by The Editors on October 21, 2013
Vans is celebrating 20 years in the snowboarding game with a new “Mountain Edition” of technical boots and accessories and the release of a new retrospective film by Mike Hatchett.
The 2014 collection will include an exclusive 20th Anniversary capsule, complete with V-66 boot, jacket and socks. And finally, Vans will release, “Twenty Years: Off the Wall, On the Snow”, a definitive retrospective film on Vans Snow by respected snowboarding filmmaker Mike Hatchett of Standard Films. . . . On the heels of Vans’ cultural influence in skateboarding and surfing in the early 90s, Vans made its debut on the mountain, employing nearly 30 years of footwear expertise to introduce the first Vans snowboard boots. Transforming what were then glorified duck boots into functional designs, Vans set out to deliver comfortable, performance-driven snow boots that optimized the mountain experience but still looked and felt like your favorite skate shoes.
For the official word on the riders Vans has sponsored and the gear they’ve created over the last 20 years, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 21, 2013
Vans‘ parent company VF Corp isn’t going to let a few rumored layoffs at Reef get in the way of their march to global fashion domination. This morning, the company announced a four-for-one stock split and a 21 percent (pre-split) increase in this quarter’s dividends.
“During the past decade, VF has returned nearly $5 billion to shareholders through dividend payments and share repurchases,” said Eric Wiseman, VF Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Today’s announcement is the result of VF’s strong financial and stock price performance, and the confidence we have in our ability to create long-term profitable growth and returns for our shareholders.”
Some will tell you that splits don’t matter. Those who own loads of pre-split shares would likely argue. For the official word from VF follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 18, 2013
Here’s a little reminder from Patagonia to be sure to suit up for winter. When it comes to cold water Kohl Christensen, Trevor Gordon, and the Malloy boys know what they’re talking about.
by The Editors on October 17, 2013
Well, if the contest was about who could link up with the most forward facing brands in the shortest amount of time it looks like the minds behind the Association of Surfing Professionals have done a right nice job of it for 2014. The ASP has reportedly done deals with Youtube, Facebook, and ESPN.
“Professional surfing is a truly global sport which demands media distribution partners with significant reach. Our newly announced partners have tremendous presence in the innovative media arena and, together, they build the foundation for the ASP media platform,” Paul Speaker, ASP CEO, said. “I personally believe surfing is one of the most dramatic and dynamic sports on the planet and it’s an honor to work with tremendously inspirational athletes in bringing their feats and stories to the public.”
Here’s how the deals sort out: Youtube will host the live stream of 26 events, Facebook will be the “primary social platform parter” and ESPN will “showcase the sport’s elite events” by hosting highlight shows (for those sorry saps who still watch TV) immediately following the events. How much money will these deals generate for the organization? They didn’t say, but at least they’re moving in the right direction. For the official word from the ASP, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 17, 2013
It seems that most every time skateboarding is featured in a television commercial they get it all wrong. Norms Restaurants seems to get it all right with this little intimidation commercial staring Hoopla Skateboard’s Annika Vrklan (she didn’t even have to take off her bunny ears).
[Link: Hoopla Skateboards]
by The Editors on October 17, 2013
Don’t worry. Bryan Iguchi is not using his new MTN Approach Pro Model skis to go down the mountain, only to go up. In fact, the skis (which have permanently attached climbing skis) aren’t even designed for going downhill. The idea behind the MTN Approach skis (and it’s a good one) is that there is no reason for your snowboarding to suffer just because you want to earn your own turns. As MTN Approach says:
Until now, the split board was the main tool available for snowboarders seeking the backcountry experience. The split board has grown in popularity and has seen advances in equipment, however, we have taken a new approach to answering the need for performance and efficiency. The MTNApproach System is the most effective alternative for riders who want the feel and reliability of a legit snowboard while riding downhill.
Get it? If you’re going to climb all the way up there, why ride down on a board that is two pieces bolted together? The Bryan Iguchi Pro Model system (which sells for $829.00) pretty much everything you need including the MTNApproach folding skis, and integral backpack. Snowboarders weighing up to 250 lbs can use the boards. Though we’re guessing after a few trips into the back country they’ll start to shed the pounds. For more info click the link.
[Link: MTNApproach]
by The Editors on October 17, 2013
Kai Otton, may have won the 2013 Rip Curl Pro Portugal today over American Nat Young (in tiny surf), but the bigger news is that after dispatching Mick Fanning in Quarter Final two, Otton pushed the ASP World Title race between Fanning and Kelly Slater to the Banzai Pipeline in December. While we were all thinking about the ramifications of that, Otton was reveling in the moment of a win that was a long time coming.
“It’s the weirdest feeling ever, I just can’t comprehend it,” an ecstatic Otton said. “I really want to dedicate it to my Granddad, he passed away the year I qualified and never saw me on tour so this is for him. It seems like this event was a little bit of a grind, every heat the tide changed so dramatically you never really knew what was going to happen!”
For the official word from the ASP and complete results, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 17, 2013
by The Editors on October 17, 2013
Matix is bringing the perfect fit right to their customers with their new Matix Workshop.
The Matix Workshop is a showroom on wheels with an experienced tailor on hand ready to hem and or taper any Matix pant purchase made from the retailer on-site at no additional charge. A custom Matix label package is added to the pants creating a custom one-off item allowing the consumer (you) to get the experience of a customized garment.
Now you don’t have to go to New York City to get the taylor fit goods.
[Link: Matix]
by The Editors on October 15, 2013
Can you see your breath in the air? That means it’s getting pretty near time to ride. Here’s how the crew at Rome Snowboards prepares.
Vans is celebrating 20 years in the snowboarding game with a new “Mountain Edition” of technical boots and accessories and the release of a new retrospective film by Mike Hatchett.
