ALL MOUNTAIN ESSENTIALS
WWW.NIDECKER.COM | G.ARRIETAMATHIEU CREPEL
THIS INDIVIDUAL DOES NOT KNOW WHERE INITIATIVE ENDS AND ROCKETPROPELLED IDIOCY BEGINS.
- Elizabeth Moon
A ROCKET WON’T FLY UNLESS SOMEBODY LIGHTS THE FUSE!
- Homer Hickam
LIKE THE OLD ITALIAN SAYING GOES, “IT AIN’T ROCKET SURGERY.”
- Nadia Giosia
RESENTMENTS ARE THE ROCKET FUEL THAT LIVES IN THE TIP OF MY SABER.
- Charlie Sheen
36
Featuring LARS POPP , and several
quotes about rockets.
PHOTO: AARON SCHWARTZ
“For the last two years, I’ve worked with Wolle Nyvelt on artworks for Aesmo. I liked the work with Wolle, cause I could nally do real artwork again instead of decorating a font which is written all over the base to maximize a brand’s visibility. In the last couple of decades, snowboard graphics have turned from depicting the di erent cultural approaches surrounding the life we spend out there into cheap marketing-based tools that don’t show the cultural diversity that once existed in snowboarding. It is probably just me, but I’m still ba ed as to how we could let a brand strategist take this from us.
The artwork depicted here is inspired by a famous painting by Rene Magritte. If you look closely, the hat contains a universe, the pine cone is a symbol for your pineal gland (for some, it represents the third eye) and your view on the inside, the monocle represents your other world view, and the broom is a symbol for cleaning up your life before you try to go out and rearrange the world.”
LUKAS GOLLER
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“SOME MOVIE PROJECTS CAN FEEL A BIT FORCED, WITH A BUNCH OF RANDOM PEOPLE PUT TOGETHER AND EXPECTED TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN. THIS WASN’T THE CASE HERE. HEXAGON FELT MORE LIKE A GROUP OF FRIENDS HANGING OUT, WHO JUST HAPPEN TO LIKE FILMING SNOWBOARDING. THEY ALSO HAPPEN TO BE REALLY GOOD AT IT, AND EACH OF THEM BROUGHT THEIR OWN FLAVOUR TO THE TABLE. TONI KERKELA’S STEEZE, SEBI SPRINGETH’S POWER, KAS LEMMENS’ STYLE, DOMINIK WAGNER’S RELENTLESSNESS, MAX ZEBE’S LOOSENESS AND BENNY URBAN’S PRECISION. ALL OF THIS COMBINED WITH MARCO MORANDI’S DEDICATION BEHIND THE CAMERA MADE FOR A PRETTY SPECIAL PROJECT, AND IT WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO JOIN AND SEE THIS CREW GOING TO WORK LAST WINTER.”
INTRO, INTERVIEWS & PHOTOS: THEO ACWORTH
Hey Toni, how has your summer been so far?
Good. I went to Hood last month, which was super nice. It’s been two years since I was there, and we had the Salomon week with the whole team there. The riding wasn’t the craziest, but it was cool to see everyone, and it felt more like a gathering of the crew.
So a few years ago, you had a knee injury which took you out of the game for a bit. What exactly happened there?
I tore my ACL in 2019. It was the year after Focus, and I had an invite for Real Snow. I think I did it on the rst trip for that. I didn’t slam badly, but my knee just felt weird, and it swelled up. The doctor told me the ACL was gone, but nothing else. I decided not to do the surgery and see if I could ride without it. I built up muscle again and it was feeling good at the end of the season. Then in the rst year lming for Hexagon, I was doing a BS 50-50 BS360 switch up on a kink rail. I think I got the clip, but I wanted to get it better, classic. I landed with
my full weight on the right knee and I still had the twist going on from the spin. The meniscus tore, and it was fucked. The doctors said it would be better to do both ACL and MCL surgeries at the same time. I can still feel it, and it’s sti er than it used to be. But when I play tennis or skate, I don’t even think about it.
How were you feeling coming o the injury and into the winter?
It took time, and it was the biggest problem for the last season. Even in December, I wasn’t sure what would happen. I didn’t really feel good about lming. Also, knowing that the whole crew had been lming already created some pressure. It put me in a position where I had to think about what I was able to do. I didn’t want to take any stupid risks.
Before the injury, you’d been lming consistently fucked up parts and hitting some of the gnarliest spots out there. Your Transworld part still blows my mind. How did the injury change your approach to riding?
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Me and Kas were talking about it because we kind of want to go big or do something crazy to get that adrenaline feeling. When you get onto a crazier level, you need to keep doing that stu in order to get something out of this snowboarding thing, you know? At least I like to get that feeling. I like to scare myself. But for this season, I needed to get out of that. I had to stay safe. So I went for more style rst and tried to gure out some new ideas. Like the wallride through those two pipes. It’s not that big, but after quite a few years of lming, you kind of know what’s going to look sick, even if it’s a small, safe spot. I think it worked really nice. Before, I was trying to get the crazy adrenaline spots, but now it’s more about having the feeling of snowboarding again, and getting clips that looked nice so I could just be in the video. I got that feeling just landing a trick with style.
So just a slightly di erent approach to nding that same stoked feeling. Yeah. And I had time to think about
it all summer before the season started, so it wasn’t a total surprise. I knew I had cool-looking spots and ideas, like the double handplant line. I knew these things would look good, so I had the motivation to go for those spots. I wasn’t going super easy, and I didn’t think that they would look too small or anything. You can make everything look good if you want to.
Absolutely. So you said in December, you said you weren’t feeling 100% ready to lm. Did something change, or did you just push through it?
To be honest, it all kinda clicked a week before we did the rst trip to Helsinki. I was riding Sveitsi, my local resort, with Henna Ikola and Roope Rautiainen. They were pushing me and telling me I could do things like frontboards through kinks and stu like that, which I really wasn’t sure about. I was just doing 50-50s and boardslides in early December, just trying to get the feeling back. Then these things started to work really nicely, also
doing switch nose presses and stu on the long rails. So I knew I could at least lm something. That rst trip was a big crew with ve riders, two lmers and you. I knew I wouldn’t be riding every day and could take a few days o if I needed to. In the end, if you build your spots nicely with a lot of snow around them, you might have less impact on your knees and body than riding a resort. Hood got so bumpy this summer and I was so sore after every day. I think every rider was complaining about their knees *laughs*.
*laughs* The streets being safer seems like a strange idea, but when you say it, it makes total sense really.
So in December, I was on this program, trying to ride every three days, and I was still doing the gym. Then I think Dom told me that I should stop going to the gym and just snowboard because that’s what I was going to be doing. In the end, it just felt natural to come back. The crew and the support around me made it happen.
HOOD PATROLJAM TO LIPSLIDE ON THE BANK. 23.1 HEXAGON 41
I was stoked to see the TK steeze on all your spots. I think the wallride between the pipes was my favourite spot from the whole video. I know you’ve also been trying to get into a regular IG schedule where you do one little edit a week. How have you found integrating that into your regular lming routine?
It’s fun. I like to do those posts. But in January and February, there isn’t really time to lm for anything like that. Every day you’re so tired from riding or shovelling for your friends. The last few years, I wanted to save my energy for when I was actually shooting. But I want to do more of those small clips. I tried it last spring, and I think it worked super nice.
What do you think the role of the professional snowboarder is these days? Social media has de nitely changed it a lot.
It’s been a big question for next season. At one point, I was thinking about only doing Instagram stu . But for me, it would make sense if we got another good season here with snow because it’s easy to lm stu for the gram if you live in a city with snow like Helsinki. It doesn’t need to be the craziest stu , just something that shows that you’re snowboarding. Even just riding your local resort. You can just do an ollie over a stairset, and it looks cool, so why not do it if you can do it easily?
For sure. I can understand wanting to keep your energy up and only focusing on stacking heavy clips, but just going out and fucking around with a phone can stop you from getting stuck in the usual routine and it can also get your fans stoked.
I know people nd it super hard to do the Instagram stu . I feel the same. I hate the actual moment of doing the post. Just don’t think about the likes or views or anything. It’s just nice to show you’re doing something, and it’s for sure it has become a part of this ‘profession’ now.
It’s always sick when you only see a few shots of someone a year, like Kas, but when you’re a fan of their riding, you’re hyped to see almost anything they put out.
I think it would be sick to see shots of Kas just riding the domes, even if they’re just little phone clips. I think people would love to see footage of him. I think you can give so much more happiness to people if you do something like that than if you don’t. You know what I mean?
Yeah, for sure.
I mean, you always want to be putting out nice stu . But even if it’s not perfect, hopefully, people still enjoy it, and maybe they go snowboard because they see it. Even if only one person goes, that’s pretty cool. And it’s so easy.
Does Kas actually snowboard in the summer?
He says no, but I think he still goes *laughs*. You can print that. He tells us he hasn’t, then he comes on a trip and just lands whatever he wants!
*laughs* He’s too good.
But even Sebi said he nds the Instagram stu hard, just knowing what to post and what to write. Just put it out, don’t over-think it. No one fucking cares about the caption. It’s nice if you can make it cool, but just put it out.
It’s gone in a few hours anyway. That’s the thing. To be honest, I was thinking about doing a full season for the gram, but the only thing that sucks is that things disappear so fast. But maybe you could do a full part after the season with all the footage. Maybe that sounds stupid, but just something more for myself. We should go on a trip and just do Instagram stu and post it all straight away. It could be sick. No one has done that yet, at least not properly.
Let’s do it next winter. It would be a nice change of approach.
Even just ve days in Oslo or somewhere. If your mindset is right, it can work. Just put out whatever you get. It doesn’t need to be crazy. If something looks cool, just do it. And don’t spend all your time driving around looking for perfect rails.
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NOSESLIDE 270 ON A
PUMPING FINNISH SWELL.
BS WALLRIDE THROUGH THE VENTS.
If your choice is either to ride your snowboard or not, I think that’s an easy one to make. Dom has to come too.
I think he would be so down. When he knows this is what we’re doing, and the mindset is right, instead of searching for certain spots for certain tricks, he would be able to stack. It would be fun to see.
So you’ve been in the game for quite a while now. What are you stoked on? Any trends you’re noticing coming back around? Now you can kind of do what you want with your snowboard. You don’t only have to nd a handrail and do your best trick. But I think tricks are coming back a bit, and people aren’t only focussing on 5050s and boardslides like it’s been for the last few years. I just like to see how people use their snowboards and how they approach the spot. How they ride in, how they ride out, doing an ollie or something over a bench into a line, that’s one of my favourite parts of clips. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s always sick to see how people ride out of a sketchy landing or something. Just small things like that. At one point, everything needed to be mid-board, perfect 270 out. If it’s perfect, then it’s perfect, but sometimes when it’s a bit o , it can make it look even harder.
I know you’re pretty strict on the
rules of the streets. What is the most illegal thing that you have seen recently?
Maybe when I knocked the security camera o the wall for my double handplant line, I hit it with my tail, and it ew o the wall. *laughs*. But to get more serious, people should still know what’s been done at certain spots. If you go to Helsinki and you see a perfect kink rail, and you don’t know the roots of what’s been done there, it can kinda suck. If someone did a frontboard there ten years ago and it was in a big movie, you or one of your crew members should know about it. Maybe you should do a frontboard to fakie, so it’s a bit di erent. Then it’s ok. It just sucks when it takes so much e ort to get that one clip, and you know it’s been done, especially when it’s lmed from a similar angle.
You really need to be a student of the game.
Yeah, for sure. I know that some people are so young that they won’t have even seen some of those older movies. But some spots are so obvious, especially in Helsinki, that you should generally know that you need to go pretty heavy there to get something new that people will like. And that way, at least the footage will have more impact.
Does it trip you out that there are kids lming now who’ve never
seen or heard of the videos that you grew up on?
Kind of, yeah. But some of these riders might not know anything besides Instagram. The feed might be the only place where they see snowboarding, so I totally get it. When I post clips from old parts, I can tell there are so many people who’ve never seen them before. That actually makes me post more. So at least some people who haven’t seen the movies can check the clips on the gram. It’s so di erent now. The movies were so big back then and are still big in my mind. That’s a whole other topic. I still go back and watch Child Support, and now everything is on TikTok or Instagram. It’s gonna be hard for those people. Think about it, if you lm a really cool part now with new spots and you put it out on YouTube or whatever, if you don’t get views, it just gets lost. The movie has to be good if people will watch it again.
De nitely.
I got so lucky with the Transworld movie. I lmed a lot of parts, but people really got hyped when they saw that. You just need to go all in and do your best. That’s it.
