Split Split boarding down with poles out

[wordbird]

Since it seems like we got more than our share of split boarders on this forum...

What's the steepest you guys would do, knowing you would need them on the runout later? I thought this could be a good way to save a couple minutes + help you on the flat parts. Obviously it sucks, but I saw one guy around here do it quite well on some steep runs(>30 degree stuff), so I was wondering how useful would this skill be, and how much performance you would be sacrificing.

 

[k.p0w]

I think it's just a skill like anything else that you get used to the more you practice. I ride with them whenever I feel it's necessary (like a run out) regardless of pitch, and I don't feel like it sacrifices my performance. In the backcountry it's all about adapting to your surroundings for the most efficient/safe/and most importantly FUN travel.

 

[PowderPanda]

Well, I do both. I'm usually know the terrain I'm going to ride (after doing my own due diligence of reviewing maps or prior knowledge) to determine whether i'm riding with them out or stashed. If they're out, I do collapse them a bit so that they are not long (but I have a strong upper body, I can push off just as well when they are short).
I'll say this, riding steeper terrain 45+, I won't have my poles out. I may have an ice axe depending on the snow conditions, as well, I'm not going to hold onto the poles in something that steep as I may end up doing jump turns especially at 50 degree slopes.

The article below on Splitboard.com is about Eric Layton, who've I've ridden with in Revy and is a solid rider (even for a hardbooter! LoL). Note, he makes some great points about having the poles out for determining snow stability (I learned quite a few things from Scott Newsome about using my poles for this purpose). Eric is on IG as TahoePowderGuides and Splitboardguidesinternational.

http://splitboard.com/poles-not-just-for-the-skintrack/

I think it comes to personal preference. Knowing how to keep them out and riding is also great for learning your own balance if you can keep from having arms all over the place.

Cheers!
PP

 

[wordbird]

Well, I do both. I'm usually know the terrain I'm going to ride (after doing my own due diligence of reviewing maps or prior knowledge) to determine whether i'm riding with them out or stashed. If they're out, I do collapse them a bit so that they are not long (but I have a strong upper body, I can push off just as well when they are short).
I'll say this, riding steeper terrain 45+, I won't have my poles out. I may have an ice axe depending on the snow conditions, as well, I'm not going to hold onto the poles in something that steep as I may end up doing jump turns especially at 50 degree slopes.

The article below on Splitboard.com is about Eric Layton, who've I've ridden with in Revy and is a solid rider (even for a hardbooter! LoL). Note, he makes some great points about having the poles out for determining snow stability (I learned quite a few things from Scott Newsome about using my poles for this purpose). Eric is on IG as TahoePowderGuides and Splitboardguidesinternational.

http://splitboard.com/poles-not-just-for-the-skintrack/

I think it comes to personal preference. Knowing how to keep them out and riding is also great for learning your own balance if you can keep from having arms all over the place.

Cheers!
PP

Just read the article. I guess I will be trying to incorporate them into fun(35 degree) open terrain for rest of this spring. I used to always put them up unless it was an open and mellow run which had a runout requiring them at the end, but after seeing a Missoula local use them on 35-40 degree terrain I'm definitely going to try to keep them out more often to save my ski partners 5 minutes a day.

 

[b0ardski]

I haven't put my poles in the pack in 25yrs, since I found out that collapsible poles will collapse when you need them most, I use slightly shorter than usual ski poles.
I use them like every skier does in all conditions and terrain.
If your a skier that actually knows how to use poles, it should come pretty naturally. keep in mind I use forward facing alpine stance (as opposed to the more popular gorilla stance imposed by AASI), thus allowing me to use poles without stabbing the board or running over and breaking them. You'll notice I hold them out to the side for that reason.

as far as steeps go, if you keep them out of the way there's no issue, when you want to come to a stop on the steep, they are the most valuable and versatile tool you can carry, unless you like sitting in the snow.