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3en 
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Post subject: Question: Level 4 & Pomas
 Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 06:31 AM
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Joined: Jan 05, 2008
Posts: 9
Status: Offline
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Okay, so I did board in a day at MK. I can do linked turns, speed up and slow down with no problem (from the top of the learners slope).
So there's nothing wrong with my snowboarding at this level. But I can't use the poma lift yet. Tried it twice and fell off.
First was becuase the button came lose from my legs. Sorted that and then the next time I didn't put enough weight on my back when going up a small ditch on the lift so my board went straight into the snow.
Even when everyone in the lesson fell off the poma lift, we all got signed off at level 4 (rec standard). Even my mate who was stuck half way through the learners slope trying to work on the linked turns. We didn't get to try out the main slope.
So what do you think I should do? Go take a level 4 lesson again or just go as recreational on the main slope and give the poma lift another go.
It's just I don't want to waste my time doing linked turns on the learners slope just to try the poma lift again. But also I don't want to be the newbie that keeps falling of the lift and having it stop and then being asked to leave. :-p |
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MetalJoe
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Post subject: RE: Question: Level 4 & Pomas
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 09:27 AM
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Joined: Nov 14, 2004
Posts: 2110
Location: Bucks / MK Xscape
Status: Offline
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After I learnt and was allowed on the main slope, it took me ages to get used to the Poma without an instructor around. Ask the lifties or an instructor nicely for help - they'll often slow the lift down or give advice. Make them aware in advance - they're all pretty cool as long as they're aware.
You shouldn't need to do another level 4 just to practice the lift if you're doing controlled linked turns. Sounds like you're almost there - you know what to do, it's just putting it into consistent practice. Find a quiet time to go so you're not worried about other people, and maybe only go up to point 1 (which is in line with the middle of the lesson slope) for the first few goes as it's not so bumpy.
Let us know if you have any questions though. |
_________________
Part-time BASI 2 snowboard instructor and experienced Python/SQL developer.
Snowboarder, Telemarker, Alpine Skier.
SCUKer #1041
(All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employers)
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MaxReality
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Post subject: RE: Question: Level 4 & Pomas
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 09:54 AM
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Joined: Nov 11, 2007
Posts: 608
Location: Wigan
Status: Offline
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^ I agree, you've paid your money, now its time to practise... they can't throw you off the slope if you've paid for the lessons. Maybe stand at the lift queue and watch what the others do for a while. Recommend not to let go of the poma and look back down the slope as your going up... I managed to fall over half way up the slope on both poma's on my first trip to CFe. Funny but not cool.
Tips: Well, keep most your weight on the front foot, and Ive found with your rear foot on the stomp pad, if you tilt you foot onto its toe or heel, it turns the board so you can get some control of the board, even though you cant use your edge that much. *not official advice, just what works for me* |
_________________
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Last edited by MaxReality on Jan 05, 2008 - 10:05 AM; edited 1 time in total
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Tiberius
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Post subject: RE: Question: Level 4 & Pomas
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 10:05 AM
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Joined: Oct 17, 2004
Posts: 8149
Location: 10 mins from Cas
Status: Offline
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Same as above, it's mainly practice now. Try to go at quiet times, e.g. maybe give park night a miss for a while  |
_________________
I still say a church steeple with a lightning rod on top shows a lack of faith.
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davidc
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Post subject: RE: Question: Level 4 & Pomas
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 10:09 AM
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Joined: Dec 21, 2007
Posts: 56
Status: Offline
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| I used to find poma lifts impossible but then i started to learn by strapping bothe feet in at my dry slope and know i can do it with the stomp pad at castleford so maybe u should try with both feet strapped in. |
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jessmells
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Post subject: RE: Question: Level 4 & Pomas
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 10:14 AM
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Joined: Dec 17, 2006
Posts: 62
Location: Sheffield
Status: Offline
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Sorry but i disagree about keeping both feet strapped in. I think it can be really dangerous if the poma gets stuck when you fall over!
It took me ages to get hang of pomas but i find now that if i just relax and let it drag me along its ok!
Also if you keep one foot out of binding sometimes ive managed to steady myself with my foot on the snow. Depends how fast the lift is moving tho! |
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Tiberius
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Post subject: RE: Question: Level 4 & Pomas
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 10:23 AM
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Joined: Oct 17, 2004
Posts: 8149
Location: 10 mins from Cas
Status: Offline
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| agee with jes, don't leave both feet in until ur a bit better, it's not gonna help when ur learning |
_________________
I still say a church steeple with a lightning rod on top shows a lack of faith.
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HJ
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Post subject: RE: Question: Level 4 & Pomas
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 10:25 AM
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Joined: Mar 03, 2007
Posts: 1960
Location: Boro- (N.Yorks) for my sins
Status: Offline
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Erm, it doesn't matter where you have learnt.....if they think that you are not safe they will ask you to leave. I'm crap as any of the Cas lot will confirm so please don't think I have been snowboarding for 15 years and secretly Jenny Jones (i wish).
