1. Forum

Youngblood

148, 152, 154, 155W, 156, 157W

This softer-fl exing true twin is built for stepping your game up. The Youngblood team are the kids pushing the limits and the board refl ects this, being perfect for spinning on and off rails, cranking that spin round an extra 180 or stomping your fi rst dub. Lightweight, responsive, and with graphics that say ‘Yo, check me out!’ these are bang on for freestylers wanting to up the ante. Also available with Chillydog Rocker.

€399.00

www.forumsnowboards.com

2. Skullcandy

Icon 2

Skullcandy’s colorful team favorite – Halldor Helgason is particularly down with these ear cans – just got even better. The Icon 2 headphones are super durable, ultra light and the 30mm speakers ensure that they can easily go to 11. Basically these are all you need from a good pair of headphones for shredding the hill or for every-day use, and now you can even control your iThingy with the on-cord microphone and control switch.

€34.95

www.skullcandy.eu

3. Transform

The Figurines

Transform have been holding the glove game down for a couple of seasons, bringing their unique euro fl avour to the hand shoe game, and if you’re looking for a tasty bit of spring session fi nger fun then check these bad boys. The Figurines have an über low-profile shape, stretch fingers and a fully loved-up grippy silicon palm and are just what you need for slushy funtimes.

€49.95

www.transformgloves.com

4. APO

Seed

154, 157, 160, 158W, 161W, 164W, 166W

As we all know, we could tell what great tech a board has an you’ll still not buy it if you weren’t feeling the graphic. But what could be better than a board that looks like a bottle of Jägermeister? That’s right, not much. If you’re a beginner or intermediate rider wanting to push your riding all over the hill it’ll ride as good as it looks: it’s a directional twin with rocker with a forgiving flex but enough in the tank to step it up when you want to. And at 300 bucks the price is killer.

€300.00

www.apo-snow.com

5. Electric

EG2.5

The little brother of the awesome EG2, the 2.5 packs the same goodness into a more compact package for those with smaller faces. If you’re looking for maximum fi eld of vision and epic comfort, then look no further. Less frames and more goldfi sh bowl-like spherical lens give you awesomem peripheral vision and offer 100% UV protection. The triple-density foam also makes them super comfy to wear and they fi t with a helmet easily too. As they say: these are your widescreen HDTV for the mountains.

€from 132

www.electricvisual.com

6. Protest

Hopton

Mobility is a key feature in snowboard clothing. That’s why using flexible soft shell fabric, as Protest have done with the Hopton, is a great idea. You get the good looks, you get the waterproofness (8K) but you also get better breathability and a better range of motion. So your on-hill dance moves will be like Travolta. Lycra wrist gaiters, pow skirt, fixed hood and pit vents make sure your body can break dance too.

€149.95

www.protest.eu

7. Horsefeathers

Pictor

Top-of-the-line tech from the Horsefeathers crew – jackets don’t come much more complete than the Pictor. This lightweight shell has a 20/20K waterproof/breathability rating and, of course, has fully taped seams. As you’d expect there are pit vents and, to keep you Fonzy cool, a back vent
to, and then there is also all the pockets, zip-out pow skirt, Lycra cuffs and other dope features that are par for the course. We’re backing the waspish colourway too.

€319.90

www.horsefeathers.eu

8. SP

Brotherhood

One of the quickest bindings to get in and out of thanks to the fold-down highback ‘Fastec’ system, you’ll be spending time lapping not strapping with the Brotherhood. The aerospace aluminium ‘sLab’ baseplate is super light and gives electric response with some cushioning built in to take
the sting out of landings while the new anatomical ankle straps are more comfortable than ever.

€249.95

www.sp-united.com

9. eleven

Bred

This bit of outerwear was born and bred in Switzerland but is good to go no matter where you strap in. The 15/10K shell boasts fully-taped seams and is characterised by subtle styling, a good selection of pockets, the SPS ventilation (for optimum airfl ow), and the ability to be zipped together with Eleven pants for perfect sealing. Eugenics may be frowned upon these days but for outerwear it’s all good – thankfully, as this is most certainly a pure breed.

€349.00

www.eleven.ch

10. Celtek

Faded

If you’re after a glove with minimum bulk, maximum warmth and some eye-popping style, Celtek’s Faded should be top of your list. The perfect choice for sessions any time of the year, the 10K fabric will keep your pinkies dry, budded fl eece will keep ‘em warm and the abundance of silicon on the palm will have you hanging onto grabs like a limpet.

€59.00

www.celtekclan.com

11. Zimtstern

A-Team

“I love it when a plan comes together!” We don’t know if they said that when they designed this marvelous women’s jacket at Zimstern, but they should have. This fashion piece is loaded with different technical features, 10/10k of waterproof/breathable and fully taped seams to name a few. The A-team is also kinder to the environment. And best of all you don’t have to have a mohawk to wear ‘em.

