E R TU
OF
D R A O B
U F NOW G S N I
E H T
Statement of purpose
Snowborading is a very interesting sport that has
The Future of Snowboarding
a lot fun and challenges. It has a lot of movement and exciting. Snowboarding has a lot of gear and products that support this sport include snow-
CHAPTER 1
The Beginning of Snowboarding
2
Before Snowboarding History of Snowboarding
4 8
Snowboarding Today
12
What is Snowboarding Population of Snowboarding
14 16
boards, boots, binding, goggles, etc. The development of snowboarding was inspired by skateboarding, surfing and skiing. The future of snowboarding is the book that will
CHAPTER 2
give you the idea of the beginning of the snowboarding through the future of snowboarding. Also the gear of this sport is very interesting. This book also has some movements and dynamics, just open it and let ride.
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
Gear and Products
24
Snowboarding Gear Anatomy of Snowboarding Graphic on Snowboard Subculture of Snowboarding
27 42 44 48
Imagine of Snowboarding
50
Virtual Reality Simulaetd Reality
54 58
PT CHA
2
G E N TH INNI G G N I BE D R A F O B O W O SN
CHAPTER 1 THE BEGINNING OF SNOWBOARDING
1 ER
3
THE BEGINNING OF SNOWBOARDING CHAPTER 1
The Snurfer was the first
marketed snowboard. It uses a noboard type of snowboard binding alternative. The Snurfer was created in 1965 by Sherman Poppen in Muskegon, Michigan. Poppen was outside his house one day sledding with his daughters, when his 11 year old was going down the hill, standing on her old sled. Poppen then ran inside his shop and bound two skis together. Poppen used a string and tied it to the nose of the board so the rider could have control of the board. Poppen’s wife called it the Snurfer, and soon after creating the first one, Poppen’s daughters’ friends all wanted one. Sherman Poppen licensed the concept to Brunswick Corporation to manufacture the Snurfer. Soon the whole country was excited about this. The Snurfer’s retail price was $10$30. Poppen sold about a million Snurfers through 1966-1976.
4
5
THE BEGINNING OF SNOWBOARDING CHAPTER 1
f o n o i t u Evol nowboards S
1965 1969
is 65. This board n Poppin in 19 ted by Sherma now know en in Inv at : wh fer ur of Sn beginning many as the considered by . ing ard as snowbo
ded a skatedesign and ad er Ski Board applicas took a Web was the first is Sim Th . m na To ’s na yellow ba In the late 60 it the flying d lle ca d an to it board deck snow. boarding to tion of skate
1984 1985
ard with fixed foam core bo rton’s first all : This was Bu 150 te Eli er rm Burton Perfo dings. high back bin
1986 6
all Burton made s the last year core rmer: This wa am fo rfo e Pe th n r fo rto Bu se made way s. Their demi wood board rable boards. s of more du rie Se te Eli performer
der Dimitrije interstick foun dtail Plus: W d un Ro ck sti with p-tex an Winter wder boards else. designing po fore anyone be Milovich was ars ye , 0’s in the early 197 metal edges
1987 , alpine riding r directional Designed fo d 5: ha 16 s er ard uz Cr bo st Burton tyle shape mo build ked the frees up efforts to this board lac rton to step Bu ing us ca e, at by this tim s. better board
1988
and an ABS ve sidewalls s board to ha oves the first Sim , a vast impr wa ter wa ard m bo fro is Th core Sims Blade: aled the wood se ely let mp ich co top sheet wh . construction ment in board
1990
board bindings this : With plate mien Kick 175 . Da 90 19 he in nc n ala to Av ers at Brigh Damien Sand was used by
1994
e bigboard was th allowtail, this interstick Sw W e th by w: Inspired Nitro Pow Po 90’s. de in the early gest board ma
1995
has a snubby l: This board abo Pro Mode the emerging r fo Lamar Don Sz de ma gs lo back bindin nose, tail and g. bin jib of rld wo
1996
nce on ustry’s influe skateboard ind bindings the s les se ba With . Ride RJ Twin: g a comeback began makin snowboarding
7
THE BEGINNING OF SNOWBOARDING CHAPTER 1
f o e n i l e Tim boarding Snow
A began in 1929. board history de believe snow ma le s op wa It pe d. me sle 3 So owboard-like the ett, built a sn tie his feet to man, MJ Burch clothesline to ed us ett rch Bu urfer. Sn the of plywood. d lle was ca xt snowboard board. The ne