That’s a perfect way to end. Thanks Toni.
Thank you, stoked to see this in the mag.
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50-50 TRANSFER TO FRONTBOARD.
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INRUN FOR THIS MONSTER BOARDSLIDE. NO ROOM TO BREATHE, BUT NO PROBLEM FOR TK.
5-0
IN SLIPPERS ON THE HAVUMAKI RANCH INDOOR MINIRAMP. THIS PLACE WAS A DREAM.
“All my favourite snowboarders, who I’m also lucky enough to call friends, were in Hexagon, and when I heard about the project, I instantly wanted to get involved.
Due to commitments to other projects, most of us weren’t able to spend two full seasons on Hexagon as originally planned, so we focussed mostly on the second winter.
Anyhow, we got the ball rolling pretty early in that second season and started o with a huge trip with the full crew in Helsinki. It was epic to
roll so deep with a heavy crew. The energy at every spot was sick!
Towards the end of the trip, I felt like I wanted, or should, get one more trick so I could y home satis ed and decided to hit this line in Jyväskylä while it was raining. I ended up twisting my knee really badly and was out for the rest of the season. Bummer.
It was the rst time I had to deal with a knee injury, and could honestly not believe it had happened. Super shitty circumstances, but I have to say that
I was lucky to have a crew around me that knew exactly what to do. Kas and Toni are both experts on knees now and did an amazing job with rst aid right at the spot. So after being out for the rest of the season, I only got to see and hear bits and pieces of what the rest of the crew ended up getting. But for sure they busted their asses to get these clips, so I can’t wait to see the nal outcome of this group e ort and teamwork from these epic snowboarders and media gurus!”
- Benny Urban
METHOD 23.1 HEXAGON 47
BENNY SPREADS HIS WINGS WITH A HEAVY FRONTBOARD THROUGH THE KINKS.
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WALLIE TO BOARDSLIDE
WITH GERMAN PRECISION.
23.1 HEXAGON 49
MAX ZEBE, ONE OF A KIND.
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FULL-POWER FS WALLRIDE. WE SPENT SO LONG IN THIS ZONE, WE PRACTICALLY HAD RESIDENCE PERMITS.
23.1 HEXAGON 51
THIS WAS THE FIRST DAY AND THE FIRST SPOT OF THE TRIP. SEBI SETTING THE TONE WITH A 50-50 GAP 50-50.
THE SECURITY GUY RAN LAPS AROUND THE BUILDING WHEN HE SAW US, AND SOMEHOW MANAGED TO TOTALLY MISS THREE PEOPLE CLIMBING SLOWLY OFF THE ROOF WITH BOARDS AND SHOVELS, WALKING TO OUR CARS AND DRIVING AWAY. IF ONLY EVERY SPOT HAD A GUARD LIKE THIS.
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23.1 HEXAGON 53 GAP BS LIPSLIDE.
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23.1 HEXAGON 55
THIS SPOT HAD SOME GREAT LOCALS, INCLUDING A MAN WITH NO LEGS, DOING DONUTS IN HIS ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR.
KAS KEEPS THEM ENTERTAINED WITH A SILKY SMOOTH BACKLIP.
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OLLIE TO ROLLERCOASTER THROUGH THE BANKS.
23.1 HEXAGON 57
You went into this project pretty hard. Harder than anyone, I think. I didn’t see you take any time o , and it seemed like even the idea of it freaked you out. Do you understand the concept of having a down day?
I understand what it should be…
*laughs* Are you able to apply that understanding to yourself?
No. I was listening to Jon Stark’s Airtime podcast when I was driving back from Croatia. He said that summer is for sleeping, and winter is for working. Or something along those lines. That’s what it’s like for me. As soon as the rst trip is possible, I just appreciate it too much, and I can’t have a day o . Even if you say you won’t snowboard tomorrow, you might sleep in one or two more hours, but then you’re still going out scoping or shovelling. And then maybe hitting something. The winter season is so short that I don’t think you can a ord to have a day o , go to the spa or whatever.
I mean, if you’re completely broke o or you get sick, then it’s wise to stay at home and get your energy back. But if you’re somewhat physically capable of going out somewhere and doing something, it’s always better than staying at home and doing nothing.
Why do you think you go as hard as you do?
It comes down to the fact that when I was a kid and really wanted to snowboard, I didn’t have the time or possibility to do it because I was doing luge racing.
Oh yeah, I forgot you told me you used to do this.
I started when I was six, and my whole family did it. The calendar was full of races and practices. I started snowboarding when I was twelve, and up until I was eighteen, I just had to watch my friends go out on
the weekends to contests or go and lm, and I had to go to those races. I just wanted to go snowboard. I think I got sponsored by Nitro when I was twenty, which is pretty late these days. So I don’t go hard because I’m sponsored and feel like I owe the company something. I feel that I owe it to my teenage self. I appreciate it so much because I couldn’t do it for such a long time when I was young. I was kind of held back. So you could say that when I was a kid, I didn’t get the candy I wanted, and now I’m older, I still enjoy eating it because I didn’t overdo it when I was young.
Nice analogy. As a kid, that must have been pretty hard for you to manage though. It was my dad’s passion and dream. He did it since he was young, and so did my grandpa. My whole family, with my cousins and brother and sister, were always going out as a big squad. It was super nice. But as soon as I found snowboarding and skating, I knew that racing wasn’t the right scene for me. It’s super competitive, and it’s all about milliseconds and being faster than the other guy. I’m just not competitive, and it was just a thing that was happening. I had done it since I was six, and you don’t question it until you get older. Then I just fell in love with snowboarding. I would snowboard every night from Monday until Thursday, just riding groomers because my resort didn’t have a park. Then I’d go race on the weekend. That’s the reason I appreciated the spring glacier season so much.
That’s when my season actually started. Riding Absolut Park, then Dachstein in the summer. I was lucky to have them so close to my home. Those two parks are what made me the snowboarder I am today. I still feed o those times. I was so insanely addicted to it. I would go up with my friends every single day. Dachstein was the worst with the weather
though. If I saw maybe two hours of sun in the forecast now, I probably wouldn’t go on the mountain. Back then, I would go every day because I couldn’t do it all winter.
That’s an interesting place that your motivation comes from. The idea that you’re catching up on lost time from your youth.
I just like snowboarding so much, but I can only really focus on doing one thing at a time. That’s why the luge racing had to stop. I would not even practice and still go to the races, and at one point, I thought fuck it, it doesn’t make sense.
How did your family deal with that?
It was hard, especially for my dad. At rst, I think he was really bummed. Then after one or two years, I got sponsored and boxes started showing up. I was just so into it, and I was just taking every opportunity that I got to do things. I think they saw and appreciated that. I think it would have sucked if I quit luging and was just a snowboard bum, going places but not really doing things. That wasn’t the case. I would just do as much as I could. Once they realised that I meant it and that things were happening, they were happy about it.
I guess that’s all you can hope for from a parent. Even if they don’t get it, they support it. They always supported me. Getting me a season pass or a board. They didn’t hate the fact that I did it. They saw that I loved it, and they supported me, even though I was losing interest in the other stu .
Do you show them your parts?
I’m pretty low-key about it, but they see stu through Facebook, or my sister will show them things. If they ask, I’ll always tell them. And they know that I’m doing stu because I travel a lot. They always get Method and other mags and books sent home, and they check if I have shots.
58 METHOD 23.1
DOM LINKING HIS TWO FAVOURITE THINGS: CREEPERS, AND BS 180 SWITCH 50-50S.
We’ll have to send them some merch. So I know you live a pretty simple lifestyle, and in Finland, you told me that ‘snowboarding is more surviving than saving, but you still get to do what you like’. Do you want to unpack that statement a little bit?
*laughs*. I don’t need a lot. I don’t have a lot. To be honest, I wouldn’t consider myself a professional snowboarder. I think that’s hard to say about yourself. But I think if you can make somewhat of a living without having to work in the summer, then I guess you are. There are a bunch of people who are good businessmen in snowboarding. I’m de nitely not. As soon as I’m happy with a contract or a deal, I won’t ask for more. Maybe once or twice I did, and it was only because I spent so much money lming in the winter and didn’t want to be paying to do it out of my own pocket.
The things I like don’t cost a lot of money, which is pretty much just skateboarding and shing. We’re lucky that my girlfriend’s family has a house in Croatia, which we visit every summer, which is pretty amazing. So I don’t need a lot and don’t ask for a lot. If you want to chase big money and big contracts, that comes with a lot of responsibility. But for me, I would rather put in the work and then have the sponsor approach you with an o er rather than asking for a lot. But I’m happy with what I have, and my sponsors have always supported me and treated me well.
You told us in the winter, you have too many hobbies to get another job anyway. All the shing and the skateboarding and walking the dog and cutting wood. Just no time. Now since I’ve been doing physio for my shoulder, I started biking too. That takes up even more time. Now
I’m fucked. I might even have to quit snowboarding because I have too many hobbies.
But seriously, people have their normal jobs, and they ask me what I do with all my free time. Do people really understand what life is about? Why do you work? You work to get money so you can buy food and pay your rent, and also so you can do the things you like. I go snowboard in the winter, so luckily I get paid to do the thing I love, and that means I have time to do all the things that I like in the summer.
You’ve gured out how to play the system to your advantage. But it’s not easy to be self-employed and be a snowboarder. You don’t know if you’ll get another contract. From one year to the next, you could get cut, then what do you do? It’s the same for lmers and photographers. We’re all in the same boat. If a company goes out of business, you’re not getting paid. It’s a struggle we all have that’s always in the back of our heads. It’s never safe for anyone these days.
Do you worry about the future?
All the time. I have a lot of hobbies and fun, but it doesn’t mean I don’t think about what will happen in the next months or years. But that’s one of my problems. I can only focus on one thing. For as long as I have contracts and I know I want to snowboard, that’s what I’ll do. I’m slowly thinking about other things, but I’m happy with where I am, who I ride for, and the people I’m involved with. I’m not stressing.
Happy to hear it. So to bring things back to Hexagon, did you have much of a plan for what you wanted to do, or did you just charge in and try to stack as much as you could?
We pretty much just stayed in Finland all winter, and there are so many proper spots. But if you’re there for a full winter, it can be hard to nd new things. So I decided early that I wouldn’t stress about always nding new spots. It’s for sure doable in Helsinki, and if you live there like Toni, you can nd so many cool new spots. But when you’re just there for a trip, it can be hard to nd those special things. So I didn’t have the most unique or crazy things. I just wanted to snowboard as much as possible and do tricks on proper spots because that’s what I didn’t do last season.
You de nitely stacked a lot of footage. Was there anything that got left out?
Some stu . I wished we’d had a bit more lming time. After we went home from the last trip to Tampere, I knew I wanted to get a couple more clips, and I was planning on going straight back out to Finland with Kas and Ivika, but then I got broke o at Absolut Park, and my season was over. So I’m super happy with how the part turned out, but I would have loved to have had one or two extra clips. I went to Jhonny’s place, and we edited the part together, and seeing my shots and what everyone else got, I think for one year with pretty much one lmer, we did pretty good. I’m proud of what we managed to do.
I think your part is quite timeless. Just really classic snowboarding. That’s nice of you to say. I just wanted to lm something that was still nice for me to watch in ten years’ time.
I guess that’s the goal. I know you make it for other people too, but you should also like it. I’m already over watching my part though *laughs*.
60 METHOD 23.1
SWITCH BOARDSLIDE ON THE COLDEST DAY OF THE TRIP. MARCO FOUND HIMSELF A COSY SPOT INSIDE THE BUILDING TO FILM FROM. WORK SMART, NOT HARD.
DOM TAKES DOWN THE ULTIMATE CREEPER.
PHOTO: MARCUS ROHRBACHER
Classic. How was it lming with this crew for Hexagon?
It’s always nice to lm with people you know because they’re honest. If I land something and I ask if they thought it looked good, I know they’ll tell me what they’re really thinking. If you’re with people you don’t know, then chances are they’ll just say that they thought it was sick or something. But if I ask Kas for his opinion, I know 100% he’ll be honest and will tell me if I should do it again. Even if it might be a sketchy spot or if I’m over it. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve got it ok and then nding out that you didn’t. Filming with your friends, you know you’re getting an honest response. I think that’s more valuable than no one saying what they think, and at the end of the year, you’re just bummed.
For sure.
The vibe was just nice. I’ve known these guys for ten years plus. In snowboarding, you share a career with people that you really consider friends. It’s pretty special what we had. That pretty much made Hexagon what it is. We have history together, and we know how we work. It just made it a bit easier.
