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I met up with Pat Moore at Waterville Valley, in New Hampshire for some hometown holiday shredding. He was riding his next year’s pro model FORUM board. The shape looks good—and the graphics by Scott Lenhardt look bad ass. I was wondering how he’d follow up this year’s SLAYER graphic. Well, he did it. Damn fun to take some runs with Pat, Danny Garrity and even uber-coach Bill Enos. Good old homecoming.

Anyway … peep the sneak peek of Pat’s new ride (3 pics). Ahhh, splattered blood!

the best footage of bear mountain

Mammoth Mountain opening weekend Knife Show style with Scott Vine, Matty Mo, TJ Schau, Casey Wrightsman and friends.

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The kind folks of DaKine and the Art Attack design duo at TransWorld SNOWboarding have linked up to bring you this limited-edition, print-spackled pack. DaKine crafted up a mean shred pack, and TWS coated it with flavor- it’s a win-win for all. The cradling fleece-lined goggle pocket, padded laptop sleeve, water bottle nest, and crannies galor all tucked behind your shoulders prove we got your back. Hit the books, streets, or even dip out to chase some pow and the bag has you covered ‘cause you can slap a board on back. Pick one up while you can!

This 65-dollar, limited-time offer is available only through twsnow.com.

Buy it HERE

arcus, the brainchild of Nicolas Müller and Fredi Kalbermatten is proud to announce the newest addition to his team. “MORGAN LE FAUCHEUR”MORGAN WE SALUTE YOU, WELCOME TO THE SQUAD!Morgan has a awesome video part in YEAHH PRODUCTIONS “YEAHH LOVE”  check out the trailer on: www.yeahhproductions.com.   For more infos on Morgan and arcus check out www.arcusclothing.com   About arcus: arcus was created by the [...]

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Mountain High Opening Top-to-Bottom Tomorrow Wrightwood, CA (December 9, 2008) – Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood plans to open top-to-bottom for skiing and snowboarding tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Temperatures dipped into the twenties last night and Mountain High had an incredible night of snowmaking on Upper Chisolm, Lower Chisolm, Cruiser, and Sunnyside trails at Mountain [...]

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Photos Andy Wright

Jussi Oksanen, serious badass. This Finnish legend is a rider who has constantly evolved as a rider and constantly impressed, since he burst onto the scene in the late 90s. He came out spinning as a rookie and quickly began to scoop up podium spots and big checks in Big Air events and early X Games starting in like, 2000. He even competed in pipe at the Olympic debut in Japan in 1998! eHe even competed in He has also produced a legacy of film footage that is incredible; with the Robot Food movies, with Mack Dawg—ender, in this year’s Double Decade and now he’s gearing up for the new Burton movie. After more than a decade as a top pro, Jussi is still just as fresh, just as stoked and just as exciting to watch. From his progressive rail and jib exploits of a few years back to his current Alaskan explorations, Jussi continues his mission ride the living shit out of everything in his path. Right now he is out in Colorado—like most of the American pros—getting his shred legs warmed up and getting the season going.

Here’s a few questions/answers with the Juice.

How did you feel about snagging the ender in Double Decade?

There were so many legit parts this year, it’s always a tough call who is going to get it. But, I’m definitely stoked to finally get the last part with MDP and especially as it’s their last movie that they will produce.

Photos Andy Wright

How can you top that?

There are so many things that we can do better, that’s a great thing about snowboarding and that’s what keeps me going. New tricks, new terrain, new features, new ways of filming.

Do you have plans for competing this winter?

Yeah, I’m doing the first Dew Tour stop in a few weeks, we’ll see how that goes. I’m also doing the X Games and the US Open.

What are your winter plans?

Right now I’m in Colorado just cruising and bonding with my snowboard! I’m doing a few contests and the filming hard for rest of the year. Burton has committed to making a full movie with the whole global team and they just hired Brad Kremer (of Mack Dawg fame) to produce it, so it should be solid. I’m looking forward working on a new project and have smaller crews so that we can do cool unique stuff—something we really couldn’t do so much in the past, as we always had four riders in a crew.

