Snowboarding for the first time tomorrow (1 Viewer)

[fasteddie_21]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

 

[The Hank]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

Be prepared to fall.

Alot.

 

[Foosball God]

Your knees are going to hurt the most from my experience. <insert joke here>

 

[xulf]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

Bunny hill.

I have only been once and by the end of it I could barely move. There is a lot of falling on your butt and your quads/hamstrings are going to be hurting from all the standing up from your fallen position.

HAVE FUN!

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Break a leg.

 

[grateful zed]

what's the difference between a snow board and a vacuum cleaner.

how you attach the dirt bag.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

Be prepared to fall.

Alot.

Oh, we are. We've been warned.

I've heard that it's actually easier w/ some speed vs the bunny hill since you have more momentum. True?

Keep in mind, I'm talking the green trails, not double black.

 

[tommyGunZ]

by far the most important thing when learning to board is getting back on the board the next day, despite feeling sore in spots you didn't even know existed. After you get warmed up on day 2, everything you learned on day 1 will start to come together, and you'll get it.

Have fun Eddie. I was a skier who rented a board for a wkend, and never skied again.

 

[grateful zed]

what's the first thing a snowboarder says?

sorry, dude.

 

[fasteddie_21]

by far the most important thing when learning to board is getting back on the board the next day, despite feeling sore in spots you didn't even know existed. After you get warmed up on day 2, everything you learned on day 1 will start to come together, and you'll get it.

Have fun Eddie. I was a skier who rented a board for a wkend, and never skied again.

Good to know. Unfortunately, we're only going for 1 day, but this is just to get a taste before going whole hog in the fall.

 

[grateful zed]

What’s the difference between a snowboarder and a picnic table?

A picnic table can support a family.

 

[Fat Nick]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

I learned when I was 29 (35 now), and I'm pretty good now (no issue with blues, could probably do a black, but don't have much interest in it). We go every year, and I have since I met my wife, who has been on the mountain boarding or in skis since she was like 4.

Some thoughts from my learnings...

Start on the bunny hill. Buy wrist-guards if you can. WEAR A HELMET. To the point of others, you're going to fall A LOT. Your butt and knees will hurt in ways you didn't think possible. Those bruises heal. A broken wrist will take you off the slopes quickly. A concussion (or worse) even more quickly...

My #1 tip is that once you get good enough at turning, KEEP UP YOUR SPEED. I used to do a toe-side turn till I almost was running horizontal on the hill, then try and turn heel. I'd end up losing all my speed and ultimately fall down. Keep your speed reasonable, and then turn. You don't have to do full "S" turns where you're almost horizontal when transitioning. Make more of a gradual zig-zag. You can control your speed making several quick turns once you get better. Speed is your friend as a boarder. You're more stable at speed than you are going very slow.

Rent your gear. It'll let you figure out what you like. Be sure your boots and bindings are TIGHT. Slop makes it hard to do anything. The numbness and pain in your feet WILL go away after about the 1st hour.

Just some tips...

 

[Wooderson]

True about skipping the bunny hill. You have to keep the speed up to make turns easier. Be sure to practice turning on both heels and toes don't favor one.

The hardest part is going to be getting off the lift. Once you master that it's great. Much safer then skiing IMO.

 

[lumpy19]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

Be prepared to fall.

Alot.

Oh, we are. We've been warned.

I've heard that it's actually easier w/ some speed vs the bunny hill since you have more momentum. True?

Keep in mind, I'm talking the green trails, not double black.

Yes a little speed helps

I'd recommend waterPROOF pants, not water resistant, your butt will get wet while you sit and put on your bindings(and when you fall)

 

[grateful zed]

Where does a snowboarder hide his money from his roommates?

Under the soap dish.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I found my upper body was more sore and tired than my knees from lifting myself off the ground a thousand times. I'll second the wrist guards and helmet recommendation.

 

[Spin]

Is your buddy a snowboarding instructor or just someone who can snowboard well? There's a difference and if he's just been boarding for awhile pay for the instructor in the AM, it really makes a big difference.

 

[Spin]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

Be prepared to fall.Alot.