1929
1965 1977
1982 1986 1989 1998
2005 2006
2008 8
called the with a device began in 1965, Poppen. The an Snowboarding erm Sh named ted by a man e in front to rop a Snurfer inven er and with o skis togeth snurfer was tw balance. keep a good is board factory, rld’s first snow boards, the wo aing and ow cre Sn to n d rto ate Bu solely dedic ard company uipment a pure snowbo owboarding eq of the best sn ge ran l ful a perfecting on the planet ously enter continu t along, Carp s to push the spor pe to t slo or its eff en an In rmont to op al resorts in Ve ret Vertried to get loc Resort in Pomf 2, Suicide Six 198 In . ers arders. bo ow snowboard sn me welco first resort to mont was the s aun White wa owboards Sh is one aun White sn Sh He a. 6 rni 198 lifo 3, Ca Sep 6 in Carlsbad, ember 3, 198 born on sept boarders. ers and skate ard bo ow sn of the best sociation owboarding As The Alberta Sn s Act of the tie cie From the site: So under the incorporated s wa ”) SA (“A 18, 1989. berta on April Province of Al rt of the Olym wanted no pa snowboarders sport join the the Anderson said d lpe he have rly 1990s but mes in 1998. pics in the ea ared in the Ga ce it first appe mainstreamsin
n. ding evolutio snowboard bin ed timeline of world ns Tra in An abbreviat ed t publish eline was firs The binding tim 05. in February, 20 ing ard bo SNOW ipe is Tahoe’s but the halfp uld be upset ane, who wrote Cr “Colorado wo id sa lly is,” arding. It rea by the online ed gift to snowbo us in 1996 tory timeline his ard bo ow a sn Wikipedia. encyclopedia rld. top of the wo mero was on re 2008, Steve Ro up in Taos, we ew On March 19, gr all o ily, wh ends and fam Taos Ski at s ard He and his fri bo ride snow t to (legally) among the firs -year history. time in its 52 t firs the for Valley
9
THE BEGINNING OF SNOWBOARDING CHAPTER 1
History of Snowboarding Many crude versions of the
It was essentially a skateboard
snowboard were made up to
without wheels, steered by a
100 years before the first com-
hand-held rope, and lacked bind-
mercially manufactured model,
ings but had provisions to cause
but it is believed that the first
footwear to adhere. During the
snowboard was invented and
1970s and 1980s as snowboarding
manufactured in Utah begin-
became more popular, pioneers
ning in the early 1970s.This claim
such as Dimitrije Milovich, Jake
was commemorated in 2007 by
Burton Carpenter (founder of
the United States mint when a
Burton Snowboards from Lon-
snowboard theme was among
donderry, Vermont), Tom Sims
the three semi-final designs of
(founder of Sims Snowboards),
the Utah state quarter.
Chuck Barfoot (founder of Barfoot Snowboards) and Mike Olson
There are also claims that the
(founder of Gnu Snowboards)
first snowboard was the Snurfer
came up with new designs for
(a portmanteau of snow and
boards and mechanisms that
surfer), originally designed
slowly developed into the snow-
by Sherman Poppen for his
boards and other related equip-
daughter in 1965 in Muskegon,
ment that we know today.
Michigan. Poppen’s Snurfer started to be manufactured as a toy the following year.
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THE BEGINNING OF SNOWBOARDING CHAPTER 1
Dimitri Milovich, an east coast
Jake Burton Carpenter, came
In 1983 the first World Cham-
Early snowboards were banned
surfer, had the idea of slid-
from Vermont to compete with
pionship halfpipe competition
from the slopes by park officials.
ing on cafeteria trays. From
a snowboard of his own design.
was held at Soda Springs,
For several years snowboard-
this he started developing his
There were many protests from
California. Tom Sims, founder
ers would have to take a small
snowboard designs. In 1975,
the competitors about Jake en-
of Sims Snowboards, organized
skills assessment prior to being
he started a company called
tering with a non-snurfer board.
the event with the help of Mike
allowed to ride the chairlifts. It
the WinterStick, which was
Paul Graves, the top snurfer at
Chantry, a snowboard instructor
was thought that an unskilled
mentioned in 1975 by Newsweek
the time, and others, advocated
at Soda Springs.
