Westbound Boarder

OK, I’ll come right out and say it; I’m a wimp when it comes to cold weather.  A pretty big wimp (no judgments, please?) which is why I love base layers!  Having a good, warm jacket of course helps keep you warm on the chilly hill, but having the right base layers is essential.  I’ve always been a slave to fleece base layers.  Every couple of years, I buy a new Northface top layer and Patagonia fleece pants (sometimes I even wear two pairs!)  Until recently.  A couple of weeks ago, Kombi Sports sent me a new base layer to try, the Proline 180 Midweight 1/4 zip pullover. I wore it to the mountain, and much to my surprise, I liked it nearly as much, if not better, than my fleece base layers!  It kept me warm the entire day, and it was very comfy and soft.  The proline 180 midweight pullover is made using accu dri technology, which means it is “moisture-wicking, odor-fighting, and quick-drying.”  Translation - it keeps you warm, dry and clean smelling (very important!) all day long.  Kombi Sports also makes gloves, mittens and headwear, in addition to base layers (and they do carry microfleece, btw).

Win It! Kombi has been awesome enough to give us an extra base layer to give away to one of our readers!  To win, leave a comment below telling us how YOU like to stay warm and dry on the mountain, and you could win a Kombi pullover of your very own.  We’ll pick one random commenter via random.org to win.  The giveaway will close Monday night, March 22 at midnight.

Hi ya’all.  Just a quick reminder that tonight at midnight PT is your LAST chance to enter our Cushe boots giveaway!  So enter now, or forever have cold feet.

On a similar note, we are also giving away an Oakley prize pack, featuring limited edition Olympics Oakley gear.  Enter here by next Monday night.

This coming weekend marks the last few events of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, as Sunday’s closing ceremonies will officially end the games.  The last two events in snowboarding will happen tonight and tomorrow at Cypress, the men’s and women’s snowboarding Giant Slalom (women’s on Friday, men’s on Saturday).  The Giant Slalom is one of the most grueling events in the Olympic games, where riders race head-to-head around gates against another opponent (and to be completely candid, I’m not too familiar with this type of event, as it is not typically held in American mainstream competitive circuits.  So I’m particularly excited to watch!)

One thing I have noticed about this year’s games in comparison to years past is that snowboarding has taken a much larger role in the overall event, and I really think it’s safe to say that it was one of the most hyped sports in the Olympics this year.  In the past, snowboarding has always taken a sideline seat to skiing, however, I think this year we really saw a shift in perceptions, especially among mainstream audiences.  I, for one, heard many more people talking about the snowboarding events compared to the skiing events.  In fact, I really didn’t hear much about skiing outside of American athletes Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller, but everyone from the hardcore riders at my local mountain to the could-care-less-about-sports folks (like my sister) knew the names of the American roster and gathered around their TV sets to cheer them on as they rode though the pipe.  The progression the sport of snowboarding has seen in recent years has absolutely played a contributing role in raising the profile of snowboarding in this year’s Olympics, but the athletes themselves have helped lift the image as well.  In the past couple of years, snowboarders (often seen as “tyrants” on the slopes… sometimes for good reason ) such as Shaun White, Gretchen Bleiler, and Hannah Teter have emerged as role models, and instead of parents resenting the lifestyle that comes along with the sport, they are now encouraging their kids to take part.  It’s really cool to see your sport in the limelight, and to see and hear the nation collectively cheering on the athletes you’ve been supporting since day 1 and giving them the props they rightly deserve.  I’m really interested to see how the sport will evolve over the next 10 years, as the kids who are now growing up idolizing athletes like Shaun White, begging their parents to buy them a new ride, start competing.  Maybe in the next Olympics we’ll start to see quadruple corks?

So, as much all of us involved in the snowboard industry roll our eyes at the Olympic games (it even sounds like Vancouver is feeling a bit of buyer’s remorse this year) they have helped to tremendously raise the profile of snowboarding among mainstream audiences.  And right now, and for the future of snowboarding, that’s a really good thing.

WIN IT! To celebrate the final weekend of the 2010 Olympic games, we have a limited edition Oakley prize pack to give away!  Snowboarding would not be in the position it is today if it weren’t for the major brands behind it, so I’m really excited to announce this fun giveaway.  One reader will have the opportunity to win an Oakley prize pack, pictured to the right.  The pack is part of the Oakley Global Collection of products, which has been designed to honor Oakley’s global team of athletes participating in this year’s Olympics. It includes a set of limited edition Global Crowbar Snow Goggles, Global Fuel Cell sunglasses, Global backpack, women’s Oakley Global t-shirt, an Oakley Global beanie and collector’s pin. The graphics on the collection recognize the heritage of British Columbia and Vancouver, host city to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

How to win…Leave us a comment below and tell us how YOU think that snowboarding fared in this year’s Olympic Games, and how you think the games helped raise the profile of snowboarding nationwide (and if you don’t agree?  Bring it on!)  The contest will close on Monday, March 8 at midnight PT, and we’ll draw one winner the next day to receive the pack.

