two thousand fourteen/fifteen
Table of Contents Page 2 mission
Page 4 construction tech Page 6 materials
Page 8 camber profiles Page 10 hardgoods
Page 48 line overview
Niche is based out of Salt Lake City, Utah and crafted in a small town in Austria. Founded by a fusion of skilled craftsmanship and creative ideas, our focus is on high quality and environmentally friendly snowboards. We are rider owned, and passionate about making boards that are lighter, more snappy and more durable than most traditionally constructed decks.
At Niche Snowboards, we’ve realized our vision of the future by changing the way we think about the relationships between our materials, our environment, and ourselves. We believe anyone can do good if the doing comes from the heart. We hope our success will change our industry and lead to good things for you and the planet we all share.
Rider: Midori Oatari Photo: Mantaroh Location: Mizuho Highland Resort backcountry, Japan
Construction Tech Niche is rider-owned and operated in Salt Lake City, Utah. Everything is designed and tested locally in Salt Lake City and produced in Austria by one of the highest quality manufacturers, GST. Traditional snowboard manufacturing is toxic to the environment and to the people working with those materials. However, a love for snowboarding means respecting the environment. We strive to be at the forefront of innovation, and our main focus is on making the highest quality snowboards on the market, that also have the smallest ecological footprint. Our snowboards are lighter, snappier and more durable than snowboards made with traditional materials, which also gives us an all around smoother ride.
Different Materials Some great things are now being incorporated into snowboard manufacturing, including: recycled steel edges, recycled topsheets, recycled base materials and sustainable wood cores. However, one of the largest components in a snowboard is the resin, which has traditionally been the most toxic. We use something unique in the industry: a bio-resin we call Snappy Sap™. We are also replacing the carbon fiber in the core stringers with hemp composites - a far more eco-friendly and sustainable option. Manufacturing Process Niche’s construction process consists of layering: a lacquer-free, Digi-Print topsheet; Snappy Sap™ bio-resin; Magma Fiber™ instead of fiberglass; hemp stringers instead of carbon fiber; sustainable wood cores; recycled steel edges; and recycled sidewalls & beeswax modified base material. All of which makes our process friendlier to our employees and the environment. Bottom Line Niche snowboards are not only the planet’s most eco-friendly, they’re also lighter, more durable and better performing than boards made with traditional materials and manufacturing techniques. And, oh yeah, they kick ass on the hill.
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GST While you may not know Global Sports Technologies, you’ve definitely seen some of the boards they build. Niche Snowboards are made from GST’s factory located in Antiesenhofen, Austria. GST’s focus on measurable quality has made process security the company’s highest ideal, and this translates into strict quality control measures at every step of the process. They have the world’s lowest warranty rate with an average of 0.3 to 0.4 percent, and some of their brands are as low as 0.05 percent.
GST has a clear, snowboard only philosophy. This includes not producing any in-house boards, protecting all company specific innovations, and bringing GST innovations to the table for all the brands GST builds. GST has focused a great deal of time and money on building and buying the latest in technology to keep its brands on the cutting edge, and shares innovations, such as its structured base technology called “StrucTurn.” GST is all about automating the portions of the process that benefit from exacting detail and then hand finishing each board to ensure the utmost in quality in shelf appeal.
GST also prides itself on being an environmental steward. This includes such measures as using 90 percent Austrian made materials, such as wood cores, and recycled water in the factory. They take care of the whole green balance, including energy, transportation, and the whole production process. GST also uses special UV lacquers and colors that require 90 percent less solvents than traditional lacquer and color processes.
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Mater Digi-Print Topsheet Most snowboard makers cover their topsheets in a thick, toxic lacquer to add shine. This is not only toxic to the environment; it’s unhealthy for people working in the factory.
Digi-Print uses a lacquer-free topsheet material that’s also thinner than most snowboard topsheets. This cuts down on excess material and makes your board lighter. We digitally print directly onto the topsheet, cutting up to 60% of the material and 75% of the energy wasted during alternate printing processes.
