Westbound Boarder

There’s only a few more weeks (or maybe even months, depending on which hill you call home base) left in this year’s snow season, so we thought we’d squeeze in a few more shredictionary terms while we still can!  Which brings me to dropping.  No, not dropping snow balls, or dropping… droppings?  Dropping in shred language means one thing, and one thing only - “It’s my turn, I’m dropping!”  Translation, its the word you yell when you’re waiting in line to hit a feature and you want to stake your dibs on next hit.  It’s shred-iquitte!  In a perfect world, this would be common sense.  But for now… just call it, will ya?!

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.

Since the beginning of Snowboarding there has been groups, cliques, filming crews, etc. One of the most well known crews has been Mack Dawg Productions, aka MDP. Led by founder and originator Brad Kramer, MDP has been documenting snowboarding and skateboarding progression and it’s ambassadors for twenty years. With the pioneer likes of JP Walker, Devun Walsh, Jaime Lynn, Chris Roach, MDP has been paving the way for what many of the “young guns” are doing in webisodes today. While these legends are still killing it all over the place, things do change, evolve, and progress.

Three years ago, MDP embarked on a new endeavor by creating a subdivision of it’s style with the “PEOPLE” Crew. With the first release, “We’re people too,” the film consisted of some legends, speckled with some snowboarding new comers. A lot of the industry’s “King Pins” gave the people crew a hard time at first, for their tight clothes and so-called emo music, but at the end of the day (or season) they all ride together and share the passion that is the shred.

When MDP released it’s final flick” Double Decade”, it marked it’s 20th year dedicated to the monumental contribution of the sport. The People Crew, being established three years prior, has had several different athletes and rookies with a slight twist on the original MDP style. This, in my opinion, was all a game plan for what it has evolved into now. After “Double Decade” and “Down with People” were released for the 08/09 season, Brad Kramer hung up his MDP lens and went on to film for Burton, leaving his protege to carry on the legacy. Some might think of it as a sell out move, but I think of it as an individual furthering his accomplishments as an originator.

Now MDP showcases many Burton riders year after year. Jeremy Jones, Jussi Oksanen, Heikki Sorsa, etc. Ironically, when Kramer made his power move, Jeremy Jones was one of the last to join the official People Crew. Of course, he didn’t really need to be in both People and MDP movies when they were both putting out films each year, but now he is one of the headliners, with JP, Joe Sexton etc.

I like the People Crew because they have brought a new and an established style to the scene. Even though half of the riders that were in the first and second release are not officially members now, they made a name for themselves. And “TPC” still promises to please. 09/10’s “Nice Try” was the most anticipated movies of the year to me. Riders like Seth Huot and Jon Kooley had sick parts, and some new to the crew riders had impressive parts as well. Austrailian ripper Robbie Walker had the sickest run by a rookie I have ever seen, throwing huge 10’s and a gigantic seven while holding the camera! Its a must see.

With my love elvoling for this “Crew” I am excited to see Joe Sexton, Simon Chambelen, and Zack Marben bring it for years to come. Also excited to see the new and stylish talent, and creative I must add! I think all the best and different styles of riders will dominate in next year’s production! Between the urban rails and wall rides to the back country powder booters, there is a part for every shred head to admire with the variety of talent People harbor!

Tons of fresh snow on Hood and Im going to play in it today! Its looking like another late season… better late then never! Powder Patty anyone??!!

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!

Hot sauce and snowboarding … sounds like the perfect day, right?  This past weekend, I went up to Mt. High to watch the 12th annual Cholula Triple Air competition (also put on in part by Monster Energy and Powder and Sun ride shop), featuring some of SoCal’s (and even beyond) top amateur talent.  The Chiloula Triple Air is a “modified big air” competition featuring three huge jumps instead of just one.  Competitors came all the way from Vermont, Colorado, and even Norway!  And $25,000 in prize money was more than enough prize money to motivate competitors to throw down their biggest air ever.  Some of these guys and gals competing were unreal!

