Westbound Boarder

Looking for adventure this summer? Well look no further. Helly Hansen has introduced to their summer line, a new and incredible lightweight breathable jacket that is perfect for the summertime adventurer. What could be so incredible about a jacket? Well this is the W Ekolab Recycler (retail price $300) is just that; a jacket made out of 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. How cool is that? On top of it being an entirely ‘green’ jacket it is completely functional too.

The Womens Ekolab Recycler is lightweight and extremely breathable which is perfect for the (all too frequent) warm, albeit rainy summer days in the PacNW. Check out the specific specs for yourself:

• Full 3-layer Helly Tech® XP waterproof breathable construction
• Stretch fabric in shoulders and elbows
• Light nylon ripstop body
• Lightweight construction
• Big pocket with water-resistant zippers holds maps and skins
• Helmet compatible hood
• Single-hand pull cord adjustment
• Super light, weight 508g (size large).

I was lucky enough to try out this jacket for myself and it has served me well. It is my new favorite bike riding jacket and here is why: The helmet compatible hood and the stretch fabric in the shoulders and elbows make this the perfect jacket to be active in. I never feel constricted in the coat and it is super comfortable. The jacket is great for summer morning and evening activities due to it being lightweight and breathable. Any cons? It is a light color so it does get dirty a little bit easy; however this jacket is durable and super easy to clean up with a wet towel.

Win It: One lucky winner can enter to win a Womens Ekolab Recycler Jacket of their own. Entering is easy! Simply leave a comment and tell us what your favorite summer activity is. One winner will be picked at random Wednesday August 11^th at midnight PST. One entry per email address, per day. Good Luck!!!

Thank you for your entries. This contest is now closed.

It is finally, officially summer and what better way to kick it off than with a free watch from Freestyle? For those of you who aren’t familiar with the brand they make kiss a$s watches perfect for the individual. From Freestyle themselves, “We may not play the same sport or have the same passions, we may not have the same gender, religion or faith, we may not live in the same country, city, or state, but we all spend our days breathing, bleeding and sweating the same way. At the end of the day it’s all about performance and together we are Freestyle, we are performance timing.”

Freestyle hooked us up with the newest watch of the season, the Killer Shark, and now we get to give one to you. Coming in a variety of colors, this watch measures at 50MM wide (the bigger the better, right?), and boasts quality and style. See for yourself! (Specks: 100 meters H20, Time/Day/Date, 2 Alarms, Heat Timer,  Chronograph, Night vision backlight display, Durable polyurethane strap with high gloss finish).

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When I first looked at the Killer Shark I realized how large this watch is. Depending on what kind of style you are looking for this watch could just as well work for the ladies, but at first glance I would consider this a men’s watch. The pros of the watch? It has a great big easy to read screen and even the date is easy to view. It is user friendly and super simple and the band that the strap tucks into is very secure, this watch is not going anywhere unexpectedly! (a.k.a. you’re not going to loose it). In addition, the watch has a high gloss finish and is perfect for the active individual. It is waterproof, has two alarms and looks flippin’ sweet. Cons? None really, other than the fact that it is a little big so it may get in the way of the range of motion of your wrist if you ever lift weights, but that is a stretch.

The big boasting Killer Shark not for you? We have a more feminine option for those who prefer it. The winner of our giveaway has the option of choosing either the Killer Shark, or the Classic shark - which is a smaller option and comes in slightly different colors (below).

Win It:

We are giving one lucky winner their choice of either the Killer Shark or Classic shark, depending on your preference. All you have to do is leave us a comment here and tell us where you plan to take your Shark this summer. It is that easy.  Contest ends Wednesday June 30^th, 2010 at Midnight.

Kombi has a history of keeping the worlds’ hands warm all the while remaining on the forefront of innovation and style. The Jon Olsson Glove was inspired the Swedish professional skier himself and include some awesome technical aspects. Want to experience the warm hand for yourself and for free? Well then today is your day.

Our friends at Kombi Sports sent over the ‘Jon Glove’ to try on for size and I am excited to tell you all about them. Depending on what kind of internal hand heater you have, the functionality of these gloves may vary, but listen up and decide for yourself…

This Glove is a low profile glove made to keep your hands warm. In my experience this type of glove is perfect for the springtime riding as they are generally cooler due to their small size. This is not as much the case with the Jon Glove. This glove features Kombi’s Signature Accu-Dri wicking micro polyester lining meant to keeps your hands super warm, dry and it also makes the inside of the glove super soft (think sleeping bag for your hand!); not something you generally get from such a low prof. glove. With a full Neoprene shell (meant to keep up the dryness), the must have nose wipe and the synthetic suede palm this glove is technical and fully functional.

On top of the warmth, the dryness and the softness, this glove looks sick. Sporting the Velcro closure pull tab, the JON design on the cuff and on the palm (see pic) functionality meets style for sure (esp. with other colors to choose from!).

Over all I would say this glove is meant for a moderate weather day on the slopes, depending on your internal hand heater of course. If you have a cooler had, it could def work for some spring riding. The glove may be too warm for you to hike the pipe in the spring, but having a rail sesh on a cooler day? Perfect.

Win It! Want to win a pair of these gloves for yourself? Leave a comment right here and tell me how well your own internal hand heater works. You a poor circulation diva? Or a hot and sweaty palm shaker? Either way, you could win a pair. Enter now! The Contest will run through Monday May 17th, so enter now or forever have cold hands.