10/10, par insulation, fully taped

€269.00

www.zimtstern.com

12. Icon

Movement

153/156/159/162

Icon’s Movement is a true slay-it-all board. Anything from powder to park will be your playground with this directional, classic camber  powerhouse. The snappy and responsive fusion 2.0 core combined with V-shaped carbon reinforcements in the nose and tail will guarantee that you’re never short of pop. This mid-flex board’s ideal master is someone who knows what’s up and wants to lay it down everywhere. Movement for the masses!

€425.00

www.iconsnowboards.com

13. analog

Danny’s Sig

Danny Davis has to be one of our favourite riders to watch, and this is his signature cloak from the AG crew. Featuring the patented Analog steeze bolstered by a print made up of photography from his close buddy and über lensman Cole Barash, this has the bang in the looks department and in terms of tech it’s got what it takes: 10/10k protection, fully-taped seams, waxcoated canvas and full insulation.

€240.00

www.analogclothing.com

14. Coal

The Frena

Righto, let’s be honest there’s no 21st century scientific Frankenstein technology in the Frena, it’s a fine-knit ribbed beanie and a damned fine one at that. Three colours with a baggy fi t, but turn it up and you can go full Cousteau.

€19.00

www.coalheadwear.com

15. deeluxe

ID Coin Coin

Making an awesome boot isn’t as easy as you might think, but Deeluxe has nailed it with this killer pair of Gerome Mathieu pro model boots. Single section control lacing (a speedlace that allows you to independently adjust 3 sections with a single pull) and a powerstrap make sure that your feet stay locked in the boot and design created by Nicolas Thomas gives your feet the ‘interested ducklings’ look. Random, until you realise Gerome’s
nickname, ‘Coin Coin’, is the sound French ducks make…

€239.95

www.deeluxe.com

16. vans

Sedgewick Insulated

Sedgewick is a small town in the middle of Canada. Like the Vans Sedgewick jacket it is safe, vibrant and affordable. Vans has loaded this jacket with an incredible amount of technical features for a decent bit o’ dollar: 10/8K waterproof/breathability, insulation, pit vents and powderskirt with jacket-to-pant interface are there to keep you warm and dry. Did you know that Sedgewick has the best water in Alberta, Canada? Now you know.

€160.00

www.vanssnow.com

Snowboarding’s all about corporate sponsorship, triple corks and wearing tight pants these days. Sadly Nikita didn’t get the memo and held their annual end-of-season contest with the sole aim of letting some talented ams have a blast all day, making sure the vibe was chill, and hooking the best rider up with a deal for a year. What were they thinking?

Nikita Chickita, Photo: Anna Langer

Serfaus played host to the 4th Nikita Chickita Europe last April and the goodtimes were in full flow. Sure, shred contests are from time to time all about beating the other riders into a bloody pulp with your skills, but let’s face it – for most people snowboarding is simply the best fun you can have without a pin-up, KY jelly and a length of rubber. This is the vibe Nikita wanted for their end of season shindig.

16 girls from across Europe had beelined to this quaint town tucked away in a fold of Austrian alpine and come the day of the contest the park had softened up nicely under the bluebird skies meaning the double kicker line and the extensive array of jibs was ripe for the girls to throw down on. Straight off the bat, the freeform, easy-natured approach Nikita were keen to encourage was evident when the riders conferred with the judges and decided that scrapping the qualifi cations/finals format in favour of a day-long jam session was the way to go. It worked out perfectly as the girls could now lap the park all day without having to hang around, while the judges (Nikita riders Julia Baumgartner, Lisa Filsmozer, Maude Richon and Vanessa Waldenhofer) were charged with keeping an eye on whoever was stepping it up and throwing down hardest. In fact it went so well that even when the judges were ready to decide on the three girls who’d impressed them most, the riders wanted to keep the session going for the fun of it and did so into the late afternoon.

In between laps, the girls would head over to hang at the Chill Out area to grab a drink, some food or even enjoy a massage from the on-site physiotherapy guru, Jan, before heading back into the park to continue with their session. As we hung out here all day, supping on beers, watching the riding and chatting with the Nikita crew, the brand’s warm family spirit was obvious, with Heida, Geiri and co’s children and other halves all having made the trip to enjoy the vibe, and it was all in all most defi nitely the least contest-like contest we hit up last year.

Over a burger and a beer, we asked event organiser Geiri to sum up the Nikita Chickita in a nutshell. “It’s not really about the contest itself, although the contest is at a really good level,” he explained. “It’s more about just having fun and keeping it real and progressing. That said the fi rst prize is pretty good, it’s a year’s contract with Nikita and Ð1000 and a shitload of goodies, but we’re more about having fun and enjoying snowboarding.”