snowboarder would wipe the
magazine. The Winterstick was
that Jake be allowed to race. A
based on the design and feel
“modified” division was created
Snowboarding’s growing popu-
1985, only seven percent of U.S.
of a surfboard, but worked the
and won by Jake as the sole en-
larity is reflected in its recogni-
ski areas allowed snowboard-
same way as skis. In the spring
trant. That race was considered
tion as an official sport: in 1985,
ing, with a similar proportion in
of 1976 Welsh skateboarders
the first competition for snow-
the first World Cup was held in
Europe. As equipment and skills
Jon Roberts and Pete Matthews
boards and is the start of what
Zürs, Austria. The International
improved, gradually snowboard-
developed a Plywood deck with
has now become competitive
Snowboard Association (ISA)
ing became more accepted. In
foot bindings for use on the Dry
snowboarding. In 1982 the first
was founded in 1994 to provide
1990, most major ski areas had
Ski Slope at the school camp,
National Snowboard race was
universal contest regulations.
separate slopes for snowboard-
Ogmore-by-Sea, Wales. UK. Fur-
held near Woodstock, Vermont,
In addition, the United States
ers. Now, approximately 97% of
ther development of the board
at Suicide Six.
of America Snowboard As-
all ski areas in North America
was limited as Matthews suf-
sociation (USASA) provides
and Europe allow snowboard-
fered serious injury while board-
instructing guidelines and runs
ing, and more than half have
ing at Ogmore and access for
snowboard competitions in the
jumps, rails and half pipes.
the boarders was declined fol-
U.S. Today, high-profile snow-
An excellent year for snow-
lowing the incident. The ‘deck’
boarding events like the Olym-
boarding was 2004 with 6.6
was much shorter than current
pic Games, Winter X-Games,
million participants. An industry
snow boards. Beveled edges
US Open, and other events are
spokesman said that “twelve
and a convex, polyurethane
broadcast worldwide. Many
year-olds are out-riding adults.”
varnished bottom to the board,
alpine resorts have terrain parks
The same article said that most
allowed quick downhill move-
Initially, ski areas adopted the
snowboarders are 18–24 years
ment, but limited turning ability.
sport at a much slower pace
old and that females constitute
In 1979 the first ever World
than the winter sports public.
25% of participants. Though
Snurfing Championship was held
Indeed, for many years, there
the sport has become more
at Pando Winter Sports Park
was animosity between skiers
widely accepted, some major
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
and snowboarders, which lead
US resorts still do not allow
to an ongoing skier vs snow-
snowboarders, including Alta Ski
boarder feud.
Area, Deer Valley and Vermont’s
snow off of the mountain. In
Mad River Glen.
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SNOWBOARDING TODAY CHAPTER 3
2
P CHA
TER
R A BO
G N DI
W O SN AY D O T 14
15
SNOWBOARDING TODAY CHAPTER 2
“Are you ready to change your life? Snowboarding will do just that” — Shuan White—
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SNOWBOARDING TODAY CHAPTER 3
Snowboarding is a sport
that involves descending a slope
In 1994 Snowboarding was de-
When the canadian boarder
that is covered with snow on a
clared as an Olympic Sport. Now
Ross Rebagliati won the gold
snowboard attached to a rider’s
it finally became accepted as a
medal in the giant slalom he
feet using a special boot set into
real competetive sport, not only
had to submit an urine sample.
a flexible mounted binding. The
a new trend which would disa-
This sample showed that he
development of snowboarding
pear again. In the 1998 Olympics
was positive for marijuana with
was inspired by skateboarding,
it was the first time ever that
17.8 nanograms per milliliter.
surfing and skiing. It was devel-
Snowboarding was accepted as
Rebagliati said he did not smoke
oped in the U.S.A. in the 1960s
an olympic sport. The new sport
marijuana since April 1997.
and the 1970s and became a
snowboarding was a huge suc-
Instead the boarder stated he
Winter Olympic Sport in 1998.
cess. But still people could find
probably ihaled smoke on one of
some of their prejudices about
his friend’s parties in Canada.
Snowboarders beeing affirmed.
His gold medal got taken away on the first day, but he got it back afterwards.