Oh, we are. We've been warned.I've heard that it's actually easier w/ some speed vs the bunny hill since you have more momentum. True?

Keep in mind, I'm talking the green trails, not double black.

Yes a little speed helps

I'd recommend waterPROOF pants, not water resistant, your butt will get wet while you sit and put on your bindings(and when you fall)

For sure! Rent the pants/jacket if you don't have proper gear. Always rent off site too. Go to REI and you can rent the board, pants, jacket for a fraction of the cost. You'll be miserable after about 20 minutes if you don't, because you'll be cold and wet as well as sore from falling.

 

[johnnycakes]

Respect the trees.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

I learned when I was 29 (35 now), and I'm pretty good now (no issue with blues, could probably do a black, but don't have much interest in it). We go every year, and I have since I met my wife, who has been on the mountain boarding or in skis since she was like 4.

Some thoughts from my learnings...

Start on the bunny hill. Buy wrist-guards if you can. WEAR A HELMET. To the point of others, you're going to fall A LOT. Your butt and knees will hurt in ways you didn't think possible. Those bruises heal. A broken wrist will take you off the slopes quickly. A concussion (or worse) even more quickly...

My #1 tip is that once you get good enough at turning, KEEP UP YOUR SPEED. I used to do a toe-side turn till I almost was running horizontal on the hill, then try and turn heel. I'd end up losing all my speed and ultimately fall down. Keep your speed reasonable, and then turn. You don't have to do full "S" turns where you're almost horizontal when transitioning. Make more of a gradual zig-zag. You can control your speed making several quick turns once you get better. Speed is your friend as a boarder. You're more stable at speed than you are going very slow.

Rent your gear. It'll let you figure out what you like. Be sure your boots and bindings are TIGHT. Slop makes it hard to do anything. The numbness and pain in your feet WILL go away after about the 1st hour.

Just some tips...

The helmet is a no-brainer (hah!). The wrist guards I'll check into. Really excited and know we're gonna be immobile on Sunday, but hey, it's Sunday @ the Masters, so not a terrible day to be laid up on the couch!

 

[fasteddie_21]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

Be prepared to fall.Alot.

Oh, we are. We've been warned.I've heard that it's actually easier w/ some speed vs the bunny hill since you have more momentum. True?

Keep in mind, I'm talking the green trails, not double black.

Yes a little speed helps

I'd recommend waterPROOF pants, not water resistant, your butt will get wet while you sit and put on your bindings(and when you fall)

For sure! Rent the pants/jacket if you don't have proper gear. Always rent off site too. Go to REI and you can rent the board, pants, jacket for a fraction of the cost. You'll be miserable after about 20 minutes if you don't, because you'll be cold and wet as well as sore from falling.

We're going to Christy's (right by my wife's work in Golden) and getting the gear. We have waterproof outerwear already.

Thanks for all the input, fellas!

 

[The_Man]

For a beginner, wristguards are the most important thing. Even on times you don't fall because you catch yourself with your hands, your wrists will take the brunt of that.

It's harder to be a beginning snowboarder than skier. On skis, you can snowplow, and kind of fake it a little. On a snowboard, there's no faking - you can either make a turn or you can't. So it kind of sucks and there's a lot of falling until you can make that turn.

But here's the payoff - it's much easier to be an intermediate snowboarder than skier. Once you get the feel for it and can suddenly link two or three turns together, there's nothing better in the world. I suggest to beginners that they go for two days, because people can usually start linking turns by the second day, but you still might be able to do it one.

Have a great time.

 

[Buckfast 1]

I grew up skiing, but learned how to snowboard last season and have been boarding ever since.

I highly recommend watching a bunch of YouTube snowboarding instructional videos. There are a number of snowboarding instructors who post YouTube clips going through each stage of instruction as if you were actually taking a lesson. My brother just learned how to snowboard this season, and he found the YouTube videos really helpful. It will at least get you thinking about what you need to be doing while you are on the mountain.

Don't get discouraged early on, as everyone falls a lot their first day snowboarding. However, once you start linking some turns together while carving down the mountain, it is an awesome feeling.