Let’s talk about your ender on the 360 creeper rail. That is such a rad shot, and it must have been a crazy feeling.
It was insane. Also how we found it. We were just waiting at a red light on a huge crossing. I looked over and saw an entrance to an underground station and something that might have been a creeper, so I jumped out of the car to take a look. Each year I get into something di erent, and this year it was creepers. So I took a look, and it was pretty insane, but I wasn’t totally sure about it. Then Kas made me take him to see it, and he said that I had to do it and that he would do everything he could to make the spot work for me, which he and Tim did. It’s one of the main underground train stations in Helsinki, and it’s crazy that we didn’t get kicked out.
How many tries was it? I cleared it kinda fast, but the problem was making it without my hands touching the wall. Trying to do a proper 50-50 instead of leaning into the wall, which just slowed me down and looked stupid. It didn’t feel
like it took forever, but for sure it was a few tries to gure out how to lean into the staircase.
The sequence Marcus shot of it is so sick. We didn’t actually have a photographer for this spot, I think you were in Iceland, so I hit up Marcus Rohrbacher because I knew he was in Helsinki with the Nitro squad. Karsten [Boysen] also helped lm, and we basically had a big party with everyone at the end when I got it. I was stressed as fuck though, because I thought we were going to get kicked out any second. But it worked out. Kas said after that one, I could never lm a creeper again. What glass spots are to Kas, creepers are to me.
*laughs*
It’s funny thinking about it. Every year the approach changes. You concentrate on tricks, you concentrate on spots, you want to lm things di erently, then you want to go with di erent people. You keep changing and evolving. I’ve been through almost every sort of scenario, changing between styles and crews and ways of lming, and now it feels like it’s come full circle. I think I’m old enough and feel con dent enough to talk to my sponsors and feel that I can just do whatever I want, with whoever I want. I started lming with Marc Swoboda and my friends almost twenty years ago when we were fteen or sixteen. Last year with Hexagon, it felt the same. It was just lming with our friends, how and where we wanted.
METHOD 23.1 HEXAGON 63
Snow | Surf | Skate online & in >70 shops in seven countries
Pic: Craig Robinson | Blue Tomato Team Rider: Annika Morgan
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SNEAKING BEER ONTO THE LIFT, WITH NICK DIRKS, CHRISTIAN CONNERS AND CHEYNE SCHOULTZ.
PHOTOS: SEAN KERRICK SULLIVAN
1. Buy a pitcher from the closest bar to the lift.
2. Drink a little bit, you don’t want it too full for what you’re about to do.
3. Make sure you have cups in your bag.
4. Hold the pitcher in one hand, then carefully cover it with a vest or jacket.
5. Move slowly and smoothly towards the lift, pretending you’re just holding a jacket, instead of a pitcher of beer.
6. Before you approach the line, check which side the lifties are standing on, then position yourself to take the furthest seat away from them. Also, make sure you’re using your friends as human shields.
7. Act completely casual behind your totally nonsuspicious sunglasses.
8. Be aware of spillage as you sit down on the lift. The degree of spillage will vary depending on the lift manufacturer and the style/ speed of the lift.
9. Pull away, serve up, and enjoy your beverages.
10. Carve responsibly back to the bar and return the pitcher for a re ll.
[For bonus points, pretend that it’s your rst time using the lift and ask the lifties to slow it down for you because you’re scared, that way you shouldn’t spill a single drop of your beer. Or take a child with you (either your own, or borrow one from a friend) and say that the lift needs slowing down for them. Try not to laugh while doing this.]
A BACKLIP A DAY KEEPS DR LUTI AWAY.
PHOTO: JÉRÔME TANON
STAIRS ARE LANDINGS TOO. MAGGIE LEON, 50-50 TO FIRECRACKER.
PHOTO: ASHLEY ROSEMEYER
GGILZ AIRLINES IS NOW BOARDING AT GATE 720.
PHOTO: BRANDON HUTTENLOCHER
A FRONTSIDE 360 IN FLUMSERBERG.
PHOTO: JONAS GASSNER
JOPI SWITCHI FIFTI FIFTI
PHOTO: SAMU KARVONEN
INTRO: CHIARA GRISORIO
INTERVIEW: THEO ACWORTH
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INTERVIEW 23.1
DANNY LARSEN WOULD BE PROUD
PHOTO: MICHAEL PROUZA
“WHAT I’VE LEARNED THROUGH WATCHING AND BEING PART OF THE SNOWBOARDING WORLD IS THAT MENTAL & PHYSICAL BATTLES ARE ALMOST A MUST. EVERYONE’S GOT THEIR OWN, AND THEY ALL DEAL WITH THEM IN DIFFERENT WAYS. HAVING SAID THAT, WATCHING NIQI RIDE STREET LITERALLY THREW ME OFF THE BUS. I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WAS EXPECTING WHEN WE CALLED HER TO COME FILM FOR FAKE TEETH REAL FRIENDS, BUT SHE MANAGED TO MAKE IT REAL CLEAR THAT SHE BELONGED WHERE SHE WAS AND WAS DEFINITELY NOT GOING TO BACK DOWN ON ANYTHING. AND WHEN I SAY ANYTHING, I MEAN ANYTHING. I’VE SEEN NIQI RIDE THROUGH PARKS IN RESORTS, BUT NIQI IN THE STREET IS A WHOLE OTHER NIQI. SHE IS FEROCIOUS AND HUNGRY AND DOES NOT GIVE UP. SHE RODE IN A FREEZING BLIZZARD IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC, WINCHED ON THE WINCH BIKE ON A RAIL OVER THE STREET WITH CARS AND TRUCKS PASSING BY AND BATTLED TILL SHE COULD NO LONGER FEEL HER BROKEN THUMB. NO MATTER THE FEAR, THE STRUGGLE, THE ACTUAL PAIN, NIQI BATTLES AND CONQUERS HER STRUGGLES.”
So you’re Dutch but lived in Canada for a bit and have been in Innsbruck for the last couple of years. What brought you back to Europe? Covid. It was super hectic. I had a job that my visa was attached to, working in nance for a company that owns a bunch of bars and clubs. Not the most exciting job, but they were exible with my snowboarding. I had just done Miss Superpark and Snowboy’s Back to the Village at Ban when my family called and told me that Italy was shutting down and that I should come home. What? I was home, I live in Canada. I’m not just gonna pack up. That makes no sense.
The next day Whistler Blackcomb announced that they were closing for a month, and everyone at my company got red. So I have no job and no visa, I don’t know if the mountain will open again, and I also heard that airlines were going to stop ying. I thought I could stay, then thought that it would probably be good to be close to family in case something did happen to any of them. I booked a ight and ew home four days later. I’d been living in my apartment for two years and had to clean the entire thing out, just throwing stu on the street or trying to give things to friends. I couldn’t take anything to a recycling centre because everything was closed. Then I got on the plane and was
back in the Netherlands, and I wasn’t really sure what to do with my life.
Wow, that’s crazy. I sort of assumed you wanted to come back, I didn’t realise it was such a forced change of circumstances. I never really got to process leaving. It happened super fast. So I was at home for a while with family, which was kind of nice actually, and I ended up coming to the Kaunertal opening at the start of the next winter. I saw Jacco [Bos], and he said that I should move to Innsbruck. I’d never even been to Innsbruck, but why not? It was meant to be temporary until I could go back to Canada, and then I ended up getting really settled in by accident and liking it a lot more than I thought I would.
Yeah, that happens a lot here. I felt welcomed and accepted really fast. There are a lot of really sick women here who are really active that I’d never heard of before. They don’t ride to get sponsored or to be popular or anything, they just enjoy themselves.
Were you lming much in Canada?
A little bit. Never really around Whistler as it’s kind of a ski resort town. I did this project with Kayli Hendricks. We did street trips and also events at local resorts just for women. We did one at Troll, which was really fun because she’s from
there. We also went to Edmonton, it was -30. Crazy cold, but really good with the girls.
Was this past winter one of the rst times you’d joined a crew lming street rather than trying to do it yourself?
Yeah. I’ve known I want to ride street for at least ten years. When I started snowboarding, I was immediately watching street videos and knew that was what I wanted to do. It’s not really possible to do it in the Netherlands, and at the time, there weren’t many women doing it in Europe, so I thought I had to go to the US. But it’s hard to only spend six months somewhere and try to get in with people.
I always found it frustrating that lming street seemed so private and secret. I get it. If you have a crew that works good, why would you just invite everybody along? There are so many unspoken rules to gure out if no one tells you. So I would try to create my own projects and be open to include people who were down to do the same thing, but it never really worked. I never got to lm the way that I wanted. This felt like the rst time I was sort of ‘allowed’ in with a crew, if you can say it like that. It felt like a dream. I’ve wanted to do this for so long and struggled to do it on my own, then all of a sudden I just rolled into it. It was crazy.
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So a year after joining Drake and Northwave, would you say it was the right decision?
It’s so much better than I ever thought. I’m a pretty loyal person, so it was hard to break that relationship with Niche and go for something else. I’d only just met Alex [Stewart] and Chiara [Grisorio], and they ended up inviting me to Zermatt. The whole vibe of these few days was so good with everyone. I just wanted to be a part of that team. They also developed a lot of the products, and a
couple of months later, I got to try the DFL pro, which Chiara designed with Paula [Benito]. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, and it might actually be my favourite board ever. So I get to hang out with people I really like and I get to ride a snowboard that I really like. I didn’t see any downsides. I didn’t even know if I’d be involved with any lming projects. It just felt like a family, and they were good to be around. It felt like the right decision. Looking back, fuck yeah it was the right decision.
METHOD NOT THE NETHERLANDS
PHOTO: MICHAEL PROUZA
That’s great to hear. How were the lming trips last winter? Super di erent. We were in the Czech Republic on two di erent trips. The rst was just street with Alex, Chiara, [Nicholas] Bridgeman, and Dusan [Kris] was there but then he had to leave to do a coaching thing. We stayed with his parents, even though he wasn’t there. The second trip was for the TAO of Beginnings clip with the Simpson brothers, Alex, Klaus [Schroll] and Nata [Selena Karen Sanchez]. It was a mixture of street and riding at Wena’s Backyard Park.
Sounds like a nice mix. How did the rst trip go?
I felt a lot of pressure. It was crazy and surreal to have people who knew what they were doing lming me and shovelling for me, and asking me what I needed. Everyone starts giving you advice at one point, which can also be a bit overwhelming. I was feeling almost guilty that I wasn’t landing. I felt easier about it after I’d shovelled and put some work in for their spots. At the rst spot, Bridgeman just started cutting down my drop-in without asking me because he could see that I was going too fast. I got kind of mad because I didn’t know I was going too fast! He was right, though. Alex was also shovelling out the stairs to make the shot look better but was doing it secretly as he didn’t want to mess with me mentally. They could see what was going wrong and were just trying to help me get the shot. Alex also really took a lot of time to work through things with me when I was battling. It was so sick how he supported me so much. Just letting me be there. He’s very analytical, and so am I. I never felt like I was that talented, so I analyse everything in my riding. The way he gave advice helped so much, like how I was locking onto the rail. Things would just click. He’d say it would just be a matter of time, and then I’d keep telling that to myself.
That’s rad to hear. He’s de nitely had his fair share of experience. But having a whole crew of people all throwing that experience at you at the same time must have been pretty intense.
I also felt like all of these people were investing time in me. I’d never had that before, and I really didn’t
want to fuck it up. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, and I also didn’t want to disappoint myself. I wanted it really badly, and I wanted to show that I appreciated the opportunity and make the most of it.
You said just now that they ‘let you’ be there. For sure if you’re there, it’s because they’re down with you and your snowboarding. I know I am too, you rip. They wouldn’t have asked for you to ride for them if they didn’t back you and want to do stu with you. But I’m pretty sure it’s hard to have that perspective while you’re watching someone cut up your drop-in and dig out your stairs while you’re already stressed out. Yeah, especially when the whole situation is new. It took me a few days to gure it out. I don’t know if I did though, really. I just knew that it was basically my dream, so I was going to work as hard as I could to make it happen.
So you’ve got a cast on in some of these photos. What happened? I broke my thumb. I’d kind of got the shot on the wooden down- at-down but I wanted to get it better. I slipped o early and smacked my hand on it. I couldn’t even strap in anymore. A few days later I was also using the winch for the rst time and doing it one-handed.
