ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ONLINE:UNIONBINDINGCOMPANY.COM SOCIAL:@UNIONBINDINGCO
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UNION BINDING COMPANY JOHNNY O'CONNOR STRATA RIDER
RIDING
R E A L
S N O W B O A R D I N G
YR.15
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DANIEL BERNSTAL
COVER 202 SPINE 7,5MM OUTSIDE GLOBAL WHITE.indd All Pages
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vans.com/snow
1 9 8 9 — 2 0 1 9
FERRA PRO MARY RAND FEEL ALL THE FEELS. Customize your fit on the fly and bring you and your board together in a special way, a way where you’re in total control.
#HF30
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#HFSNOWBOARDING
WWW.HORSEFEATHERS.EU
01.11.2019 09/10/2019 17:30 12:07
vans.com/snow
FERRA PRO MARY RAND FEEL ALL THE FEELS. Customize your fit on the fly and bring you and your board together in a special way, a way where you’re in total control.
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For over 15 years, Bataleon has led the industry in 3D shape technology. We’ve perfected our patented Triple Base Technology™, producing boards with traditional camber and lifted contact points in all shapes, sizes and flavors, making snowboarding more enjoyable for all.
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Ethan Morgan on the Global Warmer. Photo: Cyril MĂźller
bataleon.com
01.11.2019 14/10/2019 12:23 16:44
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THE NITRO QUIVER SERIES BRYAN WAS NOT PICTURED - HE WAS RIDING 30 YEARS OF SNOWBOARDING NITROUSA.COM
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NOT PICTURED : (
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P H O T O : R U D I W Y H L I DA L RIDER: ALEX FISCHER L O C AT I O N : N O R D K E T T E , I N N S B R U C K T R I C K : TA I L G R A B
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20.2 PHOTO: BOB PLUM B R I D E R S : AU S T I N S M I T H & K N U T E L I A S S E N L O C AT I O N : M T B A C H E L O R TRICK: BARRELED
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P H O T O : YO S H I DA R I D E R : W I L L JA C K WAY S L O C AT I O N : H O K K A I D O TRICK: BURNER
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Hello Method readers. I’ve been thinking about what to write in this editorial for you. I’ve been thinking quite hard, in fact. I feel like I should write something profound, but nothing particularly profound has been happening in my life, or in my mind, either. I guess I should try to use this space to enrich snowboarding in some way. You know, contribute something meaningful. It’s not easy though, trying to write something that others will find interesting. I think instead I’ll do the opposite of something meaningful, and do something fairly pointless. Pointless things are always much more fun. So. I have a task for you. You’re going to find yourself a pencil & paper (or pen & bar mat, whatever you can get your hands on) and - without using your phone to see what he looks like - you’re going to draw Shaun White from your memory. The crude and drunken sketches you can see above these words are examples of this process. This activity is best performed while intoxicated and with friends, but that’s just a guideline. I’d hoped to run a selection of the best of your masterpieces in our next issue (send them to theo@methodmag.com) but by the time you’re reading this we will have already sent it to the printers. That’s ok though, we can make this a year long project instead, that way we’ll ensure we really get the best/worst out of it. Love and kisses, Theo p.s Shaun if you’re reading this, I’m not doing this out of spite. You’re a gnarly snowboarder, I just couldn’t think of anyone else that would be a better subject for this activity than you. Sorry. Kinda. Don’t sue us.
EDITOR: Theo Acworth theo@methodmag.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tim Eddy, Elias Elhardt, Fridge, Kuske, Sean Kerrick Sullivan, Alexander Tank
SENIOR EDITOR: Chris McAlpine chriso@methodmag.com
PUBLISHER: Method Media Ltd CEO: Chris McAlpine CTO: Steve Dowle FINANCE DIRECTOR: Steve Dowle
EDITOR-AT-LARGE: Mike Goodwin michael@methodmag.com ART DIRECTOR: Maciej Przężak @pwee3000 ONLINE EDITOR: Will Radula-Scott will@method.tv CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Theo Acworth, Daniel Bernstål, Carlos Blanchard, Russel Chai, Oli Gagnon, Matt Georges, Kuske, Sebi Madlener, Jerome Messmer, Cyril Müller, Theo Muse, Erik Nylander, Perly, Bob Plumb, Ponchikz, Sean Kerrick Sullivan, Rudi Whylidal, Colin Wiseman, Chris Witwicki, Mike Yoshida
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ADVERTISING: Chris McAlpine chriso@methodmag.com Skype: chrisomcalpine +46 729 338 556 DISTRIBUTION: Steve Dowle steve@methodmag.com PRINTERS: Buxton Press Palace Road Buxton SK17 6AE United Kingdom
COVER STORY So much of snowboard photography these days is just documenting the action that is going straight into video parts. When a photographer gets an opportinty to lead a project that’s outside the box or a little artistic, we get really excited… creative expression just satifies the soul. For Aspen and Bode to recognize this and be a part of the most unique snowboard photos I’ve gotten to shoot means a lot to me, and for Method to believe in our vision and support something different shows me that print is more alive now that ever. Photo: Sean Kerrick Sullivan Rider: Bode Merrill Location: Southern Utah DISTRIBUTION: Spatial Global Ltd Spatial House Willow FarmBusiness Park Castle Donington Derby - DE742TW United Kingdom METHOD MEDIA LTD Method Media Pantiles Chambers 85 High St Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1XP England Tel:(+44) (0) 871-218-9978 Copyright 2019 Method Media Ltd. No liability is accepted for the accuracy of the information contained herein, nor are any guarantees given by the magazine. Copyright worldwide of original material is held by Method Media Ltd and permission must be obtained for any use, transmission, storage or reproduction. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily shared by the publisher. Method Media Ltd assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. Thanks for choosing Method Mag. We sure hope you like it!
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*insert dick joke here* MELON TO FAKIE/ PHOTO: PERLY
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DOWN ALL WAYS DOWN
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P H O T O : YO S H I DA
5 reasons you quit the SBX team - My coach wanted me to stop freestyle and focus on racing. I was always riding freestyle on the side, filming and shredding with friends, I never wanted to stop that! - I loved SBX but it felt a bit too much like a pure sport, rather than a lifestyle and culture, which I feel freestyle has more of. -I had to train in the gym all the time and I was starting to look like the terminator. - Like Ricky Bobby said ‘If you’re not first, you’re last.’ And I got fed up with being last!! - I just wanted to do freestyle. There are no more reasons! 5 reasons freestyle is more fun than boarderx - I can go ride with one board everywhere - I can choose my outerwear instead of super fast speed clothes, which were really cold! - Now I am 8kg lighter (no more terminator) and it’s better for my knees - The airtime is better with freestyle, although boarder x taught me how to hit jumps full speed and control the air time, so I’m hyped I learnt that - SBX was super fun sometimes, but I have more time to ride powder now! 5 weird Japanese foods - Natto: Super heavy tasting fermented soybeans, and it’s covered in slime like an alien cocoon! - Puffer fish: If they cook it wrong you die!! - Kyaraben: It’s a bento box but the food is arranged like funny cartoon characters - Monjyayaki: A Japanese omelette they cook in front of you, but it looks just like puke! Tastes good though! - Warabi: It’s bracken. In England everyone thinks it’s poisonous and doesn’t eat it… but we do! 5 pieces of advice you’d give a young Yuka - Study English much harder! - Maybe there were some funny fashion trends I’d tell her to avoid! But I think everyone has that! - Don’t pluck your eyebrows so much! (They were crazy back in the day, almost totally gone!) - Don’t always listen to people’s advice about the speed for certain jumps! I got knocked out doing that - Slow down and appreciate life a bit more
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5 best places to ride in Japan - Nozawa onsen - Rusutsu - Hakuba - Niseko - Number 5 is secret! You’re gonna have to work it out yourself! 5 things you love about Henry Jackson - I never lose him in a crowd because his voice is so loud you can hear him anywhere. - He has the best method ever! (Henry stole the laptop for this answer!) - He loves chilli shots! So do I! Indy bar yew! - He has weird hobbit feet - Everyday he sends me a selfie while he does his morning poo 5 things we should eat in in your family soba shop - Tenzarusoba (cold soba w/tempra) - Tendon (rice with tempura) - Walnut soba - Dattan soba (bitter soba), - Fox soba (it’s not made with real foxes, it’s kind of a tofu thing!) 5 best karaoke songs - Aqua: Barbie Girl (Henry is the best at this one) - Aladdin: A Whole New World - Amagigoe: (it’s a Japanese classic!) - Journey : Don’t Stop Believing - Tobee: Helikopter 117 (Annika Morgan thank you for this!!) 5 favourite snowboarders - Halldór Helgason - Mikkel Bang - Kazu Kokubo - Enni Rukajärvi - Anna Gasser 5 goals for this winter - Learn better method than Henry Jackson - Film an awesome video part - I’d love to podium at the Burton US Open! That would be a dream - Ride pow with Steve Gruber! - Back lips!!
