Dangers Of Addiction

Heroin is among the most damaging and addictive recreational drugs used, and withdrawal symptoms for addicts can be severe. Many famous musicians and actors have died from heroin overdoses. Treatment can be a long and difficult process for addicts to undergo. For this reason, counseling is an essential component of any comprehensive treatment strategy.

Therapy

Most harm reduction models involve some form of therapy as being potentially beneficial to clients trying to overcome drug dependency. Overcoming dependency can be a steep uphill battle, so many patients rely upon counselors to help them climb the stairway to sobriety.

Rehab

Many addicts who have gone through treatment can share their stories of recovery. Drug rehab clinics have helped many people resume normal lives after falling prey to drug addiction. Successful recoveries are the reason many clinics continue, and as more addicts recover, they in turn can help other addicts overcome their addictions.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

There are many different methods of treatment. Some or effective for some people and not for others, so many times the process involves some trial and error. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is one model that is sometimes used to treat clients, but there are many other cognitive models that are used as well.

Withdrawal

Many people undergoing treatment may experience withdrawal symptoms if they have been addicted for a long time. These symptoms can be quite serious so it is often necessary for these patients to go through residential treatment, so that their health can be monitored on a daily or even an hourly basis. Around the clock support can also help keep patients from relapsing.

Dependency

Individuals who recover from addiction can go on to lead healthy and productive lives. Many people who have been through heroin addiction rehabilitation facilities come out clean and rebuild their lives from the ground up. Residential treatment programs and outpatient programs enable these individuals to make life changing alterations that help them overcome the grip of drug dependency. Individuals who have recovered often are able to help other individuals begin their own recoveries.

The 25 Biggest Celebrity Sneakerheads

Urban-Gear

Size

The blue marlin is the largest Atlantic marlin; the species is also classified as on of the biggest fish in the world. Males tend to be smaller than females; the females can range from 11 to 14 feet in length and weigh anywhere from 400 pounds to 1,985 pounds.

Physique

The physique of the blue marlin makes it very easy to recognize. Their size makes them very easy to identify as well as their coloring. Their bottom half features a sparkling white while their top half is a cobalt-blue. They have a very distinct dorsal fin and their spear-like jaw is very identifying as well. They are very fast and agile creatures, and highly dangerous as well.

Habitat

Blue marlins are located in tropical waters. They are native to the warmer temperatures that can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They stay near the surface of the water as the temperature is warmer. Their cuisine includes: mackerel, tuna, and the occasional squid. In addition to their feeding habits they also follow the warm ocean currents in their migratory pattern.

Fishing

One of the reasons blue marlins are commonly featured on Panama fishing charter is because of the ferocious fight they put up. These fish are known for wrestling with fishing lines and creating quite a struggle for fishermen. This is why they are considered prized catches. Because they are popularly fished, although they are not endangered now, their population may be decreasing.

Endangered

Due to the popularity of blue marlins in the sport fishing world, their population may be dwindling. Conservationists are concerned about the unregulated fishing. In addition to the fun in fishing for blue marlin, they also feature a delicacy like taste in their meat. In some countries, such as Japan, there meat is served raw as Sashimi.

After Shane passed away in 2009; Sherry, his wife, and the Shane McConkey Foundation renamed the Open and use the Pain McShlonkey Classic as a way to raise money for the foundation and remember Shane. The three day event is certainly something Shane would be proud of with a Meet and Greet, Gala Fundraiser for the Shane McConkey Foundation and the Pain McShlonkey Classic. Professional skiers love participating in this heated battle for bragging rights and the coveted Golden Saucer Trophy. Last year’s podium included skiing legends Cody Townsend, Chris Benchetler, Jesse Hall, Aaron McGovern, Rob Gaffney, Suzanne Graham, Michelle Parker and Wendy Fisher.

For pure respect for Shane, competitors don costumes and neon one pieces and compete in an ‘Extreme Small Mountain Invitational’ or the Chinese Downhill on rental snowblades. If you missed the Saucer and snowblade references please watch Matchstick Productions Pura Vida for the debut of Saucer Boy.

This year 30 amateur competitors will be chosen for a coveted spot in the Chinese Downhill at the Classic. To enter the contest for a coveted spot to compete on March 24th against 30 click the link to shanemcconkey.org and provide the best answer to the question: "Would you rather live in California and not be able to leave the state your entire life? Or would you rather go anywhere in the world but you can never come to California?"