Interestingly, Triple Air was held at Mt. High’s East resort this year, which I really liked, partly because the course was built near the bottom of the hill, allowing for good spectator viewing areas, and partly because East is rad this year!  You can take the main lift up and hit 10 tables in a row - yes, 10.  In fact, I may never go to West again this season.  The competition course set included 3 hits - a launch box or rail to choose from, a 50 foot step down, and a massive right hip.  The theme for the day, though, ended up being pretty much “Don’t fall, win some dough.”  It seemed like every rider fell after the second hit, and without having taken a run through the course to see for myself, it looked like the landing got pretty chopped up the latter part of the day which may have exasperated this.  Or maybe the riders were just going way bigger than they were used to.  Either way, only the top competitors were able to stick all three jumps, which likely became key in judging competitors on their ability and style.

In the men’s heat, rider Trevor Jacob ended up taking home the $10,000 in cash, beating out last year’s winner Danny Toumarkine by a slight margin.  In the women’s division, last year’s defending champ. Stacie Anderson from Lake Tahoe took home the title for the second year in a row.  Lars Ellington from Mt. Baldy took home the best trick title, wowing the judges and audience with his massive 1080s.

As much as I love watching snowboarders compete in events such as these, I have to say, I am always impressed watching free skiers perform as well.  They go so much bigger and can pull some of the coolest tricks I’ve ever seen!  It was especially fun to watch the skiiers in this competition, namely because they were going so much bigger than the snowboarders, especially on the hip.

Final Results

Open Mens

1st Trevor Jacob
2nd Daniel Toumarkine
3rd Tyler Anderson
4th Cory Wetstone
5th Brandon Concard

Open Women
1st Stacie Anderson
2nd Nirvana Ortanez
3rd Isabelle Lalive
4th Micki Slchta
5th Jamie Madrid

Open Skier
1st Lars Ellington
2nd Jeff Johnson
3rd Robby Burleson
4th Chase Vance
5th Charlie Ellington
6th Mike Gonzales

Best Trick
Lars Ellington

The Olympic halfpipe events, which most participants have spent months, even years, preparing for, have come and gone, and it really was quite a good time.  Shaun White totally stole the show (and for good reason) but with all the hype around White the past few weeks, I think many of the talents of other competitors got lost in the mix.  Lago, Vito, Bleiler, Clark, even some of the international riders, all put on a great show, and were acclaimed in their own, individual ways.

So now, I want to open it up to you all and invite you to share your thoughts post-comps.  Did you watch the Olympic snowboard games?  Who was your favorite competitor?  What were your favorite moments?

Let’s hear it in the comments below!

Well, the news is officially out there; Australian snowboarder Torah Bright is taking home the Gold from tonight’s women’s halfpipe competition, earning a score of 45.0.  US rider (and defending Gold medalist from Torino) Hannah Teter came in second with a score of 42.4, while Kelly Clark, also from the US team, came in third with a 42.2.  Clark, who has pretty much scored first consistently throughout all US team qualifying rounds, was overshadowed by Teter by mere fraction-points; but that’s the way it goes.  More to come, but just wanted t share the great news!

It is the infamous trick that has been all the rage this Olympic season - the double cork 1080.  And with a successful two days of snowboardcross behind us, it is the trick everyone will be watching out for over the next two days.  Today, the men’s Olympic halfpipe competition is scheduled to go down … hopefully, if Canada can get its pipe in order!  Vancouver and Cypress Mountain, the resort playing host to this year’s halfpipe comp., have been seeing dismal weather the past couple of days, as it rained all day yesterday and continued through the night.  Obviously, not ideal conditions for a halfpipe competition.  As of now, the men’s halfpipe prelim round, which was originally set to commence at 1:05p.m. PT, is being rescheduled in hopes that better pipe conditions are on the near horizon.  The women’s pip comp. is still scheduled for tomorrow.  But enough about event timing; we’re talking double corks!

A double cork, first performed and perfected by snowboard icon Shaun White, is somewhat similar to a backflip in theory, however, to the viewer, the similarities are slim.  A trick is deemed a double cork 1080 when a rider completes two off-axis backflip rotations, throwing the shoulder down and tucking, while also doing three and a half rotations.  The double cork is a true testiment to how far the sport of snowboarding has come since the Olympic Games just four years ago.