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C O M F O R T A B L E I D U R A B L E I L I G H T W E I G H T
L AU NCH L ACE S T R 8J K T BOA DE V EL O P ED W I T H O UR T E A M A ND BUILT F O R E V ERY R I D E R @ S A LOMONSNOW BOA RDS
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Powder in the streets Baggy Airblaster pants Switch backlips Switch backflips The Japanese Being nice Winter camping
HOT/NOT
Here are some things that Method is currently feeling, or not. These are in no particular order either, because order is overrated.
Banked slaloms Carpooling Seamus Foster Geese
PHOTO: BOB PLUM B GOOSE WRANG LER: SPENCER SCHU BERT
Globalisation Traffic lights Mosquitos Climate change Repetitive snowboard movies Unaffordable lift tickets Order No marketing budget Trap edits. If you’re riding a park, you’re not a gangster. Deal with it Wifi in gondolas Vlogs Complaining about spots Excessive slowmotion.
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“This piece was conceived during the TIDAL artshow in LAAX, while drinking Guinness and talking shit with Scoph and Aaron Schwartz. I was running out of fucking ideas when Scoph came through with the final hammer, For Fuck’s Sake.” -Mike Mailman
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ESCAPE THE TACO 2 R I D E R : YA N N I K M E S S M E R PHOTO: J EROM E M ESSM ER
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We recently clocked that Google provides automatic search suggestions when you type in Mark’s name. We selected a few of them and presented them to him to answer.
Where does Mark McMorris live now? Encinitas/Whistler. Mark McMorris infinite air? Honoured. Mark McMorris net worth? Wouldn’t you like to know.
Photo: Chris Witwicki Location: Saas Fe, Switzerland
Where did Mark McMorris grow up? Regina, Saskatchewan.
Mark McMorris accident? Deep cuts. Mark McMorris Unbroken? Heartfelt. Is Mark McMorris single? No. Is Mark McMorris married? No. Is Mark McMorris engaged? No. How old is Mark McMorris? 25. How old is Craig McMorris? 27. How tall is Mark McMorris? 5ft 10. Did Mark McMorris win? Depends who’s asking. What is Mark McMorris doing now? Playing cards in Portugal. What is Mark McMorris’ snapchat? Mark McMorris. What happened to Mark McMorris? Everything. Photo: Russel Chai
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SILVANO DEFLORIN [ SNOWPARK L A A X ]
# L A A X I S N I C E Y O
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The airtime on this hit was 3 solid seconds, and he landed pretty much out of the frame. Brunner, you’re a savage. PHOTO: THEO ACWORTH LOCATION: NORDKETTE, INNSBRUCK
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01.11.2019 13:08 9/10/19 3:09 PM
Photo by Jack Mitrani
One minute Luke Mitrani was crushing the halfpipe - the next minute he’s lying at the bottom of it, unable to move. He was on course to represent the USA at the Olympics, but that slam changed the trajectory of his life and pushed him in a new direction.
George Carpenter sat down with Luke to drink some tequila and talk about snowboarding, music and life. George: So let’s talk about the New Zealand trip. You were going to make the Olympic team that year (2013). You were on top in the halfpipe on the US side. Was that the goal for you at that point in your career? Luke: Yes and no. I think from the outside perspective it was. I was torn between wanting to make the Olympics and be the best halfpipe rider, and also not wanting to deal with all of the pressure and all that other shit that goes along with it. So at the time I wanted to find out who I really was, and not just be a puppet in the halfpipe. I really felt like I could have done it, and it just kind of all exploded. I guess it happened the way it was supposed to be. Is that stupid to say though? I feel like when I tell people that they think ‘yeah you’re just saying that because you fell and broke your neck.’ No, I think it’s authentic and genuinely how you feel. I think there are similar stories out there, and it’s how you feel. Finish that tequila (laughs). Do you remember that fall in New Zealand? 100%. Did you know you were pretty fucked up right away? I thought I was going to die. I always say that when people ask me. You know that feeling when you know you’re fucked. I found my happy place and in that moment of life or death, you
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realize in a split-second what’s most important in your life. What’s that? You know it’s your family, your friends, and what you tell yourself. Just listen to the voice in the back of your head that is always telling you things to do in life. Don’t live for other people, just do you, because your life is short. At any moment you can die. After that crash I decided I was going to be who I was, and listen. After the injury were you expecting to go back to snowboarding or did you think that it was time to do something new? I was burned out with competitive snowboarding. Snowboarding is my blood and it’s part of who I am. I just wanted to go back to the roots of where it started with me. After my injury I kind of took it slow and I started to have freedom. I started looking more inside of myself and finding out what it is in life that I am searching for. And I still am. So was music a way to pass the time for you when you were recovering? I love music because it’s such a universal language, you know? And I love that aspect of whether you’re a snowboarder, or a carpenter, or someone working at a coffee shop or whatever. The beauty of music is that it can speak to people at different times of their lives.
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Photo by Tyler Reeds
At what point did you decide to record an album? Me and my brother played the guitar since we were 12 or 13. We all brought our guitars on trips, Mikkel and Shaun White would too. We all just love music, playing guitar, and learning it, listening. And that was really cool. But one really powerful moment was when I was in the ICU - it was so fucking sterile I was losing my fucking mind. Imagine Walmart fucking lighting in there every second because in the ICU they can’t turn the lights off. Even at night. And I was there for over 10 days. I started losing concept of time, I was so high on drugs, and I was literally losing my mind.