If you just so happen to be in Vancouver right now (lucky you!) make sure you stop by Oakley’s Rolling O-Lab and Pop-Up Store before they roll away Sunday night.  Details:

• The Rolling O-Lab is a mobile demonstration unit that educates visitors about the science behind quality eye protection. Technology presentations include the use of optical laser scope equipment that demonstrates clarity and prism shift, ultraviolet emitters and measuring devices to illustrate UV protection, and testing rigs that show the effects of high-velocity and high-mass impact situations.  Fans can visit the Rolling O-Lab at Grouse Mountain 9am - 8pm, and the best part?  It’s free! (We love free)
• Meanwhile, the Pop-Up Store features a fully enriched Oakley retail experience complete with an array of the company’s products. One of the store’s highlights is an Oakley Custom Bar, where visitors can customize select Oakley eyewear and goggle products.  It is located at 488 Robson Street.

And speaking of giveaways, in case you haven’t already entered, be sure to also check out our Cushe Boots giveaway.  Ends Monday, March 1!

Update: Dear Readers, thanks for all your fabulous comments - we got some great feedback, and it’s nice to hear that most of you enjoyed watching this year’s team take Olympic snowboarding to new heights.  Congrats to Maria, the winning commenter! (Selected via random.org).  Check back for more giveaways soon!

Mondays … some of us love them, some of us loathe them … but some of you will like them just a little bit more when you hear about this awesome giveaway we have in store!

I love products and crazy fashion trends that are new and different, so when I heard about this new line of comfy meets trendy boots coming out of Surf Expo from Cushe footwear, I had to check them out!  Cushe (that’s pronounced “cushy”) is a line of footwear, born in 2004, that makes stylish, but more importantly, comfortable, outdoor-inspired shoes.  Sandals, shoes, and boots; they’ve got ‘em all.  But the best part about Cushe footwear?  They’re giving away a pair of boots this week on Westbound Boarder!

WIN IT! One lucky Westbound Boarder reader will win a pair of boots (The “Mindy”) from Cushe’s new line; pictured to the right.  To enter, leave a comment in the comments section (yes, men you can enter too; a gift for a special lady friend, perhaps?) and, to fit in with our Olympic theme this week, tell us what your favorite moment has been so far in the 2010 Winter Olympics.  The contest will close next Monday night (March 1) at midnight PT, and on Tuesday we’ll choose a winner at random and announce, and we’ll also contact the winner via e-mail.  Good luck!  To check out the rest of Cushe’s product offerings, head to their Web site.

UPDATE: This contest is now closed.  Congratulations Lauren, comment number 3, for winning the Cushe boots giveaway!

Thank you everyone for entering nd for your fabulous comments about your favorite moments in this year’s Olympics.  It was quite the 2 weeks, I must say!

Just wanted to remind everyone that we are giving away a plethora of snowboard socks to all the ladies and gentlemen out there. We have received many desperate pleas, pics of ratty socks and great stories as to why we should give you a new pair of snowboard socks. Thank you all for your entries and lets keep them coming! You have until tomorrow night (Monday at 8pm Pacific Time) to enter the contest. Do It.

Ladies AND Gentlemen, want a free pair of snowboard socks??? Then read on!!!

What exactly do you want from your snowboard socks? All I ask for in a perfect pair of snowboard socks is for them to (a) keep my feet warm and (b) not to bunch up in the bottom of my boot causing the most irritating sensation. It really does not sound too hard, right?

You see, I have always battled the cold toe problem while on the mountain. I have tried various kinds of boots and combination’s of socks and I always attributed my cold toes to the poor circulation inherently caused by my tight snowboard boots. So just when I thought that cold feet and snowboarding went hand in hand, we received some Lorpen Snowboard Socks to try on for size.

My husband, Andrea and I tried out these socks for the first time while snowboarding in Vail, Beavercreek and Breckenridge, Colorado - three resorts that reside in the rocky mountains and are fairly cold! To all of our great surprise, these guys did the trick. For the first time I snowboarded all day without having to continuously wiggle my toes to avoid frost bite. I am sold and pretty excited - because even though socks seems like such a small item when it come to all the garb used to outfit yourself on the slopes - cold toes can really make you quite miserable. I have finally found a type of sock that can keep my toes warm. Who knew…it really is all in the sock.