One-handed winch bike? Even with two hands, that thing is rowdy. I didn’t think the spot would be too gnarly with the winch, but I ended up slamming a couple of times badly and almost hitting my head, which I’m always really scared of. At one point, I said I was done. I sat down with Alex and Chiara in their van, which was right next to us in the parking lot. I wasn’t happy with the shot, but I was mentally through with it. Alex made some tea, and we talked about it. After a while, I said that I thought I should try it again. I asked him what he thought, and he said that I should do it again… but that I didn’t have to because I was hurt.
Classic devil’s advocate.
It eventually worked out, but it was mentally pretty rough. Sometimes I get a little scared if I’m whipping my head and neck because I’ve had so many problems with concussions.
When was the rst time you had a concussion?
My rst winter here. I did a pretty fast backlip on an icy park rail and stuck, ew o and smacked my head. I thought I might be ok, but then I started getting really tired, and when I woke up the next day, I could barely do anything. I went to the grocery store and was really overwhelmed by all the lights. That was when I thought I probably had a concussion. I’d never really taken them that seriously. I thought it would just be gone in ve days or something. Then a few months later, I had another pretty light concussion, but it was actually worse. I couldn’t have good conversations with people, and it took me a long time to feel like myself again after that.
Damn, that sounds pretty intense. I was having really bad headaches and couldn’t really look at my screen either. I just wanted to know when it would be done. I got a brain scan at the hospital, and they told me that I wasn’t bleeding in my brain and basically just said ‘good luck’.
That must have sucked to feel like you didn’t have a solution. It’s really di erent. With other injuries, there’s quite a clear stepby-step recovery process. Have surgery, do physio, get stronger. With a concussion, you don’t have anyone telling you when you can go back to snowboarding. I was trying to nd out information, and there are so many things that you don’t really know about. Basically when you get a concussion, it reduces your brain energy levels, and it takes about 22 to 45 days to fully restore, even though your symptoms might be gone after the rst 10 days. If you hit your head again before your levels are fully restored, it drops even lower than the rst time and could cause permanent brain damage as well as it then taking between 90 and 120 days to restore.
Damn that’s crazy, and not riding for that long is pretty hard for a snowboarder working in winter. Yeah, and most people think they’ll just be ne after a week and they can go riding again and will be ne. It takes a long time until your brain is fully recovered.
23.1 VERONIQI HANSSEN 83
What did the next few months look like for you after that?
It was really di cult because I was experiencing issues for quite a long time afterwards. And it’s not like an injury you can see, like a broken bone. It’s an invisible injury. If I told people that I had a headache, they would tell me to drink some water or maybe go get my eyes checked or something.
I know where the problem is coming from, but you feel kind of crazy because everyone is kind of telling you that you should be ne already, and they can’t really understand it. That made it di cult. You know you’re not feeling ok, and you know that your brain isn’t processing things properly, but you can’t really explain it. I did talk a bit to Melissa Ritano and Kelsey Boyer from Save a Brain. It was nice to have their support. She also sent me this cookbook that they made called the ‘Concussion Cookbook’, which is food that is good for your brain and that sort of stu , which was really quite helpful.
So many snowboarders still don’t wear helmets, and we don’t think about the serious e ects of how hurting your brain can a ect who you are as a person. But I did exactly the same thing for so many years, despite having friends who had been through similar situations. There also aren’t that many helmets that actually prevent concussions. We really need to get onto that.
Anon seem to do a pretty good job with their helmets. They have this crazy 3D material that diverts the force from rotational impact by crumpling and gliding. We should try to get you one.
Yeah, they use Wavecel. I was reading that di erent helmets have di erent ratings and that MIPS [Multi-directional-ImpactSystem] would be more e ective in some than in others. But all of this research is done by the helmet companies themselves, so they’re not really legally allowed to say if a helmet could prevent anything. So, in the end, you’re kind of left with nothing. I tried really hard to nd this information. But it’s hard to nd what’s actually going to help protect my brain.
Since those two concussions you mentioned, have you had any others?
Nothing huge since then. But it’s hard to be snowboarding and know you’re vulnerable to concussions. I’m wearing a helmet, but it feels like it doesn’t take much. I also throw the helmet away after each hit and buy a new one. I feel like many people wear the same smashed-up helmet for years and don’t realise it’s useless after hitting your head once.
Are the long-term e ects of concussions something that you worry about?
Yeah, sometimes. I saw a lot of that stu about football players who hit their heads many times and die. But they can’t diagnose it until they’re dead and they’ve cut open their brains and analysed them. But those players might have had hundreds of concussions. But I’ve already got some stu that I don’t really talk about that much. I just try to deal with it. There are some things that linger, like I struggle with focusing too long on screens or reading things for a long amount of time and also headaches.
And these things are with you on a daily basis?
Yeah. They’re not super crazy, but I’m de nitely not the same as I was before, and that’s quite di cult to deal with. I’m ok to speak about it, but as I said, it can be di cult because people can’t really see it, so it can be easy to wave it away and say that I’m imagining it or something. I know what I’m feeling. I just have to deal with it on my own, basically.
It sounds quite isolating. A little bit, yeah. I mean, everyone has a headache once in a while, so it can be hard to explain because it doesn’t really feel the same way. My sister has had a lot of concussions from being knocked out in icy pipes. She would sometimes have non-stop headaches for three months in a row. She’d just have to go to bed and close her eyes and not do anything. I can talk about it with her, and we can understand each other pretty easily. Sometimes you want advice, but you want it from someone who really knows and understands what’s going on. When you open up about things, people often feel very
inclined to give you advice, even if they know nothing about it. So that can sometimes be a reason not to talk about it.
Street snowboarding is obviously a pretty high-risk environment. How do you manage the fact that you’re choosing to put yourself in situations where there’s a good chance of falling?
So last winter I hit my head at DIYX, and then hiking at Patscherkofel, so I hadn’t really been snowboarding since then. Then Alex hit me up about the trip, and I 100% wanted to do it. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. So you know that you can’t really a ord to fall on your head, but am I going to pass up the opportunity? I went and rode Laax for three days and was feeling kind of good, so I decided to go. I was de nitely thinking about it a lot, just weighing up how badly I want to do it and is it worth it? If it feels like it’s worth it for me, and I really really want to do it, then I’m gonna do it, and I just have to hope that it goes alright. And besides my thumb, it went ne.
So you got through both trips ok?
On the second trip, the pressure was getting to me more. There was one spot where I wasn’t really in the right mindset and was falling and whipping my head a bit, and I just thought, you know what, I actually don’t care about this spot that much. So I stopped, and kind of broke down a little bit. If I’m going to risk it, the reward has to be big enough. So that was a bit of a struggle, but by the end of the season, you kind of forget about it and start feeling better. But on those trips, I was de nitely weighing things up.
That’s a lot to carry. Even when you’re feeling ne and on point, lming street is an exhausting and intense environment.
I talked to Klaus about it. She’d had knee surgery and was still having pain in it, so we kind of connected a bit on that. We both wanted to ride our best but felt like we couldn’t. That was actually really nice to have that support in the team and to talk about it. Not everyone can relate to that. If you haven’t had a big injury, it can be hard to understand how it a ects you mentally. I’ve had so many injuries over the years that didn’t a ect
84 METHOD
me at all until heavier things start happening, and you don’t know if you can actually snowboard again. That’s really di cult to pull yourself through and somehow come back to snowboarding again. You’ve just gotta really love it and really have the passion, because why else would you put yourself through it, you know? It makes no sense otherwise. And if you don’t love it, then I think you’d quit. It doesn’t make sense to struggle that much mentally and physically. I never used to understand why some people would stop snowboarding, but now I do. I understand why some people reach that threshold where they decide that they no longer want to risk their health in this way.
Unless you have a personal connection to a rider, you often never know the reasons why they step away from lming, even though they’re still really good.
There are other things in life than just being good at something and being a snowboarder. But for me, I haven’t done enough yet where I’d be happy to quit.
How’s the overall feeling of the team at the moment? It seems like Alex and Chiara are really pushing the women’s side of the brands? Yeah, they’re going for a 50-50 split. That’s the goal. No one has done that. No one. It seems like a bizarre idea, but why? Shouldn’t that be kind of normal? The participation rate of women in snowboarding is still lower than men, but it’s rapidly growing. If you’re not supporting it and making space for role models, you won’t encourage new participation or growth, and those rates won’t change. It’s a vicious circle. If you’re not making women visible, why should women support what you do?
Exactly. You have to make space for growth instead of just wondering why it doesn’t happen. I noticed a shift in myself too. I’ll watch every women’s project and read all the interviews, but I’m less interested in men’s stu . There are so many good women, and it feels more attainable and inspiring to you. Men’s snowboarding is inspiring, but I never really questioned the lack of women when I started riding. Watching Videograss movies, you think you can do something like that, then you realise that there are no women in them, and you start to doubt that you can be a part of that. If you see women snowboarding, chances are it’s because they’ve had to make their own project. I thought that I had to nd other women to ride street with and then create my own project, otherwise I’ll never get to ride street. And that’s kind of the reality of it, which is really frustrating.
23.1 VERONIQI HANSSEN 85
DOUBLE TROUBLE WITH TM ALEX STEWART
PHOTO: FEDERICO GREGO
I never noticed how totally maledominated videos were until it was pointed out to me.
It’s hard for us to navigate this industry and know where to send stu . Maybe it’s a con dence thing where women are less inclined to hit people up and ask them to watch or post their stu because it feels like there’s no space for it.
Readers, brands and media, take note and make some space. Do you have plans for next winter?
I think we’re still guring it out. I know Dusan and Bridgeman really want to ride pow, and Alex is down for both pow and street. So we might split, but we’ll gure it out and will de nitely be lming something.
We didn’t actually get into the TAO project yet. How did that one go? That was crazy, too, with everyone riding the same board. It was totally di erent compared to the other trip. Joe and Jake’s pace is so high, doing ve spots a day, but the sort of spots that you would never think of yourself. I was exhausted and couldn’t really keep up with them, but it was fun to see a totally di erent perspective. It’s cool how everyone approaches it so di erently.
That’s what makes snowboarding so rad.
I was actually talking to Alex about all the tricks that I still want to learn, and he just said, “Why? You don’t need it. You’ve pretty much got the tricks you need for street. Just focus on making them look good and putting your style on it, and that’s all you need”. For me, it’s always been about progress. But he gave me this calming sense of con dence by saying that. You always feel inadequate because there’s always more to learn. Sometimes I just hate my style and change how I do everything. It was so comforting to just try and make it look good instead of trying crazy shit. I know I’m not that snowboarder who can just land
anything. So it can be good for your mental health to look at it like that.
I think most of us appreciate simple things done with style. Some people have their certain signature tricks that you’re always hyped to see, and it doesn’t matter if they do them a lot.
I started having that thing where everyone would tell me that my backlips were sick, and I told myself that I would just stop doing them because I was tired of people thinking that I could only do one trick! I can do other things!
*laughs* It kind of sounds like a lot of self-doubt?
I de nitely over-think things, and I’m also a perfectionist. That’s sometimes very good, but sometimes it keeps you in this negative space where you’re really critical about what you do and how you do it, and you think that everybody might hate it. So it’s nding the balance between allowing it to motivate you and push you to do your best and not letting it paralyse you to the point that you can’t do anything. But the older I get, the better I get at it.
Well it sounds like being a part of this team and crew is a good space to be in to help with that too. Are you happy with your shots?
I feel really supported and it’s great to be a part of this crew, but it’s hard to be completely happy with your shots. We didn’t lm for too long, and I wish I could have done more. I’m de nitely not happy with how it looks, and that’s hard to accept when you know how you could do the trick in the park, but it’s not the same in the streets with all the circumstances around it. Shovelling, being tired and struggling with the mental side of it. In that scenario, that’s the best I had. I gave it everything my body had, and I’m happy with the e ort because I don’t think I could have done any more.
86 METHOD 23.1 VERONIQI HANSSEN
RIDE, LIFT, REPEAT. SIMPLE SNOWBOARDING WITH THE VOLCOM CREW IN CHAMROUSSE, AND A WELCOME BREAK FROM A HECTIC WINTER. SUNRISE SHOOTS STARTING AT 12PM, THE PERFECT SCHEDULE. DISTRACTED FROM OUR CAMERAS BUT WE DON’T REALLY CARE.
THE LIFTS STOP, WE DON’T. COLOURS ROLL AND HAZY DAYS MERGE INTO HAZY NIGHTS. NO MATTER THE TIME, THE DOOBIE FIASCO NEVER STOPS. SLED ENGINES CHURNING, SLUSH TURNS BURNING, ABSTRACT SHAPES TAKE FLIGHT, GLIDE, AND ALIGHT. FIRE IT UP BOYS, WE’RE KEEPING SUNSET PARK STONED.