Snappy Sap™ Bio Resin Traditional resins can be extremely toxic to people and the environment. For our snowboards, we partnered with Entropy Resins to create our one-of-a-kind, Snappy Sap™ BioResin. As opposed to traditional epoxies made primarily of petroleum-based materials, Snappy Sap™ Bio-Resin is composed of bio-renewable materials from the industrial waste streams of the paper pulp and bio-fuels industry. These natural components help the environment by:
• 45% material sourced from sustainable, bio-renewable materials • Lower environmental impact from processing – reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, reduced water and energy consumption, reduced wastes • Eliminates harmful byproducts Snowboard benefits:
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• Increased elasticity – provides more pop and spring to your board • Super high adhesion properties help keep your board from delaminating! • Toughness – combined these benefits make your board bomb proof
Magma Fiber™ The majority of the snowboard industry uses fiberglass in board construction. Niche has eliminated fiberglass, replacing it with Magma Fiber™ crafted from basalt.
Basalt is the product of volcanic activity. The fiberization process is more environmentally safe than that of glass fiber; the greenhouse gases that might otherwise be released during fiber processing were released eons ago during the magma eruption. Basalt is also 100% inert, which means it has no toxic reaction with air or water, and is noncombustible. And basalt is much easier to recycle than glass. • Our Magma Fiber shows 15-20% higher tensile strength than regular fiberglass. This means better impact absorption, strength, and elasticity.
• Because basalt has a greater strength to weight ratio, less is needed to produce a snowboard. And less material means a lighter board! • Basalt does not absorb water. So if you chip your topsheet jibbing some gnar, your board will not absorb water and delaminate!
rials HempHop™ Stringers
FSC Certified Wood Cores
Recycled Materials
Stringers are strips of material that change the personality of a board (i.e. giving a board more pop or more stiffness), and are typically made of carbon fiber or another type of wood. Niche has developed a totally new stringer technology we call HempHop™, made with Zelfo®.
The forests that our wood cores come from are managed carefully to meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of current and future generations. Our wood cores also come from a sustainable source, which means they are replaced by new trees!
We utilize recycled materials in many components of our snowboard design and production. Such components used in our boards include:
Carbon uses lots of energy to process and releases half of its weight in CO2 and other pollutants when manufactured. Hemp is an awesome eco-substitute, as it is one of the most versatile, fastest growing crops in existence, requiring very little pesticides and no herbicides!
Did you know car companies like BMW and Mercedes are using hemp to replace carbon fiber in vehicle doors? Hemp stringers have similar characteristics to carbon fiber, only they’re made from hemp! They are super strong and super light, making them an ideal swap. They also provide amazing vibration dampening characteristics, giving you a less chattery ride.
Here are some other requirements of our forest management: • No use of hazardous chemicals
• Recycled, beeswax modified, base material • Recycled steel edges
• Recycled ABS sidewalls
• No conversion of forests or any other natural habitat
• Appropriate management and identification of areas that need special protection (ex. cultural or sacred sites, habitats of endangered animals or plants) • Respect of international workers rights and Human Rights, with particular attention to indigenous peoples • All applicable laws must be followed, with no tolerance for corrupt or questionable business practices
Wood Topsheet Our wood topsheet is made from bamboo and is protected with a special, super secret heating and cooling process - no lacquer or added chemicals required!
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Camber Profiles Positive Camber Traditional camber provides more stability, bomb-proof landings, fast and responsive edge control, and tons of pop. A time-tested classic.
Flat Camber Flat camber is a perfect medium between reverse and traditional camber. It allows you to float better in pow compared to traditional camber, while still having a super playful feel with maintained edge control.
Multi-Camber Multi-camber is a camber medley, which gives you the benefits of reverse camber, while maintaining optimum pop and control. Reverse camber between your feet, and camber zones extending to the contact points for a super loose, catch-free feel.
Magnetraction
The wavy edge of *Magnetraction adds contact points to give your board more edge control and stability, especially in icy conditions. It works like the serrated edge of a knife, and fixes the ‘squirrely’ feel that some reverse camber boards can have. *Patent No.: 7,823,892 under license from Mervin Manufacturing, Inc!