Extreme Sports

Be On Top Of Your Game! Here are some amazing Hi-Tech devices that can truly assist you, some things should be a necessity when it comes to changing weather conditions and other things are just way too much fun:

When I'm cruising down the mountain, I like to jam to tunes, it makes the whole experience that much more intense. The K2 Rant Pro Audio Helmet is lean, sleek and ready to ride the park. This sweet hard shell helmet has a low-profile brim to keep you safe. Featuring the full-Wrap Liner System to ensure maximum comfort and the removable Sneak Attack Bandana for additional face saving. The K2 Rant Hard Shell construction is built to last with lightweight EPS foam bonded to an injection molded ABS shell. Washable Full-Wrap Liner System snugly cradles your head, creating wonderful fit. The liner features a crown mesh that wicks moisture and breathes to prevent overheating. It is seamlessly integrated with the K2 dialed Fit system.  The Level 1 Baseline Audio System has integrated headphones and volume control that connect to your audio player for total tune pumping action. Scenery, riding and tunes, how dreamy is that.

The Suunto  Core Aluminum Digital Sports Watch has over 30 functions that have been designed especially for the outdoor enthusiast to ensure that you get the most from your hiking, boating, climbing, diving, biking, skiing and snowboarding to fit your active lifestyle and daily life. This Suunto Core Aluminum Sport Watch provides precision and accuracy for ascending up the side of a cliff, or descending down to that perfect spot. Ideal for swimmers to record and time your fastest lap. There is a North indicator on the compass that will keep you going in the right direction with ease. Designed with a leather strap, dot-matrix display, electro-luminescent back light display for your convenience and comfort. The versatility and the sleek look will set you apart from the rest providing you with high fashion and also the functions for you to gather a wide range of accuracy as you navigate your way through the wild parts of the world.

Keep your fingers toasty warm this winter with the Columbia Bugaglove Max Heated Gloves. These gloves are made with 100 percent goatskin leather and also features Omni-heat electric that gives you three different levels of heat that is powered through a lightweight durable Techlite battery compartment that is positioned on the back of the hand so it won't get in the way. The Bugaglove is waterproof that has Outdry which cancels water from the outside in. Interior heat and sweat will easily exit the glove which gives you a lightweight, dry and very warm glove. Precision fit grip will offer you superior articulation and will fit naturally around your ski pole and the cowhide palm patch gives you added grip and keeps the Bugaglove very durable after multiple winter seasons of use. A shock cord allows you to easily adjust the fit of the Bugaglove without having to take them off.

Wow, I’m excited to know all the convenient resources we have available to us. They could make you better skier, well at least allow you to enjoy how hard you work at your sport and endure the harsh weather conditions we experience. These are only some of the amazing Hi-Tech goodies that are out there.  Skiing is one of the most popular and widely viewed sports in the world. It has evolved many commonly used Hi Tech devices for our proficiency and benefit that allows us to enjoy our sport even more. The internet is one of the most complete and diverse means to connect to the most current, cutting edge and over the top Skiing information.

Extreme Sports

Ski boots are the single most important piece of equipment a skier owns. Picking the right boot will not only making your skiing experience more pleasant, but it can also improve your skiing. No matter how good of a boot you may buy, if it doesn’t fit properly your skiing experience will be miserable. The good news is that boot fitting involves a few steps that, if followed, can ensure a proper fitting boot..

General Boot Information

Sizing

Width

Flexibility

Shell & Liner Fitting

Determining Proper Fit

Upgrades

Custom Fit Boots

Footbeds

Additional Media

____________________________________________________

General Boot Information

To find the boots that are right for you, you need to understand a few of the key characteristics of ski boots. For starters, ski boots fall into five basic categories: Men's, Women's, Kid's, Racing, and Freestyle. Compared to men's boots, women's boots are softer, have a narrower last – the interior shape of a boot – and a shorter cuff, as women's calves are generally located lower than men's. Therefore, the cuffs need to be lower to get the boot buckled. Racing boots are much stiffer than regular boots in order to hold firm at higher speeds. Meanwhile Freestyle boots tend to be softer, with a padded boot board to reduce the impact of landings. There are three key factors in determining the proper boot: size, width, and flex or stiffness. Once these are determined, it's all about the features. These will be the things that can increase the performance of your boots.

