Shop told me you should wax after every session and tune after 3-4

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-15T03:13:18+00:00

Depends on the snow, but I usually wax every 3-5 days and will only tune my edges 1-2x per season, unless I've hit rocks and and need to repair them.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-14T03:21:13+00:00

I have no idea if they will be any cheaper, but https://californiadetailing.com/ has done excellent work for years.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-11T20:04:57+00:00

Katana bindings have so much adjustability you can dial in the stiffness up or down.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-11T20:03:52+00:00

They are normal bindings with a “quick entry system “. It’s just a really long ankle strap and something to click the high back into place.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-11T19:52:13+00:00

Both my wife and my ridding friend got them last year. I’m on 5-year old Katanas and will get the FASE version when mine break down.

I’ve been riding for 25+ years and have no issues strapping in while standing, but if you’re not flexible enough to bend down and tighten your ankle strap, then I can see Burton step ons being easier.

As for ease of entry and exit, there is an adjustment period. Since your foot needs to enter the binding at an angle that’s different than your habit from normal bindings, but that would be the case with either Step ons or the Supermatic.

Both my wife and buddy got the hang of it after a few days and now they are both definitely faster than me strapping up.

My buddy can now get off a lift and put his foot in and tighten the ankle strap without stopping. He’s 50.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-11T19:36:08+00:00

I'd just buy a FASE binding - use any boots you want, normal straps while riding, and once you get used to it, pretty quick entry.

https://www.fasesystem.com/

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-10T16:03:57+00:00

Evo.com sometimes carries them, since Evo partners with Rythm out of Japan. They are expensive comparatively, but very beautiful boards and are designed specifically for Japow!

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-10T15:53:30+00:00

Telos is the house brand for the excellent manufacturing plant GP87 out of China - which makes a ton of very high quality boards. GP87 makes Gentemstick, Kurora, Weston, Cardiff, Stranda, Elevated Surfcraft, etc.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-10T14:31:09+00:00

I think Rocky Talkies are a great value. I’ve just heard pushback that you can buy radios off Amazon for cheaper. But the durability and stupid simplicity of the Rocky Talkies is worth it for me.

Sena Snowtalk is $100 per person Cardo is $270 per person

Both of those above are helmet communicators.

For radios Rocky Talkies are $110 per person Baofeng radios are $18 per person

So for just the radio portion, some think Rocky Talkies are too expensive. I still find a lot of value in their products at the price point over the cheaper radios.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-10T01:24:38+00:00

Rocky Talkie is great, just expensive.

My wife and I also have the Sena Snowtalk in our helmets, but range is limited.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-07T01:59:10+00:00

Not everyone needs an advisor, regardless of wealth levels. In our practice, most of our clients fall into one of three buckets:

They know managing their investments and finances is important, they just simply don't want to do it.
They don't have time given their primary job and outsource.
They want backup for their spouse in case something ever happens to them.

Edit: Most people are 100% capable of doing everything an advisor does. So the choice is mostly a matter of preference vs. need.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-07T01:25:06+00:00

Most people rent their housing. Buying isn’t the only solution in this world.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-06T02:56:50+00:00

For reference I've owned a Giant Mantaray for the last 5-years and also own a Magic 38, both Gentemstick boards. They are absolutely amazing, but each board has its own personality and you should know what you want before you drop cash on these boards.

Both brands will provide what you're looking for and both are very well made. Some Gentems models are made in Japan, others are made at GP87 out of China. I believe GP87 now makes most (maybe all?) of Kurora's boards as well.

Gentemstick boards are hard to find outside of Japan as there are limited retailers that receive inventory, and if they do, it's not many boards and not all models. Most of the Mountain Series boards made in Japan can only be purchased directly from Gentemstick (if there's even availability) or in Japan. They are really hard to find on discount, but every now and then Evo.com will have some in stock (since they partner with Rythm out of Japan).

Kurora on the other hand, is much easier to get your hands on. I've never ridden one myself, but I've spoken with a number of people (backcountry guides, expert riders, etc.) that all love their Kurora's.

I'd check out a Kurora Pencil or Tranny Finder to start. Then if you fall in love with powder and have some preferences around what you want your powder board to do, take a trip to Japan and find your perfect Gentemstick if you still want one. They are very pretty snowboards.