Fun and enjoyment were certainly had and when the girls had finally been dragged off the course, we euro carved our way down through the spring slush with the whole crew and it was hard not to feel a warm glow in your stomach. Ok, that may have been Geiri’s schnapps so we made the glow all the warmer with some afterski and by then it was time to crown the winners. Yeah, yeah, it’s not about winners and losers, it’s all rainbows and unicorns, but Nikita wanted someone with the lick on their books for a year so after much deliberation the judges doffed their caps to Elena Könz, who’d convinced them with her solid riding through the day putting down stuff like front 3s, front and back 5s, switch back 1s. Isabel Derungs nabbed secon thanks to her back rodeos and front 3s and Malin Johansson’s Cab 5s saw her into the third spot, with Mary Luggen getting some love for being the day’s best jibber. If you’re a young, up-and-coming chickita and fancy being part of the family this year, head over to nikitaclothing.com/events where you’ll find details of how you can become part of the fun.

RESULTS:

1. Elena Könz
2. Isabel Derungs
3. Malin Johansson

ALTHOUGHT ONLY 21-YEAR-OLD TOM KLOCKER IS ALREADY ONE OF THE BEST RIDERS ON THE INFAMOUS ISENSEVEN ROSTER. IN ISSUE #117 WE TOOK A GANDER AT THIS AUSTRIAN’S PASSAGE TO THE TOP. NOW WE HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE EQUIPMENT THAT MAKES STOMPING THOSE SWITCH BACK 12S OH SO EASY…

Tom Klocker, Photo: Carlos Blanchard

FACTS

BIRTHDAY: 05.12.1990
HOME TOWN: Hippach, Tirol
HOME MOUNTAIN: Penken Park, Mayrhofen
STANCE: regular, 64cm, +13/-13
SPONSORS: Head Snowboards, Oakley, Moreboards & Transform Gloves

Board: Head Tribute I. 153

Why did you choose the Tribute I. out of all Head boards?

I actually tried most boards from the Head range. Of all of them the Tribute I. fi t my riding best. The flex is neither too soft nor too stiff, and it is perfect in the park, on rails, and in the BC. That’s why I chose this board. The board has a regular camber.

Why didn’t you jump on the reverse camber bandwagon?

I’m not a big fan of new shapes, that’s why I stayed with the regular camber boards. I think I will stick to regular camber for good.

Do you ride one length only or do you switch boards depending on the terrain?

In park, BC and for jibbing I ride the same board, but in the BC I ride a rocker shape. To me this is just better for pow. But I always stick to the same length.

Boots: Head Team Boa

What do you like most about your boots?

They are fairly lightweight and fi t my feet really well.

What do you like best: speed lacing, Boa or traditional lacing?

I prefer traditional lacing. I don’t think much of speed lacing, Boa is kind of cool, but I like regular laces the most.

BINDNG: Head NX Five

According to its description these bindings are ‘precise and in control.’ What else do you like about your bindings?

Exactly. These bindings are sick, a little different from the rest. They fi t around the boot really well and offer a very good hold.

Do you ride your bindings as they come straight from the box, or do you adjust them somehow?

I always change the straps for some extra stiff ones. But other than that they are perfect.

Outerwear: Oakley Jacket & Pants

What do you look for in your outerwear?

The jackets shouldn’t be too baggy but rather long and slim, and not too colourful. The pants should be slim around the knees, not too baggy, and most importantly not too tight.

What features do you like most about your Oakley Outerwear?

They always come with cool pockets, for example for your iPhone, and they always have sick cuts.

Back 1 over the infamous Helsinki gap, Photo: Sami Tuoriniemi

Gloves: Transform

What makes a perfect pair of gloves?

They have to be waterproof, warm enough in cold winters, and they shouldn’t be too stiff, or else you don’t have much feel in your fingers.

GOGGLES: Oakley

What do you like most about your goggles?

In terms of looks Oakley goggles are the best. And they also have the best lenses, perfect for all conditions.

Do you take various lenses up on the mountain – and if yes, which ones?

I usually take Polarised lenses up on the mountain. They are the best lenses by far, as you can see every bump no matter what the conditions are.

Extras

What else do you usually take on the mountain?

Most of the time I have a GoPro and my iPhone with me.

Words: Anna Langer

While the season is coming to an end, the last Art page is dedicated to a topic that is ongoing: the fight against cancer. Globally it was one of the leading cause of death in 2010. Breast cancer, is a disease that many ranked snowboard girls have had to deal with. Amongst them Tina Basich and Shannon Dunn, who founded the charity Boarding For Breast Cancer after their friend Monica Steward died from the disease aged 28.

The organizations original mandate was to organise events that would increase awareness for breast cancer and raise money for the fi ght against it, but the foundation has spread their wings and now manages campaigns for the cause, including educational tours in universities, learning retreats, informative videos concerning the disease and their events and collaborations with brands from the boardsport scene.

One of their biggest initiatives is their artist’s collaboration with Sessions, which is now in its fourth year this winter. These collaborations are a more tangible and accessible approach to the topic of cancer for the majority of us.