 

[HughHoney]

Have a lot of patience. You're gonna feel like it's impossible a few hours in and you'll never pick it up. Keep on trying. It'll come to you eventually.

I benefitted from learning at an age that restricted me from quitting and getting drunk at the bar. Don't fall for that temptation.

 

[Wooderson]

When you come off the lift just ride it out. If you panic you will stick out your free leg and pull your groin. Just ride it out and push the kids out of the way.

 

[fasteddie_21]

When you come off the lift just ride it out. If you panic you will stick out your free leg and pull your groin. Just ride it out and push the kids out of the way.

Tell me more.... I have 30 mins til we hit the road.

 

[Wooderson]

When you come off the lift just ride it out. If you panic you will stick out your free leg and pull your groin. Just ride it out and push the kids out of the way.

Tell me more.... I have 30 mins til we hit the road.

Beer... You going to want beer at lunch and at the end of the day. Give into this urge it is the right thing to do.

 

[fasteddie_21]

When you come off the lift just ride it out. If you panic you will stick out your free leg and pull your groin. Just ride it out and push the kids out of the way.

Tell me more.... I have 30 mins til we hit the road.

Beer... You going to want beer at lunch and at the end of the day. Give into this urge it is the right thing to do.

Noted. I was referring to the getting off of the lift. I've heard this can be the toughest thing we do all day!

 

[The Tick]

For a beginner, wristguards are the most important thing. Even on times you don't fall because you catch yourself with your hands, your wrists will take the brunt of that.

It's harder to be a beginning snowboarder than skier. On skis, you can snowplow, and kind of fake it a little. On a snowboard, there's no faking - you can either make a turn or you can't. So it kind of sucks and there's a lot of falling until you can make that turn.

But here's the payoff - it's much easier to be an intermediate snowboarder than skier. Once you get the feel for it and can suddenly link two or three turns together, there's nothing better in the world. I suggest to beginners that they go for two days, because people can usually start linking turns by the second day, but you still might be able to do it one.

Have a great time.

Most important thing in this thread. That is probably the number one injury from new snowboarders, you start going down, can't move your legs to try and help, and you just throw your arms out... I've had a couple good friends break or otherwise hurt their wrists first time boarding, last one was just a couple months ago.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Noted re: wristguards. We're on it. Thanks guys.

 

[grateful zed]

When you come off the lift just ride it out. If you panic you will stick out your free leg and pull your groin. Just ride it out and push the kids out of the way.

Tell me more.... I have 30 mins til we hit the road.

Beer... You going to want beer at lunch and at the end of the day. Give into this urge it is the right thing to do.

weed... you going to want weed at breakfast and all throughout the day. give into this urge it is the right thing to do.

plus, depending on the area, you can give some to the lifty and ride for free all day.

 

[Buckfast 1]

Noted re: wristguards. We're on it. Thanks guys.

The most important thing is to just resist the urge to throw your arms out to try to stop your fall when you are going down hard. Just get comfortable letting your body absorb the impact.

On your first run, you should get a feel for heelside slideslipping, which is where keep your board perpendicular to the mountain and your weight on your heels so that your back edge is digging into the snow. You should just slowly slide down the mountian in a straight line at first. This position is easy to pick up and allows you to get a feel for your balance on the board while moving down the mountain in a controlled manner. It also serves as a nice safety option that allows you to get down just about any terrain safely and in control.

Once you get the hang of that, start straightening up your board a bit and picking up some more speed. If you feel like you are picking up too much speed, you can always return to that base heelside slideslipping position. You should be able to gain some comfort on the board during this time.

The last step is just learning how to turn and linking turns together. It's all about shifting your weight towards either toe or heel side while using your back foot as a rudder that controls your movement through a turn. Toeside turns are generally the hardest part of learning to turn, but you just have to get used to the feeling of leaning on your toe side and stop worrying about face planting.

The morning will likely be fairly rough with lots of falls, but if you are fairly athletic, you should be able to get a few good runs in by the end of your first day.