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19
TI
F yo irst fo u o to r y r s f a w o s ou now ll m o id h . N b a bo f th e o or t. ot oa ke th ar es r n A to rd su en di e ar lso o is re w l it ng il row no on rig tha ha m l m . t g, ht t s ore ak An too no to t e y be dif sn on fi . cu ow e lt -
SNOWBOARDING TODAY CHAPTER 3
Since snowboarding’s inception
Most of the ski resorts now
as an established winter sport,
accept skiers and snowboard-
it has developed various styles,
ers. Snowboarding is finally
each with its own specialized
accepted by everyone. Snow-
equipment and technique. The
boarding’s growing popularity
most common styles today are:
is reflected in its recognition
freeride, freestyle, and free-
as an official sport: in 1985, the
carve/race. These styles are
first World Cup was held in
used for both recreational and
Zürs, Austria. The International
professional snowboarding.
Snowboard Association (ISA)
While each style is unique,
was founded in 1994 to provide
there is overlap between them.
universal contest regulations. In addition, the United States of
The International Olympic Committee, lacking an agreement with the International Ski Federa-
PS
tion on marijuana use, could not strip Rebagliati of his medal. This event had negative effects for all snowboarders, because it showed them in a very bad light. Many people now thought that Snowboarders constantly smoke Marijuana and saw their prejudices affirmed. Two years before, in 1996, Mike Hatchett released a new video, called TB5, featuring riders like Noak Salasneck and Johan Olofson. The riders did incredible stunts and tricks. Filmed
America Snowboard Association (USASA) provides instructing guidelines and runs snowboard competitions in the U.S. Today, high-profile snowboarding events like the Olympic Games, Winter X-Games, US Open, and other events are broadcast worldwide. Many alpine resorts have terrain parks Initially, ski areas adopted the sport at a much slower pace than the winter sports public. Indeed, for many years, there was animosity between skiers and snowboarders, which lead to an ongoing skier vs snowboarder feud.
in Alaska with its awesome footage the film is state of the art. In 1998, snowboarding contributes almost 50% to all winter activity.
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SNOWBOARDING TODAY
Did You Know....
17%
CHAPTER 3
KIDS
One of every four snowboarders is aged 25 to 44. More than 5.5 million people participate in snowboarding. 24% of the snow sports population are snowboarders. An estimated 80% of children who participate in winter sports will have ridden a snowboard by their 12th birthday.
60% MEN
23% WOMEN
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23
More and at Slopes itical Mass Cr s snowhe on ac e ainsid ding Re Snowboar the mount TransWorld navigating al be nu ill w an ds ird e th more ki n rding to th Associatio t skis, acco l Ski Areas boards, no s/Nationa revealed s es rt sin so Bu re 2 ding poll of 23 Snowboar ober. The visitors in ased in Oct t) of their survey, rele 2.4 percen in five (2 r te ar qu ders. With ear on bo ly ar ow that ne ewere sn ter season ore than on in m w to 8 se -0 increa the 2006 le for pected to sib ex is on e sp ur re fig oup most years, that all, And the gr teens: over percent). market are third (34.8 s ng di ar bo s were teen er e snow m th co in w th grow ding ne ardsnowboar d snowbo e an th g of iin t sk been 59 percen who ever-ever” 20 “n d er ha ov le ey of peop who said th 4 percent red to only ing, compa ort. sp er th ei r” tried “never-eve
CHAPTER 3
SNOWBOARDING TODAY
f o n o i t a l ding r Popu a o b w o Sn
2002
2003
2004
2005
5.1 5.3 5.5 5.6 millions
millions
millions
millions
2006
2007
2008
5.8 6.0 6.1 6.3 millions
millions
millions
Snowboarding is among the fastest growing sports in the United States
24
2009
millions
= US Snowboarders
25
26 27
SNOWBOARDING TODAY
“ Th w e ha he te ba p n nd no ck pe so en ns m c — t c Jo te ou in et y hn hi l n M l os an tr th ng ep h yb y is e od to y”
CHAPTER 2
GEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
3
CH
AP
TE
R
G PR EA OD R UC & TS 28
29
30 31
CHAPTER 3 SGEAR & PRODUCTS
SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
Snowboard boots are mostly
considered soft boots, though alpine snowboarding uses a
U BOO OM KAIJ
TS
ing many ! Integrat nike om kaiju zoom air, w nike zo ke ne ni e g th in ing d includ introduc mfort an nologies co ch rs te fe ke of iju y ni e zoom ka proprietar Th . ee e! fr ckag d nike ortive pa flywire, an ble, supp in a flexi innovation
NIKE ZO
harder boot similar to a ski boot. A boot’s primary function is to transfer the rider’s energy into the board, protect the rider with support, and keep the rider’s feet warm. A snowboarder shopping for boots is usually looking for a good fit, flex, and looks. Boots can have different features such as lacing styles, heat molding liners, and gel padding that the snowboarder also might be looking for. Tradeoffs include rigidity versus comfort, and built in forward lean, versus comfort.
