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Top Cliffs To Drop In Whistler

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Top Cliffs To Drop In Whistler

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That feeling that you get when you’re weightless, it’s part of our love of powder…and our love of sending it. For many, that’s the very soul of their addiction to skiing or snowboarding. Once they’ve embraced gravity and put their own mortality into the back of their mind, it’s only on to bigger drops and gnarlier sends. And there is no shortage of those on Whistler Blackcomb. With over 4,757 acres to shred, there’s bound to be a few (or more) cliffs to get sendy on. Here are the top ones to drop in Whistler!

1. Tower 47

As the name eludes, this drop of next to Tower 47 of the Whistler Gondola- like right next to it. In fact, you not only have to deal with the usual cliff dropping factors but also that there are moving objects within proximity. Thankfully, you won’t be able to get closer than closer than ten meters to the cabins but it can still be enough to make an impact on your focus. This drop is not very easy to find and there isn’t as much opportunity for show but it’s all about the high fives anyway, isn’t it?

2. Air Jordan Cliff Drop

The infamous Air Jordan. It features a 15ft step down on to a lily pad and then right into the grand finale of oh, say, around 60 feet. Two for the price of one. What’s more, this cliff is located to the right of the Peak Chair, directly in front of the peanut gallery. Once someone even looks like they are considering it, the heckeling begins.

3. Cafe Cliffs

These cliffs are a great way to get warmed up since they offer a wide variety of options ranging from 2-6m high. It’s also a crowd pleaser since all the action can be seen from the Jersey Cream charilift. Located right off of Blackcomb’s intermediate groomed run, the entrance can be unassuming but when done right, can put on a show for all to see!

4. The Lone Pine AKA The Curl

Loacted in the not so secret, Secret Bowl, the entrance of this drop might be worse than the actual drop itself. This makes it a very techincal line as a side slip above a cliff band is required to get to the launch pad.  Once there, you can choose a few drop heights but most go big or go home and do the full 9m.

If you’re hell bent on hitting some of these this winter, be sure to stay safe and to ride well within your ability. Remember skiing off cliffs can be dangerous and these ones are no different. Start small, warm up and develop your ability before you send the big Kahunas. And don’t forget your helmet and your GoPro, beacuse if no one saw it, it didn’t happen!

The Karma Stabilizer For GoPro

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The Karma Stabilizer For GoPro

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McCoo’s is very excited to announce that we will be carrying the Karma Stabilizer for GoPro in store. GoPro has only released a small amount of this product to retail stores in Canada and we can’t wait to get our hands on it! But what exactly is a stabilizer and why is this such a desired and sought after piece of equipment? We’ve got the lowdown on why the Karma Stabilizer for GoPro is a must have!

What is a stabilizer?

A stabilizer is a thing used to keep something steady or stable. For video footage, it is a device designed to hold the camera in a manner that prevents or compensates for unwanted movement such as shake. This is generally achieved with very small motors tilting to accommodate for changes on an axis.

Why use a stabilizer?

Generally speaking, if you are using a GoPro handheld or even on a mount, you will find that your footage is shaky. This can severely affect the overall quality of the footage and make watching it a challenge, to say the least. The electronic image stabilization in the new Hero5 camera can help reduce shakiness and there is the possibility of removing some of the unwanted movement in your editing program, but neither will be enough to make that smooth, shake-free and easy to watch video that you will want to post online. So, to get the high quality and consistent footage you need to make a killer snowboarding or skiing edit, a stabilizer is needed.

What Makes The Karma Stabilizer for GoPro so good?

There are many stabilizers on the market designed to carry a GoPro but if there is one thing they have it common, it’s that they don’t last. The Karma was made to hold your GoPro so you won’t have to struggle with it staying securely in place. What’s more, it works as a single unit meaning you can offload footage without unplugging and charge both devices at the same time. It is also handheld and wearable to maximize it’s capacity and your creativity when capturing incredibly smooth video.