the hospital, and it really helped the vibe of the room. Really cool. I think your music has a lot of positivity. It seems like that positivity came from a dark place that needed light. Is that how you would describe your style of music? I think at the end of the day I want to make something that is meaningful to me, and to other people. Something to brighten their day. I don’t know…
I understand that you just finished recording your second album ‘Live It Up’. Are you satisfied with how that came out? Yeah I think as a musician it’s hard to ever fully be satisfied, or have an end result. And that’s the beauty of music - the creating process. It’s been a big learning curve with music and And then my brother came, and he played the guitar. After one this is my first album that I put out that’s been nearly fully strum and being in so much pain, I thought - wow the power produced by myself. One of my biggest struggles is to create of music is so strong, it can change the energy of a room, or and actually to put it out. So with this project I told myself like the world. It was one of those moments where I thought ‘this I’m like I’m just going to put it out there. is what I want to do’. I’ve always loved music. Actually there’s the shot of me playing the guitar in the ICU. It doesn’t matter What do you what do you want people to feel when they about fame or fortune. Really it’s just the roots, that feeling listen to your music? you can share, the music speaks to you. Actually, when I first When people listen, or come to a show, I want them to feel like started playing I wanted to do that. Play music to people in the everything is okay, and that you can be free, and all the weird hospital. I was making all this spiritual music and I wanted to and crazy worries about the world are just made up. And you play it at hospitals and do that. can just be in the moment enjoying yourself. To let go and be present and have a good time while we’re here, being alive. I know when my dad was really sick, he had his speaker in
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03.11.2019 11:36 22:05 31/10/2019
WORDS BY LOU STAUB
So how was the winter for The Escape? Filming wise it was really short compared to last season. This year we had way fewer sessions, but the ones we got were really intensive and productive. Did you have a plan for this movie at all? Not really, but we kept the crew smaller so everything was easier to organise and allowed us to go on trips with everyone together. Last year you only shot in Switzerland, did you keep that theme going this year? No, we did 2 trips outside of Switzerland. One was to Poland and one to Sweden. I didn’t want to just re-film all the spots from the first movie with harder tricks. This meant that almost all the spots we hit in Switzerland were NBD though. What was the inspiration behind doing the zine? For the last 4 Movies I did/helped with, we did a zine. For me it’s really important to not only film a movie and put it on the Internet, but to have some physical things too. That means
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organising premieres, burning DVDs and printing zines. Who shot the photos? Kuno Egli, Jerome Messmer, Daniel Loosli, Anto Maudry, Ahriel Povich and Yannick Messmer and myself. Who did the design for it? Elias Rupp put everything together. For the first movie his part was the ender, but unfortunately he was injured the whole of last season, so the zine was a good way to keep him involved in the movie. Where can people get it? If you are in Laax you can check the zine at NoName Cafe or Riders Lounge, we will put some copies there. Otherwise you can order it on Instagram (@escape_video) for €15 with a DVD. What’s coming up this winter for The Escape? Probably more time on Google maps since I don‘t know any more new Swiss spots! Other than that I want to go away from the idea of filming rider parts and try something different.
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Aapo Enqvist and his signature Continental Team Board Photo: Markku Koski
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VIMANASNOW.COM
01.11.2019 13:44
toilet back in my flat in Stuttgart, and today go-shred is well known and I can make a living with it. I’m super stoked, even For those who don’t know, tell us a little bit about what gothough sometimes I forget how lucky I am ‘cause of all the shred is and what you do? hustle involved with wanting to, or at least trying to make a seEverything started with a website for car-sharing to the moun- rious business. I’m pretty overwhelmed and can’t really believe tains back in 2007. Step by step, it also evolved as a communica- that 10 years have already passed. tion platform and we started organising events, but all with the goal to make your shred-life better. We organise shuttle busses Where do you see it going in the future? Anything special to resorts and try to push the awareness of eco travel, and we coming up this winter? also do merchandise and collab clothing lines with several of The future is now! This winter we will continue to run our our partners, including Volcom, our partner since day one. events and our shuttle service. Big plans will be a new website or an app for pushing eco travel. More and more people have What was the inspiration to start go-shred? to, or will be forced to change their travel behavior. So less cars, The love for shredding! Back around 1999 I lived in Stuttgart more busses. Less planes, more trains. Until now a lot of people and discovered my love for snowboarding. From then on I spent talk about changes but nobody is really focused on it or gives all my money on it. In 2007 after realising how money I spent real solutions to those problems. I probably can’t answer these on gas, I tried to figure out a way to save money, make traveling questions either, but I will try to do my best to be a part of it. If I more sustainable and not to be alone in the car while driving can make the world just a little bit better, I’m already happy. hundreds of kilometers to all the resorts all over Europe. One day I had the idea of founding a platform for car-sharing. Once Any final words? the idea was in my head I started to think about a name, and so Thank you everybody for supporting go-shred, for being part of go-shred was born! a change and for making the difference! WORDS – MARTIN WINCHENBACH
You’re celebrating your 10th anniversary this year, right? How Special thanks to Method for giving me the opportunity to tell are you feeling about that? my story! I’m feeling great. It’s like a dream. I had this idea to setup a website for car-sharing to the mountains while sitting on the
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I wanted to build a really safe boot, this is it! my dream boot!!
CUSHION CUP
TAILORED LACING TECHNOLOGY
MICHELIN
S u p e r i or He e l Hold
Hyb r id Inste p L o c k D o w n
Li gh t w e i gh t Tra c t i o n
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MARS 2020
T
he low hanging sun painted distant cliffs deeply red and orange, and Aspen Rain Weaver jumped out of the rig and splitboarded towards a monolith on the horizon. Bode Merrill dropped the rig into 4-low and ripped back up the road, viscious earth flying everywhere as the truck powered through deep mud puddles. We didn’t have much time, so we split the crew to reconnoiter the area more efficiently. We parked and began our hike across a steam of frozen mud, meandering through sage and juniper towards an imposing wall of red rock with a single crack, a hallway into its bowels. A psychedelic pyramid rose into the tangerine sky beyond the buttress, spines and ledges on its north-face still held snow‌ its southern aspect was nearly bone dry. Words & Photos: Sean Kerrick Sullivan
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I spotted the potential for this photo from a ridge as we were riding back to the truck from a different spot. I was able to guide Aspen to it via cell phone, but when he got to it, it turned out to be about an inch of snow on top of gravel. Aspen sent it anyways, because Aspen rules. One small ollie for Aspen. One giant ollie for mankind.
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There might be less gravity on Mars, but landing in a foot of snow on top of weird rocks means you ‘d better stomp you tricks. Aspen - BS180
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Last winter was especially generous to the Lower 48 - CA, UT, WY, CO all enjoyed record breaking snowfall, but the real star was the Southern US. Arizona was firing, and the side effect was a couple of storms that hammered the Mars-like desert terrain of Southern Utah. I saw the storms and I couldn’t sit still. Who’s in town right now? Freeriders? Jibbers? Jumpers? Most of SLC’s pro-shred community was scattered across the globe. The trophy lines down there had already been hit. I kept pacing, and started hammering my phone. Aspen Rain Weaver was the first on my list. He’s one of the most adventurous people I know, and he was raised in New Mexico. Perfect. The kid has a special connection the the desert, and we had already agreed to head South if the chance arose. He answered the phone first ring… he was in Oregon, his gear was in Tahoe, and the snow was in Utah, and temps were due to start rising in 5 days. He drove all day and night to get his gear together in Tahoe, and he was on a 6am flight out of Reno the next day. I kept going down the list. “I’m in Europe” “No way will that work” “Injured” “Headed to a contest” “Wait what?” “In Jackson waiting for the sun” Let me make one thing clear… Tim Zimmerman said it best, being a snowboard photographer is akin to being a professional cat-herder. Following these little kitties is usually the easiest way to do it, but the vision of a jib-trip to Mars demanded some effort to lead some talent to something snowboarding has never seen. I would go down there with just Aspen if it came down to it. He was on his way, and I was researching zones online, looking for the perfect combo of skatepark-esque terrain, crazy desert rock formations, BLM land, and elevation. Just then Bode Merrill texted me back - “I’m down.” I can barely remember the last time I shot a session where a video camera was not partially dictating the pace and flow of a shoot. Thats ok, video has always been the foundation of pro snowboard careers, and I respect that. I went down the list of video guys, from industry veterans to aspiring shooters, and couldn’t dredge up anyone. It was mostly skepticism, the consensus was that it was too risky, that a little bit of art wasn’t worth it, that we were too late, blah blah blah blah. We packed Bode’s truck, and drove south without a filmer. As we approached the buttress, the crack we had seen from drone recon flights appeared, a gateway into the earth. The entrance was imposing, slick, sheer sandstone on either side, rising hundreds of feet into the air. The only sound aside from our footsteps and breathing was nothing. Temps dropped 20+ degrees when we entered the slot canyon. Boundless sky overhead was compressed into a serrated strip, and suddenly the canyon walls opened up, forming an amphitheater directly at the base of the pyramid shaped peak. Neck deep snowdrifts had formed in the few places where winds could reach. One hundred million years of erosion had formed this temple, and we would be mankind’s first snowboarders to ride here.
