by The Editors on February 28, 2014
Former Olympic ski racer Tiger Shaw will assume the role of CEO of the US Ski and Snowboard Association beginning March 13, 2014. He is replacing Bill Marolt in what the USSA calls a “long-planned leadership transition.” Marolt will reportedly stay on in an advisory position with USSA as well as on all the big deal FIS and US Olympic organizational committees that he’s on. Shaw couldn’t be happier with his new job.
“The Best in the World vision established under Bill Marolt’s leadership has aided our athletes in achieving their dreams,” Shaw says. “It’s an honor to follow in Bill’s footsteps and continue that vision into the future. My last five months working with Bill have been inspirational and educational, getting to know the organization and each of its sport programs. We have an amazing management team and staff in place and I look forward to the challenge of leading the USSA.”
Nice to know the future of US Olympic snowboarding continues to be firmly gripped in the icy hands of another Alpine ski racer, right where it belongs.
by The Editors on February 27, 2014
It sounds like a match made in heaven. The favorite selfie camera of surfers everywhere (GoPro) is now an official sponsor of the favorite surf tour (ASP WCT) of surfers everywhere.
“The core of our brand is rooted in surf, and for many of us here at GoPro, this is a dream realized to be a part of the ASP Tour,” said GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman. “We are stoked to be part of this next evolution in professional surfing and hope that GoPro can help attract new fans to the sport and give lifelong fans new ways to enjoy the coverage of the tour.”
And we’re guessing Woodman and his private-jet-flying party crew will get along quite nicely with the new ASP. Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on February 27, 2014
Garmin, makers of some of the finest GPS devices known to man, has partnered with Burton Snowboards to be the official action camera sponsor of the 32nd Annual US Open of Snowboarding Championships (sorry GoPro).
“We are extremely excited to announce this partnership with Burton and be a part of such a prestigious snowboarding event,” said Jon Cassat, Garmin vice president of communications. “With the rugged housing, extended battery life, and the ability of VIRB Elite to capture GPS data like elevation, speed and G-force on the mountain, Garmin VIRB and VIRB Elite are the perfect HD action cameras for any snowboarder, and we’re eager to showcase them at the event.”
Not only that, thanks to the GPS the camera will automatically shut off while you’re riding up the lift and pop back on while you’re sliding down. How’s that for auto pilot? We haven’t tested the Virb cameras yet, but we’re looking forward to it. For the official word from Garmin, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on February 24, 2014
Each year the Snow Industries of America (SIA) gives out awards to the raddest retailers and reps in the snow business. No, they don’t call it that. They call them Retailers and Reps of the year. Either way, these are the good people who keep this industry rolling. For real. Follow the jump to see if your favorite shop or rep made the list. Our’s did. Hint: It’s in Seattle, Washington. . . [click to continue…]
by The Editors on February 20, 2014
The marketing wizards at the Association of Surfing Professionals have signed Korea’s mega industrial technology giant Samsung on as the title sponsor of the mens and women’s ASP World Championship Tour.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to elevate the platform of this tremendous sport through top-of-class media and sponsor partnerships,” Paul Speaker, ASP CEO, said. “Samsung is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere, an ideal partner for professional surfing. Samsung will help us deliver a world-class experience for our athletes and fans. We are honored to have Samsung partner with us to celebrate the world’s best surfers in the world’s best waves.”
Something, something, big phones, misplaced Kim Jong-un joke and then the link to the official word from the ASP (including all upcoming event dates). Done. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on February 19, 2014
Quebec’s Nic Sauve has joined Gigi Ruf on the Slash Snowboards program and not surprisingly he is happy about his new revenue stream.
“Really stoked to be part of Slash,” Sauve says. “Since I was a kid I always looked up to Gigi, and I couldn’t be happier to get on this project with him and the rest of this sick crew!”
If you don’t know Mr. Sauve, here’s a little informer ya’ no say dada me Snow me I’ll go blame:
In 2011 the world saw what Nic was capable of, winning Gold at X-Games Snowboard Street. This was the start of something even bigger. Today Nic is 100% focused on filming. This past season he was able to get back to where it all started, traveling around with his closest friends. Together they produced Déjà vu, which dropped this Fall. We could not be happier to help support Nic in his constant progression for years to come.
For the official word from Slash (a.k.a Nidecker) follow the jumps. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on February 18, 2014
Fox Head, Inc. (the wing of the Fox family that does apparel, not shocks) announces today that it has named board member and former DC Shoes President Nick Adcock as the company’s new CEO.
“Nick was an easy choice for us to make,” said Geoff Fox, Fox Head’s founder and member of the board of directors. “His global executive experience within the action sports industry, combined with his four years working on our board allows him to hit the ground running. We are confident that with his vision and experience the Fox brand will realize its full potential.”
For the official word from Fox, please follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on February 10, 2014
VonZipper announced today that they are “bringing newness to the Old Continent” with their newly appointed distributor in Europe Despomar.
“As one of the first and most successful VonZipper Distributors in Europe, it makes sense to have the Despomar team take over our European Operations,” stated VonZipper President and Founding Diplomat GT, as he signed an accord of awesomeness. “This relationship will open up a new era in Euro-American cooperation forged and focused on the values of sunglasses, goggles and good times.”
For the official word from VonZipper, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on February 6, 2014
Billabong has reportedly announced that they are considering selling their e-commerce businesses Swell.com and SurfStich, according to a story on MSN Money.
The embattled maker of board shorts and wet suits, which was saved last year by a refinancing deal from U.S. private equity firms Centerbridge Partners LP and Oaktree Capital Management, is looking at strategic options for its SurfStitch and Swell site. It has appointed investment bank Guggenheim Securities to help with the review.
Yeah, why own online retailers when mall stores are doing so very well?
[Link: MSN Money]
by The Editors on January 31, 2014
SMI Snow Makers, a family run, Michigan based company, has set up massively technical snowmaking facilities in Sochi, Russian to make certain that there is enough snow Winter Olympics. With setup that looks more like NASA Mission Control and 400 snow guns, SMI is going to make it happen, according to this edit from National Geographic. And as these are the “most expensive Olympics” ever, we’re hoping SMI gets their monster slice.
