by The Editors on January 3, 2008
Steve Klassen and his brother had a “tandom board” back in the day, but now Butch Brady and Eric Sweet, a pair of snowboarders from Jackson Hole, may have ridden a snowboard built for two into the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest snowboard.
“It seemed initially like going down a mountain in a canoe without a paddle, but after taking a few runs, a light went on,” Sweet said. “You’re splitting the duties, so it feels like a marriage. You give up half of the control, and if it’s a good one you don’t crash.” . . . The snowboard, called the “XJ-13,” is 9 feet, 7 inches long.
Somehow we’re more comfortable with these kinds of boards being ridden by brothers. You know?
[Link: Associated Press]
by The Editors on January 3, 2008
Ben Moses, a 21-year-old snowboarder who survived a New Year’s day avalanche that killed his friend has been banned from Whistler Blackcomb Mountain for one year and may face charges.
Mr. Moses, who is from La Salle, Ont., but lives in the resort town north of Vancouver, will not be allowed on Whistler Blackcomb terrain for at least one year, Whistler vice-president Doug Forseth said. . . . While sending condolences to the family Mr. Forseth also said: “These are needless loses. There are so many places people can go to get good powder without putting yourself or others at risk.”
The avalanche happened at 11:20 AM in an area known s the Hanging Roll off the Peak Chair.
[Link: National Post]
by The Editors on January 1, 2008
In a 10b5-1 prearranged stock sale Richard “Wooly” Woolcott reported that he sold 11,104 shares of Volcom stock at about $25 a piece netting him a $277,000 after Christmas bonus. He squeaked that in under the 2007 tax year.
[Link: Forbes]
by The Editors on December 28, 2007
Snowboarder Eric McConeghy, 28, suffocated to death at Mt. Hood Meadows yesterday, December 27, 2007, after falling into a large hole at the base of a lift tower.
Investigators said the man fell in a snow well at the base of a pole under a chairlift face first. Friends tried to pull him out of the well, authorities said, but he suffocated. . . Authorities have not released the victim’s name.
Though it has been officially ruled an accident, we find it hard to believe the mountain would have allowed those wells to exist. Packing in the snow at the base of lift towers is job number one for rookie ski patrollers.
[LInk: KomoTV and WoodTV]
by The Editors on December 22, 2007
If so, then a new ride at the Les Deux Alps ski resort in France may be just what you’re looking for. Developed by businessman Marc Dode (really, “Dode”), the ride simulates what it’s like to be “crushed by tons of snow.”
The “Robocoaster,” as it is called, was the brainchild of of local businessman Marc Dode, who lost a friend in an avalanche several years ago. The simulator is encased in a large dome that features two cabins and a large fan to blow cold air.
The ride lasts two minutes and costs $14 a ride. That’s much cheaper than heli time at Tsaina Lodge.
[Link: Gizmodo]
by The Editors on December 6, 2007
In a press release sent out to the action sports industry yesterday, Burton Snowboards has announced that it has learned that Burton product is now appearing on Overstock.com and at your local Costco Warehouse. But of course, they are on top of it, according to a release posted on TransworldSnowboarding.com
Burton’s new policies were already put to the test this season when unauthorized products were uncovered in the U.S.-based Costco chain and at discount online retailer Overstock.com. In addition, unauthorized European dealers were found with product that originated in the U.S. Burton acted immediately to discover the sources of these sales and terminated two U.S. accounts.
We have no reason for our feelings of skepticism other than the fact that products show up in Costco and/or Overstock for two reasons: 1. Because manufacturers sold them the product because they like the distribution, or 2. Because the manufacturer has over-produced for the market. Either way, it’s the manufacturer who is responsible and no one else. “Terminating two U.S. accounts” just looks to us like a classic case of blame shifting.
[Link: Transworld Snowboarding]
by The Editors on November 28, 2007
After years of making skis and snowboards on an island, K2 has finally moved in to Seattle and they’re apparently enjoying being part of the known world again, according to a story in the Seattle Post Intelligencer.
[K2 Sports President Robert] Marcovitch also believes being in Seattle will get people thinking about all sorts of ventures with K2. The name, he says, is already established. When he goes to events wearing a K2 lapel pin and tells people where he works, “Everyone has a story — every accountant, every lawyer.”
It’s hard to believe it took them so long.
[Link: Seattle Post Intelligencer]
by The Editors on November 20, 2007
We know Anne-Flore Marxer from her dirty, pants-down Burton poster, but apparently not everyone has heard of this saucy Swiss shredder. With photos like this from the December issue of Men’s Health magazine we’re pretty sure more and more horny men are going to recognize her in the future and you know, fantasize about what it would be like to lick melted snow out of her ass crack, knead her firm, perky breasts, and yes, breed with her. Because sadly, like it or not that’s exactly why sex sells.
by The Editors on November 17, 2007
Jarden, the company that now owns K2, Ride, Volkl, Adio, Planet Earth, Mr. Coffee, and many more businesses has announced that Gregory S. Shearson has been named president and chief executive officer of Jarden Outdoor Solutions.
Mr. Shearson, 42, has more than 20 years of experience in the consumer package goods industry. He has held senior management positions at PepsiCo Corporation since 2001. Most recently, Mr. Shearson served as President of Tropicana Beverages North America where he delivered significant revenue and profit improvement.
Watch out snowboard business. It’s going to be interesting to see how a sugar water pusher does with action sports. We’ll keep you posted.
[Link: CNNMoney.com]
by The Editors on November 14, 2007
One of Burton’s most productive image slaves Dean “Blotto” Gray puts his photographic work on display one more time this season. Check it out this Friday night at Exit in Tigard, Oregon.