Rather than labouring the dark side of the disease Sweden based French artist Amanda Mendiant instead focused on B4BC’s campaign “Know Yourself: Early Detection + Active Lifestyle = Best Prevention” and the message she wanted to get across, was to ‘Protect your Breasts’. “When I thought of how to visually illustrate this, the obvious came to me: what’s the refl ex when you want to protect a part of your body? To cover or hold it. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest and the best way to communicate! And so I designed the fi rst jacket with a girl on the back that is reaching out to the front to hold and protect the owner of the jacket’s breasts.”

Based on this original idea, which was used for the first collaborations, Amanda created another unique artwork for Sessions and B4BC, that was auctioned off during the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in September 2010, with all proceeds going towards the charity. “This years design is a strong lady with an attitude. I didn’t want to cover her with clothes since breasts still are the main reason for the campaign, so she is covering, protecting her breasts herself. And for a lack of red nipples I painted two cherries!”

As her “feminine yet slightly edgy but always fashionable graphics,” as Session’s marketing manager Daniell Glagola describes Amanda’s style, work so well to bring the massage across point blank, there will be another collaboration with her in the upcoming 2011/12 season. Most graphics in snowboarding are purely there as eye candy and yet with the work of B4BC there is a much greater impact on the hearts and minds of those looking
at it. So we dearly hope there will be more alliances between the good causes, snowboarding and fine arts in the future, that will stimulate hearts and minds!

sessions.com

The London Based independent record label, Ninja tunes, celebrated its 20-year anniversary in style at the end of 2010 with a series of gigs put on in association with DC Shoes. 2010 was also a productive year for fans of Coldcut, with the launch of new artists such as The Dels plus new releases by some of the label’s big artists, namely roots Manuva. Tying up this month’s Ninja tunes special, an album suggested by Finnish rider Joni Malmi, who is also this month’s audio pro.

Roots Manuva Meets Wrong tom – Duppy Writer – Ninja Tunes/Big Dada

Duppy Writer is not a new Roots Manuva record as such, rather a bunch of remixes by DJ and producer, Wrong Tom, who originally reworked a couple of tracks off Rodney Hylton Smith’s 2008 album ‘Slime And Reason’. This new record covers songs from all four of Roots Manuva’s main records, plus tracks from Dub Come Save Me and Alternately Deep, with the new takes primarily offering interesting stripped down dub reggae versions of Roots Manuva’s original songs.

The Qemists – Spirit In The System – Ninja Tunes

The Coldcuts no doubt kept this secret well-hidden hoping to catch everyone off-guard this autumn with the release of The Qemists’ second album. Their debut album was well-received by drum ‘n’ bass fans in 2009, however this time round the Brighton trio have broadened their sound considerably. While Spirit In The System still possesses drum n’ bass foundations, The Qemists deliver a heady mix of genres throughout this album ranging from a head-banging teenage variety of rave and rock (on Your Revolution) and electro-rap (on Apocalypse, Renegade) to soul (on Life’s Too Short), The Qemists remind us that Ninja Tunes is all about keeping things eclectic and interesting, not to mention all the impressive featured artists that helped bring this album together.

Bonobo – Black Sands – Ninja Tunes

Filling the gap between Ninja Tunes old timers and the new generation of talented young artists, Bonobo likes to dabble in a bit of everything: producing, composing, DJ-ing, scouting out new talent – namely his collaborations with the sultry singer Andreya Triana (which allowed her to produce her own album last September). While behind the moniker Bonobo hides a man, a decidedly feminine vibe highlights his fourth album released in April to, at times, mixed reviews. But mixing downtempo trip-hop breakbeats with synth melodies, Bonobo’s smouldering instrumental jazz and hip-hop will grow on you with every listen. Highlight tracks include Prelude, Kiara and the album’s title track Black Sands.

Villa Nah – Origin – Keys Of Life

It seems to be all about New Wave again these days, or synth-driven pop if you will. The influence of Depeche Mode and OMD is unquestionable on this release, but this Finish duo also have that essential ‘je ne sais bang’ to top off their debut album. And if Joni Malmi says they’re good, and Laurent Garnier’s protégé, Jori Hulkkonen, produced the record, then there must be something about them. Behind their retro electro-pop and romanticism, Villa Nah harbour plenty of ambition as you’ll hear on Time for Tea, a kind of minuet on the synthesiser. Another highlight includes the cosmic and minimalist Esmerald Hills. But the best track of the album goes to the melancholic Running On.

Joni Malmi, Photo: Sami Tuoriniemi

Audio Pro: Joni Malmi

When Joni Malmi isn’t on the hill you’ll often find him working a sweat up in a DJ booth. Spending an increasing amount of time lighting up the dancefl oors of Finland and beyond, we thought we’d take a peak through his DJ bag. And since a DJ is always there to play their best stuff ‘of the moment’, check out Joni’s favourite tracks right now…

Do you have a particular type of music or do you listen to everything?