ALL PHOTOS ARE MULTIPLE EXPOSURES, CREATED IN-CAMERA.
23.1
PHOTO & WORDS: THEO ACWORTH
MEHDI SOLTANE, BS 540.
LENNY OLIVER, METHOD
LENNY OLIVER, BLUNT 270.
SIMON PIRCHER, FRONTBOARD.
DOOBIE, SNOWBOARD LIKE YOU SKATEBOARD
92 METHOD BRUNO RIVOIRE’S STILL GOT IT.
23.1 SUNSET PARK 93 MEHDI SOLTANE, BS RODEO.
FLOCORZELIUS,BS 180.
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FLO CORZELIUS, INDY TWEAKER OVER THE ENTIRE HIP WHILE JAN PROKES LOOKS ON WITH PRIDE.
23.1 SUNSET PARK 95
SIMON PIRCHER, SHIFTY.
96 METHOD 23.1 VICTOR PELLEGRIN
AKA DOOBIE
ANTTI JUSSILA
HELSINKI, FINLAND
WORLD PEACE SNOWBOARD | FORMULA BINdiNG WILL SMITH & MARC O’MALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
VISUALIZE WORLD PEACE
K2SNOW.COM
100 METHOD
Naughty Adam and Daddy Basketballs Pen
By Tom Guilmard
23.1 UNTITLED 101
& Marker
102 METHOD
INTERVIEW: THEO ACWORTH
PHOTOS: TROY TANNER
BEFORE I MET CARLOS A FEW MONTHS AGO, I DIDN’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT HIM. HE PLAYED IN A PUNK BAND CALLED THE CLOOBS, HE RIPPED, BUT THAT WAS THE EXTENT OF MY KNOWLEDGE. HIS NAME CONJURES IMAGES OF A A DEVIL-MAY-CARE SORT OF CHARACTER WHO COULD BE IN A CARTEL, BUT THE SOFTLY SPOKEN KIWI I MET WAS NOTHING OF THE SORT. OUR MEETING WAS SHORT, BUT FILLED IN SOME OF THE BLANKS OF HIS PERSONALITY. HE ALSO SHARED AN EXPERIENCE WITH ME OF LOSING A FAMILY MEMBER BEFORE THEIR TIME, AND HOW THAT CHANGED HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SNOWBOARDING. WE SAID WE’D STAY IN TOUCH AND CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION IN THE MAG, AND HERE IT IS.
Hey Carlos, how’s winter running down in New Zealand?
It’s all good, but it’s been such a weird winter in terms of snow. It snowed so much at the start, then rained 12cm, and since then it’s been windy. So ups and downs. We’re waiting for another storm but also waiting for it to get slushy, just teetering between winter and spring.
Last time we spoke, you said you wanted to explore new zones in NZ and not get stuck doing the same things as usual, has that been the program for this winter?
Funnily enough, no. This winter was actually the complete opposite. The conditions haven’t been ideal for going out and going on big missions, so we’ve been looking much closer, and it’s been refreshing and really fun. We’ve been building jumps inbounds, which never really happens here. We scored a really nice jump session at Cardrona the other day. So I feel like we’re doing the opposite of what I spoke about, but I’ve been loving it.
*laughs* It’s nice when you can nd new stu on the doorstep. I think on Blake Paul’s Bombhole, he said something about looking smarter, not harder. Or maybe it was look harder, not further. Something along those lines. But we’re actually jumping in a heli tomorrow and camping for three days somewhere in the mountains. It’s quite hard to nd the right spot to camp and build a jump, you have to go o Google Earth, and it never totally works out like you think it will.
How much terrain in New Zealand is unexplored or unridden?
I think the heli access is pretty exclusive to the heliski operations, and they’re quite expensive. So it’s fairly untapped. It’s not like Canada, where you can sled out six peaks behind wherever you parked your truck. So you do have to be motivated to explore here. But lift tickets are now $120, and if you really wanted to get a crew together and explore or stay in a hut, or do a heli drop, it would cost about the same if you all chipped in. So I think people make the most of it, but access is just di erent here. We don’t have the same infrastructure.
Who’s your crew been this winter? I switched things up a bit. After shooting with the Ruckus crew for the last few years, Izrayl Brinsdon approached me. He predominantly shoots skating, but he wanted to come over and shoot some snow stu . It’s all going to be 16mm and will be a bit more of a personal project. I’ve also been riding with this kid called Mitchel Davern from New Zealand, and he’s just transitioned from contests into lming stu , and it’s been sick. He’s super fresh into it, so I’m sort of showing him the ropes, but he’s really motivated and has an amazing eye and trick selection. So it’s quite a fresh crew compared to what we’ve normally been doing. It’s been nice to switch things up.
It’s always nice to try something a bit di erent and change the recipe. I feel like everything in my approach has really changed over the last year. Since I was a kid, I spent my New Zealand summers travelling overseas and doing contests. Now I’ve spent two summers staying here and not snowboarding. This past year
I went over to Spain, and I only went snowboarding twice. Everything had switched up completely. Coming back to New Zealand I was keen to do something di erent and explore something else. Having time o made me re-evaluate everything in a way. Having a new crew to lm with, a new project and a new style of lming have got me super excited, especially after not really being sure what would happen or what I would do this year.
Let’s talk about that a bit. I’d been hearing your name for a few years, and then I suddenly wasn’t. Until we met and spoke at Hell Week at the end of last winter, I didn’t know why. Do you want to talk about your reasons for taking time o ?
In November 2020, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. It was totally out of the blue. He’d just come back from Spain, and I’d just done a winter. We decided that as a family, we were going to spend as much time as we could with each other and make the most of the time that we had. It was crazy at the start. It just didn’t sink in at all. Just spending summer in New Zealand was crazy for me. I don’t really know how to explain it. I hadn’t really hung out with my family for more than a month or two at a time. Everything was completely upside down from what I was usually doing.
Are you close as a family?
Yeah, we are. When all that stu happened, it was a complete shock to the system. When we met, it was actually my rst time snowboarding overseas since hearing the news about Dad. Our whole family packed up and moved to Spain in the second summer of him being sick. He had fourteen months from the diagnosis, and this was at about eleven months. He was trying to get back home and see his family. It was during covid too, so there was a lot going on. So when I saw you in Crans Montana, I’d just spent almost three months in a town with a hundred people or something. Not snowboarding or skating or anything. It was crazy to go snowboarding again. All this shit I used to take for granted, like going up the hill to train for a contest, it just seemed so far away.
23.1 CARLOS GARCIA KNIGHT 103
So going through your fathers illness has changed your perspective and relationship to it? Yeah. Snowboarding can be taken so seriously, and I used to take it seriously, but less so now. I’ve come to realise that I need it as a release, for lack of a better word. When I nally did that stu again after not having it for so long, it just had a completely di erent meaning. Thank god I can do this and get things out of my system and just focus on something completely.
I’m super lucky that my mum was down for me to go. No one had an obligation to stay, we were just all in this crazy space together, and my mum was happy for me to go snowboard when I could. She almost had to force me into it. I was in a weird headspace, and she just said go for it. That’s when I realised, shit, I actually need this. I’ve realised how much going snowboarding or skating is a huge positive for your mental health.
Have you ever experienced a situation like this before?
I lost my grandad when I was younger and when I was still riding contests. That was a huge thing to go through, but grandparents are older, so that’s quite common. I was super close to him, though. This was just a completely di erent experience. It was way more of a shock for me.
When we met in Crans Montana, you said that this was something
104 METHOD
you wanted to talk about and have in the mag. Why was that?
I don’t really know how to phrase it. Snowboarding isn’t just a sport. It’s a community. For me, it’s also a coping mechanism in some ways, and a really positive one. I can go out with my friends and enjoy myself and process things or whatever. That wasn’t obvious to me before all this happened. You don’t have to read too deep into it, and snowboarding can be way less than that if you want it. But if someone just told me you
can go snowboarding and let go of shit for three hours or whatever, if that was made more obvious, maybe I would have realised it sooner. Maybe there’s someone reading this who’s in the same position as me, and this might help them to realise it too. It’s funny what you think you know about things, especially when you do it for a long time. You tend to forget about certain things, or they can take on new meanings. I’d de nitely forgotten about what that side of snowboarding can give you.
I think a lot of people don’t have something like this in their lives. Something you can do that takes your full attention.
It’s just a good way to spend your time. That’s something dad was always really strong on, just having fun and enjoying yourself, not taking shit too seriously. When you’re snowboarding, you’re usually with your good mates or people who are into the same stu as you and share a similar mindset.
It’s cool to hear that you got those values from him. Was he something of a role model for you?
Not in a traditional sense. He was a chef and restaurant owner. He wasn’t a snowboarder dad that I would ride with, but he moved from Spain to New Zealand because he wanted to learn English and get away from a hectic life in Madrid, where he was a tax lawyer. He moved here and fell in love with the place and met my mum. He left a good-paying job and his family and mates in Spain and just committed to being somewhere because he loved it. So he was a role model to me more in the way that he did things. He also never pushed me into any type of sport of anything. He would take me up the hill and let me do my thing at my own pace. I look at that style of parenting, and I think, ‘Fuck yeah’. When I decided that I was more into making lms with my friends and that I didn’t have the desire to compete anymore, he didn’t really know what was going on in the scene or anything, but he was the rst one to back me up and tell me that I’d made the right choice.
23.1
FS 360 IN ANCIENT TERRAIN.
That’s cool to hear. So when you were in Spain and weren’t doing these activities, how did you handle your emotions and process what was going on?
That’s a good question. In New Zealand, I was lucky because I had a lot of time to go snowboarding, sur ng and skating. So the rst summer, I was spending a lot of time with my family just kind of cruising, going shing and stu with my dad. I could also go up north and see my girlfriend and do trips and stu like that. But towards the end of the summer, it was quite hard. I didn’t have a traditional job, my sister was studying, and my mum was working, so I needed stu to do. I was pretty stoked when winter came around because it kind of lled that gap. That’s the stage where I wish I’d chilled a bit more or had someone just saying chill and enjoy yourself because I felt pressured after not spending time on snow for six months. That was fully internal pressure, though. All my sponsors were so chilled with everything and backed me 100%. But when summer came around again, I’d always been keen to explore lm and video, and I just dove into it head rst, and I used that as a bit of an outlet too. I de nitely wasn’t only doing positive stu , though. I was smoking weed more than I used to, and that sort of stu . I de nitely wasn’t a saint when it came to handling the situation. But I felt like the video stu ended up doing me a lot of good. Now I’m trying to shoot more video in general. I ended up buying a 16mm Bolex. That thing is my baby. So I found something good while I was going through all that shit, which I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise, you know?
Yeah, that’s cool to hear that something like that came out of it. How are you feeling about the loss of your father? Is it still something you’re coming to terms with? Yeah de nitely. I don’t think it’s as easy as just saying, ‘Yeah, I’m done with it now’. In terms of grief, I experience it di erently to my family. It hits me really hard at times, and I’m really chilled at other times. I feel like the hardest thing was recognising the little triggers, so you can gure out when you’re going to feel like shit. And instead of randomly feeling weird, you know
why. I de nitely have great people around me. I’m super lucky to have such an amazing supportive family and having my girlfriend Sierra with me is amazing. She came to Spain with me, and I’ve had her with me the whole time, which has been a huge help for me. My family has always been on the same program. They’re always down to chat super openly, so that’s where I get a lot of help from.
Good to hear that you’ve got people around you who you can talk to. Not everyone does, and not everyone knows that they need to. Going back to when we met in Switzerland, I’m not really trying to change anyone’s perspective or be inspirational or something, but I’m sure other people are going through similar stu , and it’s cool that there’s a community in snowboarding that has each other’s backs, and maybe thinks similarly. So we can open up this community in di erent ways. I’m not trying to be too deep about it, but you know what I mean?
Yeah, for sure. We always want to make sure that our content is about more than just ‘cool snowboarding’ and that people can relate to it in many di erent ways. I was pretty touched that you were willing to speak to me about this and to have the conversation in the mag. Yeah. I think it’s sick what you guys are doing. It just made sense to talk to you about it. I just think that the snowboard community, at least from my perspective, has a good outlook on life and the world.
De nitely. What’s the snowboard community like in New Zealand? It’s pretty down-to-earth here, and in my opinion, people are just enjoying the mountains. There was a survey, and there are something like fty thousand snowboarders here. So it’s not huge, but everyone is in it for similar reasons. The mountains here are so prominent, and so many people surf and skate, so it’s kind of an obvious choice. It can be a bit disjointed at times, where the contest scene isn’t representative of the total NZ snowboard scene. You might have half the crew doing a makeshift BBQ in the carpark for lunch and the other half are eating a fancy steak or something in a
mountain restaurant. Overall I’d say it’s super low-key, in the best possible way.
