do it all board advice after long layoff

Posted: 27 March 2012 11:38 AM

I’m coming back to riding after a 15 year gap. I live in the UK and started riding at Tamworth indoor in the early 90’s. I was a regular rider back then riding every week and planned to do full seasons but got sidetracked by a year in Oz which turned into 6 years of surf and sun.

I’ve been back in the UK nearly 10 years now but haven’t ridden at all. I’m 38 now and keep pretty fit in the gym and riding MX. I’m planning to ride again this year, indoor at MK until the summer and then a month or two in NZ before hopefully a 3 month performance course in Canada next winter.

I’m looking for a board which will be laid back enough for me to find my feet again indoors this spring but high performance enough to do a season in BC if possible.

I’m 6.0 tall, 90kg, size uk9 boot and my focus will be all mountain freestyle and off piste whenever I get the chance.

I’ve been researching boards and have a few in mind

Lib Tech Lando 160
Never Summer SL 161/164
Amplid Paradigma 159 (can’t find a 163 in stock)
Lib Tech Attack Banana 161
Gnu Altered Genetics 159/162
Yes Big City 160

For what it’s worth I’m leaning towards the Lando 160. It’s mid flex, easy edge to edge and rocker between the bindings so should be ok for indoor but high performance enough to cope with anything I can throw at it during my first 3-4 months of riding.

Any advice would be appreciated but please bear in mind I’m limited in choice to boards I can find in the UK this spring so it’s quite limited.

Posted: 28 March 2012 11:24 AM

I know what its like to wait for extended periods of time to go snowboard, but 15 years, WOW.
Living in ohio, we have no chance to snowboard other then the 4-6 months given. Every year is a new start, usually we can pick up where we left off.

Now, as for 15 years in the waiting. I would think you shouldn’t have much of a problem with starting back up. But I would start as if it was your first time out, depending on how experienced you were back in the 90’s.

Lib Tech will suit you quite well, Its a solid board and I would have no trouble recommending them.
The NeverSummer is another one I may look into to. Both of these boards are going to do you well.

Posted: 28 March 2012 09:41 PM

As far as Never Summer goes, I would have a look at the Proto CT 160 as well.  Good all-around board.

Posted: 29 March 2012 08:56 PM

Yeah all great choices really. A hybrid or flat board is definitely going to give the most rounded performance on all types of terrain. Don’t go too big with the SL I’d say 161 will work nicely or check out the 160 Proto CT. Regarding the Amplid Paradigma, I’m riding a 59 this year and it’s perfect for me, but I’m 75kg, 5’8” and UK8 foot so I think you’d want a 163 if you can find one. So many good deals in the UK at the minute, the shops are desperate to sell stock off before next season. Absolute-Snow in particular has really lowered its prices. I think Libs will be the only boards you won’t find on sail… the UK goes mad for them.

Posted: 29 March 2012 10:09 PM

Thanks for the advice guys. Everyone I talk to seems to rate Never Summer, don’t think I could go wrong with the SL or the Proto CT tbh. They are expensive and along with the Libs don’t seem to get discounted much it’s true.

Rich I am pleased to hear from someone actually riding the Paradigma, I think you are probably spot on, the 163 would suit me better. Absolute have a 159 for 315 quid which is a great deal and if I was lighter, one which I’d have snapped up already.

There’s loads of great deals in the UK, I’ve found boards, boots, bindings all at a great prices. There’s so much more choice now in the off season than when I was riding, I can’t imagine paying full price for anything unless I was stuck mid season.

Thanks again for the help.