We got a lot of interesting feedback when we posted this Dual Snowboards video on Facebook the other day. Some folks balked at the mere suggestion these are “snowboards”. Others chimed in welcoming a “new challenge” (with complete disregard for the socio/physio/or psychological consequences it may incur). It’s only right that as a newly-appointed official sport of Vermont, we too weigh in on the matter.
Dual Snowboards (dualsnowboards.NET)
First off, we’re not one to hop on the bandwagon and start $#itting on a new idea from the get, ’cause you never know; Jake Burton Carpenter expanded on the snurfer and look where that got him? These guys are blurring the lines between skiing and boarding and who are we to say it’s unnecessary. They could very well be on the cutting edge of the next big thing… or not.
Here’s our breakdown of the facts as we know assume them:
1. Independent Feet = Freedom?
Dual Snowboards is basically like having one mini snowboard on each foot, allowing for “more freedom” and the convenience of not having to unstrap to ride the lift or hike. Personally, we always thought the lack of poles/risk of ejection was liberating enough.
Despite the fact that karate kicking off a cannon rail is something we’ve always dreamed of doing, the inherent “vulnerability” of this setup is one (of many) qualms we already have about that-other-official-Vermont-sport. Slow down Bruce Lee, we’d like to keep all our eggs in one basket. IYKWIM.
2. Delusions of Grandeur
What you think you’ll look like:
Courtesy of Dual Snowboards Facebook.
What you’ll actually look like:
3. Perceived Awesomeness
“I’m always down to try something new.” That’s great and all, and we’re not saying it is (though it probably is) impossible to pick up, but for riders expecting a fluid transition, think again. At face value we’d liken it to learning to ride a bike with training wheels, minus the bike.
They say it’s a great workout for the muscles groups you use in snowboarding. Honestly, if you’re looking for a way to get in better shape for snowboarding, try snowboarding more. If you’re just looking for a new activity to do for a day of frustration and endless cursing, try skiing.
4. Science
We’re not scientists, but we can’t ignore the physics involved in sliding on snow. A lot of the time snowboarders forget how much the ‘snowboard’ helps their riding. That’s right, you’re not just that awesome on your own, bro. Think of it this way… Are you ready to throw away pop, flex, balance and any hope of floating pow?
Exhibit A: Snowboard
5. Dual “Snowboards”
What’s in a name? A heck of a lot, that’s what. It’s no wonder there’s so much initial pushback. Hardcore shredders see this as a blatant attack on the thing they cherish most and the best gosh-darned way to descend a mountain (in this sport’s humble opinion).
We understand there’s not a lot of options here… snowplates, snowpads, snowsoles. At least they’ve steered clear of “blades” — really, when has that done a sport any favors? We would just hope that with a spankin’ new idea, could come a spankin’ new product name, so we’d have some spankin’ new words to use when we’re yelling from the lift.
Now if you’re thinking “Wait, what was all that stuff about not $#itting on a new idea, blah, blah, blah?” Um, don’t forget we are snowboarders, after all — hasslin’s what we do. But we won’t blacklist it without a fair on-snow trial.
So if Dual Snowboards wants to send us a pair for testing (ATTN: Ride Vermont, 139 Main St. Suite 701, Brattleboro, VT 05301) we’d be happy to take ‘em for a few laps next season. We just ask to include a pre-paid return shipping label. It’s policy. (We even make grandma do it at Christmas.)
