Captians log...

[G.D.]

That popular buzzword/term used a lot these days comes to mind, "imposter syndrome". I'm sure we can all relate to that on some level, esp before FDOH each winter. Riding in Ontario our off-season is hella long compared to our west coast counterparts, so def more time to ruminate on things. But after the first few laps, it's def one of the best feelings reconnecting with your board .

[G.D.]

Thankfully got Day 1 in the books. Rode the Passport, some initial impressions:

Feels similar a ride to the 57 Amplid SG, just a price-friendlier version lol. Flex feels close to that of the SG, also. Maybe a hair softer, at most. But a solid 7/10 flex at my weight, with not much torsional give. Nose is a touch softer, but more in the area closer to the tip.

Great at speed, very stable and rips thru chunder with ease. This board can rip. Sidecut handles drawn out turns really well, and smaller/medium radius turns equally well, also.

Pop is pretty good, even with very minimal camber. Had lots of fun hitting every sidehit I could find.

Quite impressed how well it rides. A strong candidate to be my new DD this year. Look forward to getting back on it.

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[benjinyc]

I am curious about that board, I really like the Instrument and was told the passport was an even stiffer poppier variation of it (biax versus triax glass)

[kimchi]

I am curious about that board, I really like the Instrument and was told the passport was an even stiffer poppier variation of it (biax versus triax glass)

I DM'd Justin Clark (K2 Board Engineer) on IG. He said they're similar boards with shared DNA, main difference is Passport is more versatile switch, narrower, and tighter sidecut for "quicker/slashier carves.

FWIW I asked about the new S1 core in the Instrument for 2023, he said "lighter and a little more lively while still maintaining a smooth/damp ride".

Current feeling is my ideal daily driver is basically Instrument with ~3-4 mm less width. Or perhaps a Passport with a slightly more open sidecut. That's basically the template if I ever decide to commission a custom deck.

[G.D.]

@kimchi the 159W, 160 & 163 Passport look like decks that are in your sweet spot. The blended sidecut feels great and you can really draw out your turns, with the centre of the scr being in the 8m+ range. Decent amount of tail and switch didn't feel too bad at all. Worth checking out imo.

[benjinyc]

I'm driving up to Mont Tremblant Canada — I've never been, figured with the rain that's hitting ADK/New England, driving an extra hour for snow (2'+) would be worth it for sat/sun

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[Kevington]

Opening day at Romme Alpin last Saturday. Decent snow and not too many people. Found a used but basically new Volcom Gore jacket for €50 and was very glad for the built in mask.

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[tracer]

I'm driving up to Mont Tremblant Canada — I've never been, figured with the rain that's hitting ADK/New England, driving an extra hour for snow (2'+) would be worth it for sat/sun

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Ah Tremblant!
High school ski trip, January 1988. Second time on a snowboard, with classmates. It was -30℃ and after the first run I thought my toes had frozen off and shattered in my (white Sorel) boots. I think I was on a rental? Around that time I got my first board, a Sims Switchblade.

[unsuspected]

Opening day at Romme Alpin last Saturday. Decent snow and not too many people. Found a used but basically new Volcom Gore jacket for €50 and was very glad for the built in mask.

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Going tomorrow for the holidays. Me and @Snowdaddy usually ride there or Kungs.

[Snowdaddy]

Can’t wait to ride but I’m horribly out of shape this year.