New Board Problems - can too little weight be a problem? - Snowboarding Forum

Denimgrl66 · 01-17-2013, 01:27 PM

After boarding about 8 times and improving enough to make it down a hill consistently at a decent speed, without falling and feeling pretty comfortable, I bought my first board, a Salomon Lotus 142. I discovered that I could not even turn without wiping out. It seemed as though I could not manipulate this board to turn like I could with the rentals or that perhaps it was too long. Particularly, it felt like when I applied pressure to my front foot, it had no effect on the board, unlike I was used to. I was able to exchange the board for a 138. Same problem, mildly improved. I went back to the rental I was used to, a Head Tribute 140 (freestyle) and resumed my ability to make turns easily and sail down the hill.

So, I don't know what the problem is. I hesitate buying a new board in case I encounter the same problem, unless I buy the same board as I rent. Also wondering if possibly, my weight is too little for the type of board I am using. I am 5'1" and 105 lbs. Also, if anyone knows a Burton Board that would be comparable to the Head Tribute, that would be great to know.

Any help is appreciated

redlude97 · 01-17-2013, 01:39 PM

at that weight you could ride up to a 150 without a problem. Its your technique

**Donutz** · 01-17-2013, 01:42 PM

Get someone to take a vid of you riding. Chances are we'll be able to spot the problem.

poutanen · 01-17-2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donutz

Get someone to take a vid of you riding. Chances are we'll be able to spot the problem.

+1, and pictures!

Oh god lol

Okay seriously though if you were on a 140 rental, there's no reason you can't ride a similar length other board. It may be stiff still as it's brand new, and may need a couple days to soften up a bit, but it's likely your technique.

Have you thought about taking a lesson on the new board?

Go back to basics and get yourself sliding again, it may just be taking you some time to get used to a new feel...

EatRideSleep · 01-17-2013, 02:04 PM

Welcome!

From what I could tell of the Head Tribute, it's a regular camber board. The Salomon Lotus has a flat profile. For some, there's a learning curve going from camber to a rocker, hybrid, etc. With only 8 times out, perhaps it's the learning curve that's getting you?

Are you wiping out by catching an edge or washing out when you try to turn?

sangsters · 01-17-2013, 02:19 PM

By no means an expert but two thoughts come to mind.

1) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2) The Salomon is a directional twin. Is there any chance you're set up with the tail of the board facing forward?

Denimgrl66 · 01-17-2013, 04:53 PM

Hey, thanks for the replies:

1. Don't think the board is set up reverse.

2. Seems I am "washing out" on the turns.

3. Yeah, maybe I need to give it more time. It's just frustrating to be able to be proficient with one and totally awful with another. Maybe technique, maybe more confidence on the rental. Used another rental at another hill and also had no probs but don't know what brand it was, something cheap.

4. Good point about lesson...maybe I'll try.

poutanen · 01-17-2013, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denimgrl66

3. Yeah, maybe I need to give it more time. It's just frustrating to be able to be proficient with one and totally awful with another. Maybe technique, maybe more confidence on the rental. Used another rental at another hill and also had no probs but don't know what brand it was, something cheap.

I'm just going to throw this out there... Is it possible you're too proud of the new board and don't want to hurt it?!? A lot of people I know (me included) take it easy when they get a new board until it's got some scratches in it... Maybe you just need a war wound or two to break the mental block around the new board?!?

**Donutz** · 01-17-2013, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sangsters

1) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shame on you!

**Donutz** · 01-17-2013, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denimgrl66

2. Seems I am "washing out" on the turns.

I read up on the board, and it seems to be an exceptionally soft board. If you are doing turn initiation with your front foot but never bringing up the rear foot to match, you'd be trying to turn with an edged front and flat back. That'll wash you out for sure! If the rental board is stiffer, your front-foot initiation is probably enough to bring the edge up in the back as well.

So, do you just have a lazy back foot?

01-17-2013, 01:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Denimgrl66 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario Posts: 16	New Board Problems - can too little weight be a problem? After boarding about 8 times and improving enough to make it down a hill consistently at a decent speed, without falling and feeling pretty comfortable, I bought my first board, a Salomon Lotus 142. I discovered that I could not even turn without wiping out. It seemed as though I could not manipulate this board to turn like I could with the rentals or that perhaps it was too long. Particularly, it felt like when I applied pressure to my front foot, it had no effect on the board, unlike I was used to. I was able to exchange the board for a 138. Same problem, mildly improved. I went back to the rental I was used to, a Head Tribute 140 (freestyle) and resumed my ability to make turns easily and sail down the hill. So, I don't know what the problem is. I hesitate buying a new board in case I encounter the same problem, unless I buy the same board as I rent. Also wondering if possibly, my weight is too little for the type of board I am using. I am 5'1" and 105 lbs. Also, if anyone knows a Burton Board that would be comparable to the Head Tribute, that would be great to know. Any help is appreciated

01-17-2013, 01:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
Donutz Drunk with power...er beer. Join Date: May 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 3,669 Blog Entries: 176	Get someone to take a vid of you riding. Chances are we'll be able to spot the problem. __________________ Illegitimi non carborundum Mountain Days: 30

01-17-2013, 02:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
sangsters Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NJ/NYC Posts: 214	By no means an expert but two thoughts come to mind. 1) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 2) The Salomon is a directional twin. Is there any chance you're set up with the tail of the board facing forward? Last edited by sangsters; 01-17-2013 at 02:20 PM. Reason: Eat beat me to it.

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01-17-2013, 01:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
redlude97 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seattle/Portland Posts: 993	at that weight you could ride up to a 150 without a problem. Its your technique

01-17-2013, 02:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
EatRideSleep Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 673	Welcome! From what I could tell of the Head Tribute, it's a regular camber board. The Salomon Lotus has a flat profile. For some, there's a learning curve going from camber to a rocker, hybrid, etc. With only 8 times out, perhaps it's the learning curve that's getting you? Are you wiping out by catching an edge or washing out when you try to turn?

01-17-2013, 04:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
Denimgrl66 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario Posts: 16	Hey, thanks for the replies: 1. Don't think the board is set up reverse. 2. Seems I am "washing out" on the turns. 3. Yeah, maybe I need to give it more time. It's just frustrating to be able to be proficient with one and totally awful with another. Maybe technique, maybe more confidence on the rental. Used another rental at another hill and also had no probs but don't know what brand it was, something cheap. 4. Good point about lesson...maybe I'll try.