Who will be in your film crew for the new Burton movie project?

It’s still all up in the air. There are so many rad people in the crew that I would be fine filming with any of them. The crew is definitely going to be totally new and different from what I’ve had for last 4 years, but I think it will be good to mix it up and ride with a new crew and get inspired by different styles. Hopefully, I will get to ride with Tadashi in Canada, that would be sick and whomever else is down for some missions.

What are you focusing on with your riding at this point?

I just want to look for new features and try look at things a bit different.

What other stuff do you have going on?

Hanging with my family and spending time with my kids. Check out mizulife.com, go buy yourself a water bottle that looks good, stop the plastic waste and saves you money by not buying water in plastic bottles. Mizu is a project I have been working on—trying to get things up and running. We are looking forward opening our online store around January.

When you are surfing the web, where do you go? Transworld.com, bbc.co.uk, Finnish news sites, weather, surfline.com, and youtube.

What are you most stoked on right now?

My family. I’m also stoked that we are finally doing legit movie with Burton, which should be sick!

Photos Andy Wright

Special Bulletin: Canadian Performance Artist/Snowboarder Andrew Hardingham contacted the magazine this morning with some very valuable information. This is what he had to say:

Hi Peaches, Hardingham here. 

I am officially announcing my candidacy in the 2008 Transworld Reader Poll Awards “Best Rider” category. Its time for change, its time for freedom, its time for Andrew F–king Hardingham.

What have the past winners ever done for you? Absolutely nothing. However, if I win, I plan on making the best film about absolutely nothing and selling it until I have enough money to buy a bubble bath with 40 naked middle-aged woman inside. But that’s not all. I also plan on filming that bubble bath and giving the footage away for free … online …

So ask yourself not what you can do for Andrew, but what andrew can do for you … booyah!

please click and enjoy the following 3 links. and make sure you log on and then vote. And if I hear you voted for one of the other f–s I’ll kill you … dead.

Check out Andrew’s campaign, see for yourself.

vote here if Andrew got you stoked.

Premature Jibulation this weekend Dec. 13th - MA, BC, OH and CA

Some Rome SDS Premature Jibulation will be going down this weekend at Nashoba Valley in Massachusetts, Mount Seymour in BC, Mad River in OH and Snow Valley in CA.  Premature Jibulation is an open jib event to all snowboarders.  The good times will be kicking off at 11, so be sure to be there early and sign up.

For any questions email ridercouncil@romesnowboards.com

The North Face Snow Report Gives iPhone Users Free Weather Updates New iPhone Application Provides Detailed Weather Reports from Ski Resorts Across the Globe at No Cost SAN LEANDRO, CA, December 9, 2008 – The North Face, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, and Apple have launched a [...]

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TEN is a snowboard ski freeride documentary, and an insight into the world of freeride through the lens of cameraman Guido Perrini.

Shot mostly on Super 16mm the Film features some of the worlds best freeriders, including Xavier De Le Rue, Jeremy Jones, Jonas Emery and Geraldine Fasnacht.

Filmed in locations from Alaska to Chile, Canada and Russia, the film delves into the passion, joys and dangers that are an everyday part of freeriding. From incredible lines to insane avalanches the film looks at the behind the scenes in the world of freeride film making.

The Movie is available for Free at www.guidoperrini.com

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Want to learn more trick that will impress the babes? Check out the full version of 20 Tricks VOL.2
BUY 20 TRICKS VOL. 2 on iTunes HERE!

BUY FULL DVD VERSION HERE with FREE Transworld Snowboarding Subscription!

Brighton, UT (December 8, 2008) - Brighton Resort announces their 6th
annual Quad Wednesdays.  For the next two Wednesdays in December,
skiers and snowboarders can purchase an area day pass for just $15.00
when they bring a specific items for The Road Home Homeless Shelter,
and The Utah Food Bank.