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MARS 2020 20.2
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The rocks on Mars have their red hue because of the high concentration of iron. Bode is known for having balls of steel. Steel is made from iron, maybe Bode is an Alien. Bode Merrill: Backflip
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MARS 2020
Scientists on Earth wanted to colonize Mars. Safe to say that when Bode found this cosmic couloir, Mars DOES have the terrain to sustain our jibbing, jumping, and freeriding lives.
Humanity is just a single grain of sand in a massive hourglass, and the opportunity to bring snowboarding somewhere new was something I’ll always remember. Wind, rain, snow, and ice, are the primary forces of erosion in the desert, and now Bode and Aspen are a part of what shaped this landscape. (Before you get mad about the bases of snowboards scuffing up some rocks, consider the millions of holes that rock climbers punch in rock every year) What could have been a goose chase turned into a photographic goldmine. Yeah, we could have brought a bigger crew, a winch, and been there scoping before the snow hit, but spur of the minute road trips chasing storms with friends will always be one of the things I like the most about snowboarding.
20.2
Bode, Aspen - I love you guys, thanks for being down to jump in a truck and go on a goose chase, this is the type of thing that will keep us young forever.
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We forgot to bring a flag to plant out here, so Bode and Aspen both did handplants instead.
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This whole trip started with the Ninja Suit Pro. It’s the next level. We had to go test it. In Japan. Forage for powder. Live in it for 10 days, only take it off to onsen, put it right back on to go find ramen and beers. We had to. Austen Sweetin, Tim Eddy, Erik Leon, and Yusaku Horii was the crew. Lucey was the filmer. Endo was the photographer. Ninja Suit Pro was the catalyst. A hand picked dream team.
These are all common phrases I’ve heard while traveling in search of that pristine powder snow we all know and love. Obviously there’s some educated guessing involved when planning a trip that can raise the probability of cold smoke under your feet, but there’s never a guarantee. That’s probably for the better. If the snow was perfect every time you strapped in, you wouldn’t be as excited to strap in on perfect snow. Powder is fleeting, it’s mysterious, and powder in Japan is no exception. We’ve all heard legend of the perfect conditions that Japan has because it’s pretty much all any snowboarder ever hears about the place. However, I’m here to tell you that it’s not always powder and pillows. I’ve been there when it’s cold and clear, warm and rainy, or just plain low tide. The reason you never hear about all that is because it’s boring and puts a sour taste in the mouths of hungry powder foragers. We need powder foragers to be inspired, it’s the soul of snowboarding. So I’m gonna stop talking about dust on crust and tell you that this particular trip to Japan was plenty deep enough to satisfy our powder hungry souls. The region we were in was experiencing record low temps so I’m not just talking light and fluffy powder here...I’m talking cold smoke where the plume from your powder turn stays airborne for minutes and perhaps falls back down on a slope half way across planet. It was glorious, absolutely glorious. Plus the crew were all time epic humans and we were all equipped with Ninja Suit Pros to keep our butts warm and toasty during the freezing cold polar vortex that made the snow so good it’ll make all you powder foragers keep foraging!
20.1
PORB
“You win some you lose some,” “better luck next time,” “should’ve been here last week.”
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Austin spies good times a’ comin’
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20.1
PORB
Erik Leon surfing white waves
“We traveled to mysterious parts of the North island of Japan, to find untouched rolling mountains of blower powder snow. It was 2 weeks of hooting and hollering, massive turns, hardly any jumps and no shortage of weird fish.�
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“We score perfect snow conditions in a land we know nothing of. We stayed at a farm with a big white a goat. We watched our team manager consume close to 89 rice triangles”
Eddy & Sweetin - Professional store ninjas
Yusaku Horii - Spliff?
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20.1
PORB
“Basing ourselves in the farmlands outside of Furano every morning we would go out to feed the goat, and in exchange he would tell us where to go to find the best boarding.”
Austin Sweetin blowin’ cold smoke
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Japan looking after the stomach alongside the stoke Happy Horii
“From Erik’s cranked methods to Tim’s layed-out back flips, you could say the boarding was full throttle. Curiosity lives on as to where the pet goat would have told us to go next if we stayed a few more days in our little Hokkaido paradise.”
Tim Eddy suffering from a severe case of powder-mania. Symptoms are primarily audible, but also facial, as observed in the portrait on the opposite page.
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PORB 20.1
No words needed. Happy place.
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Pic: Patrick Steiner | Blue Tomato Team Rider: Felix Widnig
AUSTRIA | GERMANY | SWITZERLAND | THE NETHERLANDS | FINL AND Order your free Blue Tomato Book now |Â blue-tomato.com/book instagram.com/bluetomato | #yourrideourmission
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03.11.2019 21:11
LOBSTER CREAM WEEK
Lobster cream week: Livin’ the dream, With the cream team. La Plagne for a week, It was so sick.
20.2
Backpack full of punk IPA, Riding night mission til early next day. Drinking it blue, Big jump Session next day coming through.
Frankie sending down the steepest shit he can find, Pretty sure Sparrow lost his mind. Going clubbing with a bathrobe, snowboard, empty phone and snowboard boots, You could say conditions were pretty loose.
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04.11.2019 23:47
Eiki Helgason - Method.
Filmers doing their best to keep up, The Sparrow train goes non-stop. And of course Eiki, Doing all his wizardry. Dogpiss hand plant no big deal, Coming home for a three-course meal! Last but not least, Birkir aka Rocco the beast. The ultimate snowboard rat, Finished the trip of with a 4am Lobster tatt.
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Shout out to Alpoholics, Jess, Joe, Jenny and tits out Emma for keeping it loose! The whole team for killing it! Theo, Ryan and Cyril for trying to capture every moment. And L’arrogs for being L’arrogs. Questionable Rhyming: Fridge Photos: Cyril Müller Disposables: Theo Muse
03.11.2019 20:51
Birkir Georgess
getting, well,
you know...
Sparrow Blending in
20.2
LOBSTER CREAM WEEK
on aka Bucky
Fridge doing Fridge things
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Frank Bourgouis aka The Tank
Eiki, cranked backside boneless
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01.11.2019 14:14
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“A 10-year-old kid asks me for a lighter so he can light up a smoke. A funny welcome to France” - Frank Bourgouis
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20.2
LOBSTER CREAM WEEK
The master of instigation
“10.30pm. Headed out for an all time mess around on the hill, pitch black, kinda hammered, great crew, just playing around in the snow. Brings back memories of being a kid ya know? Just messing around, nothing too serious, just finding stuff to fuck around on and going for it” - Sparrow Knox
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Bucky putting the walls of La Plagne to good use
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LOBSTER CREAM WEEK 20.2
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The drunk ideas are usually not best at all, but sometimes… you the get what you need. Same as we came we all go back to our châlet singi , and laughing with a sense of hav-ng ing done our duty… like a fucking happy Lobster family! - L’Arrogs
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F
ollowing the invitation from local mountain guide and snowboarder, Hamdi Hisari, our film crew set out to explore the mysterious ski resort Bresovice and how snow sport culture has become the meeting point for a region divided by a history of conflict. As we embarked on our filming, Markus and Karsten departed Kosovo and my girlfriend Isabelle, photographer Carlos Blanchard, fellow director Alex Tank and Filmer Andreas Zissler arrived.