Hardg
Location: Austria
goods
ABOUT THE ART: The artwork on the Knew was created by Niche’s Creative Director, and inspired by viking mythology and symbolism. The line of symbols running from tip to tail are the letters of the viking rune alphabet, which were also used for magical purposes. Viking peoples used the runes as an oracle, a means of insight into the present and the future. Each rune has a special meaning and interpretation. The symbol in the center is called a Vegvísir, which is an Icelandic magical stave, intended to help the bearer find their way through rough weather. It is said that if this sign is carried, one will never lose one’s way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known.
Kn The award-winning Knew is a killer jib board, with the pop and stability needed to hit jumps and anything else the mountain might throw at you. The poplar core and HempHop™ stringers provide plenty of pop and stability, while the flat camber and soft flex are perfect for pressing rails. With a centered stance on this updated true twin shape, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another “jib board” as versatile as this. AVAILABLE SIZES: 149, 152, 154, 156, 158
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ew FLAT CAMBER - perfect medium between reverse and traditional camber - allows you to float better in pow compared to traditional camber, while still having a super skate-y feel with maintained edge control HEMPHOP STRINGERS - is used to replace carbon fiber because it has extremely similar characteristics - adds good pop and stability - dampens vibrations
SNAPPY SAP™ BIO-RESIN - more elastic/snappy than normal resin - dampens vibrations - extremely high adhesion properties to help keep your board from delaminating DIGI-PRINT TOPSHEET - direct digital print, lacquer-free, matte finish topsheet FSC CERTIFIED WOOD CORE
RECYCLED - recycled beeswax modified base - recycled steel edges - recycled ABS sidewalls
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Rider: Tristin Heiner
Photo: Bryce Packham Location: Mt. Hood, OR
ABOUT THE ART: The artwork on the Theme was done by Eddie Kihm. The idea behind this piece was to represent a mythical forest protector, and the styling was inpired by the Green Man motif. Found in many cultures from many ages around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities. It is primarily interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, representing the cycle of growth each spring. Some speculate that the mythology of the Green Man developed independently in the traditions of separate ancient cultures and evolved into the wide variety of examples found throughout history.
The From the pipes of the Ice Coast to the parks of Tahoe, the Theme is a great all-around park board. The Theme is a true twin with a centered stance and medium flex. The Snappy Sap™ BioResin combined with traditional camber give you more pop than you’ll know what to do with. The Basalt Magma Fiber ensures your ride will be stable, smooth, and crazy lightweight! For those who want the benefits of having a snappy, cambered, freestyle board... this one’s for you. AVAILABLE SIZES: 148, 151, 154, 157
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eme TRADITIONAL CAMBER - provides more stability, bomb proof landings, fast and responsive edge control and tons of pop BASALT MAGMA FIBER INSTEAD OF FIBERGLASS - makes your board lighter because less is needed to make a snowboard - makes your board stronger and impact resistant - dampens vibrations
SNAPPY SAP™ BIO-RESIN - more elastic/snappy than normal resin - dampens vibrations - extremely high adhesion properties to help keep your board from delaminating DIGI-PRINT TOPSHEET - direct digital print, lacquer-free, matte finish topsheet FSC CERTIFIED WOOD CORE
RECYCLED - recycled beeswax modified base - recycled steel edges - recycled ABS sidewalls
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Rider: Zack Chamberlin Location: Calgary, AB
Photo: Chris Messervey
ABOUT THE ART: The artwork on the Aether was created by Niche’s Creative Director, and was inspired by old alchemy artwork. It started as a modern take on symmetrical alchemy-related drawings, and slowly evolved into this finished piece!