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Video: In the News | KCNC-TV Special on Ski Boots

Sizing

The purpose of a ski boot is to create as direct a connection from your knee to the ski without any unnecessary slippage or movement. If your boot is too loose, your skiing will suffer and you could hurt yourself. And if your boot is too tight, you are promising yourself plenty of painful days. Most people will choose a ski boot that is too big for them and this is because most people also wear their shoes a size too big. Do not pick a bigger boot assuming that it will be more comfortable, as this is one of the most common mistakes made in boot fitting. Often this is because when trying on the boot for the very first time it will feel too tight. However, over time the foam in the boot will compress leaving more room for your feet. When you try on the boot it should feel snug and slightly tight in order to determine proper fit.

Mondo Point Sizing

Ski manufacturers use a sizing system known as Mondo Point to size boots in a universal measuring system. Mondo Point is a European measurement for shoe sizes that is measured in centimeters. To determine US sizing from Mondo Point, simply add the first and second digits together, and then add the decimal point (you will need add 1 to you calculated result to convert a US men’s size to a women’s). For example a boot that is sized as a Mondo Point 29.0 would be calculated as 2 + 9 + .0 = 11. Thus a Mondo Point 29.0 is a men’s 11. Once you reach a Mondo Point size 30 this calculation starts to fall apart unless you alter your formula by adding 9 to the result. For example, a Mondo Point 31.5 would need to be calculated as follows: (3 + 1 + .5) + 9 = 13.5. Without the addition of the 9, your calculation would end up as 4.5, which would definitely be too small for an individual looking for a 13.5. A good fitting boot should be comfortably snug and not sloppy. You should be able to wiggle your toes but not have heel slippage or movement from side to side or forward to back.

Video Tutorial: How to Select the Correct Size Ski Boot

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Width

Manufacturers do a great job of creating different lines of boots to satisfy all different widths. As a general rule, the more advanced the boot, the narrower it will be, with some exceptions. This is because as a person becomes a better skier, they want a tighter boot, and will be willing to give up a bit of comfort for added control. Beginner-to-intermediate boots typically come in widths from 102–105mm; intermediate-to-advanced run 100–102mm; and expert/racing boots measure less than 100mm. This can vary depending on your foot. Certain brands can accommodate wider feet just as others tend to be narrower. If you are a woman with a particularly wide foot, try out a men’s boot, just be sure to compensate for the sizing differences.

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Flexibility

The flexibility of a boot is referred to as the flex or stiffness. Flex is indicated by what is referred to as the flex rating. The concept behind a boot's flex is simple: the better skier you are, the stiffer the boot you will want. The key to skiing well is having a direct connection from your knee to the ski. With a more advanced ski, you need to drive it more to properly engage it. If you push your knee forward, and it flexes the boot instead, you're losing a lot of power. In contrast, for beginner and intermediate skiers, a boot that's too stiff will make it so that you cannot flex enough to initiate the ski in the first place.

Flex Ratings

When looking for boots, beginners should look for a rating of 60 or under. Intermediate skiers will feel comfortable in the 60–80 range, advanced skiers should seek out boots rated 80–100, and boots for experts are rated over 100. Racing boots are known for being super stiff. Junior race boots will be rated anywhere from 70–100, while senior race boots will go from 110 up to 150. Note that a boot rated 150 feels like it's carved from rock, and is suitable only for the most experienced racers. You will also want to keep in mind these few exceptions. Heavier skiers should add a bit of stiffness, while lighter than average skiers can add some flexibility. If you have some knee problems, a more flexible boot will make skiing easier.

Video Tutorial: How to Select a Ski Boot

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Shell & Liner Fitting

Shell

Before trying a boot on, remove the liner from the shell by unbuckling the boot fully and pulling on the back cuff of the liner until it pops out. Then put your foot in the boot’s shell and push your toes up until they touch the front of the boot. Next, look to see how much space is between your heel and the back of the boot. You’re looking for 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch space, and even less if you are a racer or very high performance skier who likes a very tight fit. If you have more than that, you probably have a boot that is too large.

