Westbound Boarder

Kona Brewing, Co. and many others, are at it again. Bringing you another sick event (check out the infamous pond skim), The Backyard Bang Rail Jam, with beer, prizes and costumes to boot is happening this Halloween - Saturday October, 31st (for those of you who don’t know when Halloween is).

According to the press release, onlookers will be treated to am and pro athlete snowboarding antics, fun games and prizes from the respected sponsors; Bonfire Snowboarding, our very favorite Skull Candy, Mt Hood Meadows, Exit Real World and US Outdoor Store.

The event is free to spectators and those who attend are encouraged to visit the sponsor village where you can pick up your own fresh orchid lei, enter the numerous giveaways (free flight to Oahu sound appealing?!), all while sipping some liquid Aloha courtesy of Kona Brewing, Co., and a few bucks of course.

Our Contributing Writer, Rochelle, will be there to capture the event in mind and of course digitally. So if you see her representing Westbound Boarder, give her a high five, a hug, or a beer.

Who? YOU

What? Third Annual Backyard Bang Snowboarding Rail Jam

When? 10-31-2009 from 12pm-4pm

Where? Art Institute of Portland in the Pearl District @ NW 11^th and Davis.

Why? Be there or be square.

I’ve needed a new board for quite some time now… and when I was visiting Oregon this past weekend, I finally made the big investment.

If you’re thinking about getting new gear, now is the time to get it.  Many snowboard shops are trying to rid their shelves of the old stuff to make room for the surf.  Joe’s Sports for example has 40% off a lot of their snowboards (I almost got the Ride Solace) and 30% off Burton boards - the downside is that they don’t have many intermediate plus boards to choose from, but they have the best deals on boards and boots I’ve seen so far.  They also have great deals on helmets, outerwear, boots (I got discontinued Ride’s on sale from $169 to $50!) - basically, you name it, it’s probably on sale.

US Outdoor Store also has good end-of-season deals.  25% off most their boards, and they have a larger selection to choose from than Joe’s.  After much deliberation ($200 for the Solace at Joe’s or $300+ for a better board at US Outdoor store) I finally settled on the Burton Blender - the one Danielle and I have both been eyeing all season

If you’re thinking about getting a new board or gear, I’d recommend starting the search now if you want to save a few bucks.  Hurry though, both these places will sell out fast!

Know anywhere else that is having a good sale?  Let us know in the comments, or e-mail us!

As promised, I am here to tell you where the best snowboard shops in Portland are so you can get that setup you have always wanted! For those of you who have yet to read my post on the Portland SkiFever and the best time to buy your gear, I am telling you, the time is NOW. The local ski and snowboard shops are now overwhelmed with all of the new gear that the 2009 snowboard season has delivered, which leaves most shops desperate to ditch all of their ‘08 gear - and they are doing so at great prices.

This is my advice to you:  when you’re in the market for a new board, coat, or whatever it is you may need, always be sure to check the rack from last season. OH and another  trick of the trade - be sure to ask your local snowboard dealer where they are hiding all of their gear from the year before.  In some cases it is hiding in the back, or in a separate room.  Just be sure to tell them exactly what it is that you are looking for and they will be happy to let you know what they have available.

With so many great shops to choose from, it’s hard to know where to go so you can actually find these great deals I am telling you about. So here is my official list of favorites:

1. U.S. Outdoor Store: They have got it all from hiking, surf to snow. Check them out in person, because without a doubt they have the largest selection of snowboard gear in Portland. Also, don’t overlook their Boardshop, which is upstairs, and their closeout room hiding in the very back corner of the Boardshop. With A+ customer service and a giant selection, U.S. Outdoor Store in Downtown Portland is by far number one on my list for sure! For those of you who can’t get downtown, you can shop online at www.usoutdoorstore.com; and be sure to check out their ‘online outlet discount store’ for even more amazing deals. On top of their killer service and selection, they even offer free shipping.

2. Columbia Sportswear Outlet: With 5 locations in Oregon and 1 in California, wherever in the West your board takes you, you’re bound to find great gear for much less at any of the Columbia Outlets.  What do I like to buy here? The Columbia Outlets always have the best deals on your first layer long johns and second layer fleeces. However, whatever you’re looking for they are bound to have - from your first layer to your last, the Columbia Sportswear Outlets have got it- and for a great price!

3. Next Adventure:  Offers new, used and closeout gear for nearly all extreme sports. With featured Hot Deals on their website and a Bargain Basement downstairs, you are sure to find good gear, all while supporting an awesome local business!

4. For those of you who live just outside the Portland area, some my other favorite local shops that offer both excellent service and prices include Hillcrest Sports in Gresham (open 7 days a week!),  Exit Real World (With 4 locations including: Salem, Portland, Tigard and Government Camp) and Play it Again Sports (also has super low prices).

Now that you know where to go and how to find Portland’s best deals, go out there and take advantage! Let us know what you found and which shops you liked best by shooting Andrea and I an email @ www.westboundboarder@gmail.com - we are always happy to hear from you!