Aet If your day consists of riding anything from powder to groomers to park laps, the Aether is your all-around soulmate. The Magnetraction will give you unparalleled control in any snow condition, and the multi-camber will give you stability on groomed runs and amazing float in powder. The Snappy Sap™ Bio-Resin and midstiff flex on this directional twin add a ton of pop to your ride. With a super fast sintered base, the award-winning Aether is ready to tackle the entire mountain. AVAILABLE SIZES: 153, 156, 158
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her MAGNETRACTION - adds contact points to give your board more edge control and stability, especially in icy conditions - works like the serrated edge of a knife - fixes the ‘squirrely’ feel that some reverse camber boards can have
MULTI-CAMBER - camber medley, which gives you the benefits of reverse camber, while maintaining optimum pop and control - reverse camber between your feet, and camber zones extending to the contact points for a super loose, catch-free feel SNAPPY SAP™ BIO-RESIN - more elastic/snappy than normal resin - dampens vibrations - extremely high adhesion properties to help keep your board from delaminating DIGI-PRINT TOPSHEET - direct digital print, lacquer-free, matte finish topsheet FSC CERTIFIED WOOD CORE
RECYCLED - recycled beeswax modified base - recycled steel edges - recycled ABS sidewalls
27
Rider: Ryan Hryckiewicz
Photo: Bryce Packham Location: Mt. Hood, OR
ABOUT THE ART: The artwork on the Story was done by Salt Lake City based artist, Travis Bone. The character in the illustration is meant to be a sort of forest protector, watching out for the well-being of the inhabitants of the forest.
STOR This board is great for tackling the entire mountain. Basalt Magma Fiber, Snappy Sap™ Bio-Resin and HempHop™ stringers make for a lightweight, smooth and snappy ride. With Magnetraction and multi-camber - from icy runs to amazing pow days, this deck will take you anywhere and everywhere. With its blend of amazing eco-friendly technologies, the awardwinning Story 2.0 is a beautifully different kind of deck. AVAILABLE SIZES: 156, 158, 162
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R Y 2.0 MAGNETRACTION - adds contact points to give your board more edge control and stability, especially in icy conditions - works like the serrated edge of a knife - fixes the ‘squirrely’ feel that some reverse camber boards can have
MULTI-CAMBER - camber medley, which gives you the benefits of reverse camber, while maintaining optimum pop and control - reverse camber between your feet, and camber zones extending to the contact points for a super loose, catch-free feel WOOD TOPSHEET - no lacquer or added chemicals required
BASALT MAGMA FIBER INSTEAD OF FIBERGLASS - makes your board lighter because less is needed to make a snowboard - makes your board stronger and impact resistant - dampens vibrations
SNAPPY SAP™ BIO-RESIN - more elastic/snappy than normal resin - dampens vibrations - extremely high adhesion properties to help keep your board from delaminating HEMPHOP STRINGERS - is used to replace carbon fiber because it has extremely similar characteristics - adds good pop and stability - dampens vibrations FSC CERTIFIED WOOD CORE
RECYCLED - recycled beeswax modified base - recycled steel edges - recycled ABS sidewalls
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Sto Back by popular demand, the infamous Niche Story... with CAMBER! And an added twist; we’ve added the serrated carving power of Magnetraction to this all-mountain classic. These are part of an extremely limited run, so if you’re able to get your hands on one, you must be someone special. Still featuring all the Niche technology you’ve come to love, like HempHop™ stringers, basalt Magma Fiber, and Snappy Sap™ bio-resin. All packed into a slightly setback, directional twin shape that’ll become your go-to deck for any conditions. AVAILABLE SIZES: 156, 158, 162
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ory TRADITIONAL CAMBER - provides more stability, bomb proof landings, fast and responsive edge control and tons of pop
MAGNETRACTION - adds contact points to give your board more edge control and stability, especially in icy conditions - works like the serrated edge of a knife - fixes the ‘squirrely’ feel that some reverse camber boards can have WOOD TOPSHEET - no lacquer or added chemicals required
BASALT MAGMA FIBER INSTEAD OF FIBERGLASS - makes your board lighter because less is needed to make a snowboard - makes your board stronger and impact resistant - dampens vibrations
SNAPPY SAP™ BIO-RESIN - more elastic/snappy than normal resin - dampens vibrations - extremely high adhesion properties to help keep your board from delaminating HEMPHOP STRINGERS - is used to replace carbon fiber because it has extremely similar characteristics - adds good pop and stability - dampens vibrations FSC CERTIFIED WOOD CORE
RECYCLED - recycled beeswax modified base - recycled steel edges - recycled ABS sidewalls
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Rider: Torrey Lyons Location: Utah
Photo: Ian Matteson
ABOUT THE ART: The artwork on the Minx was done by artist Jon Ashcroft. Picture yourself camping out in the woods, and laying down amongst the trees at night, looking up at the sky above. That was the inspiration behind this piece. The constellation at the tip of the board is of Mother Nature, and the constellation at the tail of the board is Old Man Winter or Father Winter.