If you are looking for a place in Breck to get a drink and some good food after coming off the slopes, I would recommend Oscar's of Breckenridge, Lucha Cantina, or Ollie's Pub and Grub.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[belljr]

Wristguards??

[Oldguy] back in my day didn't even have helmets [/oldguy]

i couldn't imagine doing what I used to do without a helmet now....

good luck. I miss it

practice the falling leaf a lot

 

[Wooderson]

Yeah I've never used wrist guards and fell a lot. Just don't try to catch yourself. Helmet for sure as I've caught a few edges that have thrown me into the side of the mountain.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Heading up to Breckenridge after work today w/ the missus and a couple of friends to snowboard tomorrow. Buddy is giving us lessons (our first time).

Suggestions on how not to die?

Be prepared to fall.Alot.

Oh, we are. We've been warned.I've heard that it's actually easier w/ some speed vs the bunny hill since you have more momentum. True?

Keep in mind, I'm talking the green trails, not double black.

Yes a little speed helps

I'd recommend waterPROOF pants, not water resistant, your butt will get wet while you sit and put on your bindings(and when you fall)

This. You'll be soaked if you don't have waterproof pants.

And please, stay the #### out of the way of people who know what they're doing. You should be on the bunny hill at least half the day and nothing past greens for the rest of the day.

 

[Wooderson]

I still say bunny hill is no good for an adult. Get out in the bigger slopes and figure it out.

 

[ffldrew]

Wait until a little later in the day - it's spring conditions and that means frozen ice early in the morning - and so if you fall it will feel like falling on the street. Wait a bit for it to warm up and get soft. Also you are going to be sopping wet when finished if it is going to be sunny.

ETA- Breck is flat - so get over on some of the steeper greens/blues so you aren't walking too much

 

[fasteddie_21]

Well, that was ####### awesome!

We stayed on the carpet lift area for the first 2-2.5 hours learning to stand with both feet strapped in and the garlands. It took me FOREVER to get my balance right to stand from a sitting position. But from my knees then standing was no problem, but I eventually got it.

We moved onto the green run right by the carpet lift after lunch and we made 5 runs. By the last one, I was able to not only not fall, but switch from regular to goofy and back, on the fly. It was an absolute blast.

Helmet was a must as early on, I ate #### onto my back and my head snapped back onto the snow. Thank God I had a helmet on. Also, we did both have wristguards and I'm really glad the Mrs. did. I ended up falling on my forearms and butt, a lot early, but never on my hands. But still, the added mental security of wearing the wrist guards helped, no doubt.

All-in-all, an awesome time and we're chomping at the bit to go next year. Now just have to find some reasonably priced gear....

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. They definitely helped.

Also, even though the guy and gal can be a bit cheesy, these were an awesome help, too. https://www.youtube.com/user/SnowProfessor

 

[Dickies]

Well, that was ####### awesome!

We stayed on the carpet lift area for the first 2-2.5 hours learning to stand with both feet strapped in and the garlands. It took me FOREVER to get my balance right to stand from a sitting position. But from my knees then standing was no problem, but I eventually got it.

We moved onto the green run right by the carpet lift after lunch and we made 5 runs. By the last one, I was able to not only not fall, but switch from regular to goofy and back, on the fly. It was an absolute blast.

Helmet was a must as early on, I ate #### onto my back and my head snapped back onto the snow. Thank God I had a helmet on. Also, we did both have wristguards and I'm really glad the Mrs. did. I ended up falling on my forearms and butt, a lot early, but never on my hands. But still, the added mental security of wearing the wrist guards helped, no doubt.

All-in-all, an awesome time and we're chomping at the bit to go next year. Now just have to find some reasonably priced gear....

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. They definitely helped.