I listen to all kinds of stuff. Different genres for different moods.

Is it the same styles that you play when you DJ?

I mainly play house, deep-, tech-, techno, nu-disco, indie-, italo-, etc… I like to throw in a 80s rock or old school hip-hop track every once in a while.

Where can we listen to your DJ talents?

I update my schedule and own tracks on myspace: www.myspace.com/joliverhouse

Tell us 3 tunes you would put in your set for sure?

At the moment, here are three pretty different songs that I usually play: New Mjondalen Disco Swingers – Eurodans, Phelps – One for Luck, Ida Engberg – Abataka

How about your local playground? Where is it, what’s the name, the vibe?

I mainly play at this design hotel bar/nightclub called AHJO in Helsinki. About 500 people capacity club. Big city vibe with good music. Mainly electronic.

What does music represent for you?

Music is with me in all parts of life. Memories, partying, inspiration, as a hobby…

Do you listen to music when you ride?

No. Hearing is part of your balance and awareness so I keep this on the ground.

What particular tune reminds you of your first snowboard trips? A tune that says ‘let’s go shred’?

All the old early nineties Offspring and Pennywise songs.

Can you list the tunes you had on all your video parts?

Oh no! 1996-2010… Too many. The two last ones that I chose myself and really like, were The Whitest Boy Alive – Golden Cage (Fred Falke remix) & Miike Snow – Animal, Fakeblood Remix.

Did you choose all of them?

No. Only about 5 out of 25. But for our movie Euro Gap (3) I coordinated the music.

What song would you love to have in a future video part?

My own.

A good band/singer you discovered recently?

Villa Nah, Helsinki 1978-1982. Both are Finnish bands. Also Adrian Lux and Sally Shapiro, both from Sweden.

JONI’S top ten ‘at the moment’:
1. Chris Rea – On the Beach (Tangoterje edit)
2. Dj Kaos – Love The Night Away (Tiedye mix)
3. Two Door Cinema Club – Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)
4. Gui Borattu – Azzurra (It’s not the same version)
5. Helsinki 1978-1982 – Cruising
6. Lusine – Two Dots
7. Azari & III – Reckless With Your Love
8. Knee Deep – Sweet Love
9. Da Funk – Smoking Hawt
10. Nuovo Rich – Saffron

WORDS: YOURI BARNEOUD

PERHAPS BEST-KNOWN FOR STAGING THE ANNUAL MONDIAL DU SNOW TRADESHOW AND ITS BIG SNOWPARK AND GLACIER (OPEN NEARLY ALL YEAR ROUND), THE FRENCH RESORT OF LES DEUX ALPES ALSO BOASTS ONE OTHER HIGHLIGHT: YANNICK AMEVET’S SNOWBOARD SHOP, SUPERWHITE.

Superwhite Snowboard Shop, Les Deux Alpes, Photo: Matt Georges

Along with being one of France and Europe’s main snowboarding hubs, Les Deux Alpes is a resort which stays busy more or less the whole year  thanks to its glacier that remains open to the public throughout the summer. As loyal a local as they come, old-time French rider Yannick Amevet  (who was part of Absinthe’s original crew and featured in videos like Transcendence, Vivid, and Saturation) always dreamed of having a core snowboard shop in his home resort. So when Yannick found an ideal retail space, located on the town’s main drag, his main sponsor at the time,  Billabong, was more than happy to back the project.

Opening its doors in 2002 during the Mondial du Snow, Superwhite was set up as a Billabong  concept store and those that were there for the epic opening party will no doubt remember it. However, juggling Billabong’s offer to set up the shop  and keep on top of his pro rider career was no easy feat at the time. “It wasn’t simple to start with”, admits Yannick. “I had the stress of putting the whole shop together with all the investment and commitments that represented, but at the same time I had to fi nd a way to come up with enough  quality footage for my Absinthe video parts. I had a very busy schedule and it wasn’t always straightforward to manage. But I don’t regret any of it, it allowed me to change careers but continue working in something that I really enjoy.” A few seasons later, Yannick would go onto managing his shop full time. As the years have passed, the shop has evolved. Like any business project that wants to remain successful, Yannick is always looking to move with the times and put new shop concepts in place. “The idea was to create a website offering all the latest, coolest brands and products to our customers. However, this was tricky to promote under the Billabong concept store name. We therefore decided to take a fresh look at the way we worked.” In 2006 a new Billabong concept store was set up in Annecy and in 2009 Superwhite turned into an independent snowboard shop along with the launch of its website www.superwhitestore.com.

