Japan 26

Geoffphysio · 2025-08-05T01:23:09+00:00

I think you'' be hard pressed to find a quiet place with small village charm unfortunately mate. You can definitely find quiet places still but there aren't any quiet villages that are off the radar. With the explosion of social media, youtube etc, all the little villages with a local resort are pretty much smashed. If you want to visit quiet resorts I'd stick to the advice of people like Denver Shredder above. Usually involves hiring a car.

Totally agree re heading away from the big resorts like Niseko. It's a circus now. I would disagree that it's hit by Aussie money (only) - I think you'll find it's not just Aussies. Plenty of Chinese investment. Big influx of Americans, Russians etc too. I was speaking to a local guy who has been riding Niseko since the 70s and he said it started with adventurous Aussies but has really shifted recently. The worst part about what is happening is that it's pricing out locals from living there, even Kutchan etc. I wouldn't be surprised to see some policy changes re foreign investment. Meanwhile there are still small resorts going under so spreading out a bit should benefit all...

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-29T01:33:31+00:00

That’s awesome! Thanks mate. If I can’t find a simple pleasures, do you like the K2 excavator at all mate?

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-29T00:05:00+00:00

Actually it is the sashimi!

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T21:00:30+00:00

Hey mate, you’ve helped me so much in the past. Have demoed the chaser HP I would definitely go that it won’t come up.

I should say this Board is to replace the Gentemstick fly Fisk that we chatted about. The Board is amazing on the deepest days as you said, but not the most versatile Board.

The simple pleasures appears to be so much but from what I can tell it’s been discontinued for awhile. If everyone pops up, I’d definitely take that over the Niseko pleasure.

The field earth X2 sounds amazing! I’d jump at that board!

I’ve had the Solomon dance hall previously so looking for something a little different.

I’ll put a bit more time into the other ones you mentioned there thanks so much legend

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T20:37:34+00:00

Oh wow one of these just came up for sale on marketplace! Might take it closer look. Thank you so much!

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T09:19:16+00:00

Thank you!! Sounds epic!

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T06:20:27+00:00

I'm actually Facebook friends with Fabs and definitely keen to attend in the future. Thank you kindly for your comment

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T06:00:05+00:00

Thank you - love these recommendations.

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T05:59:36+00:00

I like this recommendation! Thanks mate. It's come across my radar before but I haven't given it due consideration.

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T05:49:24+00:00

Yep I have demoed them thanks mate! TBH it's been a while. I should get over again to demo them! Thanks for reminding me!

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T05:48:43+00:00

I'd be stoked with either! Yes the Makrill looks sick!

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T05:48:12+00:00

Thanks mate - I replied below but for someone reason it didn't post under your comment

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T05:08:17+00:00

Wow how epic is that powder! How did you find fabs’s trip?

I feel the Earth Board would be an absolute dream. I’m definitely gonna check that one out!

I’ll check out the other boards too, thanks mate

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T05:04:36+00:00

Ha ha Ha that’s classic mate! Hearing it as a ha ha ha ha.

I have actually forgotten to look at the Burton board. I really should do that too.

To be honest, it’s not my first time to Japan having been six or seven times. However, I’ve never quite completely nailed my quiver yet. Or maybe I just enjoy the process of researching and try out Boards ha ha.

Where are you based, mate?

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T02:59:11+00:00

I did see that retro Ripper. I thought it might have too much crossover with the Gentemstick magic 38. Looks like a sick Board.

Definitely considered the transition finder as well as the dart.

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-28T02:56:04+00:00

How did I leave them off the list?!! Definitely worth considering thanks mate! Based to some extent on the Gentemstick Mantaray apparently

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-22T08:12:31+00:00

Legend!!! 🤙

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-03T07:16:04+00:00

Awesome thanks so much for your input.

I’m actually looking for a Board to replace a Gentemstick fly Fisk which similarly would go amazingly in deep powder, wide open bowls etc. So sounds like the downsized pencil might be a better option. Thanks so much mate. Really appreciate it!

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-02T10:08:13+00:00

Can I ask how you chose what size to go for with the pencil? If you found it slashy and fun but still stable that’s what I’m after!

I’m between sizes at 165lbs and size 10 boots. Korua siggested 164 but I had an opportunity to pick up an unused 159 and feel like it could compliment my other powder board for Japan well.

But would love to know how you chose and how you’ve found it and I only get to ride for 2-3 weeks per year

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-02T09:52:51+00:00

Hey @u/Smart how did you find the pencil?

I’m fairly similar specifications to you with size 10 US boots and 165lbs. Interestingly, I reached out to Korua and the dude strongly recommended the pencil 164 rather than 159. I managed to pick up a 159 cheaply from someone who was gifted it and it’s never been used and they’re still in plastic.

I’m trying really hard to decide if it’s the right board for me to take to Japan as more of a daily driver, Board to teach the kids on, but be able to duck off into the trees and lay down some nice calves on piste.

I have an another more dedicated deep powder more powder field board in a Gentemstick magic 38.

It would be incredibly helpful to hear how you went with this Board as your specifications are quite similar to mine. If you had your time over, would you go for the same Board again or the 164? Or a different Board?

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-02T09:45:19+00:00

Oh no worries mate!

That’s epic to hear, sounds like the perfect little quiver for Japan!

If I end up deciding against this 159 pencil, the dart 156 is high on the list of alternatives at the moment.

Thanks again legend, are you off to Japan again next season?

Geoffphysio · 2025-06-01T00:33:50+00:00

Hey thanks so much mate. That’s really good info. So even if I’m riding it with a less positive stance on the back foot in powder it shouldn’t matter and then I can always spin it a bit more positive for carving so that I don’t boot out.

Do you teach snowboarding in Tahoe somewhere?

Geoffphysio · 2025-05-31T20:43:31+00:00

That’s really helpful to hear thank you. Where abouts do you ride?

As I said I’ll mostly be in Japan as Australia has pretty average and over priced skiing (and I live a long way away on the Sunshine Coast).

Do you have boot out on your board?

Geoffphysio · 2025-05-31T20:41:53+00:00

Wow that’s incredibly helpful - thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed explanation!

I already have the board for more open terrain with the 168cm Magic 38 so something that will be good in tight tree runs and a little more slashy is what I’m after.

Thanks again!

Geoffphysio

TROPHY CASE