I’m down for carpark lunches and also restaurant lunches, but it depends on what time of day you ask me, or how cold it is. When covid was going crazy here, I picked up a 4x4 van pretty cheap, and we were just going around and sur ng in that and taking it up the hill a few times. It’s nice with the cooker in the back. Usually, I’m just on a couple of muesli bars when I ride, but I’ll get called out because I also enjoy a nice mountain meal in the cafe. *laughs*
106 METHOD
BUTTER IS A DAIRY PRODUCT MADE FROM THE FAT AND PROTEIN COMPONENTS OF CHURNED CREAM.
23.1 CARLOS GARCIA KNIGHT 107
108 METHOD NO WORDS NEEDED.
23.1 DON’T FORGET YOUR ROOTS BRO.
So you also mentioned a new print project in New Zealand that Troy Tanner is working on. What’s the deal with it?
It’s the New Zealand Snowboarding Photo Annual, which is a photo book and is in its second year. Troy and this other dude called Smorgz run it together. They run this photo competition, so anyone can submit photos and get them printed. They don’t only run one or two. The whole mag is based on these entries, so you get a nice mix of media and di erent interpretations of snowboarding. It’s all really nicely laid out too. They’ve done such a good job of it. It’s a really nice collective representation of the crew here.
How important is it for you for a scene to have something like that? In terms of having something from NZ, it’s sick. People have something to check out that’s attainable. So much of the media that comes this way is from overseas, so I think those boys are killing it. It’s essential. Unfortunately the mags back in the day died out, but they were so massive. With them gone, a lot more of the independent stu is shining through. The same with snowboard videos. There would be these big brands making movies
with huge budgets, and now all these independent lms coming are through. It’s about time, I think. All that stu is way more legit and has such a better direction. That’s been a positive side of those big outlets dying out.
Bringing it back to your new project, how have you found adapting to the 16mm lming process on snow?
It’s hard because you can’t replay the shot, but the majority of the time, you know how it felt, and if it felt good, then it doesn’t matter if there’s a little hand drag or something. I think that just adds to it. So I de nitely have a lot of trust in Izrayl and the process. I think it looks and feels better, and there’s more room for creativity. It’s just right place, right time. I’d been getting into it myself and knew how it worked. Then when Izrayl hit me up and said he wanted to shoot it all on lm, it was just perfect. That’s the direction I want to be taking things.
When do we get to see it?
We only just started lming. We had a three-week window here in New Zealand, and he’s going to come back in a little bit and shoot some more. We also plan to be overseas
for the Northern Hemisphere winter, hopefully Japan and maybe Europe, if we can swindle it. So it’s just in the early stages at the moment. I’ve been spending the last few weeks trying to edit Ruckus III, which we nally have a premiere for. So that’s what you’ll see rst.
The visuals look really nice for that, stoked to see it. Cheers man, it’s been a bit of a learning curve, but that’s alright.
Ok, I think we can leave things there. Thanks Carlos, really appreciate you talking with us. Cheers Theo. It’s a bit hard to talk about this stu and hard to say it in a way that doesn’t come across as me trying to be super inspirational or anything like that. I’m just trying to be honest. Hopefully it comes across that way.
110 METHOD 23.1
WISH YOU WERE HERE? WE WISH WE WERE HERE.
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@MonePic R
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Discover the redesigned Jones Surf Series. Surfinspired designs by world renowned shaper Chris Christenson. The feeling of an e ortless surf turn with ultimate float and response.
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BUYER’S GUIDE 2022/23
BOARDS & BINDINGS
BOARDS & BINDINGS BUYER’S GUIDE 2022/23
Did you know that waterskiing was invented exactly 100 years ago? A guy called Ralph Samuelson covered a brief distance across Lake Pepin in Minnesota, reportedly using a pair of boards and a clothesline as the tow rope. What a time to be alive. Time is relative, though. Right now, we think we’re pretty modern, but in 100 years, our way of living and our technologies will seem old as shit. What do you think we’ll have come up with by then? Maybe we could shoot lasers out of our eyes, or teleport. Who knows if snowboarding will even exist in 2122? Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves though, because right now, it does exist. Yay! What you’ll see on the following pages are the most cutting-edge products that our industry has to o er. No laser eyes yet, but de nitely a bunch of things to teleport you directly to a good-ass time. - Method
*unless marked otherwise, the products in this guide are unisex. These are just guidelines though. If you like the look of something, ride it!
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PHOTO: ALEX ROBERTS
WESTMARK CAMBER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, a lot of pop
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, street, all-mountain
LENGTHS: 150, 153, 156, 158w
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Camber and rocker
SATORI BY BRYAN IGUCHI
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, stable, deep sidecut
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, backcountry
LENGTHS: 148, 151, 154, 157
SHAPE: Directional Taper
PROFILE: Camber
LANDMARK SPLIT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Reactive, poppy, cruising
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, backcountry
LENGTHS: 152, 155, 158, 161, 164w
SHAPE: Directional Taper
PROFILE: Camber and rocker
SPLITBOARD
CADENCE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Soft, stable, playful
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, park, pipe
LENGTHS:
WOMENS
Rocker Sizes: 139, 143, 147, 151
Camber Sizes: 140, 144, 148, 152
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Camber and rocker
CLASSIC DF 152
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Responsive, strong tempered, nostalgic
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Halfpipe, park
LENGTHS: 152, 156
SHAPE: Twin Tip
PROFILE: Camber
RIKSGRÄNSEN 157
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, responsive toolbox, playful PREFERRED TERRAIN: All mountain
LENGTHS: 149, 153, 157
SHAPE: Twin Tip
PROFILE: Camber
NERA 159 LTD
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Playful, responsive, fun
PREFERRED TERRAIN:
All-mountain, freeride
LENGTHS: 156, 159
SHAPE: Twin Tip
PROFILE: Camber
NERA 163 WIDE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Playful, responsive, fun
PREFERRED TERRAIN:
All-mountain freeride
LENGTHS: 160w, 163w
SHAPE: Twin Wide
PROFILE: Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
GOLIATH+
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Lighter, faster, stronger
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, groomers and pow
LENGTHS: 156, 158w, 159, 161w, 164w
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: 3D base pro le with SideKick and Medium Camber
PARTY WAVE TWIN
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Big, fun, new
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Pow, sidehits, park
LENGTHS: 147, 153, 159
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: 3D base pro le with SideKick and medium camber
PUSH UP
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Premium, con dent, lively
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, groomers and pow
LENGTHS: 138, 140, 143, 146, 149, 152
SHAPE: Directional Twin
WOMENS
PROFILE: 3D base pro le with SideKick and Medium Camber CRUISER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, fast, new
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Groomers and pow
LENGTHS: 151, 156, 159, 164
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: 3D base pro le with SideKick and medium camber
FAMILY TREE HOMETOWN HERO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Floaty, poppy and responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, powder charger
LENGTHS: 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 156W, 160W, 165w
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
TALENT SCOUT
WOMENS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Buttery, smooth and controlled
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, all-mountain
LENGTHS: 138, 141, 146, 149, 152
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Camber
CUSTOM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, poppy and versatile
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All mountain
LENGTHS: 150, 154, 156, 158, 162, 154w, 158w, 162w, 166w, 170w
SHAPE: All-mountain Directional
PROFILE: Camber
BLOSSOM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Spin it, twist it, huck and chuck it
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 149, 152, 155, 158
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
D.O.A. DEFENDERS OF AWESOME
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Ultimate resort destroyer
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Go anywhere, do anything
LENGTHS: 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 153w, 155w, 157w, 159w, 161w, 163w
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Resort V1 Pro le (Hybrid Camber)
SCOTT STEVENS PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Bomb proof construction for creative riding
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle park and jib
LENGTHS: 151, 153, 155, 157
SHAPE: True twin
PROFILE: Park V2 Pro le (Reverse Camber)
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Award winning resort technician
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Go anywhere, do anything resort
LENGTHS: 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 148w, 150w, 152w
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Resort V1 Pro le (Hybrid Camber)
WOMENS
SLUSH SLASHER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: The original and ultimate party board
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Powder and resort
LENGTHS: 139, 143, 147, 151
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Surf Camber
JESSE PAUL PRO MODEL
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, poppy, stable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
LENGTHS: 153, 156
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Easy rise camber
CORNU
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, all terrain, steadfast
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 148, 150w, 152, 154, 155w, 157, 158w, 160, 161w
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Diverge hybrid camber
SCAVENGER HUNT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, versatile, all-terrain
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 142, 146, 149, 152
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Level camber
WOMENS
ROUTE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Shaped, fast, fun
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Piste to pow
LENGTHS: 157, 162
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Genuine Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
EMB
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Performance build, enjoy the ride
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 152, 154w, 156, 158w, 160
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Traditional Camber
PLY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Medium ex, pop, artist series
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 147, 150, 153, 154w, 156, 157w, 159, 161w
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Traditional Camber
THE 156
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, lightweight, sti
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 156
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Traditional Camber
PBJ
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, playful, stable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park to pow
LENGTHS: 144, 149, 153, 155w, 157, 159w
SHAPE: Twin Tip
PROFILE: Traditional Camber
TEAM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, powerful, fast PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain and park
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159, 160w
SHAPE: Directional Twin Blunt
PROFILE: Smooth Classic Camber
BATTLE RUSTY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Floaty, versatile, playful
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Powder, park and street
LENGTHS: 155w, 159w, 163xw
SHAPE: Directional twin
PROFILE: Smooth Classic Camber
TAO OF DRAKE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, free-spirited, unisex PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park and street
LENGTHS: 145, 148, 150, 154, 154w
SHAPE: Twin Tip Blunt
PROFILE: Skate Camber
WOMENS
DFL PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fast, poppy, performing PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain and park
LENGTHS: 142, 145, 148
SHAPE: Directional Twin Blunt
PROFILE: Smooth Classic Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
MIKE SKIBA PROMODEL
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, poppy, stable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 160w
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Genuine camber
SPACERACE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, all-terrain, steadfast PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 150, 153, 156, 159, 160w, 162, 163w
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Genuine camber
DEADSTOCK
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, versatile, all-terrain
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 154, 158, 162
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Easy Rise Camber
VESSEL
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Shaped, fast, fun
PREFERRED TERRAIN:
Piste to pow
LENGTHS: 153, 157, 162
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Genuine Camber
PRO CHOICE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Pop, stability, go BIG
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 145.5, 148.5, 151.5
SHAPE: Asymetrical Twin
PROFILE: C3
RCC3
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Radical response, pop, control
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 154.5, 157.5, 159.5, 158w, 162w
SHAPE: Asymetrical Twin
PROFILE: C3
4x4 FOREST BAILEY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, freestyle focused, directional ATV
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, backcountry
LENGTHS: 157, 160
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: C3
ESSENTIAL SERVICE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, easy riding, one board quiver
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 155, 157, 159, 158w, 160w
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: C2 Hybrid
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
TWEAKER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, buttery, balanced
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
LENGTHS: 151, 154, 156, 157w, 159
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: True Camber
AVIATOR 2.0
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Poppy, powerful, precise
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
LENGTHS: 150, 154, 156, 158, 159w, 162, 163w
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: True Camber
STRATOS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Energetic, playful, versatile
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 143, 146, 149, 152, 156
SHAPE: Directional Freeride
PROFILE: Directional Rocker
WOMENS
WOMENS
AIRHEART 2.0
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Poppy, powerful, precise
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
LENGTHS: 146, 149, 152
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: True Camber
ALCHEMIST
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: High-tech, powerhouse, strong
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freeride, all-mountain
LENGTHS: 154, 157, 160, 163, 159w, 164w
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Directional Combination Camber
ANTIDOTE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Machine, Sage Kotsenburg, high-end performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Backcountry freestyle, groomers, all-mountain
LENGTHS: 145, 148, 151, 154, 157, 158w, 159, 161w, 162, 163w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Camber
PASSPORT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lift, stability, unisex
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freeride, powder
LENGTHS: 146, 149, 151, 154, 157, 159w, 160, 162w, 163
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Combination Camber
WORLD PEACE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Antti Jusilla, smooth, durable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle
LENGTHS: 148, 151, 152w, 154, 155w, 157, 158w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Combination Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
ÜBER EGG
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Gravity defying powcraft
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Soft, deep powder and groomers
LENGTHS: 157
SHAPE: Directional, wide
PROFILE: Full Rocker
CAFÉ RACER PLUS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fast, reactive, excellent edge grip
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Piste/groomers/fresh corduroy
LENGTHS: 159
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Full Camber
TRANSITION FINDER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Playful, stable, loaded with pop
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Everything, the ultimate melting-pot of freeride, freestyle, and carving
LENGTHS: 150, 154, 157
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Float Camber
DART
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Playful, soft, extra- oat, retroinspired with a modern twist
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Powder, piste/groomers
LENGTHS: 140, 152, 156, 160, 164
SHAPE: Directional/swallow-tail
PROFILE: Float Camber
BRD
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Austen Sweetin’s favourite
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159, 162w, 167w
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: C3 Camber
T.RICE ORCA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Biggest freeride fun ever
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain powder
LENGTHS: 138, 144, 147, 150, 153, 156, 159, 162
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: C2x Hybrid
T. RICE PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Unlimited freestyle performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 153, 155, 157, 159, 161, 164, 157w, 161w, 164w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: C2 Hybrid
BOX KNIFE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Balanced stability and pop
