Westbound Boarder

Before I get into talkin’ about my experience with the Shred Sled, let me tell you a little bit about it. The Shred Sled is the next gen caster board and the first 4 wheel in-line, dual-deck board. You do not pump the ground like you do on a traditional skateboard. You use your hips, legs and arms to gain momentum to maneuver the shred sled – very similar to how you move yourself on a snowboard and surfboard. Don’t believe it? Check out this Shred Sled Demo Video on you tube here and the siiiick trick video here.

When I first heard from the Shred Sled experts, who described the shred sled as a skateboard that, ‘combines the movements of skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding,’ I could not believe what I was hearing. I thought if the Shred Sled really emulates snowboarding and surfing in one, then I am already sold. Obviously I had to try it out before I really jumped on board with the Shred Sled, so I impatiently waited its arrival.

My husband (Lance) and I took out the Shred Sled together and bravely attempted the unknown. My first ride on the Shred Sled was not exactly like a fairy tale. I quickly became discouraged as I had a difficult time keeping my balance and starting off on the Shred Sled. The narrow, 4 in-line wheels do make balancing on the Shred Sled, at first, a bit difficult. After about 10 minutes of failure and death gripping Lance’s arm for balance, I was able to start the Shred Sled without using something else for balance. After I was able to kick off to get my initial speed, the rest was really easy and comfortable. The carving turns you make by propelling your hips, legs and arms, are VERY similar to snowboarding and I really felt like I was making powder turns on the sidewalk. Unlike a normal skateboard or longboard, because the shred sled has the 4 in-line wheels, you are able to go any direction you want, make extra sharp turns, and even spin in full circles. Things you would never be able to do on a regular skate!

….

Once Lance and I were both able to effortlessly maneuver the Shred Sled, we had a hard time sharing as we were both having so much fun. The Shred Sled really is like riding a bicycle. You may have a little bit of trouble balancing and squirming around at first, but guaranteed, you will get the hang of it sooner than later. And to top it all off? You don’t have to be a ‘boarder’ to learn how to Shred Sled. We have shown a number of our friends who don’t have any snowboarding or skateboarding ability, and they have been able to get the hang of the Shred Sled just as well.

Interested in getting a Shred Sled of your own? Check out the Shred Sled home page where you will find ordering information, testimonials and even tips for learning how to Shred Sled. You already part of the craze? Let us know what you thinkof the Shred Sled by leaving us a comment and be sure to check out our Shred Sled pictures on Flickr!

If you’re still cryin’ about the fact that it is pretty much officially summer and the snowboard season is long gone (unless you are a proboarder, or you can afford a Timberline Lodge Summer Pass), well then, join the club. I am not afraid to tell ya’ll that I am quite partial to to my snowboard (don’t tell my wake or skate boards though), neither am I scared to let you know how I plan to wane myself off the slopes and into the beauty that is summer. Don’t get me wrong, I do classify myself as a sun worshiper so the transition from snow to sun is not as hard for me as I am letting off. So here is what I plan on doing this summer to keep my board momentum more than exponential.

1) Pick up SUP. Don’t know what it is? Read our rad article that spells it all out for you. I am planning on attending the next SUP 2nd Wednesday, let me know if you need a buddy.

2) Dust off my skate. It’s been a long wet winter for my longboard, but it is time to replace my barrings and bring on the speed wobbles. Don’t have a skate of yer own? Well check out Andrea’s skate, if this won’t convince you to invest, then I don’t know what will.

3) Attend the X Games (okay I wish): but my partner in crime, Andrea lives in the thick of it. That is right, the Summer X-Games take place in Los Angeles a the beginning of August 2009. If this comp is not motivation for you to get your extreme sports on, then something is seriously wrong with you.

4) Witness my friend get married in Utah and beg to visit the DC Mountain Lab. If you have not heard, check it out – and listen up as Roach is going to feature this bad boy Winter 2010.

Have a better idea? Let me know, I am always up for a challange. Otherwise, you know where to find me this summer, getting my board on…

Hey westbound boarders;

A quick note to our readers – As promised, Danielle and I created an events calendar highlighting various boardsports competitions and events around the west coast.  While the calendar is still in its infancy (we plan to spend the next few days updating) it is now live here (or click on our events tab to access).  Our goal in creating this calendar is to provide information about cool events from all over in one central, easy-to-find location.  We hope you find it useful!

If you’ve heard of any events that aren’t already highlighted in the calendar, feel free to shoot us an e-mail and we’ll add.  Hopefully you have the chance to make it to at least one of these events this year!

-The girls of Westbound Boarder

Found a couple YouTube videos (as promised) highlighting the slopestyle comp. during the Winter Dew Tour this past weekend.  Check ‘em out!
Men’s Ski Slopestyle

Women’s Slopestyle

Men’s Slopestyle