December 10- The Road Home Homeless Shelter- bring a new blanket, hat
or gloves.
December 17- The Utah Food Bank- bring one full grocery bag of
non-perishable food.

Help Brighton make a difference in the lives of those in need this
holiday season.

For updated information please contact Dani Torp, Marketing and PR,
801 532-4731 ext 268, dani@brightonresort.com or visit
www.brightonresort.com

booob

Big Sky Is Open and It’s Dumping

Now’s the time to go check out Montana

Big Sky is offering, exclusive to Transworld on-line readers a Huntley Lodge rate of $168 per night for the dates of December 11 to December 26.  This is significant savings, particularly on the later end of that date spectrum.

On top of that, for each person booked, Transworld readers will qualify for two free lift tickets for each reservation booked.

To qualify, readers can call 1-800-548-4486 and they must mention Transworld Deal.

Visit www.bigskyresort.com for more details and a full-snow report.

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Get the Flash Player to see this player. Lots of motivation but nothing came together.

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hell ridagens laughing on the powder dragons tail up @ baker

hell ride @ baker riding the powder dragons tail

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A sweet Mikkel Bang Video from our friends at Gravis

Magellan Bike and Ski Repair
105 North Dearborn Street
Maquoketa, Iowa 52060-2424
563-652-6343
http://magellanbikeandskirepair.com


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The Less I Have The More I Gain

Words and Photos by Mike Ranquet

If necessity is the mother of all invention then holding an idea in contempt before consideration is the dead-beat dad and progression becomes a proverbial Dodo bird.  The idea of riding without highbacks draws such an overwhelmingly, unwavering rejection that I see it as a compliment.  Trying something pales in comparison to the strides taken in order to avoid the inevitable.

When I started doing switch runs in contests, no one saw the logic, including the judges, as I literally wasn’t scored.  Furthermore most of my contemporaries saw no point either, so I find it amusing that I get the same reaction now as I did then (verbatim); “you can’t ride like that.”

In the 80’s boards were wooden (sometimes drywall), edgeless, had ropes tied to the nose and we rode in socks with metal skags (whatever the fuck those are); so any support was welcomed.  Unlike the west coast; Europe, Japan and the US east coast had been predominately ski influenced (into the mid 90’s).  Predicated on the likelihood that the competitive forum would be racing (like skiing), the wide acceptance of the highback and stiffening of boots is put in perspective.

The lame-duck two-piece ski boot/binding design has remained unchanged (essentially), representing the best we can offer since 1986.  The design factors of forward lean, stiffness and rigidity are taken from ski boots; which in and of itself is a testament to the importance of drawing influence from skating and surfing (wake boarders figured it out), not skiing. Let’s not forget; until the fish shape opened the doors to off center, directional boards, eventually leading the way to rockered bases; skiing also blessed us with camber.

In skating and surfing, maximum control is achieved by minimization of what’s between your foot and your board.  Just as TV and junk food prevent people from being in touch with nature; the highback prevents riders from being in touch with their board.  The loss of progression is put into perspective when you realize how much our mobility and balance have not only compromised our ability to manipulate a snowboard but remain untapped.

Before you convince yourself that you can’t turn on a heel edge without highbacks ask yourself how do surfers & skaters do it?  They use their body to lean into the turn; without boots and in the case of surfing the boards are 18” wide, they’re working against a current and they’re barefoot (savages).  Snowboarders can’t absorb kinks on rails because their ankles are locked; whereas skaters absorb kinks with their ankles.  To allow this progress inhibiting, ski boot influenced piece of plastic to dictate every aspect of riding is embarrassing (I think).

Heels withstand weight and ankles are the pivoting point of balance; thus the use of highbacks cuts off the ability to balance and distribute ones weight.  Theoretically your toes need support before your heels would.  I’m sure someone is developing a halo like structure to ensure you don’t have to try at all.
The overdesigned, forward-leaning snowboard boot already does the high backs job for them. Boots ensure an unprecedented amount of ankle immobility; the stiffening support to the degree of non-movement is where it stands today.  Riding with highbacks is comparable to limping years after an injury; your body works around the limp and doesn’t truly recover.

