Tele skier turned split boarder, a few questions

I'm a bit wary of trying to relearn to tele after popping my knee last month trying to run gates. Norma said "What were you thinking? Don't you know how much force you put on your knees and legs on a course, especially with long legs like yours?" Well, obviously, I didn't know.

I don't seem to hurt my knees on a snowboard. (Just butt and head injuries from running into things.) However, now after years of snowboarding and backcountry travel on approach skis or booting up, I have a new Burton Omen S. I haven't ever tried a split board before, or know anyone with one. I wondered for climbing where I might encounter a bit of downhill or getting down low gradient slopes do I put the left side of the board on my right foot and the right on the left so the side cut edge will be the inside edge? Seems like that would help me turn.

Hi,

Generally you want the sides reversed when skinning as it keeps the clips from hitting the edges. I'm not sure how much it helps when going down a slight gradient though, since your outside edge is straight. On my first splitboard tour a very slight descent was comical.

Thanks, you saved me from an embarrassing mistake and chipped edges.

What kind of bindings should I mount on them? I have some Burton Missions, Flows, and some Clickers? I've pretty much stopped using the Clickers because boot comfort problems, but it sure was a convenient system to use with the K2 Climbing skis. And with a long lease, I'd only have to be able to reach the top of my calf to grab the lease and release a foot if upside down in a hole. The Flows might be good to get out of in an awkward situation, but are strap-ons lighter and better for climbing?

Lots of helpful splitboarding tips and how-to's on this sight.  Quite a few TAYer's post on this site as well.

www.splitboard.com


Another skinning hint - make sure your pins point to the outside edges when skinning (when on the inside - there is danger of accidentally clipping the pin end and knocking the "guard" that keeps the pin in place off.  And those pins are expensive! Good idea to have a spare with you as well.).  If you use soft boots, helpful to have the ratchet side of the bindings on the outside edges to prevent them from knocking together as well.  With a background in tele you are way ahead of many beginning splitboarders in the aspect of skinning.  Good luck!



Cheers.

Yes, splitboard.com is a good resource. I've only been on the one tour so far but I am using ordinary strap bindings. A lot of people on splitboard.com seem to be fans of the Spark bindings which integrate the Voile slider plate into the binding base, but they seem really expensive to me (almost $400 I think) considering the highback and straps are from cheap bindings.

Although I guess it's true Clickers are easier to get out of, if it was me I would probably use the Missions. Have fun, maybe we can meet up for a tour some time.

A lot of people on splitboard.com seem to be fans of the Spark bindings which integrate the Voile slider plate into the binding base, but they seem really expensive to me (almost $400 I think) considering the highback and straps are from cheap bindings.

The Spark bindings actually have their own baseplate integrated into the binding which slides over the Voile pucks, eliminating the Voile plates completely and saving significant weight.  They also sit flush on the board making for a smoother ride and better response.  I really dig 'em.  I've found the bindings to be good quality, and you can go for a cheaper option by just buying the baseplates and using them with a compatible binding (but you have to make sure they are compatible).  I used a pair of Drake's to make it work with the baseplates.

I agree that Splitboard.com is the place to go for tons of information, especially if you are just starting out.  Good luck and have fun!