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 148, 151, 154, 157, 160, 157w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: C3 Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
HALLDOR PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Cozy, loose, perfect
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 151, 154, 156, 157w, 159w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: 3D
SHIFTER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Super, sick, soft
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, street
LENGTHS: 148, 151, 154, 157, 156w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: 3D
STOMPER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Surfy, team favourite
PREFERRED TERRAIN:
All-mountain park
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159, 158w, 161w
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: 3D
SENDER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, dynamic, sender
PREFERRED TERRAIN:
All-mountain freestyle
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159, 158w, 161w
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: 3D
ESCAPE PLUS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Unmatched drive and speed
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freeride World Tour venues and morning cordruoy
LENGTHS: 156, 159, 159w, 162w
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Positive Camber
ESCAPE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Quality, cruisey vibes
PREFERRED TERRAIN:
Groomers, slush and snake runs
LENGTHS: 152, 156, 159, 159w, 162w, 162xw, 165w, 169xw
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camrock
MOSQUITO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Shred, short-carve, precision
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Snowsur ng sports – barrels, valleys, cutbacks, peaks
LENGTHS: 148, 152
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Surfy Camrock
ORA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, pressy, loose
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, sidehits, rollers
WOMENS
LENGTHS: 139, 143, 147, 151, 155
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Camrock
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
QUIVER DINGHY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Full volume, swallowtail, ATV oater
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Powder
LENGTHS: 155w
SHAPE: Compact wide tapered directional
PROFILE: Trüe Camber
TEAM PRO X SAM TAXWOOD
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Responsive, pro model, fast
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-terrian freestyle
LENGTHS: 155, 157, 159
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Trüe Camber
T1
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
20 Years of freestyle domination
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 149, 152, 155, 158, 152w, 155w, 158w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Cam-Out Camber
OPTISYM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Friendly freestyle snowboarding
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
LENGTHS: 138, 142, 146, 149, 153, 156 (two graphics)
SHAPE: Asymetrical Twin
PROFILE: Cam-Out Camber
WOMENS
PEACESEEKER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fast, precise, smooth
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain and pow
LENGTHS: 138, 142, 147, 151, 155
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Hybrid Camber
SHADOWBAN
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: One board for everything
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Everywhere
LENGTHS: 147, 151, 154, 155w, 157, 160w, 161, 164w
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
PSYCOCANDY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Warpigroots, psyco, fun
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Zero Camber
SATURDAY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: For Saturdays
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 142, 146, 150, 154
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
ARTIFACT PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Professionally pressable and powerful
PREFERRED TERRAIN: The streets of Montreal, the Sidehit Séance, the pro jump line at Copper and rail jams around the globe
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 157w, 159
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Stay Positive Camber
AGENT 20TH ANNIVERSARY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Responsive, versatile, iconic
PREFERRED TERRAIN: The front four at Stowe, the Park City halfpipe, must-make last drop DFDs and the sun-soaked slush of Mammoth
LENGTHS: 151, 154, 157, 158w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Fusion Camber
MUSE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Sonnet worthy versatility
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Lapping Milly at Brighton, harvesting dawn corduroy, crewing up at Big Bear and tweaking through the jump line
LENGTHS: 140, 143, 146, 149, 152
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Fusion Camber
WOMENS
PARTY MOD
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Intoxicatingly buttery
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Après decks, never ending open bars, gin joints, house parties and all-night ragers
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 157w, 159
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Contact Rocker
HIGHPATH
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stability, responsive, sustainable construction
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 146, 150, 153, 156, 159, 162, 165, 159w, 162w
SHAPE: Tapered Directional
PROFILE: Rock Out Camber
ABSTRACT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Explosive pop, precision, stability
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle
LENGTHS: 138, 143, 147, 151, 153, 155, 158, 155w, 158w
SHAPE: True twin
PROFILE: Rock Out Camber
DANCEHAUL
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Agility, oat, pop
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 143, 147, 152, 157 (we recommend to ride 3-4 cm smaller than normal boards)
SHAPE: Tapered Directional
PROFILE: Rock Out Camber
HUCK KNIFE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Agility, pop, responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle
LENGTHS: 148, 152, 155, 158, 162, 155w, 158w
SHAPE: True Twin
PROFILE: Quad Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
ATV
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Powerful, reactive, butterability
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
LENGTHS: 155, 157, 159w, 163w
SHAPE: Directional twin
PROFILE: Camber + new 3d nose and tail
SPECTRUM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful, jibbing, responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, street… surprisingly well in powder
LENGTHS: 148, 151, 153w, 154, 157
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Camber
BRAINSTORM SPLIT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Backcountry-freestyle, nimble, charger
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Backcountry
LENGTHS: 159w, 162w
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Backseat Camrock
SPLITBOARD
PORTAL
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Snowplough, otation, cord-destoyer
PREFERRED TERRAIN:
Deep, deep powder and corduroy
LENGTHS: 154w, 159w
SHAPE: Backseat Camrock
PROFILE: Directional
THE WERNI STOCK
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fast, erce, re PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 157, 161
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber
THE CONTINENTAL DIRECTIONAL
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Perfectly balanced
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 149, 152, 156, 159, 162
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Camber, Early Rise Nose
THE VUFO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Snappy, jibby, balanced
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 156w, 159, 159w
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Camber
THE ENNITIME
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Best board ever
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
LENGTHS: 149, 152
SHAPE: Directional
WOMENS
PROFILE: Camber, Early Rise Nose
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
U7OPIA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
Unisex, directional, surfy
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Backcountry
LENGTHS: 148, 152, 156, 160
SHAPE: Freeride Directional
PROFILE: Freeride camber to nose rocker
OG STANDARD
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Performance, powerful, highest standard
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Pipe and Big Air
LENGTHS: 153, 156, 159
SHAPE: Twin Directional
PROFILE: Full Camber
CPT ACHAB
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth, oaty, landing stomper
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Backcountry
LENGTHS: 158, 163
SHAPE: Twin Directional
PROFILE: Camrock
SPLITBOARD
MUVERAN SPLIT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stable, precise, light
PREFERRED TERRAIN: High mountain
LENGTHS: 147, 153, 159, 164
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Freeride Camber to Nose Rocker
WARCA UNINC JPS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, oaty, freestyle
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, powder
LENGTHS: 148, 150, 153, 155
SHAPE: Directional Twin
PROFILE: Taperered MidBite, Camber
PYL UNINC DCP
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fast, driven, oaty
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Big mountain
LENGTHS: 155, 157, 159, 161
SHAPE: Directional
PROFILE: Tapered Underbite, Camrock
JACKPOT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Poppy, playful, twin
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
LENGTHS: 152, 154, 156, 158
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Midbite, Camber
RIVAL
WOMENS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Free-spirited, poppy, fast
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park and slope
LENGTHS: 140, 144, 149, 152
SHAPE: Twin
PROFILE: Midbite, Camber
BOARD BUYERS GUIDE 23
WOMENS
CYPRESS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Supportive, powerful, direct
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, backcountry
MAIN FEATURES: System X-Baseplate, Cast Aluminum buckles, Co-Molded ankle Straps, Adjustable Extruded Aluminum Heelcup, Bow Strap Adjuster
HEMLOCK
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Supportive ex, surfy
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, park and pipe
MAIN FEATURES: System X-Baseplate, Co-molded ankle straps, Adjustable Extruded Aluminum Heelcup, Bow Strap Adjuster
SEQUOIA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Supportive, direct, womens speci c
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, backcountry
MAIN FEATURES: System X-Baseplate, Dual-Injected Ankle Strap, Adjustable Extruded Aluminum Heelcup, Bow Strap Adjuster, Womens speci c highback
SPRUCE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Surfy, playful, comfort
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Lightweight Single Mold Baseplate, Bow Strap Adjuster, Adjustable EVA Footbed
WOMENS
ACACIA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Surfy, playful, womens speci c
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Lightweight Single Mold Baseplate, Bow Strap Adjuster, Adjustable EVA Footbed
ASTRO FULLWRAP
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, precise, supportive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All
MAIN FEATURES: The ultimate binding for all-mountain riding and direct edge feel
ASTRO ASYMWRAP
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Light, free, strong
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All
MAIN FEATURES: Lighter and sur er while still providing a strong edge hold thanks to underwrap technology
BLASTER FULLWRAP
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, agile, responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All
MAIN FEATURES: The Blaster Fullwrap is designed to tackle the whole mountain with precision and power
BLASTER ASYMWRAP
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Light, sturdy, tweakable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All
MAIN FEATURES: Underwrap technology ensures a direct edge feeling on this comfortable and free feeling binding
CHAOS FULLWRAP
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Park, progression, power
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, all-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: The perfect blend of freedom and support for freestyle riders
CHAOS ASYMWRAP
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Park, tech, freedom
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, all-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Park riders will love the free and surfy feel of the Chaos Asymwrap
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
TRANSFER BMBW X LIB
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Medium Flex 6/10, Magnesium Fiber Flex Control Driveplate, Asym Highback, Dual Band Ankle Strap - Medium
COR PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Powerful performance and comfort
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, big jumps
MAIN FEATURES: Sti Flex 8/10; Magnesium/ Carbon Fiber Flex Control Driveplate, Asym Solid Highback, Heel Shockpad, Dual Band Ankle Strap - Medium
AXTION FOREST BAILEY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfort and reliability
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, freestyle
MAIN FEATURES: Medium Flex 6/10, Magnesium Fiber Flex Control Driveplate, Asym Solid Highback, Dual Band Ankle Strap - Soft
LOGIC
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Maximum freedom, ow
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, park
MAIN FEATURES: Soft Flex 4/10, Bi-Axial Fiber Flex Control Driveplate, Asym Solid Highback, Dual Band Ankle Strap– Soft Asym
JOINT TIM ZIMMERMAN
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, forgiving performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Medium Soft Flex 5/10, Boron Fiber Flex Control Driveplate, Asym Highback, Power Flex Ankle Stap
WOMENS
STYLIST HANNAH EDDY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile peak performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Medium Flex 6/10, Magnesium Fiber Flex Control Driveplate; Asym Solid Highback, Dual Band Ankle Strap - Soft
WOMENS
MALAVITA EST
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Seamless t, ultimate comfort
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: This team favorite blends Burton’s top technologies with a mid-range ex that’s 100% freestyle-focused
STEP ON® RE:FLEX
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Simple, secure, controlled
REFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Pair them with your choice of Step On® boot and experience the simplicity and convenience of an intuitive connection
STEP ON® GENESIS RE:FLEX
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, playful, responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Supercharged suspension for the comfort and performance to match the simplicity of Step On®
WOMENS
LEXA RE:FLEX
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Consistent, responsive, legendary
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Pro-caliber control for experiencing the entire mountain
STEP ON®X
RE:FLEX
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Maximum comfort, minimum fatigue
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Lightweight, pro-caliber control with the responsive feel of a carbon-blend hi-back and the unmatched simplicity of Step On®
WOMENS
STEP ON® ESCAPADE RE:FLEX
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, playful, responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: The legendary control, versatility and comfort of the Escapade with the added simplicity of Step On®
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
RHONE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Premium, powerful, adjustability
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Rhone is a hybrid nylon baseplate and extruded aluminum heel hoop that o ers adjustment and power transfer
BARRATS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Poppy, versatile, ex
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Barrats nylon build has the ability to evolve with the riding scenarios as they change
HAUTE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, smooth, connection
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Huate o ers a damp nylon baseplate coupled with adjustable toe ramp and EVA padding, it o ers comfort and performance
PODIUM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, aggressive, lightweight
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Halfpipe, bordercross, backcountry
MAIN FEATURES: The full carbon ber highback and alloy baseplate makes this binding super powerful
RADAR
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Powerful, freestyle, responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Big jumps, backcountry, piste
MAIN FEATURES: The Carbon composite highback with the alloy baseplate makes this our sti er freestyle oriented binding
SUPERSPORT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Secure, performance, freestyle
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Snowparks, freeride, backcountry
MAIN FEATURES: The lightsaber baseplate combined with the grandmaster heel strap makes this a very secure yet forgiving freestyle binding
RELOAD TAO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Freestyle, tweakable, unisex
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Snowparks, street, piste
MAIN FEATURES: This unisex binding with softer highback and smaller ankle strap makes tweaking your grabs super easy
FIFTY MAN & WOLF
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: A ordable, comfortable, exible
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Backcountry, piste, jibbing
MAIN FEATURES: This is the perfect binding for everyone at a price point that’s truly hard to beat
JADE
WOMENS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Flexible, comfortable, freestyle
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, freestyle, comfortable
MAIN FEATURES: The perfect do everything go everywhere binding for women
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
LEGION
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, smooth, connection
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Legion o ers a damp nylon baseplate coupled with adjustable toe ramp and EVA padding, it o ers comfort and performance
NOWHERE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Poppy, versatile, ex
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Nowhere’s nylon build has the ability to evolve with the riding scenarios as they change
WOMENS
NX2 CARBON
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, direct, uncompromising
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freeride. Steep. Deep. Fast.
