Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays | 15% Off StoreYourBoard.com



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How to Save Money at Ski Resorts

With many ski resorts around the country are either open or preparing to open, so I thought now would be an appropriate time to give some tips on How to Save Money at Ski Resorts.  I know the economy is struggling but that doesn't mean you should not go skiing and snowboarding this winter.  To make the most of your dollar this year Skiing or Snowboarding here are a few tips:

1. Buy Discount Lift Tickets BEFORE you Go - At many ski resorts there are ways to get discount lift tickets.  Often time the local ski shops might have them available or check online at sites like liftopia.com.  I know I have scored some large discounts (up to $30 off!) buying tickets in advance.
2. Bring Your Lunch - If you are looking to enjoy the skiing but save some cash, a great tip is to bring your own lunch or food along for the day.  Anyone who has been to the ski slopes know paying $15 for a burger and fries is a bit steep.
3. Rent Skis OFF the Mountain - Meaning if you need to rent skis, look to local ski shops to rent skis or snowboards before you go.  Often times you can get great deals, better equipment, and they might even drop it off for you.
4. Go During the Weekdays - Going during the weekdays will save you money on lift tickets at most resorts.  To me the bigger benefit of going during the weekdays is less crowds meaning more skiing and the chance to score major un-tracked POWDER!
5. Avoid the "Name Brands" - Yes the big ski resorts that do all the advertising (i.e. Vail) are often very nice but because they are very upscale and have large marketing budgets this is reflected in their lift ticket prices.  2011-2012 Vail Peak Season Adult Lift Tickets are $105/day!  II will give Vail credit for a few of my better powder days (Cloud Seeding ?!?) and the Back Bowls are sweet - but $105/day to ski is really getting a bit steep.  For example Ski Cooper is literally right down the road from Vail and their Adult Lift Ticket is $44 /day. As you can see the difference can be huge.  Another great option for lower prices ski tickets in Colorado is A-basin (I will note this is a Vail Resort - so you do have an option that has great terrain at a lower price)
6. Package Deals with Lodging - If you are coming into town to go skiing, it makes sense to factor in discounts on lift tickets as well.  At most ski resorts, some of the lodging is associated with the ski resort and offer package deals.  A package deal can end up saving you big on lift tickets (especially multi-day).

Use these ideas to stretch your dollar this skiing and snowboarding season.  Just make sure to get out there and enjoy the Snow!

What other tricks and tips do you have to save money and ski more?  Let us know - post a comment 



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Fretanding Ski and Snowboard Storage Racks

Introducing NEW: 

Free Standing Racks for Ski and Snowboard Storage

 

Customer have been asking for more freestanding racks and we have delivered in time for the holidays and the ski and snowboard season.  Our Free Standing Surfboard Rack has always been a big seller and we always hear from customers that they love it because it is just so easy to use.  Now you can get the same ease of use in ski and snowboard racks. These are ready to go out of the box and hold your skis and snowboards very securely.  They are also very easy to move around should you want to have them one place during the ski and snowboard season and them move them to someplace out of the way for off season storage.  They are also portable so you can bring them to you ski cabin so you don't have your gear all over the house!  

Check them out!

Free Standing Ski Rack   Free Standing Snowboard Rack

Let us know what you think of the new racks. Are there any other types of racks you have been looking for but can't find on StoreYourBoard.com?  We strive to have the best selection of board racks anywhere! 



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Top 10 Surf Gifts

If you follow the blog, you know I recently went over How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Gift.  If you still can't think of a good idea, today I am going to start offering some suggestions for different board sports and what better sport to start with than SURFING!

If you need to get a gift for the Surfer in your life here is the list you need. Any of these gift should excite a surfer but you should try to monitor what they currently have and anything they have been recently talking about to get the BEST Surfing Gift.

Stocking Stuffers:

10). Surfboard Wax - This is the practical gift for any surfer. It is small and cheap so it makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

9). Surfing DVD - Try a new release or pickup a classic. These should satisfy the surfer need even when they can't go out and ride the waves.

