Winter is creeping upon us. To be honest, I am a bit miserable about the nights drawing in.
And then all of a sudden you get dragged from your shop and get told to go and test ski’s non stop for a full morning until you’ve tried and tested the lot. Suddenly the prospect of another winter doesn’t seem so bad…
Managers and Sales Assistants a like descended on Braehead SnoZone to test Craigdon’s full range of ski’s and snowboards for Winter 2009/10. In attendance were Salomon, Burton, Head, Atomic, K2 and Scott. For me, our test day has two purposes, a) it’s a chance to get your skiing legs back and b) (more importantly...) it’s a rare opportunity for shop staff to truly be able to understand how the technology of the ski comes out in performance.
We tested everything from the intermediate groomers, to high performing all mountain skis. It’s also good to see how differing types of skis from the same brand and range perform next to each other. I am reluctant to confess to having favourites as we haven’t seen the last of the reps for this season however, I’ll take my chances. There were a few that stood out for me. I found K2’s ‘luv’ series a real pleasure to ski. Starting with the ‘true love’ - if you’re the type who likes to cruise down the slopes then it’s really smooth and easy to ski. Moving on, the ‘Free Love’ and ‘Lotta Love’ have it all if you need all mountain versatility and a bit more speed, with the mod monic and the top laminate reducing vibration. Trying out Scott skis was also a new experience for me, and we’re stocking some great all mountain skis from them this year too.
I think it is safe to say we all skied (or boarded) non stop for a full morning, ensuring that no ski or board went untried. This was not only a beneficial learning experience but a fantastic day had by all.
Nicola, Inverurie Shop Staff
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As part of Craigdon’s ongoing commitment to the highest levels of training for our staff, we asked the guys from Anatom, the UK distributers for Superfeet and Teko socks to come along for an advanced level Academy course. Here’s what Fraser from our Perth store had to say about it all...
“The course was run on the 7th and 8th of October. The two days were comprised of both theory based learning and practical learning, giving us a chance to learn all the information before getting stuck in on day 2.
On the first day the main focus was on Teko socks. Here, we learned about the benefits of wearing wool thread over synthetic thread, and how regulating the foot temperature was important for reducing the chances of blisters. Probably the most interesting point though, was that wool is able to hold a store of the moisture that your foot produces inside the fibres themselves. The second area we focused on was biometrics. We learnt in great depth about the anatomy of the foot, and how wearing Superfeet insoles helped to prevent potential foot related problems. I had not realised before the course that there are actually 28 bones that make up each foot, and as a result of the course I am able to see just how important it really is to provide the foot with all of the support it needs. On the first day we also had a look into foot and leg injuries that can occur if you are not using suitable insoles or footwear that does not fit quite right. We learnt about how blisters are formed; the 3 factors that all need to be present are air, heat and moisture. If all three factors are present inside of your footwear, you become far more likely to pick up hotspots and blisters – so you can see that sock selection is also very important! We also learnt about far more complicated injuries, but I think I will leave talking about them for another day!
After a gruelling day of presentations and good class interaction, the guys from Anatom took us out for a lovely meal and a couple of drinks – thanks to John, Jimmy & Colin – I reckon we all deserved it.
Before I knew it I was back to the classroom for the second day, where we were able to put all that we had learnt the day before into action with a far more hands on approach. We learnt how to heat footwear and manipulate it to accommodate almost any kind of foot, by using techniques such as heating, using the rubbing bar, using various tools to stretch it and also clamping. I was very surprised how easy it really is to change the shape of both hiking boots and ski boots by using such easy procedures. The second part of the day involved learning about how best to go about fitting and constructing both ‘custom’ and ‘ trim to fit’ Superfeet insoles - a really interesting process and a vital part of getting that elusive “perfect” fit!
This leads me onto the finale for the course – our exam. A fifty minute exam testing us on the valuable information we had learnt over the 2 days, just to make sure that all the teaching had stuck. I think I speak for all who attended when I say it had!”
As ever, a great couple of days training from Anatom – thanks guys! Be sure to come into any of our stores and speak to our specialist boot fitters about how we can help you get the best out of your footwear.
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Location – Wheels Cycle Centre, Callander.
The weather was fine when we rocked up at the centre late afternoon. The evening started off with us picking our accommodation for the evening, courtesy of Hilleberg, with myself and Steve from Perth opting for the light and spacious Nallo 2 GT. Although not as bad as the west-coast midges, the local winged horrors did make an appearance, so as soon as the tents were up the BBQ was lit and everyone tried various different methods of defense, the conclusion being the more beers you have the less you seem to notice them…
Other than dodging midges, the evening was spent getting to know the other people on the course, and the representatives from the different companies present. As well as Hilleberg; Katadyn, Lundhags, Optimus, OMM, Vasque, Nepa, Icebug, Polygiene and Trek ‘N’ Eat were all there with their respective products. A couple of the people running the course were also Royal Marines, who use a lot of the kit when in the field. It was very interesting to hear how things like the water filters and stoves performed from these guys.