Liner

If you have conducted Shell fitting using the process outline above, slip on the liner while it’s still out of the shell. If you have not removed the liner from the shell, do so and then slip it on your foot. Your toe should just feather the front of the liner. (This assumes that your foot has stopped growing; a little growing room for kids is fine.) Next look at how the liner is shaped compared to your foot. If any part of your foot is pushing hard or stretching out the sides of the liner you may have a boot that is too narrow. If the liner fits properly, put the boot back together. This can be a little tricky, but it helps if you put the boot shell on a hard surface. Insert one hand into the liner (making a fist), while using your other hand to spread the shell as you push down hard with the liner.

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Determining Proper Fit

Putting Your Boots On

Once you’ve found a boot, you need to try it on properly to make sure it fits. Open all the buckles and pull the tongue up slightly. Then spread the sides of the boot while you slide in your foot, you may need to wiggle the tongue to get your foot to feel right. Next, kick your heel down hard on the floor to properly seat your heel in the boot’s heel pocket. Next, start buckling up. You should start with the lower buckle on the upper cuff; this helps to lock your heel before tightening the other buckles. Next move to the lower buckles, but don’t buckle them very hard. They should only require a small amount of pressure to buckle and unbuckle. If you have to buckle these hard to get a snug fit, you probably have the wrong size or model of boot. Buckling the lower buckles too tight will actually twist and contort the shell. The upper buckles are the ones that really hold your foot in place in the boot. You may need to go back and forth between the 2 upper buckles to get them snug. Lastly, put on the power strap at the top of the boot to hold the cuff onto your calf nice and snug.

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Testing Your Boots

Once the boot is on and snuggly buckled, stand up. This is the part that confuses new skiers the most: your toes should be touching the front the boot. Lean slightly forward and bend your knees. Your toes should pull back from the front of the boot. It’s ok if they are still feathering the front but they should not be pushing hard. Many better quality boots have a neoprene toe that is made for the toes to be right up against the front of the liner. While still leaning forward, bend your knees and push your shins hard against the front of the boot. Your heels should hold in the heel pocket of the boot without lifting. Note that you’re not trying to force your heels up, but testing if they come up when you flex the boot. If everything is good so far, walk around in the boots for 10 minutes. This should help determine if the overall fit is right and that you don’t have any severe pressure points. To really determine if the boots fits, wear them around the house for a couple hours just to be sure they fit. Remember that boots are made of plastic not leather so they don’t really break in much. If the boots really hurt after wearing them around for a while, they are almost certainly too narrow. And if there are any pressure points squeezing down hard on areas like your heel, instep or arch, then the boot probably isn’t for you as well.

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Upgrades

All ski boots can be improved upon with the right upgrades. With ski boots, the goal is to find the perfect fit for your foot and upgrades can be the best way to perfect a good ski boot. Many higher end boots come loaded with adjustable features designed to improve fit. Some of the most common features you'll find today are micro-adjustable buckles, lateral cuff adjustment, flex adjustment, ski/walk feature, high performance and heat moldable liners, dual Durometer shells and built-in boot heaters.

Micro-Adjustable Buckles

It isn't uncommon when buckling your ski boots that one notch on a buckle will leave your boot too loose, but the next notch leaves the fit too tight. Micro-adjustable Buckles are a wonderful upgrade that lets you spin the buckles to tighten/loosen them a smidgen at a time, allowing for a perfect fit between the notches.

Lateral Cuff Adjustment

Often mistakenly referred to as canting, most people aren't perfectly straight-legged, but are either slightly bowlegged or slightly knock-kneed. Bowlegged skiers end up riding on the outside edges of their skis, and knock-kneed skiers end up riding on the inside edges. Your skis should always be riding flat, and that's where the lateral cuff adjustment comes into play. Simply loosen the lateral cuff adjustment on each boot and get into a natural stance on a flat surface. A friend can then tighten your boots using the lateral cuff adjustment to make them lie flat on the ground. After this is done, your boots will be locked into place.

Flex Adjustments

Flex adjustments will be either a screw or a lever that allows you make the boot flex harder or softer, depending on the type of conditions you're skiing that day. Some flex adjustments can be changed on the fly, while others require you to remove a screw and reinsert it a different way. The latter can be set and forgotten, or can be changed in the lodge during times of rest throughout the day.

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Ski/Walk Feature

The ski/walk feature is usually found in better beginner and intermediate level ski boots. It allows you to walk more comfortably in your ski boots by releasing the upper cuff with the turn of a knob. The released upper cuff can now move freely, creating added comfort while walking.