Larger Gifts

8). Rash Guard - Solid gift, useful yet personal. Get a new style or color if they already have one.

7). Surfboard Wall Storage Rack- It is tough to find a good place to keep and store your board when they aren't out in the ocean. Do them a favor and get them a surfboard rack to properly store their board(s) and also organize their house.

6). Bodyboard - I know these are Surfers - BUT the ocean doesn't always cooperate and produce surfable waves especially if you don't live nearby a consistent break. A bodyboard is a great way to get out in the ocean and ride the shore break or other waves that are not ideal for surfboards.

5). Surfboard Car/Truck Rack - If they are just getting into surfing or want to take their surfboards to some breaks you need to drive to a surfboard car rack is essential. There are many different types and styles, get one that fits their ride and your budget.

4). Surfboard Bag - Pretty much all surfers need a board bag. Most surfers have multiple bags. Obviously if they travel with their boards they need a board bag. Also just to store your board if it convenient to use a surfboard bag to keep the dust and dirt away and provide a little protection from dings and scrapes.

3). Wetsuit - If they don't have a wetsuit they need one PERIOD (with the small exception of some tropical islanders). Having a wetsuit makes it more comfortable to surf in many locations and also extends your season. Also if they already have one, chances are they could use a different one for different conditions. Whether it be a heavy full suit for winter surfing or a spring suit to enjoy the surfing shoulder season.

2). Surfboard - Please be cautioned - you need to know the surfer extremely well before you buy them a board. If you know what they want then make sure to get the exact boards. Surfers are particular about their boards so don't just go get a random surfboard. If you are buying a beginner board to get into surfing than talk with a surf shop and they can point you in the right direction.

1). Surfing Destination Trip - The #1 Best Gift for a Surfer is a Destination Trip. You cannot beat a surf trip down to Indo or the Gold Coast. This would be an unforgettable experience and something they might even share with you.

Good luck with your choice...all of these are good options for the true Surfer.

What was you favorite surfing gift?  Post a comment and let us know.  Help us add to the list!



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Overton's Wakeboard Storage and Display Racks

It's official! You can now buy StoreYourBoard.com racks at Overton's retail stores.  We have teamed up with Overton's, the leading retailer of watersports boating gear, to offer wakeboard storage and display racks.

Overton's Claw Wakeboard Rack

The wakeboard racks feature the signature Overton's "O" and full logo.  As of now they are only available at the Overton's retail stores in Greenville NC and Raleigh NC.  If you are in the area, go check them out.  If you are elsewhere in the country check out StoreYourBoard's selection of wakeboard racks.  We are also working with Overton's to distribute our racks on their website and mail order catalog as well so you may have more options soon.

Overton's Wakeboard Upright Logo Rack

Let us know what you think of the new racks.


Do you own a wakeboard website or shop? Want to carry StoreYourBoard's line of wakeboard racks?  We are looking for more partners to work with.  Contact StoreYourBoard



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Great Christmas Gifts | How to Pick the Perfect Gift

The Holiday / Christmas shopping season is quickly approaching if it isn't here already.  For me the holidays are always an exciting time (both personally and for my business) but it always seems to sneak up on me so quickly.  It was just Halloween and now it is Christmas NOW.

As you know the holidays are not and should not be all about gifts, shopping, and presents.  So although I am the owner of an eCommerce store I would urge you to make sure you take the time with Friends and Family this holiday season and not get too caught up in the shopping scene.


As I say that, almost everyone does like to give and receive a thoughtful gift during the holiday season.  So how do you buy a GREAT Gift?  Giving a great gift is a very rewarding experience.    We all have given the gift we "have" to give, whether it be to your co-workers or social group secret Santa, but I am referring to giving a great gift.  A Great Gift is the gift you have spent the time and effort to really understand what would make they day of that special person in your life. 

What's Your Perfect Gift?

How do you find the Perfect Gift?


