by The Editors on April 27, 2023
If you’re depending on a Black Diamond Recon LT avalanche transceiver to save your life when you get buried on your next backcountry trip, you might want to update the firmware immediately. Apparently, they can, on occasion, NOT WORK AT ALL.
The recalled transceivers can unexpectedly enter search mode due to interference from other beacons. If this occurs, the device could fail to transmit the position of survivors of an avalanche, resulting in delayed search and rescue operations, which could result in severe bodily harm or death if the skier is buried under snow.
So, don’t use it. Update the firmware, and then pray that the new firmware works better than the last. Side note: this doesn’t appear to be anything new for Black Diamond. They appear to have avalanche beacon recalls every year.
[Link: Consumer Product Safety Commission]
by The Editors on April 18, 2023
We have a love hate with Dawn Patrol for the Apple Watch. When it works, it’s fun to see how many waves we got, how fast slowly we surfed and save it to analyze later. When it doesn’t work, however, it can be just enough of a tech annoyance to ruin an otherwise good session. That’s why we’re hoping that the newest update (version 5.0) of their surf tracking app will tip the balance in the right direction.
We have made some sleek design changes, increased overall performance, and added more intuitive user interfaces. . . We have enhanced the interface of the surf map. Your surf metrics are laid out in a clean and efficient way to read. . . Get to know how efficient your paddle is, allowing you to measure your strength and ultimately catch more waves. . . Our renewed tidal chart shows the current water level height and spot name. . . Get to know your spot better and learn at which tides you are catching your best waves.
One thing is for sure–Dawn Patrol is the best way to put a tide chart on the face of your Apple Watch. And it’s all worth it just for that. For all the details, please click the link.
[Link: Dawn Patrol App]
by The Editors on January 20, 2023
Helmets made and marketed by Sakar International under the Tony Hawk Multi-purpose Helmets name have been recalled because they reportedly “do not comply with the positional stability and retention system requirements of the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets.” This the second time this year for Tony Hawk helmets. And years back Tony Hawk flammable pajamas were recalled from Kohls.
Tony Hawk multi-purpose helmets were sold in various colors and have black straps and a black buckle. The white warning label on the inside of the helmet contains one of the following item numbers on the top right corner: AGE251TH-GCRM, AGE251TH-NCRM, AGE251TH-BKMT, AGE251TH-BLU-T30-12, AGE251TH-RBW, AGE22SLDTH-BLK, or ACTGEAR242TH-GRN.
If you, or someone you know, made the mistake of buying one of these helmets, please immediately stop using it and contact Sakar for instructions. Another example of why getting paid to let people slap your name on junk might not be the best idea in the long term.
[Link: Consumer Product Safety Commission]
by Sponsored Post on December 16, 2022
Tech Deck has been bringing us authentic mini skateboards featuring real graphics from the world’s biggest skate brands for 25 years. So when you’re not dropping in on a halfpipe you can carve, flip and grind your way to fingerboarding greatness. Or shred the gift-giving game with these must-have replicas.
From nose to tail, Tech Deck’s fingerboards are designed to replicate the feel of a real skateboard–down to the smallest detail. Collect them all, including decks from Blind, Baker, Primitive, Finesse, Element, Santa Cruz, Plan B, and Toy Machine, plus replicas of boards used by top pros like Mariah Duran, Nyjah Huston, Torey Pudwill and Daewon Song. Follow the jump for all the details!
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by The Editors on November 3, 2022
If we’re going to get advice regarding charging out into the backcountry and riding the big walls, we’d probably put Jeremy Jones at the top of our ask list. And now, thanks to his new book The Art of Shralpinism, we won’t need to waste any of Mr. Jones’ time with our dumb questions, because he’s put it all down on paper.