Why are these socks so great? Well lets get technical. These socks are Lorpens TriLayer Technology which features three layers of yarn knit together. (1) The first layer, closest to the skin, is made of PrimaLoft Eco-Polyester which is a synthetic fiber that is designed for performance and comfort (and contains 50% recycled material)! (2) The middle layer is made of merino wool which is a natural fiber that wicks moisture away from the foot while it provides softness (merino wool also features anti-microbial/anti-odor properties and is machine washable) (3) The third layer is made of nylon which makes one durable sock so it will last a while. The nylon is also concentrated in the toe, heel and shin (where socks get the most abrasion). One last thing that the TriLayer Tech offers is a multi density knit which makes the sock more comfortable with a wide instep arch band to support higher arches and reduce foot fatigue.

Still don’t believe me that these socks really are incredible? Well then try them out for yourself as we have a bunch of pairs to give away!

Entering the contest is EASY!!!! Just shoot us an email @ WestboundBoarder@gmail.com and tell us why you need a new pair of snowboard socks. Are your socks old, ratty or a cause of embarrassment? Or do you just think you deserve a new pair (what makes you so special??)? Let us know why you (or someone you love) deserves a new pair of snowboard socks and you could be the lucky recipient of a great new pair of Lorpen TriLayer Ski Light socks. NOTE: When entering the contest evidence (a.k.a. pictures) and creativity is encouraged, although definitely not required.

Contest Rules:

1)  Leave a Comment on the Article below OR email us @ WestboundBoarder@gmail.com. Just let us know why you deserve a new pair of snowboard socks.

2) Enter by February 8th @ 8pm Pacific Time.

3) We have socks for the ladies AND gentlemen, so all are encouraged to enter!

With 70+ temperatures sweeping over Los Angeles, the last thing I need is a snow blower.  But, I realize not all of our Westbound Boarder readers have the luxury of wearing shorts in January. (ahem, Danielle? I hear it snowed in Portland last week!)

One of my agency’s clients, Craftsman, is hosting a Twitter giveaway, where one lucky fan will receive a free snow blower, so I thought I’d pass the word along to you all.  I think a few of my friends up North may need to enter this one

For details on how to enter, visit the Craftsman blog.

Giveaway has ended, thank you for entering!

We are excited to bring you another giveaway opportunity and even more excited to tell you all about Hostility Clothing. Hostility is a company that brands themselves as the, “radical extreme sports apparel company,” whose new clothing line contains riskier, albeit incredible graphics. We were excited to feature Hostility Clothing this week as their new line is edgy, creative and comfortable - so it is no wonder the action sports enthusiasts’ tend to gravitate towards the line.

The new Hostility shirts contain eye-popping, artist-inspired graphics of skeletal bones, skulls, daggers, spider webs, guns and Garden of Eden-inspired women. Their fonts are edgier and their logos are bolder, bringing great attention to the Hostility brand. From the Hostility CEO himself, “This new roll out of t-shirts is incredible. The graphics appear larger and are intrinsically drawn with details that make the whole t-shirt come alive. At the same time, they stay true to what Hostility represents.”

Founded back in 2004, Hostility has become popular on the premise that fans of the action sports arena need clothes to match their unconventional taste. With Hostility Clothing’s edge and eye-catching appeal, their new clothing line is absolutely sure to allure to its audience.

Hostility sent us a couple shirts to review and we think they are fantastic. With feminine neck lines and dainty fabric, these shirts are of superb quality and look great on too. These are not your typical crew neck t-shirts either, their length and cut is super feminine and flattering. Check em out!

Giveaway: Here is the scoop. Thank you so much to Hostility Clothing we have two Hostility “Envious Girl” t-shirts to giveaway (pictured above). We have a one black and a one light blue t-shirt (as pictured), each in size small. To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us if you are a “Blue Hostility Girl” or a “Black Hostility Girl.” It is that easy.

Rules: We will be randomly picking two winners on Sunday November 1st @ 8pm PST. Note that we only have two size small shirts (one blue and one black). Priority is based upon the order in which your name is selected from RandomNumber.org (you number is assigned based on the comment order). You must leave your email address to qualify. Great luck and thank you so much for  entering!

Hey Everyone - today is your last chance to enter our giveaway of the Valleywood t-shirts. Check out the details here and all you have to do is leave a comment on our article.

We wanted to thank everyone for participating in the Valleywood Giveaway so far! We have two winners from Tuesday night, Molly and Brittany - Congrats Ladies!

Entering to win is easy and quick  - and it is not too late - simply leave a comment on the Valleywod Giveaway article and you will be automatically entered. The earlier in the week you enter the better your chances are to win, as we are drawing 2 winners each night this week. So go ahead and enter now…you know you want too

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