Liners

Manufacturers use many different technologies in today's boot liners. The more you pay for a ski boot, the better the liner will be. Better liners may include features like heat moldable functionality, stiffeners, more contoured lasts (the accuracy of the shape), materials that make it easier to get the boots on and off, fur, neoprene toe boxes, and more space age materials for a tighter and more comfortable fit.

Dual Durometer Shells

Durometer is a measurement of how hard or soft a material is. A Dual Durometer shell has stiff material on the sides and upper cuff of the boot shell, but softer and more pliable materials that wrap over the foot. This allows a higher performance or stiffer boot to also be comfortable.

Built-in Boot Heaters

Some boot models are pre-wired for boot heaters. These are a great way to keep your feet toasty warm on cold days. If your boot selection does not include heaters, they can be easily added to any boot.

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Custom Fit Boots

If all steps have been taken to ensure that a boot fits properly, but there is still some discomfort, custom boot fitting is the best choice. The most common reason for custom fitting is if there are pressure points or sloppy areas in the boot. Custom boot fitters can heat and stretch out shells and liners to eliminate pressure points, add foam to the boot to take volume out, insert heel hold devices, tweak the footboard, and plenty more. Most major resorts have ski shops that specialize in custom boot fitting. Typically you will want to do custom boot fitting at the hill itself because it is easier to feel a pressure point or other discomfort while skiing. After a few runs if you feel this discomfort, take the boot in to the shop at the hill to have it adjusted. You may need to bring in your boot a few times to get it just right.

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Footbeds

The footbed is the removable sole within the liner of your boot. Typically this footbed is pretty flimsy. Manufacturers don't include high-end footbeds, as they expect you to invest in a better fitting store bought footbed or get one custom made. If possible, go for the custom option. It will not only make your boots more comfortable, but will also lead to a more precise transfer of energy from your knees to your skis.

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Additional Media

It is our commitment to provide you with the most complete, accurate, and thorough information possible to help you make an informed decision. We encourage you to check out these additional pieces of media to help guide you to the best ski boot for you.

• Video Tutorial: Differences Between Men's and Women's Ski Boots
• Video Tutorial: Differences Between Ski Boots
• Sizing Guide | Ski Boots
• Size Chart | Ski Boots

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Extreme Sports

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There is a common misconception in the marketplace that there is a best brand or model ski that will work for everyone. This isn't true, but every major brand has a make or model that can be the right ski for the right person. There are a few simple steps to follow when selecting the right ski. These will help narrow down your choices, provided that you work through each step honestly.

General Ski Information

Types of Skis

Skier Level

Turning Radius

Integrated Bindings

Ski Length

Additional Media

__________________________________________________

General Ski Information

When searching for the right ski, there are a set of questions to start off with: “How long have you skied?” and “Where have you skied?” Based on these answers, the next questions are whether or not you like to ski slow, medium or fast, and if you like to make wide, open turns, or quick, snappy ones. Finally, the last question is where you like to spend the majority of your time skiing, from beginner, intermediate and expert trails to mogul runs or even out of bounds. Keep these questions in mind while going through the steps of finding the right ski.

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Types of Skis

Step one is picking the type of ski you want. There are many different divisions that are used to describe skis. Many can be very confusing but there are only a few categories you really need to understand. First off, downhill skis are known as Alpine skis – they consist of a fixed boot, binding and the ski itself. Nordic skis, where the heel releases from the ski binding, make up the other class of skis and include both cross-country and telemark skis. The following categories divide up the Alpine ski family. All can be further divided into men’s, women’s and junior groupings.

All-Mountain: Most Alpine skis fall into this category. Because the majority of skiers don’t have the luxury of lugging around several sets of skis to match that day’s conditions, All-Mountain skis are designed to perform in all types of snow conditions and at most speeds. Narrower All-Mountain skis are better for groomed runs, while wider styles handle better in powder and cruddy conditions. Other names for this style of ski include Mid-Fat skis, All-Purpose skis, and the One-ski Quiver. View selection of mens All-Mountain skis. View womens All-Mountain skis.