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SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
Snowboards are
boards, which resemble a wide
Commercial snowboards gener-
ski, with the ability to glide on
ally require extra equipment
snow. Snowboards are differ-
such as bindings and special
etiated from monoskis by the
boots which help secure both
stance of the user. In monoski-
feet of a snowboarder, who
ing, the user stands with feet
generally rides in an upright
inline with direction of travel
position. These type of boards
(facing tip of monoski/downhill)
are commonly used by people
(parallel to long axis of board),
at ski hills or resorts for leisure,
whereas in snowboarding, us-
entertainment and competitive
ers stand with feet transverse
purposes in the activity called
(more or less) to the longitude
snowboarding.
of the board. Users of such equipment may be referred to as snowboarders.
RD NOWBOA IDE ICS S W M ent of the O T gm S CU ow se for a narr BURTON designed ue three-
e uniq board is e fast. Th -Air� snow t also want to rid The “Rad rpose, bu tional pu arders who nc bo fu ow a s sn in a ha d ed ar at tr market: bo us e ill of th fibre is al shape of carbon reet look dimension n and disc entity. Use ard a clea e visual id th bo e to th ds ad ern, giving stomer. aphic patt subtle gr mature cu the more to s al pe that ap
34
35
SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
Snowboard Goggles is the
The crowbar snow goggle gives you the all-day comfort of triple-layer fleece foam that pulls moisture away from skin. Specially formulated anti-fog treatment helps keep your vision clear, and the wide-angle architecture opens your view with the clarity of patented xyz optics. Strap connectors balance the pressure of the lightweight yet durable o matter frame. You get a true anatomical fit that maxes out your range of view and optimizes protection.
ADIDAS J
ET GOGG
LES
s been nology ha ggle tech We’re s. Snow go de r deca freeze fo with in a deep ng to do hi yt er ev out ed peaks, fanatics ab pp ca ow k and sn es on gravity, ris test athlet of the grea tions. va and some no our in ain rely on the mount
36
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SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
Binding are separate
components from the snowboard deck and are very important parts of the total snowboard interface. The bindings’ main function is to hold the rider’s boot in place tightly to transfer their energy to the board. Most bindings are attached to the board with four screws that are placed in the center of the binding. Although a rather new technology from Burton called Infinite channel
RIDE B
DING RD BIN WBOA O N ying S A ho’s pa UNDIT g ss of w
system uses two screws, both on the outsides of the binding.
erythin gardle got ev pros, re put, it’s n more , and ly o s p th a g im re n a l™. S stre othere’s diesel e carte . An erg t, th h e g ig s a e -w ack e choo smoke thing p ning them, r— ry io e h fo v s k u red-e ed™ c uld as in a sh w fullb you co mfort hile ne ings. out co ntrol, w h land o rs c a maxed e h c m an o h fr n e y it y all egativ nomic sorb n gel ab and b3
38
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SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
Wireless headphone is the
Components from the snowboard deck and are very important parts of the total snowboard interface. Experience the sounds of Azeroth and beyond like never before with the Sound Blaster. Designed specifically for Snowboarding, the headset features cutting-edge audio technology and THX速 TruStudio PC, offering you a truly unforgettable Riding experience.
SOUND
BLAST
ER RID
E
or r party ith you er icate w st n la u B m d Com e Soun tures arly. Th set fea raid cle g Head in hone, rd a o microp Snowb l grade a our n io r ss hea y a profe ne can glory. everyo t g n n a ri n u o s ens f its re in all o voices
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SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
f o y m Anato owboard Sn
TAIL
rst you will fi boarding arn snow pment. le ui n eq ca f u o y piece Before yo its primar hat a arn about to know w ed need to le ne ill w u Yo s. nt eled re boar t the diffe The snow of and wha t is the is ne ns o co d which snowboar n choose ca u yo before ments are u. yo r fo best
NOSE
STOMP PAD
NOSE is the front of the snowboard. If your snowboard has a similar front and back side then the side that is turned up higher is usually the nose. STOMP PAD or nonskid pad is a rubber mat that you can stick on top of your snowboard next to your back foot binding.
