I Think I Will Call It ..."Mini
Ski"I Think I Will Call It ..."Mini
Ski"
by Chad Ison
Publication Date: February 2000
It seems like it could be a line from the movie "Austin Powers." Where Number Two tells the diabolical Dr. Evil they have begun a program to clone the DNA of a snowboard and a ski. From the combined DNA, they have developed an exact duplicate; exactly like it in every way...except it is one-eighth the size. After one look at it, one might say, "I think I will call it...MINI-SKI."
There is a thin line between the time mini skis evolved and when skiboards came about. The discrepancy about when exactly skiboards were invented and by who is where many misconceptions derive. In the 60s, the Graduated Length Method (GLM) was developed to teach skiers how to ski by gradually increasing the length of the skis. In the 70s and 80s, manufacturers began making short skis like, MicroSkis, the Atomic Figl, the BigFoot, the Gauer Snowblade, the Scorpion, Sled Dogs and more. These skis were fun, but they were definitely missing some key elements.
Today a new snow sport is sliding its way into the hearts of skiers and snowboarders. It's called skiboarding or snowblading, and it combines the best aspects of both activities. Snowblades or skiboards are shorter, wider and more curved than traditional skis, allowing users to turn as they would on skis, ski backwards, and even perform the same acrobatic stunts that snowboarders do. They can be used with or without poles and work with snowboard, ski, or mountaineering boots. Skiboarding is the perfect crossover sport for roller bladers and skaters as well as for skiers and snowboarders.
Skiboarding is extremely easy to learn. A skier or snowboarder can typically catch on after a day and can advance to other levels quickly. Several ski resorts are using the skiboards to help teach skiing. Instructors believe it reinforces certain movements and lets students go out on the snow and have fun in a non-intimidating way. With the shorter lengths there are no more worries about crossing tips or catching them on those pesky moguls. The learning curve is extremely short compared to snowboarding or skiing and certainly less painful.
Skiboards are constructed like snowboards and made to carve on edge like snowboarding. You might say it is like having two small snowboards on your feet. This means to carve, you lean and the side cut of the skiboard does the work.
With many skiboards the width is usually the same at the tip and tail
so you can ride front and back at the same level. However, some of the skiboards
have a fantail back which doesn't come up like the front tip. These skiboards
are usually called "fantails." Fantails are designed for carving
turns, going through moguls and trees, but generally can't be used for going
backwards or landing tricks backwards. Skiboards vary from 63 to 90 cm in
length, are generally constructed with a solid wood core and varying parabolic
shapes just like snowboards. Skiboards have non-releasable bindings (they
don't come off!); and being shorter, you don't need to worry about the injuries
enjoyed by so many skiers. Ski boots (poles unnecessary) and the desire
for pure outrageous fun are all you need!
Today there are many manufacturers for skiboards including Groove, Canon, Atomic, Salomon, K2, Dynastar, Hart, Fischer, Gauer, Blizzard, Snowjam, Kneissl, Elan, Microski, Line and more - each one grabbing their nitch in the market place.
Although skiboards have been around for nearly five years, sales have gone through the roof this season because large manufacturers are starting to produce the new line of boards. Salomon, easily the ski industry's largest manufacturer, has found plenty of buyers for its snowblades, which are 90 centimeters long and not quite as wide as traditional skiboards.
Salomon plans to offer three different models and is producing a boot specifically designed for snowblades. Canon Skiboards, based in San Francisco, already offers four different types of skiboards from beginner to professional level. The company's owner, Michael Canon, said he thinks skiboarding could rise above snowboarding in popularity. "It will be bigger than snowboarding because it has a larger target market," Canon said.
Canon said skiboarding could bring new people to the sport, such as in-line skaters who don't participate in snow sports. It also appeals to older people who want to learn a snow sport easily and don't want much expense.
Most skiboard bindings are made to fit regular ski boots and fit sizes from about 3 to 13. You don't really need special "skiboard boots." Your regular boots will do. Telemark boots also fit skiboard bindings as long as there is a lip in the front and back enough for the metal clip to secure the boot to the binding. Even certain mountaineering boots work with skiboards, so you can go backcountry skiboarding. Hard shell snowboard boots also fit the bindings.
Whether you're a first-time or expert skier, we suggest that you give the skiboard a try. Not all resorts rent the skiboards as yet...and if they do, their supply may be limited. So dig out your bell-bottoms, wax up your mojo, hit the slopes and have a shagadelic time with the hottest fad to hit the market since the hotpants.
"Yeah baby!"
For more information on skiboards check out the following web sites:
For more information on mini ski tricks and terminology (click here)
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