Attridge Photo Contest
You guys voted for it and the winner of our $500 photo contest is Thomas Pool! Thanks to everyone who participated in this contest and made it a huge success. We look forward to doing another contest fairly shortly! To the left is Thomas' photo, below are the runner-up photos.
2. On Top of the World - Breaane Honazier3. Attridge Windlip, Spring 1998 - Tom Richey
4. Sunrise Shot - Sam Thackray
5. Putnam Pow - Taylor Weixl
Christmas Gift Ideas from Attridge
- Ski and Snowboard socks
- Hats and touques http://coalheadwear.com/
- Orage and Burton base layer underwear
- Airhole balaclava and face masks
- Boot Bags
- Helmet Headphones
- Ski and Snowboard videos
- Waxing Supplies
- My PKG underwear
- Ski and Snowboard tuneups
Getting Kids Set For The Season
We always do blog stories on the latest gear, the hottest video clips or the best skiers/riders around, but now it’s time to focus on the little ones. After all, they're the future rippers, and who knows, maybe even future Olympians. There are a few things we'd like to highlight to ensure your little one will have his or her best experience on the slopes.
Let's look at equipment
Boots: Possibly the most important piece of equipment for any skier is the boots. We know kids can grow like weeds and snow sports can be expensive, but we strongly advise that you don't try to buy them much too big to get multiple years out of them. That being said, we always fit boots for kids with some growing and comfort room, without being excessively big. Lots of times kids will outgrow a boot by the end of the season, which we try to avoid, but boots that are much too big will impede a child's progress or even cause injury.
Skis/Boards: Length selection is the biggest concern when deciding on a board or pair of skis for kids. There are some variables to keep in mind, such as your child’s experience level, the length of their previous board / skis, and how quickly they’re growing. Generally speaking, a board should be between the chin and nose of the rider, and skis should be between the mouth and forehead of the skier. A more experienced child will want their gear a bit on the longer side, whereas someone who is just beginning will benefit from a bit shorter and easier length. Regardless of a child’s experience level or how quickly they’re growing, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t jump up in size so much that they have a tough time adapting to their new gear.
Outerwear: Everyone knows kids need to be warm all of the time therefore proper layering is very important. Kids sweat too, so always avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and makes a person cold. Merino wool, or fleece and other synthetic materials are best for layering under a child’s jacket and pants. Using mitts instead of gloves is always an easy way to keep those fingers toasty. Also, make sure they fit. If they are too tight and their fingers are squished, it can lead to cold fingers: Cold fingers make an unhappy kid. Also, there is a good chance that your child will be playing in the snow, so proper waterproofing is a must for not only the gloves or mitts, but also the jacket and pants.
Accessories: Make sure your child always wears a helmet, and if they do, make sure that helmet fits properly. You should only be able to fit 1 finger between the child's head and the helmet. Assuming your child has a child-sized head, you're going to probably need child-sized goggles to fit that little face. Proper fitting goggles prevent fog, wind, and general discomfort while on the slopes.
This is just a basic guide. Come into Attridge if you have any more questions or concerns and we'd be pleased to help you out. We carry equipment and outerwear for even the smallest tyke. Don't forget about our half back trade-in program: Pay the package price today and any time within two years that you need new gear for your child you can trade it in and get 50% of the original purchase price towards new equipment. This works great for any of those kids who tend to grow...
Our Friend, La Niña
If you believe the farmer's almanac or local meteorologist, and you love to ski or snowboard, then it looks like this winter is going to be your best friend. Those of us lucky enough to experience last winter's dump fest will tell you all about the many powder days experienced in the 2010-11 winter season. So anyone up for round 2? Here are a few articles supporting our snowy potential for the 2012 season.
So, make sure you’ve got the right equipment to be ready for a long winter with plenty of snow. It's better to be safe than sorry! You don't want to be left behind when they open those gates to the backside of Silver Star for one of the best guaranteed powder days of the year. Here are some equipment ideas for this year to make sure you experience La Niña to the fullest:
Contour Cameras – Film your adventures in HD and show them off. Rockered Skis – If you don’t have them, then you’re missing out! Split Boards – Take your adventures further in to the backcountry. Oversized Goggles – Big goggles make a big difference. Beacon, Probe, Shovel – Don’t even think about the Backcountry without them. Get down to the shop and talk to the experts at Attridge so you can really enjoy another epic winter.Guide to Wakesurfing
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the wonderful world of wakesurfing. A sport that includes the freedom of actual surfing while maintaining an endless wave ensuring your legs feel the burn.
