USASA Nationals GS

[Donek]

Went up to copper for the race today. I missed the qualifiers, but shot the finals.









There are more here: http://donek.smugmug.com/gallery/7838454_TSfio

If you made the finals and I haven't posted any of your shots, just shoot me an e-mail.

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Thanks for sharing these Sean!!! Nice work once again!!

[Steve Prokopiw]

for posting the great shots! Great portraits of racing form and dramatic edge angles.Excellent.

[shawndoggy]

I know next to nothing about snowboard racing, but I'm surprised that all of the top level competitors aren't wearing speed suits? Does it not make a difference for snowboarding? As a cyclist, fast clothing and helmets are considered low hanging fruit -- free speed. Not so for snowboard racers?

Killer pics, btw, Sean.

[Sinecure]

I know next to nothing about snowboard racing, but I'm surprised that all of the top level competitors aren't wearing speed suits? Does it not make a difference for snowboarding? As a cyclist, fast clothing and helmets are considered low hanging fruit -- free speed. Not so for snowboard racers?

Killer pics, btw, Sean.

They're too cool for speed suits. In BX, they've "outlawed" speed suits. Stupid IMO. Supposed to be for the image of the sport or some crap like that.

[inkaholic]

I know next to nothing about snowboard racing, but I'm surprised that all of the top level competitors aren't wearing speed suits? Does it not make a difference for snowboarding? As a cyclist, fast clothing and helmets are considered low hanging fruit -- free speed. Not so for snowboard racers?

Killer pics, btw, Sean.

This is the USASA nats. No points towards Olympics or anything "Big" like that. This pretty much just counts as a practice day for most of these Open Class guys and gals with a payout for the top three. Essentially for them it is a "fun race" although I heard 1st place got $1000. Darren Ratcliff got first in GS and is in a speedsuit. Alexa Loo got first in GS and is not in a speedsuit.

Ink

[tex1230]

Alexa Loo got first in GS and is not in a speedsuit.

she should always be in a speed suit, IMHO

[inkaholic]

she should always be in a speed suit, IMHO

Agreed.

Ink

[Bordy]

Lots of fun racing at copper, i saw more kids in hardboots this year then ever before! Sports growing.

Speed suit where winners that day, Darren had not worn one in 2 years, It was gusting up to 30mph straight up the hill.

[Surf Rat]

I was surprised to see Darren in a speed suit. he usually races in tighter fitting pants and a tighter jacket. After all that traveling he did this winter he needed that $1000. it's not as bad wearing a suit in the warm spring weather.

Ive got the inside scoop on Darren Because he is my younger brother. He had a great season, I'm crazy happy for him!!

[inkaholic]

Surf Rat,

Tell Darren congratulations for me!

Ink

[ncermak]

Great racing up at the GS, all week long. Huge thanks to Fin for coming up with some swag for the Junior and Youth men and women so we could do an exhibition KO for those groups. I think all the kids had blast doing like the open class does, and knowing that that is the future for them.

-Noah

[Jack Michaud]

Excellent work as usual Sean.

[Donek]

Excellent work as usual Sean.

Thanks Jack. I had some problems on the longer end with that Sigma 50-500mm lens. I think it's earned a permanent place at home when I shoot snowboarding. It just doesn't cut it for me. The 70-200 with a DX chip (1.5crop factor) really makes the perfect setup.

[powdahbonz]

Rider #2 in the Burton speed suit looks like he's using Lange Fr100 Freestyle's-the lower yellow shell looks like the model that Pinnaferrina/Lange did. Haven't seen anyone using those. I tried using my Banshees and I am impressed if that's what he's riding in

[DiveBomber]

Rider #2 in the Burton speed suit looks like he's using Lange Fr100 Freestyle's-the lower yellow shell looks like the model that Pinnaferrina/Lange did. Haven't seen anyone using those. I tried using my Banshees and I am impressed if that's what he's riding in

those are last seasons Kryptons

[eastcoasticerider]

What body are you using? is that a Nicon? looks like nicon color .really sharp crisp shooting .....great photos....

[Donek]

What body are you using? is that a Nicon? looks like nicon color .really sharp crisp shooting .....great photos....

These were shot with a D700 and Sigma 50-500. I find the D300 and 70-200 combo works a bit better. I just picked up the 200-400 f4 VR. At some point I might take it on the hill, but it's a beast. The lens bag is bigger than my camera pack that will hold 2 bodies and several lenses. Should be great fun for wildlife and sports though.

[CarvingScooby]

Is he riding on a RACE TD3 http://www.bomberonline.com/vbulleti...ad.php?t=25915 ? Seems boots angled higher than usuall . Comment anyone...?

Btw nice shot Sean.

