Capt. Jim's Mayhem Gear

Capt. Tom's last post was inspiring, as usual. It made me think about my gear for Operation Mayhem and how things have changed.

• Skis - Rossignol XRS (180cm) that I bought in PQ. Back then, I was a huge Rossignol devotee. My next pair of sticks was even a pair of Rossignol Bandits (170cm). As time went on and sidecuts became the norm, sizes drastically decreased. Today, I am on a pair of Salomon Teneightys (161cm) and I am contemplating going even lower (possibly on Atomics). Remembering that Tom used to ski on 195cm pieces of balsa is tremendous.
• Jacket - My Fairfield University Spyder Ski Team jacket. No, I wasn't on the team, but it was a cool jacket at the time. Still love the Spyder. Rocking a different version these days.
• Poles - I too had lame Scott poles at the time. Everyone did. Either that or Lekis. That's just what you got at Mount Everest Ski Shop. However, with the advent of Goode, no one ever has to deal with that nightmare again.
• Boots - Okay, I still wear the same Dolomite boots I've worn since high school. They're comfy. However, I will be visiting Surefoot this off season to at least get new liners.
• Pants & Gloves - No idea what I was wearing back then, but it certainly looked lame.
• Optics - Oakley sunglasses which have been traded in for Oakley goggles.
• Helmet - None, although you really need one these days. I sport the Giro 9 today.

So, much like Capt. Tom, things have changed and things have stayed the same. The important thing is that we take this equipment and hone it into a fine edge blade with which we ski hard, ski with authority, and do not give into the mountain with.