MAIN FEATURES: Brand new Carbon Slip’n’Grip plate and tool-free footbed
NX2
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Premium, versatile, precise PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain with a preference for pow
MAIN FEATURES: Bomber milled aluminium baseplate, comfy nylon Modback, smooth ExoKush straps
FENIX PLUS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Jibby, loose, snug
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, streets, low-angle pow
MAIN FEATURES: ExoKush strap, glass/nylon baseplate, Axis uniback hiback
OMNI
WOMENS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Direct, powerful, smooth
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Big mountain freeriding
MAIN FEATURES: Hybrid alu/nylon baseplate, silky ExoKush straps, 2.5 degree Bankbeds
MAYON PLUS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Style, comfort, performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, groomers, rolling natural features
MAIN FEATURES: A feature- lled package which lets the performance do the talking
JUNO
WOMENS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Loose, jibby, playful
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Groomers
MAIN FEATURES: Make this your rst Flow binding and get more turns for your money
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
APOLLO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Sti , powerful, aggressive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Technical freeriding
MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, Flax Carbon Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps
MERCURY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, responsive, maneuverable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freeriding
MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, Control Flex Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps
ORION
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, playful, precise
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freeriding
MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, Progressive Flex Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps
METEORITE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Stable, comfortable, tweak-able
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, Dynamic Flex Highback, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps
METEORITE SURF SERIES
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Surfy, responsive, comfortable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: SKATETECH technology, 3 Degree Canted Footbed, Surf vs. Freeride Mode, 3D Flex Fit Toe Straps
WOMENS
FORMULA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfy, best-in-class, team´s choice
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
MAIN FEATURES: 100% Toolless Adjustment, Adjustable Power Ramp, On-Board Toe Adjust
LIEN AT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Sti but lateral ex, high-end, powerhouse
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: TriPod™, Urethane Dampeners, 100% Toolless Adjustment, Adjustable Power Ramp, On-Board Toe Adjust
MERIDIAN
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Reliable, comfy, team´s choice
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain freestyle
MAIN FEATURES: TriPod™, Tweakback™, Forward Lean Adjustment, Airlock Forward Lean Adjustment
CLICKER X HB MEN
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Convenience, style, performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Lateral Flex and con dent riding by Clicker Outsole, feels like strap binding but with more freedom
WOMENS
CLICKER X HB WOMEN
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Convenience, style, performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Lateral Flex and con dent riding by Clicker Outsole, feels like strap binding but with more freedom
FAR OUT
SPLITBOARD
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Light, reliable, durable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Splitboard
MAIN FEATURES: Light Aluminium Chassis Sender™ Strap, 3D Ankle Strap, Cam-Lock™ Centering
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
EIKI PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, tweakable, strong
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park/street
MAIN FEATURES: Toolless, adjustable padding, overmolded aluminum nylon base
HALLDOR PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, controllable, customizable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Reach-Around Highback, toolless, adjustable padding, over-molded aluminum nylon base
CRUSHER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: A ordable, soft, fun
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park
MAIN FEATURES: Toolless, light highback, triple action ratchet
WOMENS
SUPERMATIC
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Automatic, universal, dual-entry
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain – wherever you ride
MAIN FEATURES: Gamechanger. The rst self-closing twostrap binding which works with any snowboard boot
KAON-X
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Solid. Bombproof. Proven
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, resort, freeride
MAIN FEATURES: Asym everything, modern straps, bomber buckles, a great board feel for a great price
KAON-W PLUS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Wrapped, englobed, supported
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All over the mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Feel securer and more locked-in than ever –smooth and robust, matches with the new Rift-W boot
KAON PLUS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfort, style, superior
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle, resort, freeride
MAIN FEATURES: Full-wrap ExoKush anklestrap, trusted unibody baseplate and bomber components in this premium package
WOMENS
KAON-W
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Value, quality, accepted
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Groomers and freeride
MAIN FEATURES: Kaon-W is the binding you didn’t know you needed; it’s comfy, supportive and badass
KAON-CX
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Sti , instant, ultra-responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freeride
MAIN FEATURES: Dominate everything with this sti -as-you-like carbon infused monster
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
WOMENS
TEAM PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive t
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, park
MAIN FEATURES: Nitro´s most professionally quali ed freestyle binding because of its snug t, responsive straps, and overall durability!
TEAM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Powerful t
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Park, ATV
MAIN FEATURES: Perfect blend of comfort and pro-caliber technologies with a laser focus on performance and durability
ONE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Mid- ex, playful t
PREFERRED TERRAIN: ATV Park
MAIN FEATURES: For those looking for a minimalistic silhouette that provides support for any terrain – built to be the perfect binding
RAMBLER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Playful t
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Perfect bang for your buck binding. Customizable all-mountain versatility, comfort, and bulletproof design
IVY WOMENS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfy, responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain, park
MAIN FEATURES: The team’s favorite binding, a staple in our women’s line because of its snug boot t and performance technologies
WOMENS
COSMIC WOMENS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Medium playful ex
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: User-friendly technologies and solutions to create the most versatile ex and response for riding the entire trail map
A-10
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Sti , powerful, agressive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: A-Series Aluminum Chassis, three-piece ankle strap, aluminum and plastic discs
A-9
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: High-end, lightweight, powerful
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: A-Series Aluminum Chassis, nylon highback, canted footbed with PODS, aluminum and plastic discs
C-8
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth, mobility, performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: C-Series Performance Chassis, Slimeback™ Highback, reversible ankle strap, canted footbed with PODS
A-6
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, lightness, performance
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: A-Series Aluminum Chassis, Slimeback™ Highback, two-piece ankle strap, minimalist toe strap
AL-6
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, comfortable, durable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: A-Series Aluminum Chassis, Slimeback™ Highback, Reversible ankle strap, minimalist toe strap, A-series Diecut Basepad
CL-4
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Durable, comfy, unreal
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: C-Series Performance Chassis, Slimeback™ Highback, one-piece ankle strap, minimalist toe strap, C-Series Diecut Basepad
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
WOMENS
KATANA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Adjustable AF, surfy, dynamic PREFERRED TERRAIN: Absolut Park, Mt Baker, the public park at Timberline and tweaking crails at Brighton
MAIN FEATURES: AsymWrap Platform, PivotMount Max, ProFlex ankle straps powered by AuxTech, DuraCush SubBase Pads
GUILD
WOMENS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, reliable, graceful PREFERRED TERRAIN: Charging at Chamonix, hiking the sidecountry at Stowe or pillaging pow at Snoqualmie
MAIN FEATURES: AsymWrap Platform, PivotMount, ProFlex ankle strap powered by AuxTech
CLEAVER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Full-send, powerfully responsive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: The jump line at Stubai, X-Games Podiums and everywhere else Ståle Sandbech takes them
MAIN FEATURES: FullWrap Platform, PivotMount Max, ProFlex ankle straps powered by AuxTech, carbon infused baseplates and highbacks
390 BOSS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Versatile, durable, trusted
PREFERRED TERRAIN: The streets of Helsinki, the park at Ruka and wherever else Rene Rinnekangas takes them
MAIN FEATURES: FullWrap Platform, PureFlex ankle straps, ProGrip toe straps powered by AuxTech
BRASS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, nimble, bossy
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Sugarbush Parks, the back bowls of White sh and blasting sidehits on the daily
MAIN FEATURES: FullWrap Platform, PureFlex ankle straps, ProGrip toe straps powered by AuxTech
D.O.D
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Dependably tweak happy
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Backyard parks, city centers, mini-pipes, rst light groomers and wherever methods are grabbed
MAIN FEATURES: FullWrap Platform, ProFlex ankle straps and ProGrip toe straps, both powered by AuxTech
WOMENS
HIGHLANDER
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, natural connection, lightweight
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Delivers unmatched comfort and high technology including ShadowFit’s lateral ex for a natural feel and connection. Flex 8/10
HOLOGRAM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Natural connection, control, comfort
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle
MAIN FEATURES: Freestyle focused, asymmetric design with unmatched comfort using our latest technology including Shadow t. Flex 5/10
DISTRICT PRO TEAM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Natural connection, energy transmission, control
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle
MAIN FEATURES: A team inspired freestyle binding made for riders who demand support and control. Flex 7/10
DISTRICT
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Natural connection, energy transmission, control
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle
MAIN FEATURES: A softer ex and an asymmetrical design for uncompromised forgiveness in the park and on groomers. Flex 6/10
NESTA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Suspension, comfort, versatility
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: An all-mountain binding with built in suspension for ladies who want to ride it all. Flex 5/10
RHYTHM
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fit, comfort, adjustability
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Loaded with features to provide superior t and comfort in all conditions. Flex 4/10
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
ALL SPLITBOARD BINDINGS
ARC ST
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, surfy
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Trees and powder
MAIN FEATURES: Cutout baseplates, Pillow Line Straps, medium ex Asym Highbacks, new ST Tech
SURGE ST
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Sti , powerful
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Steeps, big mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Solid baseplate, Pillow Line Straps, sti er asym highbacks, new ST Tech
ARC ST PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, surfy
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Trees, powder
MAIN FEATURES: Cutout Baseplate, ®Pebax Pillow Line Straps, carbon-infused medium ex Asym Highbacks, new ST Tech
SURGE ST PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Sti , powerful
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Steeps, big mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Solid Baseplate, ®Pebax Pillow Line Straps, carbon-infused sti Asym Highbacks, new ST Tech
WOMENS
ULTRA
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Soft, cushioned, surfy
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freestyle
MAIN FEATURES: Spring-loaded take o s and perfectly cushioned landings. Utilising the latest tech to rede ne how a freestyle binding should ride
ATLAS PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Sti , responsive, powerful PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: The perfect blend of Forged Carbon and Dura ex CB Nylon combine to for ultimate all-mountain performance
FALCOR
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Aggressive, lightweight, reactive
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Freeriding
MAIN FEATURES: For the biggest lines and the steepest spines, this is the binding that the legendary Travis Rice trusts
CHARGER
SPLITBOARD
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Comfortable, simple, dependable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Splitboarding
MAIN FEATURES: The Charger’s all-new pinless dual lock system allows for fast and easy transitions with the ip of a lever
TRILOGY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Responsive, comfortable, dependable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Resort
MAIN FEATURES: From backcountry lines, to Olympic slopestyle runs, to cruising her home resort, there is only one binding that Jamie Anderson trusts
CADET PRO
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fun, dependable, exible
PREFERRED TERRAIN: Resort
MAIN FEATURES: A youth version of what the pros ride, the softer exing Cadet Pro is the ideal binding for up and coming boarders
BINDING BUYERS GUIDE 23
THE SCANDO V2 PURPLE DUST
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Control, power, unbreakable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Built from the toughest urethane and premium bers, making this binding close to unbreakable
THE SCANDO V2 MOON BLUE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Control, power, unbreakable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Built from the toughest urethane and premium bers, making this binding close to unbreakable
THE SCANDO V2 SEA GREEN
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Control, power, unbreakable
PREFERRED TERRAIN: All-mountain
MAIN FEATURES: Built from the toughest urethane and premium bers, making this binding close to unbreakable
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