Cheers
Roy

[KingCrimson]

Are you sure it isn't binding flex? You can sorta see it in my signature (to a much much much lesser extent) but the soles are definitely not parallel to the board like they are when they are simply mounted up. Maybe it's a good demonstration of how powerful these racers are, that one in particular is quite a bit smaller than I, and using much stiffer bindings and getting quite a bit of flex out of the bindings. The only issue with that theory is there is no decamber in the board at that point in the turn..Damn!

[Mtrappy]

Yes I am riding the TD3 in that picture with the kryptons

[CarvingScooby]

Are you sure it isn't binding flex? You can sorta see it in my signature (to a much much much lesser extent) but the soles are definitely not parallel to the board like they are when they are simply mounted up. Maybe it's a good demonstration of how powerful these racers are, that one in particular is quite a bit smaller than I, and using much stiffer bindings and getting quite a bit of flex out of the bindings. The only issue with that theory is there is no decamber in the board at that point in the turn..Damn!

Fact, looking @ Rear Foot;
1. SOLE BLOCK line is "Paralel" with Soles.--> No flex this section
2. "Gap" between SOLE BLOCK & BASE PLATE --> STANDARD version; SOLE BLOCK sit right on top BASE PLATE (won't see any gap).
3."Gap" seems NOT Paralel with SOLE BLOCK, looks smaller Forward Side--> SOLE BLOCK "Rotate" on it's Longitudinal...or just an ilusion
4. BASE PLATE twist/rotate on its Longitudinal--> BASE PLATE "attached" to a Hangle/Vist Plate or maybe HFP.
NOTICED: Toe BAIL in RED Color? STANDARD TD3 in Alum color

Comment...BLueB/nils/*Ace*/TVR or maybe Fin?

Cheers
Roy

Note:
1. 2 season past, I did over (or @least I tried) flex my TD2 on a steep slope--> RESULT Rip Forward T-insert screw off from my Oxygen & bend one of the wing CANT/DISK
2. This Jan'09 similar case RESULT broken ankle .Boots wasn't buckle tight though, I guess my ankle became over flex

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

Yes I am riding the TD3 in that picture with the kryptons

Trappy, standard off the shelf or the new "Race" version TD3 ?

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

This Jan'09 similar case RESULT broken ankle .Boots wasn't buckle tight though, I guess my ankle became over flex

Roy, did you need surgery? How are you doing now?

How old is your Great Dane?

[KingCrimson]

Fact, looking @ Rear Foot;
1. SOLE BLOCK line is "Paralel" with Soles.--> No flex this section
2. "Gap" between SOLE BLOCK & BASE PLATE --> STANDARD version; SOLE BLOCK sit right on top BASE PLATE (won't see any gap).
3."Gap" seems NOT Paralel with SOLE BLOCK, looks smaller Forward Side--> SOLE BLOCK "Rotate" on it's Longitudinal...or just an ilusion
4. BASE PLATE twist/rotate on its Longitudinal--> BASE PLATE "attached" to a Hangle/Vist Plate or maybe HFP.
NOTICED: Toe BAIL in RED Color? STANDARD TD3 in Alum color

Comment...BLueB/nils/*Ace*/TVR or maybe Fin?

Cheers
Roy

Note:
1. 2 season past, I did over (or @least I tried) flex my TD2 on a steep slope--> RESULT Rip Forward T-insert screw off from my Oxygen & bend one of the wing CANT/DISK
2. This Jan'09 similar case RESULT broken ankle .Boots wasn't buckle tight though, I guess my ankle became over flex

That's what I was getting at. I thought you meant it looked like he was using a lot of cant.

[Mtrappy]

they are the "race" version

[www.oldsnowboards.com]

they are the "race" version

Thanks Trappy!

[CarvingScooby]

they are the "race" version

Thanks.

Wud u share yr experience the upgrade on Race Version against the standard? (If OK with Fin)

Cheers,
Roy

[CarvingScooby]

Roy, did you need surgery? How are you doing now?

I'm doing good, thx. No surgery was need it. I guess the HB kept all broken parts in the same place. It couse by just over flex and twisting, no trauma. Never thought I had broken ankle till the X-ray. Was back on the slope late March, it was a bit pain the first 2-3 weeks on the muscle every time deck hit bumpy ride but after down size my boots was way better.

Hey, what about you? You had time off too didn't you? Was it couse by a trauma & you had a surgery?

How old is your Great Dane?

Chanel (like the parfume), she was 9 years old almost 2 years ago when suddenly she collapse and we have to make the decission. Live with us for 9 good months after the 3rd owner wants to let her go. Yep she's our Scooby and she act like Scooby Doo with her clumsiness...

Cheers
Roy
NOTE: Sorry for the thread jack, Sean.