BINDING HOLE
TAIL The rear end of the snowboard, which is opposite of the nose. Often tail is flatter than the tip and is more squarely cut. BINDING HOLE Binding hole is the hole that your snowboard binding are contacted and stick with your boot.
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SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
HOW SNOWBOARD GRAPHICS GET CREATED If you’ve wondered how new
For the most part, graphics are
graphics are created each year
the first features that catch a
for more than 140 of the best
person’s eye when they check
snowboards in the world, this
out boards at a shop. But it’s
is how the magic happens from
important to remember that
start to finish. Team riders,
there’s a lot more to a snow-
designers and the Burton board
board than its graphics – kind
crew all spend months concep-
of like the old saying “you can’t
tualizing, revising and finally
judge a book by its cover.”
executing the graphics that
Building a snowboard with the
grace the topsheets and bases
best raw materials, shapes and
of the Burton snowboard line.
technological advancements is Burton’s top priority. But we also spend a lot of time and energy on designing progressive graphics that add elements of style, variety and individuality to the ever expanding line of snowboards Burton produces.
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SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
IDEAS TO PICTURES
Once an overall concept is
The graphics process starts with
dialed, the designers head into
Burton team riders, who brain-
the studio where they bring the
storm what look and feel they
concepts to life and put imagery
would like to see on a board
together in snowboard shapes.
or board series. Riders with
This means puttin together all
signature boards, such as Jussi
the right subjects, sizes, colors,
Oksanen, Jeremy Jones, Shaun
typefaces, textures, drawings
White and the un..inc crew,
and more. It also means keeping
have complete control of the
in constant contact with the
graphics that will be displayed
riders along the way. Several
on their board. For other full
times a year, the riders fly all
model board series, such as the
over the world to sit face to face
Custom, T6,
with the board design team and designers. Together, they look
Feelgood and Troop, riders work
at what’s been developed and
with designers and the board
set the direction for later rounds
design team on graphic concept
of a graphic. It takes a while,
development. Many times, riders
but eventually everything gels.
add in unique personal touches.
By the end of the process, the
Ideas are sketched out as riders
designers have a whole pile of
and designers discuss concepts
snowboard graphics on paper, in
and possible artists to create
full color. These are called com-
imagery. In some cases, riders
prehensives, or “comps.”
themselves come to the table
PICTURES TO BOARDS
mind – subject matter, place-
When the comps are ready, the
ment, colors, type and detail
riders get together with the
– and they just need a designer
board crew and choose the final
or artist to execute it. While the
designs. The process gets pretty
riders and designers are coming
technical, but basically it goes
up with concepts, the Burton
like this: the designer makes an
boards crew, factories and pro-
image of the graphic that is ex-
toshop are developing a menu
actly the same size and shape as
of technical graphic applications
the board it needs to fit on. Then
for the designers to use and in-
come the films, which separate
tegrate into their designs as they
the picture into layers of color.
see fit (i.e., holograms, metal inlays, new inks, etc.).
46
TI
PS
y. bu ll ou r u s a y ou yo i ke y g ta out nt, re in e e fo d ’ll e r r t be boa l. I gur so se y e , d Tr ow t fe to fi yle an ou. Sn ou ile l st uct r y ab wh na od s fo a rso pr ork pe mo w de hat w
with an entire graphic concept in
47
SGEAR & PRODUCTS CHAPTER 3
Subculture of the
snowboarding way of life came
The early stereotypes of snow-
about to rebel against the more
boarding have been known to
sophisticated way of skiing, and
be “lazy”, “grungy”, “punk”,
skiers did not easily accept this
“stoners”, “troublemakers”, and
new culture on their slopes. The
numerous others, many of which
two cultures contrasted each
are associated with skateboard-
other in several ways including
ing and surfing. However, these
how they spoke, acted, and their
stereotypes may be considered
entire style of clothing.