Also, even though the guy and gal can be a bit cheesy, these were an awesome help, too. https://www.youtube.com/user/SnowProfessor

 

[belljr]

I knocked my self unconscious getting too cocky when they were first starting to build trail parks here. It was like in 93/94... There was one jump about 3 feet high and real small jump but launched straight up.

so we kept bypassing it. I finally hit it slow.... my buddies tried it one landed on hip one on back. I laugh. Walk up the mountain. Strap back in, come down just before the jump get squirrelly. . Hit the jump about 6 feet in the air I knew it was bad. I'm rolling up the windows hard.

land on my knee and in a whiplash fashion directly onto my face. No helmet...out cold. I come too and ask where's my board and I'll never forget my buddy just starts laughing it's on your feet

I go to the bottom of the run off to the side and lay down with snow on my face for about 15 minutes. Took a small break and had a headache boarding the rest of the day. Probably should have went to a doctor.

I have state of the art bindings from 1995. They require special boots and you lock in like skis. And different from step in bindings these support your toe and heel. They have metal bolt on back of boot and a metal piece in the front of the sole. They are so dated

 

[ffldrew]

Well, that was ####### awesome!

We stayed on the carpet lift area for the first 2-2.5 hours learning to stand with both feet strapped in and the garlands. It took me FOREVER to get my balance right to stand from a sitting position. But from my knees then standing was no problem, but I eventually got it.

We moved onto the green run right by the carpet lift after lunch and we made 5 runs. By the last one, I was able to not only not fall, but switch from regular to goofy and back, on the fly. It was an absolute blast.

Helmet was a must as early on, I ate #### onto my back and my head snapped back onto the snow. Thank God I had a helmet on. Also, we did both have wristguards and I'm really glad the Mrs. did. I ended up falling on my forearms and butt, a lot early, but never on my hands. But still, the added mental security of wearing the wrist guards helped, no doubt.

All-in-all, an awesome time and we're chomping at the bit to go next year. Now just have to find some reasonably priced gear....

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. They definitely helped.

Also, even though the guy and gal can be a bit cheesy, these were an awesome help, too. https://www.youtube.com/user/SnowProfessor

Basin is going to be open for quite some time

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Well, that was ####### awesome!

We stayed on the carpet lift area for the first 2-2.5 hours learning to stand with both feet strapped in and the garlands. It took me FOREVER to get my balance right to stand from a sitting position. But from my knees then standing was no problem, but I eventually got it.

We moved onto the green run right by the carpet lift after lunch and we made 5 runs. By the last one, I was able to not only not fall, but switch from regular to goofy and back, on the fly. It was an absolute blast.

Helmet was a must as early on, I ate #### onto my back and my head snapped back onto the snow. Thank God I had a helmet on. Also, we did both have wristguards and I'm really glad the Mrs. did. I ended up falling on my forearms and butt, a lot early, but never on my hands. But still, the added mental security of wearing the wrist guards helped, no doubt.

All-in-all, an awesome time and we're chomping at the bit to go next year. Now just have to find some reasonably priced gear....

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. They definitely helped.

Also, even though the guy and gal can be a bit cheesy, these were an awesome help, too. https://www.youtube.com/user/SnowProfessor

Sounds like a successful first day out. People knock Breck a lot but it's a great place for beginners. That exact spot (that same magic carpet area and same green run) is where I first learned to ski.

It sounds like you've got the heelside stuff down. It's great to have that in your arsennal as it's a good comfort zone to go to when you feel like you're out of control or going too fast.

Next step will be toeside turns, which are 95% made up of convincing your brain that leaning over towards the ground is a good idea.

Like ffldrew said, the season isn't officially over until late May. The more you get in this season the easier it will be to pick it up again next one. And while spring slush is terrible for intermediates, it's very nice for falling on your butt in as a beginner.

 

[ghostguy123]

My first time was sweet. Ran into the "slow" sign at about 30 MPH and destroyed it.

Fell every single time. After a while my method of stopping was to purposefully fall backwards.

This was a long time ago, only went a couple times since but smaller hills. I could tell I was sort of getting the hang of it but knew I would never go enough to get good, so kinda gave up going all together. If I go with anyone, I hang out in the area where they sell drinks.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Well, that was ####### awesome!

We stayed on the carpet lift area for the first 2-2.5 hours learning to stand with both feet strapped in and the garlands. It took me FOREVER to get my balance right to stand from a sitting position. But from my knees then standing was no problem, but I eventually got it.

