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iShred Puts iPad in Snowboard

There are things that are done simply because someone can do it. That is sort of what resulted in the iShred, a snowboard that has an iPad embedded in it. Created by the crew at Signal during one of their Every Third Thursday events, this is the latest of some wacky combinations – previously they put a boom box in a board, as well as an electric guitar.

This time around the group put an iPad in the board, and to accomplish this meant going with aluminum – the reported drawback being that the board is a little tough to control on sharp turns. But with an iPad on deck, it seems that you can’t have everything! Video after the jump

SIA Preview: MTN Approach – Backcountry Riders Rejoice!

‘Fresh tracks’… the endless pursuit of most boarders to be the first to descend a mountain full of freshly fallen snow. At most resorts it is tough to be to first on the slopes so this drives the truly hardcore into the backcountry. These people hike up slopes for hours in waist-deep snow just to get one or two runs a day in the virgin snow – a ‘high‘ that is tough to duplicate.

The pursuit of freshies just got a little easier! MTN Approach has announced the first three-part, light weight, folding approach ski. Designed by snowboarders and weighing just 3.5 pounds per foot, each ski has two hinges that allows this 150cm ski to fold down to 53cm (approximately 21”). This might not sound like a big deal, but as someone who has snowshoed all-day to ride on some fresh powder, the use of skis make the ascent much quicker and easier as they do not sink into the snow as deep. Sure, snowshoes work fine to hike up a slope, but they often do not fit snowboard boots very well. This means that more equipment is required to be carried if a second set of boots is needed.

The MTN Approach skis do not utilize traditional ski bindings requiring specific, ridged boots. The MTN Approach skis has bindings that a straps similar to snowboards which allows the use of just about any snowboard boot. These skis also feature metal edges, side cuts and full camber. This permits the rider to perform a more confident ascent of the mountain, especially when traversing a slope. Continue reading SIA Preview: MTN Approach – Backcountry Riders Rejoice!

Lobster Snowboards Coming for Fall 2011

The reports from the Snowsports Industries America Trade Show last month were that this the best year ever for those in the snow sports business. And next year another player will be on board – as Icelandic snowboarding brothers Eiki and Halldor Helgason announced their new company Lobster Snowboards.

“Eiki and me wanted to get on the same board program since day one. We really have fun and push each other when we ride together so this was a logical step for us,” said Halldor in a statement.

The new brand will be launched for Fall 2011, and will be using triple base technology on the Jibboard, the Parkboard and the Girlboard, and the company will also introduce Eiki Jib Board and Halldor Park Board graphics. Given the new trend towards “rocker” technology, we have to ask… any chance we might see a “Rock Lobster” snowboard. We guess we’ll find out this fall.

Lobster Snowboards Official Website

SIA: Snow Sports Looks to Another Good Year

While much of the country is again trying to dig out from a major winter storm, the white stuff probably has the snow sport industry smiling. After all, if it is going to snow you might as well enjoy it. This week the shift has moved from the show floor halls at Snowsports Industries of America to the outdoor demo days, but we look back at the word from the show.

The buzz is that the slopes will feature skiers and riders clad in “svelte” high-tech gear of all sorts, including down sweaters, as well as faux fur and tight fitting outfits with bold colors. On the board there will likely be more rocking, as the major trend continues to be the rocker shapes, as well as a greater emphasis on all-terrain freestyle boards.

Snowboarding and skiing will likely take a cue from cycling, with helmets becoming a greater emphasis for safety. According to numbers from the show, the numbers of people wearing helmets has increased to a record high 57 percent. And as with other sports, the helmets are evoking a new sense of style, becoming fashion accessories rather than just protective gear. Continue reading SIA: Snow Sports Looks to Another Good Year

SIA: Snow Sports is Big Business

The snow sports market is big business, and according to numbers from last week’s Snowsports Industries America trade show, which took place in Denver, more than $1 billion (with a B) worth of equipment apparel alone, and reached $2.1 billion season-to-date.

So while the evening news may be complaining about the falling snow, and cities on the East Coast continue to dig out, this has been a boom time for those who partake in winter sports. This is also the first time that in history that snow sport sales have topped a billion dollars for sales in a single month. Sales this season are also 16 percent higher than last year, suggesting that despite a still sluggish economy winter sports are taking on the winter blues. Continue reading SIA: Snow Sports is Big Business

Signal Snowboard Makes Boombox Snowboard

There are headphones you can use while riding the slopes, and there are even snowboarding helmets with built in speakers. But how about taking a snowboard and combining it with a 1980’s era boombox? That’s what the gang from Every Third Thursday did. Introducing the Boombox from Signal Snowboard:

While most of the electronics are much smaller than those from the 1980s, the result is a board that can be still be ridden. Now that’s a new way to bring music to your ride.

Not a Slouch Through Powder

With the recent news of snow being present in 49 of the 50 states, you may have gotten the urge to get outside and float through the white stuff. If you enjoy spending your days on the slopes riding in fresh powder, then Ride Snowboards may have the board for you.