“out of style”. Snowboarding has become a sport that encompass-
Snowboarders first embraced
es a very diverse international
the punk and later the hip-hop
based crowd and fanbase, so
look into their style. Words such
much so that it’s hard to stereo-
as “dude”, “gnarly”, and “Shred
type such a large community.
the Gnar” are some examples of words used in the snowboard-
Reasons for these dying stereo-
ing culture. Snowboarding
types include how mainstream
subculture became a crossover
and popular the sport has
between the urban and subur-
become, with the shock factor
ban styles on snow, which made
of snowboarding’s quick take off
an easy transition from surfing
on the slopes wearing off. Skiers
and skateboarding culture over
and snowboarders are becom-
to snowboarding culture.
ing used to each other, showing more respect to each other on the mountain. “The typical stereotype of the sport is changing as the demographics change”.
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CHAPTER 3 SGEAR & PRODUCTS
C
50
CHAPTER 4 THE FUTURE OF SNOWBOARDING
4
S F O E G N N I I G D A R M A I O B W O N
P HA
TE
R
51`
THE FUTURE OF SNOWBOARDING CHAPTER 4
Virtual reality (VR) is a term
that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate places in the real world as well as in imaginary worlds. Most current virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences, displayed either on a computer screen or through special stereoscopic displays, but some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound through speakers or headphones.
Some advanced, haptic systems
Virtual Reality is often used to
now include tactile information,
describe a wide variety of ap-
generally known as force feed-
plications commonly associated
back, in medical and gaming
with immersive, highly visual,
applications. Users can interact
3D environments: the develop-
with a virtual environment or
ment of CAD software, graphics
a virtual artifact (VA) either
hardware acceleration, head
through the use of standard in-
mounted displays, database
put devices such as a keyboard
gloves and miniaturization have
and mouse, or through multi-
helped popularize the notion.
modal devices such as a wired
In the book The Metaphysics of
glove, the Polhemus boom arm,
Virtual Reality, Michael R. Heim
and omnidirectional treadmills.
identifies seven different con-
The simulated environment can
cepts of Virtual Reality: simula-
be similar to the real world, for
tion, interaction, artificiality, im-
example, in simulations for pilot
mersion, telepresence, full-body
or combat training, or it can
immersion, and network commu-
differ significantly from reality,
nication. The definition still has
as in VR games. In practice,
a certain futuristic romanticism
it is currently very difficult to
attached. People often identify
create a high-fidelity virtual
VR with Head Mounted Displays
reality experience, due largely to
and Data Suits.
technical limitations on processing power, image resolution and communication bandwidth. However, those limitations are expected to eventually be overcome as processor, imaging and data communication technologies become more powerful and cost-effective over time.
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CHAPTER 4 THE FUTURE OF SNOWBOARDING
In order to engage the other
limits, sight and sound are the
sense of taste, the brain must
two senses which best lend
be manipulated directly. This
themselves to high quality
would move virtual reality into
simulation. There are however
the realm of simulated reality
attempts being currently made
like the brain interface ports
to simulate smell. The purpose
used in The Matrix. Although no
of current research is linked
form of this has been seriously
to a project aimed at treating
developed at this point, Sony
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
has taken the first step. On April
(PTSD) in veterans by exposing
7, 2009, Sony went public with
them to combat simulations,
the information that they had
complete with smells. Although
filed for and received a patent
it is often seen in the context
for the idea of the non-invasive
of entertainment by popular
beaming of different frequen-
It is difficult to predict the future of virtual reality
culture, this illustrates the point
cies and patterns of ultrasonic
with confidence. In the short run, the graphics
that the future of VR is very
waves directly into the brain to
displayed in the HMD will soon reach a point of
much tied into therapeutic, train-
recreate all five senses. There
near visual (but not behavioral) realism. The audio
ing, and engineering demands.
has been research to show that
capabilities will move into a new realm of three
Given that fact, a full sensory
this is possible. Sony has con-
dimensional sound. This refers to the addition of
immersion beyond basic tactile
ducted tests and says that it is a
sound channels both above and below the indi-
feedback, sight, sound, and
good idea.
vidual or a Holophony approach.
smell is unlikely to be a goal in
CHAPTER 4
STHE FUTURE OF SNOWBOARDING
Within existing technological
Future and impact
the industry. It is worth mention-
Virtual reality is a costly devel-
ing that simulating smells, while
opment in technology. Because
it can be done very realistically,
of this, the future of VR is de-
requires costly research and
pendent on whether not those
development to make each
costs can be reduced in some
odor, and the machine itself is
way. If VR technology becomes
expensive and specialized, using
affordable, it could be very
capsules tailor made for it. Thus
widespread but for now major
far basic, and very strong smells
industries are the sole buyers
such as burning rubber, cordite,
that have the opportunity to
gasoline fumes, and so-forth
utilize this resource.
have been made. Japan’s NTT Communications, of Tokyo, has just finished testing an Internetconnected odor-delivery system to be used by retailers and restaurants to attract customers.