20.2
NARCIS
WORDS: ELIAS ELHARDT PHOTOGRAPHS: CARLOS BLANCHARD
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Elias Elhardt - Handplant on Hotel Narcis
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NARCIS 20.2
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Alex Tank FS Blunt 270
Bresovice Ski resort features 16 km of slopes with a great access to the remote back country of Sharr Mountain National Park. Since the war, there have been no major investments in infrastructure, leaving the current infrastructure trapped in a time machine. The two main hotels in Bresovica have formed the framework of our film ‘Narcis’. Both hotels are semi abandoned and haven’t been changed in decades. The resort, which once had 5 operating chair lifts, runs again with two chair lifts powered by a temperamental generator. Usually, only one of the two lifts would be running, making the decision of where to ride much easier. A day lift pass costs EUR 10 while one run is only EUR 3. We also found if you didn’t end up using all the tickets you bought, they will gladly give you your money back.
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NARCIS 20.2
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Once out and riding, we would quickly become a huge group of people as the local riders happily escorted us to all the best spots on the mountain. We took advantage of the wide back country access and even scored some powder days. With the majority of the slopes remaining ungroomed, you didn’t need to venture far to find a fresh line. However, being Spring, we mostly rode corn snow and had metres of it. This was perfect to build kickers and play with urban features in town. Once we started shaping, we were often joined by a group of eager locals with shovels ready in hand.
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Elias flowing down the Sharri Mountains of Kosovo
01.11.2019 14:16
NARCIS 20.2
Alex Tank - BS Wallride
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Elias brining life to a long stopped lift
Elias - Signature method for the crowd
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Elias & Alex
Many people we talked to remember former Yugoslavia as construct such as the European Union. Hearing that, one can’t help but compare if the current rise of nationalism in Europe and the division between the countries could also dramatically change our futures as it has in the Balkans. The first cost of this shift is the loss of acceptance for being different. The value of diversity, that can be found when different people, ethnicities and religions come together in openness and acceptance. This was particularly special to experience in Kosovo, where the ability to be open to diversity was lost, yet the little ski resort Bresovice, has become a meeting point for very different people from all over the region. This was the key reason why I wanted to come here and capture this story, which seems significant in our times of rising nationalism in Europe and other parts of the world. Amongst the hum of lawless skidoos, army style winter jackets and powder runs, we found a place of warmth and openness. A world capsulated in a small ski resort that is determined to not be defined by its past. Where snow culture is not bound by religion or ethnicities and where people come together with hope to build a future.
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20.2
SCANDALNAVIANS
Johan Nordhag - Air to fakie in Trondheim Photo: Daniel Bernstål
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L
en Jørgensen approached me a couple years back and asked if we shouldn’t make a sequal to Scandalnavians, and now the time was finally right.
Kuske - “Ok, let’s do it. Let’s go all in for one year and let’s make the best movie possible.” Len - “Why not two years? I never made a two year project, but I guess it would make everything twice as good” Kuske - “Ok, let’s do a two year project instead.” Len - “Snakkes.”
So now we have gathered the best riders, music, spots and cultural trademarks that Scandinavia has to offer, and the result will reach your screens in 2020.
The lineup for Scandalnavians 2 is seriously heavy, and the final result is guaranteed to melt your screens. We didn’t want to completely blow everything before they’re finished shooting, but we chatted with a few of the heads involved to get a little insight into how the project is going so far - Method
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SCANDALNAVIANS 20.2
Lenny Powers - Elegant at all times Photo: Erik Nylander
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What’s ruled so far while shooting? That it’s a rider driven project and most of the riders are homies and working towards a common goal. Not just a random bunch of people put together by their sponsors and forced to put together a full part that they have no control over in the end. The better we make the final movie the more hyped people will be with having a part in it. And what’s sucked? Snow conditions, injuries, contest schedules vs filming trips, convincing sponsors to commit to a two year project... You know, same old, same old. But I’m hyped for next year. I feel like everyone is way more on point going into this season knowing exactly what they are going to do. Some original Scandalnavians riders are in this new project, what about the others? What are they up to? What directions have their lives taken? The O.G-crew from back in the days are still snowboarding a little bit. But most of them have gotten a proper education and working with ”real” and ”grown-up” jobs nowadays. Viktor Wikberg is becoming a technical engineer, Kire Karlsson studies to be an architect. Klas Beyer is working hard on being a national celebrity in Sweden. Ludde Lejkner is building fences instead of hopping over them. Carro Degardh is becoming a construction engineer, and Tove Holmgren is working as a nurse saving lives, instead of risking her own life. People’s lives are taking different directions for sure but I feel like everyone still has a deeper connection through snowboarding and we still have the best time every time we hang out. Snowboard media has shifted massively since the first movie. What’s your take on where we currently are? Are we fucked? Or will everything be ok? It for sure has changed a lot, and I’m sure it’s gonna change a lot more by the time our movie comes out. But I hope that there is still a place for full-length movies and longer projects. It’s cool that people can get their quick fixes on 5 second Instagram clips, but hopefully that just creates a need to watch more snowboarding and most importantly go out and ride by themselves. To sum it up I would say: We are fucked, but that’s also ok.
Photos: Theo Muse
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SCANDALNAVIANS
Ludvig - Method Photo: Erik Nylander
Did you watch the first Scandalnavians movie back in 2013? What is your relation to that movie? Of course, if you haven’t seen it yet you should definitely peep it. I remember it was a sick line up, all the guys I looked up to as a kid. Like Lejkners part was so dope, I don’t know how many times I’ve watched it. How does it feels to be a ”Rookie” filming your first full part among more experienced riders? It’s always nice to be on trips with people that you look up to and are more experienced than you. Like this season I spent a lot of time in the Arlberg area with Nils Arvidsson and it really makes you feel safer being out with someone you can trust and who knows what they‘re doing. Is it harder or easier being out filming than going on tour with the Swedish National Team (that you quit this year)? Don’t know what’s harder or not. It’s definitely something I always wanted to do and something I been pushing towards to since I started snowboarding. I probably wouldn’t even be doing it in the first place if it wasn’t for all the snowboard movies I watched as a kid, so I’m glad to be a part of something that makes me and hopefully more people wanna go and keep boarding. Most scandalous thing to go down so far while shooting? Don’t think we have been that scandalous so far. But we have a premiere tour coming up, so we should try to step things up.
20.2
Also big thanks to Kuske and Nitro for making it possible for me.
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Ludabilz, BS wallride in the deep end Photo: Daniel BernstĂĽl
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20.2
SCANDALNAVIANS
Nils & Niklas Ehnberg Double trouble in Ljusne Photo: Daniel Bernstål
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This is the first snowboard that Nils ever owned. He sold it when he was a kid, but recently bought it back again and put it straight to work. Photo: Daniel Bernstål
What’s changed for you since the first movie? More experience and more facial hair, I also feel more focused on this project. What’s your take on the change in snowboard media over the last six years? Obviously Instagram/social media has become a lot bigger, and sadly a lot of magazines have gone under. I think Instagram is a good source for inspiration, but it’s easy to get stuck in front of that fucking phone watching so much different stuff that it can get too much sometimes. There are also a lot of edits and mini movies coming out these days which is cool, so it’s more spread out instead of everything dropping at the same time in fall. To me the movies and full parts have always been the most inspiring to watch though, and still are. What’s ruled so far while shooting this movie? All of it pretty much, good crew and fun trips! And what’s sucked? I had a back injury and was out for a few weeks which sucked.. Most scandalous thing to go down so far while shooting? Maybe when Johan Nordhag jumped into a fjord in Norway by mistake. I wasn’t there for that but it’s really sketchy beeing in deep water with the board and all the gear but he managed it like a boss, the board got left behind though *laughs*.