Having never stayed in a HIlleberg tent before, I was pretty impressed by the comfort of the night’s sleep I got! The heavens opened during the night, so it was the best possible test. The Nallo 2 GT is the extended version of the lightweight, 2 person, Nallo 2. Having the extra porch space would be very useful if you are on a multiday trip. The venting was superb, even with the rain pouring down; the humidity level inside the tent was low enough that there was no condensation in the morning. Just a bit of a sore head!
The next morning was spent learning about the various different products on show from the different companies. Because it was still pouring with rain, the tent training was a very soggy affair! Luckily you can pitch most of the lightweight two man tents inside the Atlas base-camp tent. Quite a comedy situation pitching tents…inside tents! There was also a lot of water about to test the Katadyn water filters!
By the afternoon the rain had stopped, so we spent a couple of hours doing some team building exercises with the Marines. Everyone was dreading this, but thankfully the games were more of a mental challenge than a physical one! It was interesting to see how different people cope with different problem solving exercises. Good communication and effective management seemed to be the key…
In all this was a very interesting and fun course, despite the weather! While we don’t stock all of the brands that were on show, it’s always good to see what’s out there – and we can easily get hold of anything from these companies. Many thanks to all those involved.
Trist, Aberdeen Shop Staff
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TEAM CRAIGDON: Shona (Inverness), Nicola (Inverurie), Neil (Perth) and Jason (Aberdeen)
7th & 8th June 2009
Staff from each of our stores were invited to the Plas y Brenin outdoor centre for a weekend of product testing of Salomon’s Spring/Summer 09 range. An action packed weekend was organised with the guys from the Salomon Team and renowned Mountain Leader Nigel Shepard and his crew.
None of us had been to North Wales, and as we approached our destination, I think we all realised we were in for a bit of a treat. The natural beauty surrounding Plas Y Brenin is truly nothing short of spectacular. We arrived early afternoon and in a bid to revive ourselves after the long drive we stretched our limbs by having a play in the Bouldering Room. Neil showed himself to be a real stone monkey tackling some of the wall’s more challenging problems. There was only one way to polish off day and that involved sharing beers and meeting folks from the other stores.
The real fun began on the Sunday. An early morning meet outlining the activities and kit issuing ensured that we made kids on Christmas morning look composed by comparison.
Team Craigdon began with outdoor climbing and abseiling at a crag known as the ‘Pinnacle’ which is just a short walk from the centre. Luckily, weather remained dry, especially as some of us were using the XT wings for climbing on what was already well polished rock. There were a range of problems, challenging enough for the climbers (Neil and Jason) yet easy enough for Shona and I to get stuck into. All I’ll say is hooray for Salomon’s ‘Running Contragrip’ and rubber toe protection. These both proved very handy indeed given the circumstances. We all had fun and it was a cracking start to the day.
Afterwards we headed back to Plas Y Brenin to refuel and start the 7k orienteering route that Shep’s team of deviants had set up, ensuring all check points were thoroughly hidden. It seems the Gods of outdoor activities were on our side that day as the heavens opened just in time to run the Gortex kit through its paces. We were split into teams and timed, so the race was very much on. The route was a mixture of hard packed trail and completely off road wilderness. We had a great time, although wearing convertible trousers and tearing through brambles is never a good idea. My legs are still scarred…to add insult to injury, neither of the Craigdon teams came first despite resisting the urge to stop and eat some brambles.
To add a punishing finish to the day the option of a 5k or 10k hilly trail run was available, and with their heritage in mountain running Salomon really know the meaning of the word ‘hill’. After a fairly active day this proved to be a bit much for the boys (non runners), who opted for the 5K. As a keen runner, I would like to say I tore up the 10k trail, although my aching muscles later told the other side of the story. The beautiful lush green forest and hillside were enough to take your mind off of the pain though. Focusing back to the kit, the ‘XT Wings’ share many of the same technologies as the ‘XA 3D Ultra’. They have ‘Sensifit’ which ensures a glove like fit, the fast lacing system which never slackens and the reassuring ‘Running Contragrip’ sole. The XT Wings however, have more moulded EVA cushioning which is designed for hard packed trails offering greater shock absorption but also propulsion. They lived up to our expectations and beyond.
We all had an awesome day playing in the Welsh hills. After a much needed hot shower we met in the bar to share experiences and compare war wounds. We decided an early night would be best, as we had a scramble and a long drive home the next day.
The scramble was a fast ascending monster of a climb up the north face of Tryfan. We headed out at about 08:30 am, winding down a lush green glen. We were in for yet another treat, because the location and the gear couldn’t have been better!
And so, the fun was sadly over and it was time to say our thanks and goodbyes to the fantastic bunch of people we met. Reality hit hard as we hobbled to our car, contemplating the 9 hour drive we had ahead… but it was worth every minute; not only for the fun, games and beautiful venue but also, it was great to put the new Salomon kit to test. We all owe a big thanks to the Salomon guys for their organisation and hospitality, and we’re all looking forward to working with their great products! Next time though, we’ll be stopping to pick some of those brambles.
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