We moved onto the green run right by the carpet lift after lunch and we made 5 runs. By the last one, I was able to not only not fall, but switch from regular to goofy and back, on the fly. It was an absolute blast.

Helmet was a must as early on, I ate #### onto my back and my head snapped back onto the snow. Thank God I had a helmet on. Also, we did both have wristguards and I'm really glad the Mrs. did. I ended up falling on my forearms and butt, a lot early, but never on my hands. But still, the added mental security of wearing the wrist guards helped, no doubt.

All-in-all, an awesome time and we're chomping at the bit to go next year. Now just have to find some reasonably priced gear....

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. They definitely helped.

Also, even though the guy and gal can be a bit cheesy, these were an awesome help, too. https://www.youtube.com/user/SnowProfessor

Sounds like a successful first day out. People knock Breck a lot but it's a great place for beginners. That exact spot (that same magic carpet area and same green run) is where I first learned to ski.

It sounds like you've got the heelside stuff down. It's great to have that in your arsennal as it's a good comfort zone to go to when you feel like you're out of control or going too fast.

Next step will be toeside turns, which are 95% made up of convincing your brain that leaning over towards the ground is a good idea.

Like ffldrew said, the season isn't officially over until late May. The more you get in this season the easier it will be to pick it up again next one. And while spring slush is terrible for intermediates, it's very nice for falling on your butt in as a beginner.

I got the toesides pretty good today too.

And noted. See if I can get mama to go a couple more times in that case!

 

[Wooderson]

How did the chairlifts go?

How was the beer ?

 

[ffldrew]

Problem with the green carpet is there is not a lot of time to spark one up

 

[Dickies]

My first time was sweet. Ran into the "slow" sign at about 30 MPH and destroyed it.

Fell every single time. After a while my method of stopping was to purposefully fall backwards.

This was a long time ago, only went a couple times since but smaller hills. I could tell I was sort of getting the hang of it but knew I would never go enough to get good, so kinda gave up going all together. If I go with anyone, I hang out in the area where they sell drinks.

Not a very good attitude to have when learning to ski/snowboard. Don't go to be 'good'. Go to have fun.

 

[ghostguy123]

My first time was sweet. Ran into the "slow" sign at about 30 MPH and destroyed it.

Fell every single time. After a while my method of stopping was to purposefully fall backwards.

This was a long time ago, only went a couple times since but smaller hills. I could tell I was sort of getting the hang of it but knew I would never go enough to get good, so kinda gave up going all together. If I go with anyone, I hang out in the area where they sell drinks.

Not a very good attitude to have when learning to ski/snowboard. Don't go to be 'good'. Go to have fun.

That isn't the attitude I had then, that is the attitude I have NOW.

If I did that now, being 15 years older, I will break myself to pieces.

 

[Fat Nick]

Well, that was ####### awesome!

We stayed on the carpet lift area for the first 2-2.5 hours learning to stand with both feet strapped in and the garlands. It took me FOREVER to get my balance right to stand from a sitting position. But from my knees then standing was no problem, but I eventually got it.

1st - glad you had fun.

2nd - I had a problem with the same thing you mentioned above. I couldn't easily strap into my bindings while sitting on my butt, then pop up without flopping around like a baby seal for a while...When it came time for me to buy my own gear (on my 4th trip), I ended up getting some Flow bindings. Here's a video showing how they work. Basically, rather than having to undo the toe and arch strap every time you get on a lift, Flow bindings have a lever that releases the calf plate, and you can step in/out. You also then can strap in from your knees, and after you are locked in, just pop up. IMO, MUCH easier than constantly opening/closing the normal bindings, and easier to pop up from my knees vs. my butt.

I'm sure there will be many other people who chime in saying "Flow sucks," or "Flow bindings aren't good for XXX reason," because for some reason, there are a TON of haters of Flow bindings. To each their own. I've had them for 4 years or so and love them. I'm not a terrain park or back-country guy. I just like cruising, and they're great for me. The ratchets on standard bindings killed my hands by the end of the day, along with the ab workout I got constantly trying to get up. Flow bindings made it a lot more enjoyable for me.