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H 20.2
umankind is about to enter the age of Planetaria and develop a universal understanding of global interconnectedness. Borders and separations become things of the past. Broad horizons. A transition through darkness and light. A dance through the twilight of time. Megalithic shadows of mountains drowning the golden streams of light kissing goodbye the soft reflections of yesterday. Planetaria is on the rise.
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Words: Alexander Tank Photos: Aaron Schwartz & Fabian F. Fuchs Screengrabs: Atagge / Elmar Bossard / Alex Tank / Fabian F. Fuchs
02.11.2019 18:57
Max Buri - Golden boy
Gido - Hand drag
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James Niederberger - Indy noseblunt over the rainbow
20.2
PLANETARIA
James Niederberger - Handplant in a lilac dusk
The lifts have stopped, the remaining people are packing their bags for the last run down to the valley. You are still on the hill, waiting for the sun to drop behind the megalithic silhouettes on the horizon. Waiting for that magic light that divides day and night.
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Dominik Wagner - Handplant in a slightly more orange dusk
The slope is freshly groomed, you can feel it hardening under your edges. The air is crystal clear. In between, the touch of a snowboard cutting through snow. You hear the laughs and high-fives as one of you lands another trick, just as the darkness slips below even the range of our over-budget technology, kissing goodbye to the soft reflections of yesterday.
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20.2
PLANETARIA
Buri - Shifty
As you’re finally reaching the valley, your legs are burning but the laughter and smiles on everybody’s faces hide all the tiredness of a long day. The mountain is wrapped in dark fog, and the echoes of your descent. You are the last ones in the parking lot.
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Simon Gschaider in freefall
All these wonderful people working towards a common goal and a shared sense that the whole is more than the sum of its parts, you drink a toast to this experience. The drinks at Riders taste even better tonight than they normally do. Planetaria
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is
on
the
rise.
02.11.2019 18:57
Photo: Ponchikz Rider: Artem Smolin Location: St Petersburg, Russia Trick: BS 50-50
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Photo: Ponchikz Rider: Artem Smolin
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Location: St Petersburg, Russia Trick: BS Axel Stall to Fakie
01.11.2019 14:33
Photo: Colin Wiseman Rider: Jake Blauvelt
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Location: Mt Baker, USA Trick: Turnin’
01.11.2019 14:33
Photo: Bob Plumb Rider: Spencer Schubert
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Location: Omaha, USA Trick: Frontboard
01.11.2019 14:33
Photo: Bob Plumb Rider: Cole Navin Trick: BS Wallride Location: Omaha, USA
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Photo: Perly Rider: Wolle Nyvelt Trick: Cab 540 Location: Andermat, Switzerland
Photo: Rudi Wyhlidal Rider: Sparrow Knox Location: Austria Trick: Tucknee Backflip
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Photo: Ponchikz Rider: Cees Wille
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Location: Helsinki Trick: BS 50-50
01.11.2019 14:33
Photo: Oli Gagnon Rider: Sam Taxwood
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Location: Helsinki Trick: Gap 50-50
01.11.2019 14:33
Photo: Sebi Madlener Rider: Ethan Morgan
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Location: Cervinia, Italy Trick: Being Ethan Morgan
02.11.2019 18:39
Photo: Oli Gagnon Rider: Jake Kuzyk
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Location: The Sky Trick: Indy
01.11.2019 14:33
Photo: Matt Georges Rider: Nils Arvidsson Location: The Studio Trick: Pretty Boy
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160x225
ULTIMATE DURABILITY ECO-FRIENDLY
DCP
A PRODUCT OF THE SEARCH RIPCURL.COM
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11/09/2019 01.11.2019 16:08 14:33
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Until next time, you stay classy Method readers PHOTO: PERLY HAIR MODEL: SCOTT BLUM
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BOOTS AND BINDINGS
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’19/’20
01.11.2019 14:47
This guide consists of two collections of things: 1. Boots - These are much better for snowboarding in than your regular shoes. They’re also much warmer. Some of the boots featured in here look a bit like shoes though, which is good news if you’re stressing about ruining your skateboarder look. We’ve got other boots in here that don’t look like shoes at all, so either way we’ve got you covered. 2. Bindings - It is possible to ride a snowboard without bindings, but we wouldn’t recommend it. A snowboard without bindings is hard to control, and not particularly fun. You can go much faster when you’re bound to the board, and you can turn, too. Do yourself a favour, buy some bindings. (Ed. A pow surfer is not the same thing as a snowboard. Those things are much more fun without bindings.)
BOOTS AND BINDINGS ’19/’20
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COVER PHOTO CREDITS: PHOTO: CYRIL MÃœLLER RIDER: EIKI HELGASON
RIDER: KNUT ELIASSEN PHOTO: MARKUS ROHRBACHER
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burton.com
* model
MEN’S BURTON ION BOA®
Featuring Boa® Focus lacing, the Ion is legendary for its stacked tech package upgraded with our Life Liner for lightweight comfort and rebound. The feature list includes AutoCANT EST® soles for natural body alignment and superior board feel, DRYRIDE Heat Cycle™ for enhanced warmth and moisture wicking, and ReBounce tech that both reflects body heat and cushions consistently in freezing conditions.
* model
MEN’S STEPON® SWATH
This is snowboarding’s most intuitive boot-to-binding connection. Pair your Swath Step On Boot with Men’s Step On bindings for unprecedented performance and simplicity. Three connection points - two by the toe and one at the heel - deliver unmatched security and board control. Universally compatible with all current snowboard mounting systems, including 4x4, 3D®, and The Channel®. R E A L
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dcshoes.com
* model
SHUKSAN
The Shuksan boot is an athletic-inspired beast of comfort, style and support. The dual Boa H3 coilers add endless adjustability while the new Carbitex paneling ensures it’s lightweight with long lasting durability. Treat your little piggies to some OUT OF THE BOX COMFORT with the new DC Shuksan.
* model
MUTINY
With the styling and comfort of the Mutiny, you could say it’s basically a skate shoe for snowboarding. The simplicity of traditional lacing backed by the locked-down heel hold of integrated Locking Leverage and internal ankle harness makes this boot a freestyle staple and the yin to your yang.
S N OW B OA R D I N G
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Buyer’s guide BOOTS AND BINDINGS 20
01.11.2019 14:47
deeluxe.com
* model
ID BLOODLINE
Since its introduction almost 15 years ago the ID has been a team favorite and one of our best-selling boots. Not surprising really, if you consider that this medium soft boot features our Pro Flex Construction for the perfect blend of flex and stability. This means the ID is soft enough for presses on rails and tweaking grabs but still gives you the necessary support to stomp tricks on big jumps or to ride fast.
* model
ID LARA
The ID Lara is the perfect park boot for all the ladies out there. Its medium flex provides enough support for landing your tricks on big jumps while it’s still playful enough to have fun in the jib park. Thanks to a construction based around a softer shell, it offers an unrivaled fit and the perfect blend of comfort and performance.
R E A L
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bentmetal.com
* model
HOLGATE
Simply put, the K2 Holgate was built for the riders that are tough on their gear and demand response when they are ready to charge. In order to welcome the Holgate to the family, we packed it full of an endless list of features; Intuition® SpaceHeater™ liner, BOA® Conda™ heel retention system, Endo™ 2.0, and a beefy Vibram® V4 outsole.
* model
MAYSIS
Known and loved for its fit and ease of use, the K2 Maysis is loaded with a feature set well above its competition. The Maysis features an articulating cuff that is paired with K2’s Endo™ 2.0 construction to eliminate shell distortion while retaining support and stability. Internally, an Intuition® Control Foam liner works with our BOA® CondaTM for unrivaled fit and on the fly adjustability.