The marketability and overdesign of the highback is matched only by there uselessness, in short; highbacks are archaic, expired training wheels that are rolling the sport into an evolutionary cul-de-sac.
PS: Using lowbacks ‘back in the day’ has as much validity as using step-in (shit) bindings; they both inhibit the flexing of the ankle.

Standing up
You wouldn’t ever think of it, as it’s never been an option; it’s so nice to strap-in, stand-up and go without sitting or crouching.  No need to dig a strap in pit when in the backcountry and easy toe to heel edge hops (visa versa) when compromised by steep conditions.  I sacrificed so much comfort and stability over the years in order to let a 6” piece of plastic dictate how I much I could control my board.  Every movement you make is predicated on the highback; the false sense of stability (via burning your quads) is of no advantage to the rider.

Turning
The feeling of digging in your heels so deep with all your weight then releasing the energy, rather than absorbing it, allow for more powerful, tighter turns than thought possible.  Over-rotating heel turns and allowing the tail to dig in and the board to whip itself back to forward.  Also you can absolutely destroy frontside lips, bashing the shit out of anything with all your weight on your heels.

Traversing
When forced to traverse on the heels, even a caveman will learn to ride switch.  Traversing burns your quads because you’re squatting, flexing the ankles (like on the toe edge) allow a higher traverse sans the pain associated with heel traverses.

Mind & Body
The natural flow or chakras (look it up dummy) of ones body is skewed; ankles locked at 90° kink the body (ankles, knees, hips).  The highback doesn’t allow the energy to be distributed throughout your body while on the heel edge.  When applying pressure to the heel edge, most of your energy is apportioned to holding the squat position.  Essentially you’re applying what energy is leftover after burning your quad muscles.  The pain one feels after riding has way more to do with squatting all day than it does with riding.  The psychological dependence on highbacks is strong, but the physical is nil.

Transitions
Halfpipe runs are predominantly ridden on the toe edge, as it’s easier to generate speed due to the flexing of the ankle when riding up the wall.  Ever notice on quarter pipes and heel edge walls that riders are locked? The highback inhibits the rider from pumping the wall (hell edge) or springing off the lip; instead riders float off the lip (not pop) as they run a flat base on heel edge walls.  Take Danny Way; he goes just as high as the best snowboarders with half the speed (after landing a back flip) because he pumps the transition then pops off the lip, snowboarders have only momentum.

Landing
In the air, your ankles want to flex (slightly) to keep balance; highbacks inhibit the natural balance resulting in snowboarder’s “opening up” before landing.  Staying tight by minor ankle adjustments is how skateboarders do it.  On frontside walls, instead of having to be over your board, you can push the board in front of you (stalefish, lien-crooked cop).  Then your feet can adjust for the transition easier when your board in front you; like a proper FS Ollie when skating   It also literally answers the age-old question of why straight airs are so hard.

February 2004

I rode a snow-skate (RIP) once at Snoqualmie Pass; Mike Olsen let me take a run on his.  First thing I noticed was that I cold push my back leg out on a heel turns.  It made me wonder, as my balance wasn’t compromised why snowboards even had highbacks.

January 2005

I needed to commit myself to the concept, so I clipped my highbacks off with shears and strapped in.  I realized that if I can skate 20’ (coffee in hand) to chair 7 without falling, then I’ve proven that I’m able to ride without highbacks.  The very first thing I noticed is that I didn’t notice anything at all; no really…  I can’t stress it enough, nothing, zip, nada.

December 2007- April 2008

This is when it evolved from shits & giggles to being an absolute benefit to snowboarding.  Reason being; I rode everyday and was able to utilize this factor to change the way I stand on, turn, jump and land a snowboard.

