

     

    But, I got some pointers from my sidekick. I was stopping by the 2nd run and I was turning left (natural footed) by the 3rd. My right turns are hit and miss.

     

    Of course, my first wipe out, on the first run and I twisted my knee a little. I was not used to falling and I think my body kind of freaked out and got me all twisted inside. Knee is still a little sore, but am going to take it easy until the 22nd.

     

    I noticed that the 162w Custom did seem very big once strapped to my feet. I am hoping to break it in with a few more hours of ride time.

  3. I checked into Snowboarding Lessons last night. I hope to find a lesson in English at Naeba. I e-mailed one family business, but waiting for a response. Otherwise, I will have to wait until going to Niseko the weekend of December 21st. They have a snowboard school available. I was thinking private was the way to go. How many hours should I do on the first private lesson?

  4.  Originally Posted By: Go Native
    I have a tattoo and I've never had a problem with getting into any onsen in the Niseko area. In fact the onsen I regularly go to in Kutchan often has brightly decorated members of the Yakuza there.


    How large is your tattoo? I am planning to visit Kogen Niseko around Dec. 21. My tattoo looks like it could be on a Yakuza member. I am love to show it off.

    So, if anyone sees a white guy struggling with snowboarding or walking around on crutches, with a full left sleeve, try yelling "Maido, Kitsune" and see if it is me.
  5. Are there any Onsens or Public Baths near the ski slopes that permit you to enjoy the warm water, despite bearing the mark of the Devil?

     

    I have a full sleeve tattoo. The girlfriend has a shoulder cap tattoo. We are evil people. Are there any evil bath waters we can enjoy?

     

    I will start with what I know. The Onsen and Public Bath at Prince Naeba Hotel do not allow tattoo guests to enjoy these facilities.

  6. Heading out this weekend for my first time on a snowboard. The girlfriend has been snowboarding 16+ years.

     

    She tells me to just get some foam padded "thing a ma jig" and cover it up with my favorite pimp beanie hat. She told me my head looks very big in the helmet (I really wanted to make a joke here =D ).

     

    So, what do you guys and gals recommend based on your experiences.

     

    I plan to just try to get decent control this weekend and ride down the mountain. Hopefully avoiding large objects and small children.

     

    How long before I can ride down the pipe? In which case, I will definately want to wear a helmet regardless of how big my head is looking.

  7. Thank you for the additional shop recommendations.

     

    I ended up purchasing at Spotaka. They are running a sale of 15% off all new 08 Boards and 50-70% off 07 Boards (only a few 158cm or above).

     

    Anyway, I went to Spotaka last night for some more gear. I ended up purchasing a Burton Custom Wide 162cm (white top, but it also comes in Black). Total price was 70,967 Yen.

     

    It was about $80 to 100 more than US price, but I did get two coupons each worth 2,500 Yen which I used later on to purchase some gloves.

     

    Now, I have to go back again tonight. The damn shop closes at 8pm. Not much time to look at all the boards, especially when you are trying to decipher the secret Japanese code in reviewing the specifications and then finding they do not have the size board you need. Gomen nasai, ni des.

     

    I need to get head gear tonight. Debating on the padded foam or going full helmet. I guess I will start a new thread to see the opinions.

  8. So, my girlfriend is a hardcore snowboarder. Me, I'm a fun in the sun type of guy having grown up in Cuba and Florida. No, I don't speak spanish and I am the average white guy. Novice skater, more into urban assault-type bmx/mountain bike riding. Oh yeah, and I rollerblade.

     

    I purchased my boots and bindings tonight. K2 T1 in pimp white (38,000 Yen at Spotaka in Osaka) and '07 Burton Custom Bindings also in white (12,000 at Spotaka in Osaka). They are running clearances on '07 Gear and 15% off all snowboard gear (not sure when it ends).

     

    I picked up some goggles at the Oakley outlet near Nagashima resort this past weekend (15,000 Yen). Nice black frame with polarized amber lens.

     

    Now, I need a board. I am somewhere between 5' 11 and 6'0 ft. I am considering the Burton Seven and the GNU Rider Choice. Another possible option is Moss Boards, made here in Japan.

     

    We are heading to Naeba this weekend for two full days, staying over night at Prince Hotel and then driving to her mother's home late on the 2nd day. Her mother lives in the Niigata area.

     

    Anyway, I live in Ashiya which is close to Osaka. I am familiar with Spotaka, but if anyone has any other shop recommendations I would appreciated. I also know where the Burton Flagship Store is (I think it just opened last month).

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