S N OW B OA R D I N G
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Buyer’s guide BOOTS AND BINDINGS 20
01.11.2019 14:47
nitrousa.com
* model
CAPITAL
Honestly the best boot we have ever built! from the biggest jumps in the park, dropping into “no fall zone� AK lines, to exploring the unbeaten path in splitboard mode, the new upgrades on the 19/20 Nitro Capital snowboard boot will provide the fit, response, and performance you have always dreamed of.
* model
TEAM
Team-tested and snowboarder-proven performance year after year, the Nitro Team is considered to be the most versatile snowboard boot on the market, by snowboarders of all shapes and sizes, and this year we have stayed true to the core values of comfort and versatility. Backed by riders from Marcus Kleveland to Austin Smith! R E A L
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northwavesnow.com
* model
DECADE
After 30 years in the industry, some of our designers and testers have naturally grown grey hairs. Regardless, the “Northwave Decade” shows no signs of aging. Its new low profile stamina sole offers even more board feel. The TF3 liner and our best speed lacing system make it a quick and comfy choice. Our team’s favorite boot. 3 decades of development and none of life’s baggage.. that’s the “Northwave DECADE”
* model
DOMAIN
An aggressive, extremely responsive boot with all of the comfort. The double crossbow sole offers additional shock absorption for big impacts, Rubber toe and heal capping for extra durability, new bio-mapped A-symetrical tongue giving you a perfect match to the liner, new neoprene spats around the base of the tongue helping keep your foot warm and dry all day long. Think Ferrari but with beanbags seats… That’s the Northwave Domain. S N OW B OA R D I N G
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ridesnowboards.com
* model
INSANO
Get this boot. Stiffer than a 12 year old boy who stole his mom’s Vicotria’s Secret catalog, more aggressive than a frat boy hopped up on Red Bull and Jaeger, more responsive than the Ride Snowboards customer service department. This boot just plain kicks ass.
* model
SAGE
This was my second pair of snowboarding boots and I’ve used them all season. I always struggled to get boots tight enough and stopping them loosening up run after run. The boa system makes these incredibly easy to tighten! They’re just great. Easy to get in and out of, secure, and ride great - Customer service statement, more words needed?
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romesnowboards.com
* model
LIBERTINE
The #1 après boot as voted by everyone that knows it’s fully acceptable to bring a road soda in the gondola no matter the time of day. This traditional lace workhorse of a boot gets an upgrade thanks to a Vibram outsole and our new Ultralon F.I.T. Liner. The Libertine is built with a tweakable flex and enough support to charge deep days.
* model
GUIDE SRT
Born from the icy slopes of Vermont, where traction is a necessity not a luxury, the Guide SRT is built to explore and look good doing it. Featuring a hybrid lacing design that features a BOA HeelLock harness, Vibram outsole, and PowerStay strap to keep you trucking no matter the conditions. Set the boot pack, charge lines, repeat until satisfied.
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salomon.com
* model
LAUNCH LACE STR8JKT BOA
The Launch is a do-it-all park boot developed with our athletes and utilizing our Fit To Ride design process. Using all new liner materials, FTR allows for a boot that’s lighter and more compact without sacrificing durability. Str8jkt, a 3-point seatbelt activated by Boa keeps your heel locked down and provides added support, ensuring you never experience heel lift again.
* model
DIALOGUE FOCUS BOA
The Dialogue is our medium+ flexing premiere freestyle boot. For 1920, Dialogue gets our Fit To Ride design update--making for a lighter, more compact, and more comfortable boot that lasts all season long. Dialogue is loaded with tech features on the outsole, liner, and shell; including an articulated cuff for a long-lasting, consistent flex. R E A L
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thirtytwo.com
* model
MULLAIR
Built for the Swiss master of style, Nicolas Müller, the all-new Müllair boot is perfectly designed for his smooth riding with a responsive and buttery flex. Fitted with an ultra light and grippy Michelin Fiberlite outsole fused with cushy Energy Foam, hike the backcountry to find the ultimate line. Tune your boot with Tailored Lacing Technology to find the perfect fit and support for your riding style. Engineered with Cushion Cup locking your heel in place and utilizing your body’s natural cushioning, pull huge airs without worrying about heel bruises.
* model
LASHED DOUBLE BOA
One of the most recognized boots in the world, the Lashed lives up to its expectations. Make adjustments on the fly and find your perfect fit with the dual Boa system. Known for ultimate fit with the Independent Eyestay, medium flex and support, this boot will take you anywhere. Heat mold your liners and hit the backcountry, boxes, booters or groomers. Versatile enough for any terrain, the Lashed is the boot of choice for Chris Bradshaw.
S N OW B OA R D I N G
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vans.com/snow
* model
HI-STANDARD OG – JAKE KUZYK PRO MODEL
Tasteful trick selection, an eye for creativity and effortless style are all traits of one of the greatest street riders in the world, Jake Kuzyk. So when we asked Jake which boot he wanted a signature model in, we were not surprised to hear him say the Hi-Standard OG. With features like our new V1 UltraCush Liner, V1 PopCush Footbed and V1 Waffle Lug Outsole you are getting the upmost board feel with unrestricted mobility. Jake’s signature boot colorway carries across a variety of apparel and footwear as can be seen in his full collection on vans.com/snow.
* model
BRYAN IGUCHI VERSE
What do you get when you combine a lifetime of backcountry expertise with unbridled creativity? You get the Verse™ designed by Bryan Iguchi. Built to perform in the most extreme backcountry terrain, the Verse™ delivers all-day support, comfort and performance. Featuring our V3 UltraCush TNF Flashdry Liner, V3 PopCush Footbed, Waterproof Zip Shroud and V3 Ultimate Waffle Outsole, this boot is a big mountain weapon ready for whatever you throw at it. Bryan’s custom colorway is also featured in an UltraRange Hi Goretex MTE.
R E A L
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vimanasnow.com
* model
THE CONTINENTAL SL
The Continental boot is a modern classic freestyle boot. Soft enough to tweak your method and give that skate feel, support enough to hit the pipe. All new neoprene inlays bends the boot without getting that kinky feel. You can either choose our LaceLocker tech or SpeedLace. The SpeedLace version gets you strapped in in no time. Full EVA dampening outersole, cushy liner, just what the team ordered. It comes in a two colorways. Classic Black and White, and our favorite Black/General Gold inspired by the original Scandinavian snus. Clean design and premium comfort.
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arborcollective.com
* model
HEMLOCK BLACK
The Hemlocks are the perfect bindings for doing it all. From Street missions, to park shredding, to good-old resort cruising with your mates. These softer flexing, 2 strap bindings with Arbor’s innovative System X Baseplate will never steer you wrong.
* model
SPRUCE SURPLUS
The Spruce introduces a lightweight, single-mold baseplate and heel cup for a unified flex. Its endless comfort and seamless board feel generates a light, lively ride. The dope look and the durable construction make them the perfect bindings for riders who want great performance while still saving a few bucks for lift tickets or beers. R E A L
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bentmetal.com
* model
COR PRO
Your first Bent Metal without a love handle. We know you love your love handles. We do too! But sometimes you just need that little bit of more area to lean on when it gets tough, so Bent Metal went with a solid high back on the Cor-Pro. The heavy hitters love ‘em! Also, there’s now more Room to throw a sick piece of Art on it. Art made by in-house Mervin employee Nick Russian. How sick is that? 7/10 flexing, Teamrider favorite!