Part of the level 4 is to use the main slope (or it is at Cas) so my personal reccomendation would be to do your level 4 again. If you re good on the slope use it as a chance for some more pointers, and ask the instructor (hopefully a different one to last time) for specific help on the pomas. |
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scoi
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Post subject:
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 11:18 AM
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Joined: Jun 01, 2007
Posts: 36
Status: Offline
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| dont sit on the poma or you'll fall, the lift pushes your ar$e, so what your really doing is snowboarding uphill so you still need to balance, weight central/slightly back, when you get to the dippy bit try and use your front foot to lift the nose, it'll never happen but itll shift all the weight to your back foot and you'll be stable. |
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3en
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Post subject:
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 12:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 05, 2008
Posts: 9
Status: Offline
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Cool, thanks. I might just go again next week or something and use up the one free hour I have and then if I'm useless at it I'll re-take level 4.
I never knew you’re allowed to exit the lift not at the top. How would you know when you reached the point 1 exit at MK is the snow still slanted or is it flat?
Also what is the general advice when exiting the lift apart from moving away as quickly as possible so that you don't get run down? (Haven’t gotten to that part as I’ve fallen before I was supposed to get off)
Apart from that I just need to find the quietest time to go MK, as not to piss people off using the lift while I get the hang of it. |
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djwayno
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Post subject:
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 01:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 15, 2007
Posts: 7
Location: Luton
Status: Offline
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| If you're nervous and really can't get the hang of the poma I would suggest taking your board off, holding it, and walking up a couple of times, but still using the poma, i've seen loads of people doing this, it helps to get a feel for the "pull" of the lift and also what it's like to have the button between your legs. This way you'll get a few runs in on the main slope which will get you in your zone and then once you have your confidence you can try riding the poma with your front foot strapped in. If you ride regular I would advise using the lift on the left at MK as the pole comes around in front of you, and vice versa, (goofy - use the lift on the right). I hate using the poma, it's slow, it's uncomfortable, it makes your foot ache, but it's a necessary evil, and once you've got the hang of it you really won't think twice about jumping on it. Good luck! |
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tumbledown
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Post subject:
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 02:31 PM
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Joined: Nov 10, 2006
Posts: 67
Location: Herts
Status: Offline
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Hi,
Try a level 5 course. Same price roughly but it's on the main slope and there will probably only be a couple of you on the course
The instructor will cover whatever you want - its vertually individual instruction tailored to your needs
Main problem I've noticed with beginers on the pomas is they try and have their shoulders square to the slope, like the skiers do. The board follows your shoulders, so keep your shoulder pointing up the slope.
Hope this helps. |
_________________
ASBO = A Snow Boarding Obsession.
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MetalJoe
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Post subject:
Posted: Jan 05, 2008 - 02:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 14, 2004
Posts: 2110
Location: Bucks / MK Xscape
Status: Offline
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3en wrote:
I never knew you’re allowed to exit the lift not at the top. How would you know when you reached the point 1 exit at MK is the snow still slanted or is it flat?
The padding around the columns usually has a (1) marked on it - though sometimes this is obscured by snow or other signage. If you're going up the right-hand poma nearest the lesson slope it's more obvious as you'll reach the flat middle section of the lesson slope.
Otherwise, just pick a point roughly a third of the way up which has a decent area to get off from. You can get off the lift at any point, just pick somewhere you're comfortable with and isn't a problem for other slope users.
Quote:
Also what is the general advice when exiting the lift apart from moving away as quickly as possible so that you don't get run down? (Haven’t gotten to that part as I’ve fallen before I was supposed to get off)
Take your foot off the board, pull the pole down a little to release from between your legs, move the pole out of the way and let go. Then use the back foot to help scoot yourself out of the way. One of the many reasons you DO NOT strap your back foot in is so you can move out of the way at the end. |
_________________
Part-time BASI 2 snowboard instructor and experienced Python/SQL developer.
Snowboarder, Telemarker, Alpine Skier.
SCUKer #1041
(All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employers)
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MaxReality
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Post subject:
Posted: Jan 06, 2008 - 12:52 AM
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Joined: Nov 11, 2007
Posts: 608
Location: Wigan
Status: Offline
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| ^ I agree and disagree a little with Metal, only personal choice this. when you get to the top keep your feet where they are, and yes remove the pole as described, but rather than let go straight away, keep hold of it until the pole and yourself reaches the big wheel that rotates, then let go of it... its all timing, but with practise youll be pulled smoothly along the flat bit at the top, and with your enertia you can turn to get onto the top of the slope. using your front foot to tilt the board onto an edge so u can control the turn, again keep back foot still on the stomp pad. Ok this is really more for intermediates rather than total beginners... and also im only talking about the Chill Factore slope, other slopes my be different. But, that inertia saves alot of walking with the board, and you get out of the way of the others quickly. |
_________________
Freestylin' jib-master... wannabee
Blue Banana Shredder
RFJ
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3en
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Post subject:
Posted: Jan 07, 2008 - 08:38 AM
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Joined: Jan 05, 2008
Posts: 9
Status: Offline
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| Thanks guys, I'm going to go to MK again next week maybe on the week end with some friends and go attempt the poma lift again. |
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