The Slackcountry UL snowboard is specifically designed to float above deep snow using a high rocker or front tip called the HighRize rocker. This increased rocker height design helps keep the front of the board from diving into the snow and makes it much easy to float on top. The Slackcountry UL board has a ‘Twinish’ shape which means that it can also be ridden rear tip forward or switch foot. Ride also increased the rocker height of the rear tip, but the rear rocker rise is not as much as the front.

Another unique feature of the Slackcountry UL is the traditional plastic top sheet has been replaced by hemp. The all new Hemp Brain Topless Technology uses the renewable resource, hemp, to create a top sheet which is reported to be lighter and stronger than a similar plastic top sheet. Not only is the rider suppose to have an improved product over plastic, they can feel warm and fuzzy on the inside knowing that they are ridding a product that is better for the environment. Continue reading Not a Slouch Through Powder

CES 2011: Kodak to Roll Out Burton Snowboard Branded Camera

Next week’s Consumer Electronics Show won’t have any shortage of cameras, but one camera is already leading the pack in style. This week Kodak announced a new marketing relationship with Burton Snowboards, and this will include the release of a special KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera, Burton Edition. It features the orange pixilated design of Burton’s popular Custom 154 Snowboard. So for the fashion forward boarders, it will practically be a match made in heaven.

The camera will be bundled with a camera holster that can be worn on the arm or leg, thus making this an easy camera to access during a day on the snow. It comes with a remote control, rechargeable battery and a 4GB SDHC Memory Card. This rugged HD video camera should prove tough enough, and it is waterproof for up to 10 feet, and can capture 1080p HD video as well as 5megapixel still images. It features electronic image stabilization and LCD Glare Shield, along with built-in software with USB output for easy editing – so you can put your “dailies” up to YouTube and Facebook. The only catch for those looking to grab one is that it won’t be available until later in January from Burton.com or Kodak.com (MSRP $199.95). In the meantime, if you head to Las Vegas next week you’ll be able to see it at the Kodak Booth.

Kodak Official Website

Burton Snowboard Official Website

Skateboard Ramps Go High Tech

While we normally look at the technology of the skateboards, there has been some interesting innovation with the skateboard ramps. Here are a couple of interesting videos that show how an iPhone app can measure each skaters “air time” and landings from an interactive projection. The top video was for a promotion for the premier of the movie Tron Legacy, while the bottom video shows how cameras were synchronised with skaters and snowboarder movements.

Red Bull Off the planet from ENESS on Vimeo.

Tron Legacy Premiere – A Light Session from ENESS on Vimeo.

Clever Socks From SmartWool

Winter means extra thick socks. These help keep the toes warm, but the right socks can also ensure that they stay dry and in place through athletic activity as well. SmartWool has new pairs of socks for the upcoming ski and winter sport season that are downright clever.

The SmartWool PhD Ski and Snowboard collection offers high performance socks (yes, there is such a thing these ays), which are keep feet warm, protected and dry throughout a day on the slopes. A mesh ventilation zone further helps the feet breathe to reduce sweaty feet – which in turn can mean cold feet as activity slows down. These feature a unique 4 Degree Fit System that ensures that socks stay in place and won’t bunch up or worse slip down. This not only makes for more comfortable socks, but also helps prevent friction and potential blisters.

The SmartWool PhD socks are made from high grade Merion wool, which is a natural insulator and can help regulate temperature to keep feet warm when it’s downright cold outside. Wool in itself is an antimicrobial that can further prevent odor causing bacteria from building up.

Additionally, the socks are nothing short of genius too, and can do much more than just piling on a second pair. These will actually provide cushion thanks to SmartWool’s WoW technology that includes high density impact zones with custom-fit feeling. There is even extra cushioning provided around the shin, heel and instep. This won’t exactly put springs in your step, but will help you feel like you’re walking on fluffy snow even if it is hardpacked.

SmartWool Official Website

Tony Hawk Flies Again New Game

After the last game it looked like the Hawkman’s wings were clipped for good, as Tony Hawk Ride wasn’t so much a thrill ride as outright spill. But you can’t keep a good skater down, and the champ of the board is rising from the ashes, proving he’s a video game phoenix. All indications say it looks like he’ll back in full video game form with the upcoming Tony Hawk: SHRED, in part because this arcade style game isn’t just about the usual sidewalk surfing either. This time the game includes both skateboarding and snowboarding action, and more importantly puts players on a truly revolutionized controller to get the wannabes off the couch and on a virtual deck. Continue reading Tony Hawk Flies Again New Game

Sidewalk Surfing With the Flowboard

When singers Jan and Dean sang about sidewalk they probably never could have envisioned the Sport Technology Flowboard, but unlike the traditional four-wheeled skateboard that we’ve come to know and love (and at times loath after ending up in the ER during finals week), this one uses 14 wheels! The idea behind this unique design is that the it provides riders with vastly greater flexibility in leaning and turning, thus making it far more like an actual surfboard or snowboard than the average skate deck.

According to the company the Flowboard can allow riders to lean up to 45 degrees, which is quite a drastic set up from the typical 25 degrees that you can get from a regular skateboard. The wheels and layout also allow for more curving, which can be a very good when going down hill at speed. Now the board probably can’t handle the half-pipe quite the same way, but it would be fun to watch someone try!

Sport Technology Flowboard Official Site