* model
JOINT
Create a fluid JOINT between you and your board with the BMBW JOINT. The JOINT brings BMBW’s standard of high performance components and a Mervin Made Flex Control Drive Plate together for less money and more all mountain action. Nylon high back and heel cup to create a responsive yet forgiving all mountain performance. This one does come with a love handle! S N OW B OA R D I N G
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burton.com
* model
MEN’S BURTON MALAVITA EST®
A pro favorite season after season, the binding has carved out a reputation for its ability to destroy everything that gets in its way. Features like the Heel Hammock, Supergrip Capstrap™, and Asym Hammockstrap™ wrap response around the boot for a seamless fit and comfort. The EST® mounts to a board featuring The Channel® mounting system for the ultimate in flex, feel, and adjustability.
* model
MEN’S STEP ON RE:FLEX
The men’s Burton Step On Re:Flex Snowboard Binding offers an intuitive boot to binding connection for riders seeking both convenience and performance. Three connection points – two by the toe and one at the heel – deliver unmatched simplicity, security, and board control, while a quick-release lever ensures a quick and easy exit. Universally compatible with all current snowboard mounting systems, including 4x4, 3D®, and The Channel®.
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northwavesnow.com
* model
RELOAD
The Drake Reload shares the same alloy/plastic baseplate as it’s bigger brother the “SuperSport” offering the same secure fully locked down feeling while its softer highjack and smaller more minimal straps keeps the ankle more liberated to squeak tweaks with ease. Its cantered footbeds will save your knees and its price tag will save you some coins that can help you go the distance at an apré ski near you. This is a high-end freestyle orientated binding with at a bootleg price point.
* model
SUPERSPORT
The Supersport has been given a complete overhaul this year with a completely redesigned A-symetrical carbon composite high back, honeycomb heel strap complete with our new eze-entry tech that makes getting in and out of these puppies a breeze. Our vision in the development of the Supersport has always been to be the best freestyle binding on the market at the most competitive price tag. Drake has been in the business of keeping you strapped in for more than 20 years so we know what we are talking about when we say the 2020 Supersport is the absolute pinnacle of freestyle binding innovation. S N OW B OA R D I N G
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jonessnowboards.com
* model
APOLLO
Speed demons and hard charging freeriders need the Apollo, our premium freeride binding with a tall Flax/ Carbon highback for unmatched carving performance. The Apollo reacts instantly thanks to NOW Skate Tech technology and it can be set up in Surf mode or Freeride mode by switching bushings and flipping the ankle straps. Surf mode offers max flex, Freeride mode offers max response.
* model
MERCURY
You like to carve hard and tweak hard? Strap into the Jones Mercury, an all-mountain binding that balances supreme edge control and a freestyle flex. The Mercury reacts instantly thanks to NOW Skate Tech technology and it can be set up in Surf mode or Freeride mode by switching bushings and flipping the ankle straps. Surf mode offers max flex, Freeride mode offers max response.
R E A L
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k2snow.com
* model
LIEN AT
The K2 Lien AT was developed to provide unmatched board feel and uninhibited board flex without sacrificing power transfer. The most customized binding in the line, this binding features our tuneable TriPodTM chassis complete with heel LockOut Block as well as our Perfect FitTM 2.0 toe trap and rugged SenderTM ankle strap.
* model
LINE UP
Designed for the marriage of jibbing and surf style, the Line Up is the most forgiving binding in the K2 Snowboarding line. Our urethane OptiTM Highback, BenderTM ankle strap, and TripodTM chassis all work in harmony to give riders the perfect tool for pressing rails and hunting out white waves.
S N OW B OA R D I N G
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nitrousa.com
* model
TEAM PRO
This binding is built for those looking for the best of the best within freestyle snowboarding, and if you want to keep boarding longer, then the Airbags will get you there, and the new stainless steel cables in all four ladders will keep your bindings together even on the coldest of days… Built to be the strongest and most comfortable binding in the park!
* model
RAMBLER
Don´t have a million dollars to spend on your set-up every year, but you want a binding with the technology and comfort to keep you boarding all day long year after year - then the Rambler is for you - equipped with cables in the toe ladder, mini disc, and a fit so comfortable it feels like you don’t deserve it!
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ridesnowboards.com
* model
CAPO
Perfect for a medium to stiff board while also offering great forgiveness means this binding is also great for the ladies. The Wedgies add so much pop and give your knees a break. Sooooo comfortable whether you kill the park or cruise groomers. 100% recommended to everyone! Except maybe rail junkies... Looks good too!
* model
DVA
If You Don’T Like These Bindings Then You’Re dumb. I really love the slimeback on these bindings. Super flexy, but also responsive. 10/10 ! Customer service statement
S N OW B OA R D I N G
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romesnowboards.com
* model
CRUX
Have you ever been in a situation where you really, really wanted one thing but you knew you NEEDED something else? Maybe you could only afford one more drink and you wanted a beer, but you knew you needed water? The Crux of it all is that there is water in beer! While we may be fuzzy on the definition of Crux, it’s crystal clear that this is the best minimalist styled binding money can buy. Next question.
* model
BLACK LABEL
Like a top shelf liquor or aged meat, the Black Label is for refined riders who know what they want. Using the DNA of the fan favorite Katana, the Black Label is an all-new, highly responsive, space age single malt of a binding. With our new ProGrip toe strap, an industry first overmolded composite highback and more tech than you can fit into a minibar, the Black Label is our newest offering for futuristic function and connected comfort. Serve over ice, or drink it right from the bottle, we aren’t gonna judge.
R E A L
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salomon.com
* model
HIGHLANDER
The Highlander is our medium stiff, do-it-all, take anywhere binding built for everything from ripping courd to flipping booters. Shadowfit technology provides a more natural and fluid connection between your boot and board, allowing for the surfiest pow turns and more tweaked presses and grabs without sacrificing response. Support where you need it, flexibility where you want it.
* model
DISTRICT
The District is our softest offering of Shadowfit technology for those looking for a skate-like feel. The soft heel cup allows for maximum maneuverability in the air and on rails. Using a Kevlar cord this binding doesn’t lack response from heel to toe and fits a broad rider profile from beginner to the park pro.
S N OW B OA R D I N G
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switchbackbindings.com
* model
HALLDOR PRO
The Halldor Pro is the most decked out binding in the Switchback line. These bad boys will support you better than a high school guidance counselor. The super strong AERON base paired with the ultra cozy Eames straps will leave you feeling better than the Chinese massage place round the corner. Plus, they perfectly match Halldor’s pro model Lobster board for an unbeatable combo.
* model
DESTROYER
No fancy gimmicks here kids, the Destroyer is a straightforward solid binding that won’t break the bank. They’re such a good deal I bet if you stole your parents credit card and ordered these they wouldn’t even notice. They come with the loose and playful Midback highbacks and the pressure point free Miller straps. R E A L
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unionbindingcompany.com
* model
STRATA
Your feet will thank you later. The Union Strata’s Fused Vaporlite Bushings set new standards for cushioning and vibration dampening in snowboard bindings. Ride a pair this winter to see for your self.
* model
TRILOGY
Forget about diamond rings and designer hand bags... Give your girl what she really wants this season, the Trilogy from Union Binding Company. Comfortable, bombproof and now featuring the team Union Team Highback.
S N OW B OA R D I N G
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vimanasnow.com
* model
THE SCANDO B-RAGE AND ENNITIME
The Scando Signature: Brage Richenberg and Enni Rukajärvi signature colorways of the Scando binding. Same great fit but with B-Rage and Ennitime artwork by the Shallowtree. Our powerhouse binding just got a makeover. Constructed from urethane mixed with triax fibers, The Scando binding is a direct product of our team rider’s feedback. Built to give you all the response and comfort you ever wanted. The all-new base gives increased board response without compromising the board’s natural flex. New team straps keep you locked in while still leaving room for tweaking out grabs.
R E A L
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vans.com/snow
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FERRA PRO MARY RAND FEEL ALL THE FEELS. Customize your fit on the fly and bring you and your board together in a special way, a way where you’re in total control.
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