Ranquet’s blogging to...ranquet.transworld.net

Airhole Facemasks

The Pandana print is the least-raw option available from Airhole. Upgrade to the Face Off mask if you dare.
$29.95

airhole.ca

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Add Comment posted 12/5/2008 5:00:47 PM |

Officials at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort have announced the area open for skiing and riding this Saturday, December 6th and Sunday December 7th, from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

“It is still early in the season with limited terrain on Chair #1 and the Liberator Express.  Three trails covering 45 acres and 2,250 vertical feet are scheduled for the weekend” said Jerri Barkley, Director of Sales and Marketing.  “The snowmaking team has really done the heavy lifting to get the area open.  They have not missed an hour of production time since November 1st.”

Mission Ridge plans to resume operations on Friday, December 12th, weather permitting.

For the latest updates and slope conditions, visit www.missionridge.com.

About Mission Ridge Area
The Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort, located about 12 miles from the Central Washington community of Wenatchee, is open each December through April. Operation of the winter ski area is a partnership between the Wenatchee National Forest, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Mission Ridge Ski Area. More information is available at www.missionridge.com.

MIGHTY MIDWEST SNOWBOARD CAMP TOUR 2008/2009 The most fun you’ve ever had! Pat Milbery, Erich Dummer and a crew of their friends who call the Midwest home are coming back to spread the love, personality and passion that drives the snowboarding community today.  This three stop tour streaks the Midwest and brings the style, attitude and fun [...]

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December art happenings of Timothy Karpinski - North East Portland, Oregon

“Puddletown” at Compound Gallery, Portland

A group exhibition featuring artists view on rain.
Opening Reception: Thursday December 4th from 6-9 pm
Show Dates: Dec. 4th 2008 - Dec. 30th 2008
107 NW 5th
Portland, OR 97209
www.togethergallery.com

“Looking Glass” at Art Basel in Miami, Florida

A group exhibition of Thinkspace Gallery represented artists.
Gen Art Vanguard New Contemorary Art Fair
Charcoal Studios in the Wynwood Arts District
2135 NW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
Runs December 4th - December 7th
www.togethergallery.com, www.thinkspacegallery.com
www.genart.org/event.view.htm?itemid=2353

“Family Quilt” at Together Gallery, Portland

Our one year party. Over 50 artists.
Opening Reception: Friday November 29th from 6-12 pm
Show Dates: Nov. 29th 2008 - Jan. 4th 2009
www.togethergallery.com

Stay warm:)
pinski
timothykarpinski.com
tim@togethergallery.com

For a full interview with Tim visit artattack.transworld.net

Ollie Pop Partners with Protect Our Winters For Charity Poker Tournament

CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA and BOULDER, COLORADO, - December 2, 2008 – Affectionate Brands announced today that Ollie Pop Bubble Gum will be sponsoring a No Limit Texas Hold ’em poker tournament to benefit Protect Our Winters, a non-profit organization dedicated to reversing the global warming crisis. The tournament is to take place on the evening of January 27, 2009 at the new Poker Lounge located inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The event coincides with the first day of the final Snowsports Industry Association show in Las Vegas.

“We are thrilled to have Ollie Pop and the Hard Rock Hotel step up and create an event to bring awareness to our efforts,“ says Jeremy Jones, founder of Protect Our Winters. “The idea of bringing our industry together for a night of fun, chance, and most importantly, education on what is going on with global warming and what we can do to help is great.”

The tournament is open to the public with the recommended buy-in of $150 for those purchasing in advance; where at least 50% of the pot will go to POW.  The tournament will include re-buys and a raffle.  Each entrant will receive a gift bag and vie for planned prizes that include a Jeremy Jones product package, weekend mountain retreats, resort passes, and many more include a championship bracelet for the winner. The seats for the tournament are limited and the event will include industry folks, friends and celebrities.

Sponsorship opportunities for tables, prizes and gift bags are available.  For more information on tournament entry, sponsorship, or POW, please visit www.OlliePopCharityPoker.com or contact Romey Thornton at 760-431-2767.