Future Award winner!
Mi
The Minx is the perfect companion for all-day park sessions. It’s soft enough to do presses, yet stable enough to hit jumps, and really... any other terrain you’d like to enjoy. The Minx is an extremely lightweight true twin with a centered stance. The Snappy Sap™ Bio-Resin makes the board super poppy and also adds vibration dampening, ensuring a smooth ride. And while it may be a park-proven killer, don’t underestimate it. Whether you’re dropping cliffs or just cruisin’ around, this board will not let you down. AVAILABLE SIZES: 142, 145, 148
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nx
Future Award winner!
FLAT CAMBER - perfect medium between reverse and traditional camber - allows you to float better in pow compared to traditional camber, while still having a super skate-y feel with maintained edge control SNAPPY SAP™ BIO-RESIN - more elastic/snappy than normal resin - dampens vibrations - extremely high adhesion properties to help keep your board from delaminating PERFECT ALL-AROUND PARK BOARD FOR THE LADIES - fantastic flex profile for being able to do presses, yet stable enough to hit jumps - the shape and sidecut make spinning effortless - an overall fun girls board for park riding DIGI-PRINT TOPSHEET - direct digital print, lacquer-free, matte finish topsheet FSC CERTIFIED WOOD CORE
RECYCLED - recycled beeswax modified base - recycled steel edges - recycled ABS sidewalls
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Rider: Ana Van Pelt Photo: Todd Robertson Location: Brighton, UT
ABOUT THE ART: The artwork on the Sonnet was done by Salt Lake City based artist, Travis Bone. It is an illustration of Yggdrasil. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is an immense tree that is central in Norse cosmology, in connection to which the nine worlds exist. It is sacred and considered very holy. A sacred tree or tree of life is a common motif in various world theologies, mythologies, and philosophies. It alludes to the interconnection of all life on our planet and serves as a metaphor for common descent in the evolutionary sense.
Son If you’re the kind of girl that likes to explore all types of terrain, from surfy pow days to just cruising, the Sonnet is your kind of board. This deck has got it all. Magnetraction and multi-camber give you unparalelled control, and Basalt Magma Fiber makes for an ultralightweight and snappy ride. The medium flex adds tons of stability, making it the ultimate all-mountain board. For those that want to go anywhere and everywhere without restraint, this one’s for you. AVAILABLE SIZES: 152
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net MAGNETRACTION - adds contact points to give your board more edge control and stability, especially in icy conditions - works like the serrated edge of a knife - fixes the ‘squirrely’ feel that some reverse camber boards can have
MULTI-CAMBER - camber medley, which gives you the benefits of reverse camber, while maintaining optimum pop and control - reverse camber between your feet, and camber zones extending to the contact points for a super loose, catch-free feel WOOD TOPSHEET - no lacquer or added chemicals required
BASALT MAGMA FIBER INSTEAD OF FIBERGLASS - makes your board lighter because less is needed to make a snowboard - makes your board stronger and impact resistant - dampens vibrations