At Superwhite, you can now fi nd a wide-range selection of all the latest in brands, each one having its own dedicated space in the shop with their own displays and furniture. The shop spans a total of 350m2 so there’s plenty of browsing to be done, and it can be a good place to meet other riders or just chat with the dedicated team of staff. The brands on offer include  Billabong, Burton, Element, Volcom, DC, Electric, Special Blend, Forum, Nixon, Anon, Von Zipper, Dakine, Yes, Apo, Nike, plus some other smaller brands. And for those that want to test equipment before buying – always a smart idea – Superwhite also acts as a test centre for Burton, DC, APO and YES. Although Yannick now runs a shop with seven employees, despite being exceptionally busy he still remains very attached to the snowboard scene. He’s intent on being fully involved and committed to what he does, and that’s one of the reasons his shop sponsors local rider Arthur Longo. “I’ve known him since he was a kid. He’s one of the best snowboarders out there right now and he refl ects exactly the same values and spirit we want to champion,” Yannick explains. And the shop also organises a contest each month on the Deux Alpes snowpark with Alex Doumergue and his bar, Les Bleuets, a hotspot in town for any thirsty snowboarders looking for a fun night out. The shop is usually open from the beginning of December to end of April, from June to August during the summer, and for October school holidays. “The website, however, is open all year!” Yannick quickly adds. So whether you’re looking to make a new purchase, test new equipment or just need some expert advice in Deux Alpes, you know where to go now!

CONTACT:
Superwhite
88 Avenue de la Muzelle
38860 Les Deux Alpes
France
contact@superwhitestore.com
www.superwhitestore.com,
Phone: 0033 (4) 76 11 32 45

The fun thing about the Miller flip is that it works on almost every obstacle or spot! You can start easy on a little spine or over a small log at the side of the slope and then push it further to spots like handrails, fences and spires… what’s important in general is that you don’t “crash” into the obstacle with too much speed, but have a good flight curve with a dead spot where you’re kinda weightless. That will make the planting way easier and longer and your shoulder will be thankful as well.

Mathieu Crepel Frontside Hand Plant 360, Photos: Matt Georges

What you need for this plant is a good front arm and a slab of transition with bloody great ball on top. Transition and arms are easy to come by but don’t about the ball as you can do this trick on the trannie just as easily.

IN-RUN:

Riding up the transition you roll gently onto your heal edge and open up your shoulders gently frontside both to get that front hand into position for the plant and also to initiate that 90degree rotation for the plant. Also put your weight into the tail to get invert.

ON IT:

Once out of the transition you will be going upside down and your eyes will be turned to the ball looking at it down your front arm which you have extended towards the ball. Your back hand will have reached down – or rather up seeing you are inverted – for the Indy.

OUT:

With your weight solidly planted on the ball and your grab vice-tight you can give that front leg a solid poke and feel the oh so satisfying creak of your bindings. As gravity bringing you out of your hand pirouette and you’ll have to get yourself lined up for coming into the transition with an extra 270 front rotation. The first 90 is natural as you roll on your arm but you will need to get that back arm around to make that last 180, bring around the back leg and ride out fakie.

Text: Joonas Reijonen

ELIAS ELHARDT IS A “CALM PERSON WHO THINKS BEFORE HE TALKS;” “AS A RIDER HE IS A FREAKING CAT:” ”(HE IS) JUST HAPPY WITH EVERYTHING;” ” SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE YOU TALK TO A WALL WHEN HE’S DAYDREAMING.” THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE DESCRIPTIONS GIVEN BY FOLK WHO KNOW ELIAS ELHARDT. FROM TTR PODIUMS TO THE POWDER FIELDS OF ALPS THIS YOUNG GERMAN HAS DONE ‘EM ALL. ONBOARD TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT ONE OF GERMANY’S MOST PROMISING RIDERS.

When searching for ”German snowboarder” on google the most common article that pops up is about a snowboarder who burned his cash to get attention after he was stranded on a ski lift for six hours. So as you can imagine the list for well known German snowboarders is not too long. Thankfully Elias doesn’t need to burn notes to get noticed, his riding does that.

Elias started snowboarding on his local mountain 11 years ago. “We where a clique, always hanging out at the skate park together. Then it was just natural, that we had to try snowboarding as well.” Elias says that having fun was the most important part of snowboarding and getting better just came naturally over time. He soon began to get the attention of his fellow riders: “I met Elias four years ago just randomly in Snowpark NZ. I mean you can’t help but see Elias jumping around the park and riding every pump and transition that he can find”, says Peter König, a friend and a fellow rider.

Cab 7 Bonneval, Photo: Matt Georges

After making a name for himself in rookie contests he suddenly disappeared off the scene. He had suffered a nasty lung infection, the recovery from which took a whole season. “Those days, when I started again after the illness were just amazing. We had more than a metre of fresh powder and went up on my local mountain every day.” In no time Elias was back in the saddle and kept hammering the competition scene with German precision. Loads of top ten positions sprinkled with a few podiums, including first place at the 4Star Horsefeathers Pleasure Jam with a perfect Backside 1080 Double Cork, and the world again knew Elias.