Tech Specs for the nerds out there:

Karma Stabilizer:

Dimensions Length: 6in (149mm)
Width: 4.3in (109mm)
Height: 3.3in (83mm)
Weight: 8.5oz (242g)

Karma Grip:

Dimensions Length: 8in (205mm)
Width: 1.7in (43mm)
Height: 1.7in (43mm)
Weight: 8.62oz (244.6g)
Battery Life 1 hour 45 minutes
Voltage 5-15V, 3A
Charging Time Supercharger 1 hour 50 minutes
Charging Time Standard 1A Charger: 6 hours

The Karma Stabilizer for GoPro will help you create smooth and shake-free video footage like the pros do that can be made into an edit or integrated into other footage from another camera. To find our more about theKarma Stabilizer for GoPro or to speak directly to one of our staff members about purchasing one, contact McCoo’s today!

Opening Day Checklist

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Opening Day Checklist

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Drumroll please…

The countdown has officially began to Whistler Blackcomb’s 2016/2017 opening day weekend!

Yes, we know it is very exciting, in fact, we can hardly contain ourselves but first thing is first: the nearing of opening day means that it’s time to assess your current winter gear. A beginning of the season assessment can prevent many annoying or even disastrous issues that may kill your good vibe on November 24th when the mountain opens. While you twiddle your thumbs in anticipation, take a peak at our opening day checklist to make sure your gear is ready for another season of fun.

Goggles

Everyone knows that not being able to see can instantly ruin your day. Have a peak at your current eye wear and make sure there are no scratches obstructing your vision and that they still have anti-fogging capabilities. Older goggles tend to not have the current technologies that help fight fog and light changes. Not sure if your’s pass the test? Include a back up pair in your pack on opening day.

McCoo’s Tip: Having problems with your goggle always fogging up? Keep moving!

Base Layer

Baby, it can get cold outside! Like real cold! Don’t cut your day short because you can’t brave the current weather conditions. Make sure that your current base layer is in good condition, free of tears and provides the necessary coverage to keep you warm and dry.  If you find a tear, patch it up, or just pop in to McCoo’s for the latest base and mid-layer technology.

McCoo’s Tip: The term “base layer” also includes your underwear (don’t worry, we got you covered).

Outerwear

Outerwear isn’t just for looking good. It’s your primary defence against mother nature. Thoroughly examine last year’s jacket and pants for zippers that aren’t working, tears and excessive wear in high movement areas such as the elbows and the bottom. If needed, apply a waterproof wash and don’t forget to empty the pockets. Reaching in and finding that sandwich from 2015 is great way to stop the ski stoke with an emergency hand wash.

McCoo’s Tip: Ask any of our staff members to help you determine what you may need in outwear, there is often more variables than you may think.

Gloves

Mittens and gloves may seem like they are easy to assess but in fact, the obvious holes that can lead to heat escaping are just the beginning. One of the biggest concerns is waterproofing. You can jump the gun and wear them out in the rain but this isn’t very practical. Bring them out on the first day and have a back up pair ready just in case they get soaked through on the first run.

McCoo’s Tip: Mittens are warmer than gloves but you sacrifice dexterity as a result.

Boots

After spending the summer season on the shelf, your ski boots might not feel like they once did on your seasoned winter feet. Stick those bad boys on and step into your bindings. Then take a peak at the current condition, are they in good shape? Are the buckles and soles in tacked? If you notice any loose pieces, damage or change in fit, take them to your local boot repair shop to get them tuned and ready to go.

McCoo’s Tip: Looking for a little assistance on ski boot fit? Bring them into our shop. Our seasoned staff members can help guide you to finding a solution.

Although it may seem like certain pieces of your set up are more crucial than others, there is no most important item of gear, they all play an essential role in keeping you on the hill and out of the lodge. Have some gear that didn’t make it through our opening day checklist? Stop by the shop, we can help you get ski season ready!

Essentials for Your Whistler Beach Bag

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Essentials for Your Whistler Beach Bag

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With beaches-galore and the long summer days already here, it’s time to get the essentials for your Whistler beach bag in order. You’ll want to be ready for those last minute invites to the beach with your bases covered. Here’s what we think you’ll need in your kit this summer:

Sun Screen

Playing in the sun is fun, but be smart about it friends! One in five is sadly diagnosed with skin cancer, so product the flesh and lather up with Beach Bum Sunscreen SPF 15, 30 or 50. Water magnifies the suns UV rays, so reapply a few times so you can do it all over again tomorrow, sans sunburn.