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Virtual people
interface and brain in a vat
In a virtual-people simulation,
In brain-computer interface sim-
every inhabitant is a native of
ulations, each participant enters
the simulated world. They do not
from outside, directly connect-
have a “real” body in the exter-
ing their brain to the simula-
nal reality of the physical world.
tion computer. The computer
Instead, each is a fully simulated
transmits sensory data to the
entity, possessing an appropriate
participant, reads and responds
level of consciousness that is im-
to their desires and actions in
plemented using the simulation’s
return; in this manner they in-
own logic (i.e. using its own
teract with the simulated world
physics). As such, they could be
and receive feedback from it.
downloaded from one simulation
The participant may be induced
to another, or even archived and
by any number of possible
resurrected at a later time. It is
the proposition that reality could be simulated—
means to forget, temporarily or
also possible that a simulated
perhaps by computer simulation—to a degree in-
otherwise, that they are inside
entity could be moved out of the
distinguishable from “true” reality. It could contain
a virtual realm (e.g. “passing
simulation entirely by means of
conscious minds which may or may not be fully
through the veil”). While inside
mind transfer into a synthetic
aware that they are living inside a simulation. In its
the simulation, the participant’s
body. Another way of moving an
strongest form, the “simulation hypothesis” claims
consciousness is represented by
inhabitant of the virtual reality
it is entirely possible and even probable that we
an avatar, which can look very
out of its simulation would be
are living in a simulated reality.
different from the participant’s
to “clone” the entity, by taking
actual appearance.
a sample of its virtual DNA and
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Brain-computer interface
Simulated reality is
This is quite different from the current, technologi-
create a real-world counterpart
cally achievable concept of virtual reality. Virtual
from that model. The result
reality is easily distinguished from the experience
would not bring the “mind” of
of “true” reality; participants are never in doubt
the entity out of its simulation,
about the nature of what they experience. Simulat-
but its body would be born in
ed reality, by contrast, would be hard or impossible
the real world.
to separate from “true” reality. Virtual people-virtual world, in which an external reaity is simulated separately to the artificial consciousnesses; Solipsistic simulation in which consciousness is simulated and the “world” participants perceive exists only within their minds.
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Emigration
And if being a player, he would
In an emigration simulation, the
be previously associated with
participant enters the simulation
some other inhabitant from
from the outer reality, as in the
the simulated world and thus
brain-computer interface simula-
with “taking over” (or merging
tion, but to a much greater
with) this “special” previous-
degree. On entry, the participant
inhabitant that is emigrating,
could use a variety of hypotheti-
he could choose to destroy
cal methods to participate in the
that other/old inhabitant, or
simulated reality including mind
abandon him (leaving him in the
transfer to temporarily relocate
simulated world without a user/
their mental processing into a
player temporarily or perma-
virtual-person. After the simula-
nently). Or if neither destroying
tion is over, the participant’s
or abandoning, but willing to
mind is restored along with all
further “play” the simulation
new memories and experience
and choosing to play that same
gained within (as in the movie
old inhabitant (that didn’t emi-
The Thirteenth Floor, or when
grate), he would do that now as
one flatlines in Neuromancer).
a transformed user (“enriched” with an emigrated virtual-
Further, there is the option (also
person, or now even completely
from The Thirteenth Floor) of
being that previously virtual
a completely virtual-person,
person, if that was chosen and
born in the simulation, willing
possible, and as such continu-
to escape the simulation (after
ing to play the simulation using
“waking up”) and consequently
another virtual-person).
somehow succeeding to be transferred into an outer-reality person. This would ultimately mean exiting (emigrating) and getting transformed on exit into a “real” person. In this particular case, since the emigrating inhabitant of the simulation didn’t have an associated outerreality person (user with a “real body”), this virtual person would be transferred into either a “new-born” outer-reality person (assuming that possible), or an already existing/living one, whether being a “player” of the simulation or not at all.
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