Powder: Designed to float atop powder, these are a popular back up pair of skis for those lucky enough to live in or visit places like Utah that receive frequent major storms. The mega-wide waist widths – ranging from 105mm to 130mm – keep the skis from sinking deep into fresh snow, but they can be challenging and sluggish to control on groomed runs. Sometimes they are known as Backcountry or Big Mountain skis. View all Powder Skis.

Twin Tip: Twin tip skis have a curved-up tail along with the standard curved-up tip. Originally, Twin Tips were most popular with the freestyle set, and were used to take off or land jumps backward. Nowadays Twin Tips are also available as All-Mountain skis, though most are actually “direction twins” – slightly longer and wider in the front. View mens Twin Tip skis. View womens Twin Tip skis.

Racing: Typically stiffer, longer and narrower than the average ski. Most race skiers know what they want, so there’s no point in going to deep here besides noting that if you’re not a racer, don’t even consider racing skis. Sometimes they are known as Slalom or GS skis. View all Racing Skis.

Video Tutorial: How to Select the Right Ski

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Skier Level

After determining the right style of ski, the next important step is determining which one is right for your skill level. A ski built for all skill levels simply does not exist, so it’s vital that you buy a ski matching your ability. Picking a ski that’s either above or below your level will seriously impede your ability to get better. Advanced level skis are stiffer and require more technique, but they respond quicker; they also need to be skied at higher speeds to make them turn. Conversely, beginner to intermediate skis are softer and more forgiving, making them easier to initiate a turn at slower speeds with less technique; at high speeds, however, they can create a lot of chatter, making them hard to control. There are six different levels of skiing ability that you may be classified under. From lowest to highest, the levels are Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. The key is to pick a range that you are comfortable with, but one that you can also improve with.

Beginner: This is level for skiers who are just beginning their skiing career. The skier has either never skied before or has skied only a few times.

Advanced Beginner: When a skier is comfortable on the green runs (beginner runs) and is moving up to blue runs.

Intermediate: The comfort level is on groomed blue runs that can be skied with relative ease.

Advanced Intermediate: The skier is moving up to black diamonds and other terrain.

Advanced: Black diamonds and other terrain are comfortable.

Expert: All terrain including powder, out of bounds, moguls, etc. are skied with ease.

The key is to pick a range that you are comfortable with, but one you can also improve with, unless of course you are an expert. If you are most comfortable skiing groomed, blue runs, then classify yourself as an Intermediate. That doesn’t mean, however, that a ski rated Beginner to Intermediate is a good fit. Instead, look for a pair with your level at the lowest part of the range – an Intermediate to Advanced, in this case – this way you can improve with your ski. There is no advantage to buying a ski that is significantly better than you. More advanced skis must be “loaded up,” meaning you really need to get some speed and weight into them to get them to carve. But if you can’t get the right speed and pressure, the skis will be difficult to control.

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Turning Radius

A result of a ski’s sidecut, the turning radius equals the natural circle that a pair of skis makes on edge when your weight is properly applied. It’s the same idea behind the turning radius of a car; a tiny sports car can whip tight donut shapes, while a large truck needs far greater space to turn a full circle. With skis, the turning radius can range from a low of 11m all the way up to 25m. This figure is often printed on the skis themselves. If you like quick, snappy turns, look for a turning radius in the 12–16m range. If you prefer making big, wide-open turns, then look for a turning radius of 16–22m. If the turning radius isn’t given, then look at a ski’s dimensions, which measure the sidecut widths at the tip, waist and tail. They’ll look something like 128/86/114. The bigger the difference between the waist of a ski and its tip and tail – i.e., the more dramatic the hourglass shape – the tighter the turning radius will be.

Video Tutorial: The Dimensions and Turning Radius of a Ski

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Integrated Bindings

While sorting through skis, you’ll notice many come with bindings attached. These are known as integrated bindings, as they are built into and are a part of the skis themselves. (You might also see these set-ups called system skis.) So, what set-up should you chose? Unless you’re an experienced racer or freestyle skier with specific binding needs, integrated bindings are highly recommended. Before the advent of shaped skis, integrated bindings didn’t exist. But with flex being key to the functionality of shaped skis, they have quickly become an industry standard. Think about it this way: When you drill a regular binding into a ski and drop in the boot, you end up with shaped ski that flexes above and below the binding zone, but not within in. This is a dead zone, like skiing with a metal rod in the middle of your skis. Once manufactures realized that shaped skis weren’t performing to their potential due to this boot/binding combination, they created integrated bindings that “float” on top the ski. The bindings do this by moving back and forth as the ski flexes, keeping constant pressure on your boots to hold you in. The end result is that integrated bindings give skiers the full benefit of a shaped ski’s potential.