Camera

If you aren’t already a proud owner of a GoPro camera, we can change that. We know you are going to make the most of your summer, so be sure to share it!

Sandals

You can’t go wrong with a classic Reef sandal. There is a reason these guys are the standard in the surf industry for footwear and are still making a name. It’s because their Eco-friendly, fashion forward – yet low profile design, and durable sandal just can’t be beat.

Sunnies

We just wrote an awesome post with tips on how to pick out your perfect pair of shades, so give it a read here and don’t forget to pack them!

Towel

Our favorite towel is the RVCA Balance Box Towel. This beach towel may inspire you to wear it as a toga with its soft feel and rad camo print, and we won’t judge you for that. But seriously, if you’re going to the beach you need a towel.

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is so important when enjoying the outdoors. A water bottle is usually just a water bottle, but the Oakley Water Tank 20oz is something else. This BPA free bottle has a separate twist off bottom that can hold ice to keep your beverage cool when inverted. Its tough stainless steel construction and eye pleasing design is a practical statement piece – yes we just said statement piece about a water bottle, you clearly need to check it out.

Tunes

Whether you are looking for a portable speaker or low profile headphones Skull Candy has you covered.

Hat

Nothing says summer living like a floral hat. One of our favorites is the RFLF Co Summer Vacation Hat. RFLF Co. is a brand that got its roots right here in Whistler. They have an array of lifestyle clothing and accessories including, you guessed it, lots of awesome hats!

Bag

The kit holder. Choosing the right beach bag can be tricky, but we know this awesome Vancouver based company that makes killer backpacks and totes. Herschel Supply Company has a big selection of packs that will hold all your beach necessities and more. Come see what we’ve got in stock to get you to the beach!

Now that you’ve got the bases covered, chuck them in your beach bag and head to the beach already! Or maybe swing by and visit us at Mcoo’s first to piece together your summer kit!

6 Awesome Things to Do With an Action Sports Camera

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6 Awesome Things to Do With an Action Sports Camera

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In the olden days, you needed an entire film crew to capture some half-decent footage of you doing your activity of choice.

Thankfully, the times they are a-changin’. Today, we’ve got action sports camera that are tiny, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. Edits, epic POV shots, and, well, the entire filmmaking industry are literally at your fingertips.

Here at McCoo’s, we happen to sell the best of the best action sports cameras, including GoPro, Contour, and Ion (plus some nifty accessories, like Hit Case). We love talking cameras, so feel free to come in and ask us for more information.

What we love even more is seeing the incredible footage that people put together with these tiny little cameras. Here’s a look at some of our favourites.

Zach Moxley’s Award Winning GoPro Video

This short film picked up the grand prize at Whistler Blackcomb’s GoPro GoShow. Watch it; you’ll understand why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dk5PojEjDk

Candide Thovex’s One of Those Days 2

Just a few months ago, Candide Thovex released this unreal edit, filmed entirely using a POV camera. It created some significant buzz around the internet. If you’ve ever wanted to be Candide, this is about as close as you’ll ever get.

Shark Riders

Yes, you can make videos this insanely beautiful with nothing more than an action sports camera. This non-action sports film takes viewers under the sea to explore a mystical world, proving that action sports cameras can be used in just about any setting.

Felix Baumgartner and the Red Bull Stratos

You probably won’t be doing anything quite this extreme with your action sports camera, but, in theory, you could. The sky is apparently not the limit.

POV Ski Jumping

The simplest clips are sometimes the best. The appeal of action sports cameras is that you can share experiences with people who otherwise might not get to experience them. Case in point: ski jumping. Most of us will never get to ski jump firsthand, but thanks to action sports cameras, we can catch a glimpse into what it might feel like to try it.

James Kingston’s Crane Climb

Without action sports cameras, how on earth would we ever get to see crazy footage like this? (Kids, don’t try this at home).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fs0hkdJzk8

 

PS — Want to win a Contour+2 camera? We’re giving one away — check out the details here.