This is probably the fastest growing sport among the water sports and it's easy to see why. It's very low-impact with all of the benefits of other water sports; Sun, water, boating and friends. The sport actually started before wakeboarding as people would use an actual 9 ft (approx.) surfboard behind any boat that could tow them. Wakesurfing has now evolved into a full-time watersport which includes tricks, competitions and dedicated video parts. Here is a basic guide to get yourself hanging' ten before you know it.
Boat
The proper type of boat is crucial to the safety of the wakesurfer. An inboard is the only type of boat that should ever be used while wakesurfing. Inboard/outboard and outboard boats have an exposed propeller which could easily injure or kill a wakesurfer if he/she fell awkwardly behind the boat. You don't know how many times we've heard of people using a boat which has an exposed prop for their surfing wake. It makes us cringe.
If you have the luxury of having a boat with an automatic ballast system then you're going to want to fill it up only on the side your wakesurfer is going to be riding. Placing all of your boat passengers and fat sacs (if you have them) on that same side will also improve the size and shape of the wake. The bigger and cleaner the wake, the better.
Driving
Depending on your weight and type of boat, you're going to generally keep a speed of approximately 10 mph. This is something that you'll have to play with to find the ideal speed, and it may be different from one side to the other. If you have a cruise control system on your boat, you'll want to program that speed once it's dialled.
When the rider is in the water and ready, place the throttle gently in gear, so as to put some tension on the rope. As soon as the rider indicates he / she is ready, slowly accelerate to the desired speed. With most boats you can keep a straight line, but for some you may need to keep a slight turn in the direction of the wake to keep the wake clean and free of white wash. Remember not to surf too close to shore, as you'll be putting off large waves.
Boards
There are two main types of construction for wakesurf boards; compression moulded and surf construction. Compression moulded boards are a more durable construction just like a wakeboard. This type of board is recommended for anyone just learning, or as a first surf board for everyone to use. They are also fairly inexpensive. Surf construction boards are lighter, more buoyant, easier to ride, but much more fragile, and because they are made by hand, they're a bit more expensive.
Most short ocean surfboards can be used for wakesurfing but wakesurf technology has come a long way in the last few years. A wakesurf specific board is usually small and light (5ft and under) and very buoyant. Inland Surfer and Ronixboth have killer wakesurf lineups for all ages and ability.
Rope
Wakesurf specific ropes make your surf experience much more comfortable by using small handles or knots at the end of the rope versus a full size wakeboard or waterski rope which can tend to get in the way. The rope should usually be approximately 10 feet in length from the back of the boat. You can tie it at the back of the boat, near the swim grid, or to the top of your wake tower. The tower will certainly make it easier for any wakesurfer to get out of the hole. Ronix offers both types of rope that are versatile for either attachment point and are affordably priced.
Now you're ready to get wet. Because visual is so much easier than reading, here is a great video from our friends at Inland Surfer showing you how to get up and ride without a rope once you're up.
Dragon x Attridge X Canada Day weekend
Come into Attridge Friday, Saturday or Sunday for your chance to win a free pair of sunglasses from Dragon. All you have to do is come into the shop and find the little 2 inch tall Dragon branded toy hidden amongst our swag. Simple as that. We'll be giving away 2 pairs of Dragon sunnies every day of the long weekend!
Team Rider Sam Thackray throwing down
Here is one of our rippers, Sam, showing off his skills in the park. Love the video edit especially using SonReal for the music choice.
March Madness Sale - Up to 75% OFF
This is your last chance to get down to the shop for some smokin' deals on last year's summer gear and this year's ski gear. Up to 75% is a good deal last time we checked. The sale ends Monday so get in here while we still have product left!
Salomon Jib Academy - Learn Some Tricks
Salomon Jib Academy is making its way to Silver Star next Saturday, March 19th. Anyone 16 years and younger can hone their slopestyle skills with Salomon's top pros. The day consists of skiing with the pros in the morning then a jam session in the afternoon. Tons of wicked prizes are going to be given out, including the Grand Prize trip to Mammoth Mountain for the Jib Academy Final. It's free and all levels of freestylers are welcome. Come by Attridge from 5:00pm - 7:00pm on Friday, March 18th for an autograph signing with the Salomon team.