But where does all his success in competitions come from? Elias’s team manager Andi Aurhammer thinks that it is in the way the competative atmosphere affects him. “There’s a lot of pressure so he becomes very concentrated and focused.” When asked about the Olympics and slopestyle becoming one of its events Elias doesn’t give a straight answer: “I’m really not sure what to think about it. I just hope that snowboarding never looses its roots and soul, now that everything is getting more and more professional. And would I compete in Olympics? I’d definitely not focus on it.”

Elias Elhardt Invert Cab 5, Photo: Matt Georges

Elias himself came to our knowledge through competition, but is that the only way to get sponsored these days? “I think nowadays there’s different ways for young riders to get noticed” Elias told us. “For example by producing your own little video part and spreading it on the web. Nevertheless, I guess the most common and fastest way up for young riders is still to prove themselves in the competition circus and will be for some time.”

But while Elias keeps racking up points on the TTR tour he has also managed to put together amazing video parts in Jolly Roger and Hooked for the Pirate crew productions. “Filming gives him the stage to express his kind of snowboarding. He enjoys playing around in powder. I guess he sometimes doesn’t even realizing that the camera is turned on”, says Aurhammer. In movie parts style is all that matters: “Elias’s style is actually pretty hard to describe. I was thinking about that one day and couldn’t come up with an answer. He just has his own style. You will recognize him when you see him. He has a good eye for being creative on the mountain, on all terrains like backcountry, park or just riding the slope”, says König. Maybe versatility is the word that defines the young German’s riding. According to Elias his “ultimate movie part would have powder lines, kickers, natural hits and pillow lines combined with some jibbing and spring shredding in the park. Most importantly I like to see that the rider in a video part likes what he’s doing and that makes me want to go snowboarding too.”

Elias Elhardt Frontside 7, Photo: Matt Georges

The one word that keeps popping up about Elias is fun. But is there a place for fun in this day an age when snowboarding is getting so serious? ”Snowboarding is getting more and more professional and nowadays the focus is a lot on the performance. Through that progress sometimes the joy of riding is getting a bit lost. Although I guess this is a very natural process for a sport growing up. I think it’s important to stick to our roots and keep freedom and fun as our main idea behind it all.” To show that fun to everyone Elias started the Elias-friends.com videoblog at the beginning of the season. “As in contest riding, it is the performance and bangers that count. I was missing to just shred with friends and enjoy. To show this part of Snowboarding more, we started the Elias and friends project. I think it’s good not to only focus on ‘bigger, harder, better’ in professional snowboarding but to also give room for creative and most importantly fun riding.”

An Italian filmer and a good friend of Elias Mario Castelani travels with him and produces short videos of the sessions around the world. “I think it’s cool to show people more, than just the video part and contests. It’s fun to share good sessions we’re having throughout the season and also the experiences we are making while travelling”, believes Elias. But is it a mandatory for a pro rider to facebook and tweet? “It’s a good thing people get connected through platforms like Facebook. It’s just important to use it as a tool to make real live better and not to replace real live.”

Elias Elhardt Front 3 Tail, Photo: Matt Georges

The future of Elias Elhardt is looks good. He has settled himself among the top riders both in the competition and filming scenes and having won the German Snowboarder of the year award twice in a row his options are open. But when asked him about what the future might hold he had one main wish: “I’ll probably spend more time in the backcountry to go filming in the future. Shredding powder is simply what I love the most in snowboarding.” Elias would like to thank his sponsors Nitro, Rip Curl, Deeluxe, Dakine, TSG Protection and Moreboards.

Follow Elias and friends on www.elias-friends.com

Text: Harry

We don’t need Einstein or Newton to tell us what the problem is with the abundance of fl at ground when it comes to urban jibbing. What we do need is an end to drop-in ramps, ski-poll tows and something that – unlike a winch – will fi t in a rucksack and not break the bank. Bungee cords tick all these boxes: They’re changing the way we look at our surroundings and here’s how to use these human sling shots.

Shaping, Photo: Matt Georges

1. Shaping

First up, you’re going to have to select yourself a good rail with somewhere to anchor your bungee, as well as shape yourself a little takeoff and landing.

Hooked Up, Photo: Matt Georges

2. Hooked Up

You’re going to need to find something sturdy to clip your bungee onto. Use a carabinar, climbing loop or random bit of rope to make secure the bungee. Note here the bungee is set on the outside of the opposite rail so it doesn’t whiplash the rider.

Stretch, Photo: Matt Georges

3. Stretch

Now with some serious leg work stretch the enormous elastic band out. Two or three assistants usually does the job.

Hand Over, Photo: Matt Georges

4. Hand Over

When handing the bungee to the rider, it’s better if they are sitting down with your heel edge fi rmly planted – it makes it easier when passing the handle or in this case have something solid to hang on to. Here Now pullers, get out the way quick or you’ll get knocked the heck out.

Liftoff, Photo: Matt Georges

5. Liftoff

Now you’re rocking ‘n’ rollin’, make sure you keep your arms locked in front of
you, base fl at and let the bungee do all the hard work.