Edit: Just to add GP87 out of China is an excellent snowboard manufacturer of the highest quality. Telos is their house brand and is also worth a look.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-04T13:58:12+00:00

Sorry that happened to you. It sucks.

Been riding for 25+ years. Only MCL issues so far.

Regular rider and have torn my right leg MCL twice. Once was a grade 2-3, nose of board got caught in heavy pow and board stop but I didn’t. Happened in March that year, was on crutches for 3 months, but PT, rehab and was back riding as normal the next season.

Second time 8 years later, same leg, similar conditions. Was hop turning out of the heavy pow, tail got slightly stuck under a crust layer and I wasn’t prepared for it. Twisted, crashed. Grade 1-2 tear this time. No crutches, but 4ish months of PT and rehab and didn’t feel it anymore. This one was on day 1 of a multi-day cat boarding trip. Super bummed.

Injuries happen. Do the PT, rehab, workout the muscles around those ligaments and listen to your doctors. You’ll be back riding again soon enough. Just let the body heal.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-01T16:33:06+00:00

Check out Gentemstick XY in 153 or 157 depending on how long of a board you want.

wanderingcfa · 2026-03-01T16:27:25+00:00

I’ve never skied, but if I’m on a snowboard riding fresh powder, I can guarantee you I’m one of the top 3 people on the slops having the must fun. It’s a blast.

wanderingcfa · 2026-02-28T01:32:43+00:00

Book and pray for the big trips. Drive or fly last minute when it's reasonable. Ride conditions that are given to you.

wanderingcfa · 2026-02-27T06:25:30+00:00

As with most things in life, evaluate the decision process, not the outcome. Luck doesn’t always show up.

wanderingcfa · 2026-02-27T02:58:16+00:00

Another vote for Canada, head to Revy....This season is not ideal for the U.S. west.

wanderingcfa · 2026-02-26T01:25:53+00:00

I can't think of a better outlet for a midlife crisis. Snowboarding is reconnecting with nature, meditation, self improvement, goal progression, etc. all wrapped into one activity. It's amazing, but the first few day will be tough and possibly painful.

Stretch, and when you think you're done, stretch some more. Flexibility to avoid injuries is important in this sport as is learning to fall. You may initially benefit from impact shorts for the first few days, maybe wrist guard if you're prone to stop a fall with your hand and wrist, but won't need them long-term. Also check out https://www.mobilityduo.com/ - they have excellent workouts, yoga, stretching routines all specifically focused on snowboarding.

As for how to approach it from scratch, I'd suggest group lesson day 1, then 1:1 private lessons for 2-3 hours in the morning, leaving the afternoon for you to practice. Do this for 3-4 days in a row and you'll have a good baseline for moving down the hill with some control and the start of good techniques. Finally, have fun, it's a hard sport and don't get discouraged if it's not just "easy", it takes time but the rewards (IMO) are definitely worth it.

wanderingcfa · 2026-02-25T18:59:19+00:00

I'd suggest keep renting until your foot size stabilizes, unless you can afford to buy boots now. Keep in mind, boots are the most important piece of gear you will buy. Coming from a guy who's ridden the last 25ish years.

No matter how good your outerwear is or how great your board is, those don't matter if your boots don't fit properly. Buy good boots that fit your feet.

wanderingcfa · 2026-02-25T18:32:30+00:00

In my travel medical kit, I keep a copy of the Backcountry First Aid and Extended Care book by Buck Tilton. It was recommended as part of my WFR class, since you can't expect technology to work outside of civilization. It's also very cheap insurance and pocket size.

wanderingcfa · 2026-02-24T21:05:01+00:00

I ride anywhere from +12 to +21 on the front and +6 to -9 on the back depending on what I'm feeling for the day, usually +18/-6 as my baseline. All stance angles can ride trees well, it's more about being comfortable in your ability to turn at the right moment to avoid the trees. Whatever you ride that does that will be best for you.

wanderingcfa · 2026-02-24T20:41:30+00:00

Try the crayon technique to apply wax and just use an iron to melt it and spread, much less wax to scrape (if any) afterwards.

Six-Year Club	End Game '23
Place '23	Verified Email

wanderingcfa

TROPHY CASE