The key to finding the perfect gift is really understanding the person you are buying a gift for.  Yeah you could go with whatever the cool or hip gift of the year is but to me the best gifts I have ever received are unique, well thought out gifts that often times turned out to be things I wasn't even actively wanting or looking for.


Thing to help you find the perfect gift:

1. LISTEN - If you really listen to the person they will give you ideas for what they want. 
2. Passion - What is the person's true passion?  What gets them excited more than anything else?  This is a great area to look for gifts related to.
3. Experiences - Instead of a tangible gift, some of the best presents are experiences.  Whether it be an awesome trip around the world or just a special dinner often times experiences are much more rewarding and memorable than a tangible gift.
4. Handmade - Something you make or create is something you can't buy anywhere else and is something that can become truly memorable.

Hopefully these tips get you thinking about great gifts for the holiday season.  If you have a boarder you are looking for - board racks and accessories make a great gift.


If you are still stuck I am going to be posting a series of board sport specific gift ideas in the coming weeks so check back for more ideas on gifts and stocking stuffers.




Surf Gifts | Ski Gifts | Snowboard Gifts | Skateboard Gifts | Wakeboard Gifts | SUP Gifts




Happy Holidays!



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Ski Storage | Why You Can't and Shouldn't Live Without It

What is Ski Storage?  In simple terms ski storage is what you do with you skis when you are not actively using them.  So if you aren't out on the mountain riding through waist deep powder or arcing your skis down a perfect groomer......you are most likely not using your skis so they are therefore in "storage".  Unfortunately for most of us our skis spend a lot more time in storage than on our feet.



Does this remind you of your garage?


The term Ski Storage would be used very loosely when you talk to most people.  Ask the average skier where they store their skis and they will first probably look at you funny and once you ask more specifically, where are your skis when you are not using them, the typical answer would be "in my garage" "in the basement" "in the closet".  If you probe further, "in" these places typically means shoved in a corner where ever there is room. Specifically this is typically a corner because - well have you ever tried to lean your skis on a flat wall?  Try leaning a pair of skis on a wall and over 50% of the time they are going to slip and come crashing down.


I know when you got your new ski setup you were totally psyched to try them out and rip it up out on the slopes.  It probably never crossed your mind - so now I bought this nice shinny new set of skis, what am I going to do with them when I get home?  What you should do is put them in a Ski Storage Rack.  A well designed ski rack will properly store your skis for you.  If you know anything about StoreYourBoard, you know we have all kind of board racks and we just happen to have the industry leading selection of ski racks for your home, garage, office, etc.

Head on over to the website and check out some of the ski racks available.  We have ski racks that hold up to 8 pairs for the family of skiers, we have economical ski racks for under $20, we have solid Oak ski racks, we have innovative adjustable metal ski racks, and many more.

I am sure (or at least hope) you can see how useful a proper ski storage rack would be, especially if you have more than one set of skis.  Conveniently organizing all your ski gear (don't forget all those poles) in one place is a big space saver and goes a long way in keeping your house organized.  Having a designated place to securely hold your gear after you are done skiing is why many customer send in their photos and comments stating "I don't know what I did before I got this ski rack(s)"  Do yourself a favor and get a ski rack this season to properly store and organize your skis this winter, into the off-season, and for many winters to come.


I don't think it is quite time to break out the snorkels to get through the cold smoke this season but we can start dreaming and just barely still feel those perfect powder runs from last year.....

Here's to a GREAT Ski Season in 2011-2012!



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Win a FREE StoreYourBoard Hat!

It is getting very close to the official start of the holiday season (Black Friday) but I figured we would get in the giving mood a bit early and give out a FREE StoreYourBoard.com Hat.

All you have to do is head over to our Facebook Page and post a comment on what you want for Christmas!  Who doesn't love FREE stuff?  So go over there NOW and tell us what you want.  Why not LIKE us as well and tell your friends.....that can be your Christmas present to us (you are so thoughtful!)