Here’s how the book is described:
Shralpinism is a compendium of lessons hard won: quick tips, sound advice, and impactful stories. Learn which aspects of avalanche training are most crucial to absorb, ways to anticipate slope behavior or recognize clean lines, how to cut a cornice or develop safety protocols, how to build a fitness routine, the art of the turn, and keys to developing terrain and skills progression. Jones discusses the importance of mentors, the necessity and intensity of practice, the nature of risk, and the shape of failure.
Looks like a pretty good overview of some of the things we all need to know. The 288-page book is currently available on Amazon.com for $29. For all the official details, please follow the jump.
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by The Editors on July 14, 2022
Who would have thought that Walmart would be selling helmets that need to be recalled? Apparently, the Tony Hawk signature helmets “do not comply with the positional stability and retention system requirements of the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets.”
Luckily, no one who reads this site would have purchased a helmet like this, but if you know someone, tell them to contact Sakar at 800-592-9541 anytime, email at support@sakar.com, or online at https://www.vivitar.com/pages/recalls or www.vivitar.com and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page. And yeah, another reminder that you can’t always trust a Tony Hawk endorsement.
[Link: Consumer Product Safety Commission]
by The Editors on May 9, 2022
One of the best parts of travel is blasting your hippocampus with a solid stream of new sights, smells, and sounds. Sometimes, however, the sounds can get in the way of properly adjusting to life off the jet in a new time zone. Those times call for the cone of silence. And we’ve found no better way to do that than with Happy Ears ear plugs. They block sound at night, and keep every last drop of the ocean out of our ears while surfing. At only about $17 a pair, it’s not that big of a deal if you happen to lose one (we haven’t yet).
The reason we’re talking about this now is that the Malmo, Sweden based Happy Ears company has just launched a line of new plugs made entirely from post consumer ocean plastics.
Introducing Happy Ears OP; The first reusable earplugs made of ocean plastics! Sourced from post consumer ocean plastics in the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, Happy Ears OP offer the exact same fit and functionality as our Original earplug. Happy Ears OP packaging is made of paper with water based ink making it both recyclable and compostable. So long foam earplugs!
Happy Ears come in three sizes. Order a “discovery pack” for $35, which includes a pair of each size, and then once you find your size, you can order more. We’ve tried a bunch of different ear plugs, and for all-around use in and out of the water (and at concert venues) nothing compares.
[Link: Happy Ears]
by The Editors on February 24, 2022
Merge4 has released a rad new collection of three crew socks from skateboarding legend Tony Alva.
Along with the classic Alva logo, each pair of Tony Alva socks is constructed with textile technology that supports an action based lifestyle, including moisture wicking soles, light compression to encourage circulation, and elastic arch support to cushion every movement. “Tony Alva gives us old men hope,” joked Santa Cruz Bicycles Founder and MERGE4 Board Member since the sock brand’s inception, Rob Roskopp.
The MERGE4 X Tony Alva collection socks are available to purchase at www.MERGE4.com and through select retailers. For all the details, please follow the jump.
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by The Editors on February 16, 2022
We all need some good sunnies, and who better to drive your style than Jamie Thomas. That’s why OTIS has signed him up with a “multi-year partnership.”
“My idea of a perfect collaboration is two forces coming together to create a delicate mixture of quality, style, purpose and passion,” continues Jamie. “I feel that we accomplished that with Overkill and I’m pleased to present the first of hopefully many collections to come.”
And yes, they look good, and will be available at retail March 1, 2022. Please follow the jump for the new collection and the official word from OTIS.
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by The Editors on January 20, 2022
Merge4, the sock brand from Santa Cruz, California is releasing a set of socks celebrating the release of Jackass Forever.
The Jackass collection includes three brand new sock designs featuring iconic Jackass graphics: ‘International’, ‘Scattered’, and Skull’ – each constructed with light compression, padded soles, and a seamless toe and heel. And there may be more to come! “MERGE4’s Jackass socks are the only socks you want to be caught in, no matter if you’re cheatin’, lyin’ or kickin’ ass haha!” said Jackass star, WeeMan.
Get the while they’re available. Three pair for $62. Click the link.
[Link: Merge4]
