Ice/snow/sailer that WORKS"""

Ice/snow/sailer that WORKS"""

Post by Ray Sauri » Fri, 09 Jan 1998 04:00:00

Hi all...
I too wanted something that actually works for winter sailing when I
saw the mountainboard atb in the dec issue of windsurfing mag on page
90.  This thing really works when adapted for just about anything when
you add a sail to it.   Check out their web site under mountainboard
sports.  I ordered one a month or so ago with big knobby tires which I
studded for ice and it really works great. It was designed as a summer
version of a snowboard so handles like one and a lot like a b&j or
wave board but it requires a lot less wind on ice and not much more
for short grass.  My biggest thrill so far was carving gybes UPHILL on
grass with a 4.3 in 25 to 30 mph in a local park; and grass isn't much
worse than water when you fall.  You can use this thing year round
with or without a sail.  It goes fairly fast on ice but it's meant to
CARVE which it does really well.  If you start going too fast or want
to lend it to a beginner then just let the air out of the tires.  I
think I could teach the rudiments of windsurfing in about 2 days on
this thing.  This is no one trick pony like some of the more
overpriced ice widgets that need perfect ice to work.   I'm adapting
it for skis and blades and will say more when we get winter back here
in toronto.  The company that makes these things is in colorado and
were good to deal with.  TIPS....
Forget your harness at first as this thing carves bottom to top in 20
jto 25 feet or less.  You WILL learn to gybe if you commit.  If not
then step off and review.  get someone to shoot tape of you.
Be prepared to SWEAT a LOT.  Although pretty easy to use you'd be
amazed how hard you work without the harness on land, ice or grass.
Forget pavement unless you're eleven and heal very fast.  This thing
is wickedly twitchy on asphalt.
Most of all these atb,s are major FUN.  I'm sure a lot of us will be
using these things constantly in 10 mph and less in the sumimer.  One
thing is for sure I will be in shape for Hatteras this year.  I can
see getting 100 days a year out of one these easy and what a workout.
Will update you as winter proceeds.
cheers
ray in toronto