Check back with me soon because I going to be doing some posts on what to get that boarder in your like for Christmas...


















Did you enter to win yet?   What are you waiting for...... StoreYourBoard on Facebook 



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New Way To Run?

Unfortunately I can't be out on my wakeboard or on the ski slope or at the beach surfing so I do spend some time running.  I used hate just running because where is the fun there?  Now I can appreciate getting outside and going for a run to blow off some steam and enjoy nature.

I am sure as anyone who has ever run consistently knows, sooner or later it seems like every runner begins develop an injury.  This is the absolute worst for me because if I get injured running and I can't ski for the winter I would be so mad!  The most recent experience for me was when I was training for a half marathon and once I started putting more and more miles on - consistent 10 mile runs and so on - I developed the dreaded IT Band problems.  It started hurting every time I ran, even just a mile, and it is one of those injuries that you really just need to rest and stop doing the motion (running) that caused it to happen.  Needless to say I had to drop out of the race.


So why am I telling you this on a board sport blog?  Well I know a lot of people into board sports are very athletic and running is one of the most basic forms of fitness.  But I also know that you want to be in top shape and condition for your sport, whether that be skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing, surfing, or anything else.  This means you can NOT get injured running!


I read a very interesting article a couple days ago : The Once and Future Way to Run .  It talks about how in the time of the Indians and early tribes everyone ran every day as a means of getting around and it was common to run 50, 100 miles without any problems.  So how can they do it and yet 79% (not a typo!) of runners every year will suffer an injury.  A lot of it goes back to mechanics of running and as odd as it may sound, the super cushioned and supported shoes of today are actually causing us to RUN WRONG.  Take a look and see what you think.  It goes along with the whole barefoot running movement but I think they are actually onto something.

What do you think?  Is there a "better" way to run?  Has it helped you?



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Early Snow | Great Ski and Snowboard Season to Come

If you live in the Northeast you know the snow came a little bit earlier this year.  Unfortunately I think it was too early for most of the ski slopes slopes to open up, except Killington.  So if the snow has made you ready to shred get up to Kilington for some early season action!  Hopefully the rest of the ski resorts are using this bountiful snowfall as a great base to start the season.

I know all you Rocky Mountain guys are like, what the big deal? Skiing in October is the norm out here. I know, I know, I know.  Just to give everyone an update in the annual Colorado War to Open First - A Basin won, opening October 13th while Loveland open the next day.

First Chair!

So for all the die-hard skiers and snowboarders out there it is a no-brainer to hit the slopes and start the season off NOW.  For the rest of the "normal" people out there when is it worth it to start skiing and snowboarding for the year?  What does it depend on for you?

I haven't hit the slopes yet but I know I am getting pumped up to get out there!

Let me know where else is open and when is it worth it to start hitting the slopes?



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Ski Storage

Snowboard Storage

When is the Best Time to Buy a Wakeboard

Now is the time!  That is why I thought it convenient to write this post now. 

 

I know you want that new wakeboard that just came out and is featured on all the websites and magazines but you are also going to have to pony up some big cash to pay for it.  These days the top of the line pro model wakeboards are running $600+ and that doesn’t include the bindings!  I will say the wakeboard industry is always coming out with great new innovative designs and ideas to push the sport even further.  For the 90% of us out there that are the weekend warrior or summer time champ, a couple board changes isn’t going to take you from doing 180’s to suddenly landing 1080’s.  As much as the wakeboard companies would love us to believe the board makes all the difference the truth is the rider is the key ingredient.

Back to the reason now is the time to buy – all the retailers need to clear out their 2011 gear so they can sell the new 2012 gear for the upcoming season.   All the big brands reveal their new 2012 lineup at Surf Expo in September.  The retailers, especially the large internet companies, start carrying this new gear immediately.  Having wakeboards laying around for years past are not going to move out of the shop, so the retailers have a large incentive to make a deal with you and give you a great deal.  Buyer beware, you need to be a bit more flexible to really make this work in your favor.  Since it is the end of the season they most likely will not have every wakeboard is all the sizes.  But if you are flexible you can score a New Wakeboard for half the price!

