Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I just read the ad for two used tele-boards in the "Turnaround" section. Two years ago at Steamboat I met a guy outfitted with free heels on one of those. He explained the background and technique to me, and we did a couple of runs together. Needless to say, I was in awe of his prowess. Nonetheless, I immediately proceeded to completely forget the encounter. Until just now, that is, when I read the ad on here. That tele-board encounter was a one-and-only-sighting in the 5 years I've been tele-ing. Not quite as common as sightings of whooping cranes and Sasquatches, but almost as cool. Anyone here ever given it a shot?

Pardon my ignorance, but what is teleboard? Snowboard with telemark bindings?

edit:
Google already answered me: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleboard

Looks terrifying. I love it.

Do you ever switch your lead foot? Do the heels ever lift or are tele bindings used for lack of real estate?

Heels are lifted, especially the rear, which stays elevated. The front only comes up when straight lining down a cat-track or other flat slope where you are not turning.

You don't switch feet. Like a skateboard, surfboard or snowboard, you are either a regular or goofy rider.

The Teleboard trenches like a good snowboarder and likes to run fast. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it. It's a fun tool to have in your quiver.

Jack

Does this not make you a true gravity slave? Defeats the whole purpose of telemark skiing, in my mind...just makes you a genuflecting snowboarder.