By Marvin Kimble
Attention Skiers: Do not get in the way of any snowboarders by criss-crossing the mountain an unnecessary number of times.
Locally, there are only a few common-sensed skiers on the slopes who can actually ski. Unfortunately, their example for the rest of the skiing nation has not been observed, adhered to, or contemplated by most barneys.
I am saddened when I see one of my fellow boarders being cut off by some lame skier from the dust bowls of the country. If you are one of these un-thoughtful so-called skiers with no skill, stay at home! The mountains around here are too crowded to have people like you masquerading around the mountain pretending to be a skier. Admit it, the only reason you went skiing is to tell the folks back home at the dust bowl you have been in the snow.
Has the thrill of challenging sports disappeared?
On any given day at a local resort, you will see people with toothpicks strapped to their feet getting their turns in, going down the slopes.
I just don?t get it. Has all of the snow blinded them? Skiing is not fun; it is what older people do to pass time. For you youngsters who ski, try snowboarding, it will help ease the pain of being yelled at when snowboarders pass you by.
I grew up in Southern California, where a person like me could hit the mountains in the morning and be surfing by the afternoon. This was the ideal place for a kid like me. At the age of nine, I tried skiing and I was honestly good at it. At that time I was charging what most intermediate skiers would not. That was my first time skiing. It was also my last. Since that time, I have seen a decrease in the skiing population and an increase in the snowboarding population. (BECAUSE???)
With the invention of rollerblades, millions of barneys can now ski on the street. What an awful sight. The skiers themselves were so bored on skis, they had to invent street skiing to progress. I like to call these people fruitbooters; you may know them as rollerbladers.
It was only until the Olympics and Johnny Mosley that there has been a re-emergence of skiers, aided by the garage sales of America. Yes, I admit this is harsh, but I believe I am justified in representing my fellow boarders when I say snowboarding has always progressed regardless of the events surrounding it. Sure, professionals influence the impact and styles of the day, but ultimately, snowboarding will continue to change and become the dominant winter activity.
To enlighten those of you that are skiers and may complain about boarders sitting down on the slopes every once in a while, you cannot just strap on a board and charge down a double black with hopes of becoming a snowboarder. For me, this is one reason skiing and snowboarding is so different. It takes time and dedication to decently snowboard. If you have ever seen a surfing movie, you know what I am talking about. It takes a long time to learn how to surf. The same principles apply to snowboarding. Snowboarding is not about the turns and wind in your face, it is about the unity and connection of the boarder and the mountain. Charging down the hill and going big is just a bonus for boarding.
I agree with my rival and friend, Robbie. There are kooks and barneys who like to mess up perfectly good powder by carving their boards or skis into the mountain that gouge the slopes of what would otherwise be called pristine conditions. Moguls are not fun for anyone! It is a shame to have to share some of the world''s best snow with those who don''t understand its value. Unfortunately, the knuckleheads didn?t get the memo. To those of you who fall into this category, stay on the bunny slopes for your own safety!