The double cork is also one of the most dangerous tricks on the roster today.  Unlike spins or grabs, or even backflips and mistys, the double cork is unforgiving, and if you make one small error in your landing or over/under-rotate the slightest bit, the landing is not fun.  And the double cork has already developed somewhat of a dangerous reputation, as Burton rider and Olympic hopeful Kevin Pearce was hospitalized back in December attempting to perfect the trick in practice.

US Olympians like Shaun White (seriously, what can’t he do?) and Louie Vito (perhaps his summer perfecting pirouettes paid off?) have the double cork down pretty solid, and have even been throwing back-to-back double corks into their routines.  Though the double cork is rumored to be the “must have” trick today, I don’t think it will completely break anyone’s run, as long as they’re going really big and have a solid, near perfect run otherwise.

On the women’s side of things, though, no woman has yet to throw down a double cork in competition, but rumors are circulating the web that Australian snowboard superstar Torah Bright just might be the first female to attempt it.  If, in fact, she does, and successfully lands, it would be safe to say that she could almost guarentee herself a shiny Gold to take home to fans.  Though she has yet to throw the trick in competition, personally, I think if anyone can do it, Torah can.

The double cork is really one of those “seeing is believing” tricks, though.  Watch the double cork in action below, as Shaun White performs the holy grail of tricks seamlessly and effortlessly, to really get a sense of its full effect.  Maybe this video will demonstrate why there’s so much hype around the double cork this season.  Or you can watch them live today during the men’s Olympic halfpipe event!

Today and throughout the week, the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver continued … So far, I have really enjoyed watching the events I have been able to watch.  Growing up as a little girl, the ice skating was always my favorite; that is, until snowboarding was added to the roster.  And the past couple of days were all about snowboardcross.

Yesterday, US rider Seth Wescott dominated the men’s Boardercross finals yesterday, winning the gold over Canada’s Mike Robertson by a matter of fractions of seconds and earning him bragging rights as the only snowboarder to ever win a gold medal in the Olympic Games snowboardcross event since it’s 2006 introduction.  He had a shaky run during his timed run (which determined his place at the start line, which can sometimes make or break a snowboarder’s run) so it was good to see him redeem himself and come out on top in the medal round.

This morning, though, the women took center snow, however, they didn’t have quite the start they would have liked.  The women’s Boardercross prelims were set to begin at 10:30, but were delayed due to inclement weather at Cypress Mountain (apparently that seems to be a trend this season?)  By noon, though, the fog had lifted, and the prelims finally began; but not without its fair share of twists and turns (and no, I’m not talking about just the course).

Throughout the past couple of months (and arguably, years), Lindsey Jacobellis emerged as the shining star of Boarder Cross.  Four years ago during the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Lindsey suffered a disappointing fate.  She was pulling first throughout the duration of her run, and on the last jump she opted for celebratory style points instead of playing it safe and tweaked out a styish method, only to catch an edge and fall … essentially handing the gold away on a silver platter.  This year, Lindsey had hoped (and most had expected) to redeem herself, however, she didn’t even make the medal round.  During the snowboardcross event prelims, Lindsey clumsily fell over a jump, lost her balance, flew off one of the berms and crashed into a gate, ending any shot she had at a podium finish.

I find this so unfortunate, namely becase Lindsey has worked so hard to redeem herself from her last Olympic mishap.  And she really has proven herself, winning comp after comp the past few years (even several X Games titles), but when it comes to the one that really matters, a slight mishap cost her years of training.  Boardercross isn’t like most Olympic events, namely because it mixes a little bit of talent with a little bit of luck.  This time around, Lindsey’s bad luck came back to haunt her, costing her the gold, as well as her shot at redeeming herself in the public eye from 2006.

However, the good news is that three ladies did bring home medals to their respective countries, with Canada’s own Maelle Ricker taking home the gold.  Ricker saw her own douse of bad luck in the 2006 games, crashing and suffering a severe concussion.  But this year was her moment to shine, as she easily defeated her competitors and rode across the finish line with the Gold in sight.  France’s Deborah Anthonioz won the silver, while Olivia Olafsen from Switzerland took home the bronze.  Nice job ladies!

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