No matter what type of outdoor enthusiast you are, staying warm is key to a good time. Westbound Boarder was lucky enough to try out a Brooks-Range Elephant Foot Sleeping Bag which is perfect for most any outdoor adventure you may encounter. Designed for the minimalist, this bag is a compact waist high sleeping bag to save valuable weight and bulk and is really, really easy to compact and fit back in the stuff sack. (Note that if necessary it pairs well with a mountain sweater or shell). The Elephant Foot Bag offers an adjustable suspender and drawcord design to keep the cold air out and prevent the bag from slipping down. The 800 fill down ensures compressibility and comfort to about 15 degrees fahrenheit, where if you are hiking in the Pac NW, is plenty warm.

A little background on Brooks-Range, they are a mountaineering equipment company that provides innovative, top-quality backcountry gear for mountaineers, ski guides and backcountry travelers. Founded in back in 1995, Brooks-Range is dedicated to bringing the best quality merchandise and service possible to outdoor adventurers as their equipment is tested by the world’s top mountaineers and professionals.

Stats on the Elephant Foot Sleeping Bag

• Measurements: Length: 61″; top width: 30″; bottom width: 18″

• “Boxed” foot

• Breathable, water-resistance fabric, two contrasting colors (interior and exterior)

• Weight: 16 ounces.
• Temperature Rating: 15° F
• Packed size: 13 cm x 21 cm

• Stuff sack included

Win It! Entering to win is easy. You must be a Facebook member and all you have to do is become a Facebook Fan of Brooks-Range Mountaineering Equipment and you will automatically be entered to win. One winner will be chosen at random at the close of the contest Monday, April 5^th, 2010 at 12pm Pacific Time. Good Luck!

Also! Remember that we are giving away some amped energy drinks and and iTouch. That giveaway ends tonight at 12pm PST. Entering is fun and easy, check it out here.

As much as a long day of snowboarding ahead always peaks my excitement, I never look forward to 6am weekend wake-up calls (really, who does?)  Which is why I always start my day out right with a wholesome breakfast, orange juice… and a big, tall cup of coffee!  But sometimes I need just a little more energy to get me through the day and keep my body fresh, and that’s where energy drinks come in.

Earlier this year, AMP Energy, a long-time player in the ever crowding energy drink market, launched a new energy drink - a 100% juice infused with all the power of regular AMP Energy.  Its a great alternative to your morning cup (with an extra s, in my case) of joe, and it has the energy you need to keep your body going throughout the day.

AMP Energy recently sent us some samples of their juice to try.  Now, normally I’m not a huge fan of energy drinks (anyone who knows me well - or not so well - knows I’m a slave to coffee, and the occasional sugar free Red Bull here and there) but I tried it and its actually pretty good (a little sweet, but good).  It definitely woke me up and got me going without making me jittery and anxious like some energy drinks can do.  The best part, in my opinion, is that this juice version of AMP Energy is made with 100% juice and no added sugar, so it doesn’t contain nearly the ammount of chemicals as the typical energy drink (I’m a big proponent of the all-natural and organic craze, and this is about as close as an energy drink can get).  Plus, Hannah Teter drinks AMP Juice, so duh, its obviously healthy.  It was a little sweet for my taste, containing 41 grams of sugar per serving, but keep in mind that energy drinks are developed with the athlete in mind - aka, you need this sugar to keep your energy levels up all day long.

Their juice is made with 100% juice and no added sugar, and it contains vitamans B and C, taurine, ginseng, guarana and caffeine (one serving contains 120mg, about as much as a 12 oz cup of coffee).  The drinks can be found in stores nationwide (beginning Feb. 2010) in flavors such as orange and mixed berry, and they cost $1.99 for one or 2 for $3.

And the most exciting thing about AMP Energy Juice?  They are giving us an “AMP UP” prize pack, which includes an iPod Touch, hat, and, of course, AMP Juice to give away to one of YOU!

How To Win: For this one, we’re trying something just a little bit different.  We all love friendly competition (hey, us boarders are competitive!) so we set up a photo competition through ibeatyou, a competition-based social network.  Here’s how it works: We all make that face every now and again.  You know, that face where you’re so charged up you think you can do anything.  The face where you are totally pumped!  We want to see the face YOU make when you are energized and ready to go… We want to see your AMPED face!  To enter, take a picture of your best AMPED face and upload it (via ibeatyou) using the widget below.  The catch?  We won’t pick the winner, we’re turning to our community of readers to pick instead!  So tell your friends to vote for you, and possibly (if you so desire) to vote down the competition.  You can vote on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest, so the more 5’s your AMPED Face gets, the closer to first place you’ll move, but the more 1’s your face gets; well, you do the math.  So get voting!  And may the most AMPED face win.  The person who is in first place at midnight next Monday, March 29, will take home the prize.

Also, a quick side note, today is the last day to enter the Kombi Sports base layer giveaway, so check that one out as well!

UPDATE: This contest is now closed.  Congratulations kerriekg; you won!  Make sure you check your message inbox on ibeatyou.com for our e-mail!

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.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Natalie, commenter #1; you won!  Thanks everyone for enterting, and stay tunes for more fun giveaways!

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.

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