Check out your local pro shop, or some of the online retailers like BuyWake.com,  BoardCo.com, and Overtons.com.



P.S. – Once you get your new wakeboard – you are really going to need a wakeboard storage rack to keep it in during the winter!  I happen to know a thing or two about that…

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Surfboard Bike Racks - NEW to StoreYourBoard.com

StoreYourBoard.com just recently added a line of Surfboard Bike Racks. Go check them out.  Home Surfboard Storage Racks are a must and we got that covered at StoreYourBoard but now we are taking it a step further with Surfboard Bike Racks.  When you are at the beach everyone loves to cruise around on your bike instead of having to drive in a car and never get parking.

Well now you can use your bike to bring your surfboard to the beach.  These racks will let you safely and securely transport your surfboard to the beach.  We know many people just throw it under their arm (not saying I haven't done this myself) but it really is MUCH Easier to just use a rack.  Also if you have more than a block or two to travel these become all but essential.

 

 Check out the Wheele Trailer Rack

This is the Carver Mini Rack - Best for Shorter Boards (under 8 ft)

Do yourself a favor and get a surfboard bike rack and make it that much easier to cruise to the beach for your next set.

That is it for now...



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Sneak Peek at the New Exclusive Hyperlite Wakeboard Wall Rack

Check out the New Exclusive Hyperlite WAkeboard Rack that will be avaliable soon ONLY at www.StoreYourBoard.com.

We are pretty pumped to be working with Hyperlite on some new racks.  These are in limited production now and will be available soon. Let us know what you think of the new racks.

Are there other brands you would like to see StoreYourBoard.com team up with to make some killer board racks?



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StoreYourBoard.com Sale!

StoreYourBoard is having a 2 Day Sale!

10% Off all orders over $25 use Coupon Code =RideOn

So take a look and see if you need any other racks or accessories for your gear!  Make sure to tell your friends and family about the deal as well.  If you have all your boards stored SHARE THE LOVE!



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How to Find a 3rd! Wakeboard and Waterskiing

With the wakeboarding and water skiing season upon us I thought this was a great time to talk about how to find a 3rd for you next session.  Nothing is worse than having someone bail on you at the last minute and then being stuck short of a crew for your next session.  Check these tips out and you might even meet some new people:

So you just got that new sweet wakeboard boat. The wake is great, the pull is consistent, your stereo is rocking but sometimes you want to ride and your buddies are busy. We have all had this happen. Wakeboarding is a decidedly social sport where you need at least 3 people in the boat (Driver, Rider, and Spotter). Even if you have the sickest boat, if you don't have anyone to ride with you are grounded on the shore. So try a couple of these tips to find other riders so you can always have a group to ride, meet some new wakeboarders, and have a great time out on the water.

1) Ask your "non-wakeboarding" friends and relatives if they want to come along. More often than not people are going to want to come out on the lake, even just for a boat ride.

2) Next time you are riding at your local spot make an extra effort to meet some of the other riders on the water. These are the guys who you can pretty much assume also have a passion for the sport, live close to the lake, and want to wakeboard whenever possible. Most wakeboarders are always up to meet other wakeboarders so give it a try the next time you are out.

3) Go online! There are tons of wakeboard related forums and clubs abound online. There are national sites like WakeWorld that have forums to discuss finding a pull and there are also many local clubs that have forums around when and when people are riding. Check online to see if there is anyone near you or post a comment and you are more than likely to get some responses.

4) If you ride at a lake with a larger wakeboarding scene thee are usually specified meetups and certain areas where most wakeboarders hang out. Check at the local pro shop and get the info you need.

So give these tips a shot and you will never be stuck on shore when you should be out riding.

Make sure to tell you new found wakeboard and water ski buddies about the great wakeboard racks and water ski racks!



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