Dispatch, Photo: Matt Georges

6. Dispatch

When you let go of the cord, throw it to one side; a bungee has a nasty sting in its tail…

Jib - Fred Couderc Cab 270, Photos: Matt Georges

7. JIB

Now it’s all down to you. The bungee’s done its part, time to destroy your jib. Enjoy!

BATTLE OF THE BUNGEES

For years, a jib day has meant spending ages sorting your ramp out and the rest of the time shredding.

But now the days of building drop-ins and hauling ass with a shovel or ski pole are over. Now anything that looks as if it may be jibbable – is. This is all thanks to the bungee.

The way the bungee works is simple; the further the cord is stretched, the faster the rider will be catapulted. It can be attached to anything stuck in the ground like a fence poll or handrail, or with a rope to poles, trees and the like.

It fits easily inside any rucksack and is considerably easier to grab and go compared to any ramp, and is a fraction of the price of a winch.

Banshee Bungees

The Banshee is made up of three separate lightweight strands of rubber wound together, and the rubber used is vulcanized which means it prevents snapback.

The handle is the same as those used for wakeboarding. It takes two or three people to extend the cord and more than one handle can be attached for those who like a bit of steeze when pulling. The Banshee bungee is available in two lengths. The 10- foot cord is for those who need to get up to speed in a confi ned space. The 20-foot cord is the one you’ll see in the promotional videos. It’s the big daddy of the Banshee family and it’ll catapult willing victims at a speed of up to 35 mph.

Feel the Planet Bungee 

This German outfit prefers the single strand bungee. They coat their cord with polypropylene for durability – the same stuff’s used to make kettles and water pipes, so you know it’ll last.

The uber protective cover doesn’t just protect the cord from getting slashed by a board, it protects the rubber from exposure to sunlight. A little FYI: when rubber’s exposed to UV rays it becomes brittle and more susceptible to breakage.

Feel the Planet’s handle isn’t as hi-tech as its Banshee brother, but after closer inspection attaching a different handle wouldn’t pose a problem.

This bungee is intended for use by all, from groms to pros, and more cords are used depending on weight and ability. Feel the Planet recommend kids use one or even two cords, and adults use two or three.

Aymeric Tonin waiting for the handover while fi lming with the Homies in Avoriaz, Photo: Matt Georges

Banshee vs Feel the Planet? 

Both bungees do exactly what they’re supposed to: fling the rider towards features in the most efficient way possible. The Banshee has plenty of steeze, with its wakeboard handle and sexy black pleated rubber. Feel the Planet doesn’t have the aesthetics or high profile of its American rival, but their bungees are harder than nipples in January and you’ll save yourself a penny or two.

Aymeric Tonin propelled into a switch nose press for the Homies in Avoriaz, Photo: Matt Georges

Torah Bright, Photo: Matt Georges

1 Hey Torah, how’s your shoulder after the surgery last summer?

It’s perfect! Best thing I have done yet! I went for about 4 years with my shoulder dislocating every couple of weeks, now life is a walk in the park with that not happening!

2 But that wasn’t the only big thing, right…? 

There have been many wonderful things that have happened! Top of the list is marrying Jake Welch.

3 How many letters from heart broken teenage boys did you get after you
got married?

Haha… I got a few notes!

4 Are you going to become a Desperate Housewife now?

Being a wife is amazing, but I don’t think I’ll ever be a ‘desperate housewife’. Drop the ‘desperate’ and I’m happy for the title housewife!

5 Or rather practice the Triple Cork…? 

I’ll take wife over a triple cork. But double cork I would still like to work on!

6 You’ve already won so much stuff – TTR, X Games, Olympic Gold – which
title has the most value for yourself?

They all mean so much and represent different things! The TTR title was amazing because I love how at the end of the competitive season a rider can be titled World Champion and not just for being good at one discipline. It’s crowning a well-rounded rider!

7 Do you think you’ll want to defend your medal in Sochi 2014?

Yeah, why not?! I still want to progress myself as a snowboarder and this has that energy, so you’ll see me there!

8 What’s the most urgently missing thing in female snowboarding? If you could change one single thing in/about female snowboarding – what would that be?

Hmm, not sure on this one…

9 Anne-Flore Marxer started a petition for girls at Air&Style last year – would you participate and if yes, which trick would you send over that massive jump?

I personally feel that we as female snowboarders have some work to do to be ready to compete in such an event. 720s won’t cut it! We need 900s and above to be considered in competing in such an event.

10 Who’s gonna be the next big star in snowboarding?

Ty Walker and Kyle Mack.

11 How and where are you going to spend your summer? 

I spend my summers down in NZ and Australia and with a beach break somewhere in-between!

12 How many times do you punch your brother per training session?

HAHA! Well, if that was the case, Ben would be home right now… he does not take much crap!

13 If you could punch any person – who would you punch and why? 

Punching isn’t my style.