Video Tutorial: The Purpose for Integrated Bindings

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Ski Length

With the advent of shaped skis, the typical length of skis has changed. Years ago, skis for men stretched from 175cm to 205cm and beyond. But now close to 80 percent of men’s skis fall in the 155–175cm range and the majority of women’s ski fall into the 140–160cm range. This is because the hourglass shape of the ski allows for a shorter ski with a wider and larger surface area. Although they are shorter, they are just as fast, turn better, and are more stable due to shape, new materials, and better flex patterns. As a general rule, a ski should reach up to the chin for beginners, the nose for intermediates, and the forehead (and above) for advanced skiers. Although this is the general rule, there are some exceptions. Heavier skiers need a longer ski, while lighter skiers can go a bit shorter. And as overall length and speed are compatible, there’s a similar dynamic for skiing style: If you like to ski fast with wide turns, then go longer, but if you’re a mellower skier who enjoys quicker turns, go shorter. Typically you will want to get as much length as you’re comfortable with for your ability, as it gives you more ski on which to learn to carve. But if you feel a chosen ski ought to be shorter, then it probably should be. There’s no point in choosing a ski length you’re not comfortable with, as you’ll never maximize its potential. If you’re going to lean one way or another, err on the shorter side.

Video Tutorial: How to Select the Correct Size Skis

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Additional Media

It is our commitment to provide you with the most complete, accurate, and thorough information possible to help you make an informed decision. We encourage you to check out these additional pieces of media to help guide you to the best skis for you.

Video Tutorial: Differences Between Shaped Skis and Straight Skis

Video Tutorial: The Differences Between Men's and Women's Skis

Video Tutorial: How to Select a Twin Tip Ski

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Extreme Sports

One of Nike’s most popular basketball silhouettes ever is making a retro return this year. The Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4 is set to hit retailers in the near future sporting a predominately white leather upper and accented with hits of metallic silver and purple on the outsole, branding, heel cup and sock liner.

Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4
White/Metallic Silver-Purple
511425-115
2012

Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4 White/Purple

Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4 White/Purple

Source: In52

Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4 White/Purple

Urban-Gear

Originally released in 1989, then re-released in 1999, the Air Jordan 4 White Cement will once again become available at retailers on February 18th 2012. Very close to original form, except for the lack of Nike Air on the heel tab. Retail is 0, and this is a general release, but since there is a lot of hype behind them, getting your hands on a pair can be difficult.

To stay up to date on releases, check out our Air Jordan Release Dates page.

Video: Air Jordan IV (4) White Cement 2012

Urban-Gear

Effectiveness

Both types of programs are highly effective but one is made for people who need more attention and structure and one is made for people who can handle the freedom. In the residential programs, the patients have to remain at the facility twenty-four seven while the outpatient program allows people to leave at the end of the day. That is probably the most noticeable difference between the two types of treatments because they are the same when it comes to the type of help that is received such as counseling and detox programs.

Misconception

One misconception is that outpatient programs are not as effective as residential ones but this is not true. They may have different approaches but they both help people with their sobriety and help them stay sober. So they are both effective.

Communication

Outpatient programs allow members to discuss their personal lives with members who have gone through the same things. This allows them to build strong bonds between each other because the same people go to each of the meetings. They are comfortable sharing this information because everyone has pretty much been through the same things.

Building Bonds

People feel safe sharing in this kind of environment because everyone has been through a similar situation. Talking about the problems is usually the first step in any recovery process. It also helps them build bonds with one another.

It Takes Time

This kind of treatment takes time before it becomes effective. Many people have to go for about thirty days before they are completely sober so individuals need to stay committed to the program through the entire process. If the indeed want to live a life of sobriety, they will stick to the program.

Normal Daily Routines

Since this kind of treatment gives them more freedom than in residential programs, they have to hold themselves accountable. Outpatient centers allow people to work a regular job or go to school but they have to make sure they go to the alcohol medical detoxification meetings either in the morning or in the afternoon. Determination to recover and the willingness to do whatever is necessary is vital.