SNAPPY SAP™ BIO-RESIN - more elastic/snappy than normal resin - dampens vibrations - extremely high adhesion properties to help keep your board from delaminating HEMPHOP STRINGERS - is used to replace carbon fiber because it has extremely similar characteristics - adds good pop and stability - dampens vibrations FSC CERTIFIED WOOD CORE
RECYCLED - recycled beeswax modified base - recycled steel edges - recycled ABS sidewalls 47
Line Ov
Location: Austria
erview
story
LENGTH
INSERTS
STANCE WIDTH
SETBACK
156 cm
24
560
0
162 cm
24
584.2
0
156 cm
24
560
0
162 cm
24
584.2
0
153 cm
24
560
0
158 cm
24
560
0
158 cm
story 2.0
158 cm
aether
156 cm
theme
0
0
154 cm
24
640
0
149 cm
24
560
0
154 cm
24
560
0
156 cm
158 cm
24 24
24 24 24
142 cm
24
148 cm
24
145 cm
42
560
0
630
152 cm
Sonnet
24
560
0
24
157 cm
minx
24
560
148 cm 151 cm
knew
24
152 cm
630
640
560
0 0
EFFECTIVE EDGE
1190
1205 1216
1190
CONTACT LENGTH
TIP LENGTH
1170
200.0
1196
209.0
1185
1170
200.0
1196
209.0
1205
1185
1176
1156
1205
1185
1216
1190
1140
1100
190.0
1140
200.0
1200
1160
190.0
0
1200
1170
580
0
1096
600
0
1140
24
600
24
560
0
0
0
1210
205.0
1170
1156
580
195.0
175.0
1186 1190
205.0
1130
0
580
194.0
200.0
1120
1160
205.0
1170
1160
1180
205.0
1185
TIP HEIGHT
50.0
53.0
56.0
50.0
53.0
56.0
47.0
50.0
53.0
44.0
46.0
48.0
50.0
43.0
182.0
46.0
195.0
53.0
192.5
50.5
52.0
1056
182.0
42.0
1100
190.0
44.0
194.0
47.0
1120
1080
1176
1156
185.0
43.0
TAIL LENGTH
194.0
200.0
204.0
194.0
TAIL HEIGHT
TIP WIDTH
WAIST WIDTH
TAIL WIDTH
45.0
299.3
258.0
299.3
55.0
307.18
265.0
307.18
45.0
299.3
258.0
299.3
55.0
307.18
265.0
307.18
50.0
200.0
50.0
190.0
40.0
200.0
50.0
204.0
194.0
190.0 195.0
200.0 205.0
175.0
303.4
303.4
291.5
291.5
258.0
299.3
44.0
284.7
245.0
284.7
48.0
290.1
249.5
290.1
46.0
303.4
287.1
50.0
292.5
43.0
288.0
50.5
301.7
195.0
53.0
295.0
182.0
42.0
278.7
190.0 190.0
185.0
247.0
303.4
299.3
46.0
192.5
262.0
303.4
45.0
182.0 190.0
262.0
52.0
43.0
292.5
303.0
262.0
247.0
303.4
287.1
SIDECUT RADIUS
TRANSITION RADIUS
CAMBER
7600
8500
6.0
7800
8900
7.0
7600
8500
-5.0
7800
8900
-5.0
7800
7800
7400
8.0
8300
0.0
34.0
8600
0.0
32.0
0.0
31.0
7400
8400
7600
8500
278.7
7200
247.0
291.5
8700
7500
240.0
291.5
30.0
9100
8200
7750
40.0
-5.0
32.5
303.0
284.7
8700
7.0
295.0
245.0
32.0
8900
250.0
284.7
-5.0
8000
7700
44.0
8300
8650
-5.0
29.0
33.5
301.7
281.9
30.0
6.0
258.0
242.5
31.0
-5.0
8500
7800
288.0
281.9
29.0
7600
7800
245.0
258.0
31.0
30.0
8500
292.5
292.5
8700
6.0
7600
251.5
248.0
8700
STIFFNESS
7.0
0.0 0.0
8100
0.0
7600
8500
0.0
7400
8300
7400
8300
31.0
33.0
32.0
33.0
32.0
35.0
0.0
34.0
-5.0
32.0
34.0
43
Rider: Treyson Allen Photo: Jesse Anderson Location: Brighton, UT
Team Riders: Derek Dennison, Yale Cousino, Ryan Hryckiewicz, Kyle Lutes, Kael Hill, Everest Arnold, Treyson Allen, Torrey Lyons, and Midori Oatari.
Special Thank You’s: Phil Morrell, Bryce Packham, Mike Eldredge, Jesse Anderson, Fuzz, Jordan Pay, Jordan Hall, Jared Winkler, Brighton Resort, Epic Brewing Co., Transworld Snowboarding, Snowboard Canada Magazine, Board Insiders, all of our reps, retailers and regional riders, and you!
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© 2014 NICHE SNOWBOARDS
4645 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84117
T. 877. 562.7885
F. 801.407.1722
www.nichesnowboards.com
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