About Protect Our Winters.  Protect Our Winters (POW) is a tax exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to reversing the global warming crisis.  POW directs 100% of the contributions it receives towards educational initiatives and renewable energy projects. For additional information please visit www.ProtectOurWinters.org

Cold Temps and Frosty Beverages at the 2nd Annual Backyard Bang

PORTLAND, ORE. (Nov. 24, 2008)–  Against all odds the skies were cloudy and rain-free Saturday November 22nd in Downtown Portland, Oregon for the 2nd annual Backyard Bang.  Am riders from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond competed for cash and prizes on a super clean rail set up fabricated by Seattle based Snowboy Productions

Josh Dirsken, Tim Windell, Jesse Burtner and Nick Dirks were on hand to judge the field of riders.  VIP’s mingled in the Art Institute Lounge, overlooking the rail set up and the crowd, enjoying free beer and catered snacks.

First place went out to Austin Sweetin and Megan Ginter for style, consistency and tech tricks.  Tyler Verrigan nailed the Best Trick award with a backside 180 to switch nose press.  He’s one to watch, for sure. Portland local, Jonny Burger came in second, riding for US Outdoor Store and third place went to Vermont madman and Salomon team rider, Sawyer Deen.

The ladies held their own. Christina Curry took second place with Art Institute student Celeste Rhodes coming in third.

Bobby Meeks, Darryl Mathes, Sara Philips, and other Portland shreds were on hand to eat Cobra Dogs and catch the action from these hungry up and comers.

Thanks to all the sponsors for their support including Salomon Snowboards, Art Institute of Portland, US Outdoors Store, Bonfire, Skullcandy, Scion, Paul Mitchell, 94.7, The Portland Mercury and Mt. Hood Meadows.

Check out more pics online at www.salomonsnowboard.com or find us on Facebook or MySpace.

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BUY FULL DVD VERSION HERE with FREE Transworld Snowboarding Subscription!

Get the Flash Player to see this player. See what freestyle skiing phenomenon Sarah Burke was up to last year in between her busy contest schedule. From powering off cliffs in heavy snow to throwing 1080s, Sarah is a sight to be seen! www.roxy.com

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You want more? Watch these!

Will Lavigne
LNP Teaser
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John Foy Teaser
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Marius Otterstad Teaser

20 Years Of Mack Dawg Productions

A Legacy Of Influence

By Jesse Huffman 

“Decade was monumental. To call a video Double Decade is a bold title—it better be bolts.”—JP Walker

Ten years ago, snowboarding was still ragged around the edges, the limits of the possible broken down and redefined each season by the likes of Peter Line’s backside rodeos or Kevin Jones’ dizzying rotations. Decade fell square into this era as a milestone in progression, featuring a new guard of soon-to-be legends like Devun Walsh and JP Walker going past simply inventing new tricks to stomping them, consistently, with style, and on terrain that would find your average pro throwing a method, at best. Decade was the stamp of ten years of influence by Mike McEntire’s Mack Dawg Productions on snowboarding’s history, encompassing some of the heaviest sessions and showcasing the best riders pushing themselves and our sport to new limits.

That was 1998. Fast-forward ten crazy years—the jib revival fully ensconced, snowmobiles providing unparalleled access to backcountry terrain, and the level of rider talent at an all-time high, and MDP is at the apex of influence with its final classic—Double Decade.

Stocked with an all-star cast of today’s best riders, including Ettala, Mathes, Wiig, and Oksanen, DD also features full parts from several Decade alums—Walsh, Jones, Walker, and Yli-Luoma. Filmed in supernaturally crisp HD by MDP Director Brad Kremer, DD has everything in place to be the movie that freaks out the next generation of rippers, just as Decade did ten years ago.

The Legacy

The film company that started out in 1988 as Mike McEntire, traveling out of his car, scraping money for his next reel of film, has become Mack Dawg Productions as we know it today. As of 2008, MDP has now shot over 1,250 hours of footage. He has produced 25 films, and Double Decade is evidence that McEntire, Kremer, and the Mack Dawg Productions Company have tapped more than just a fountain of constant enthusiasm—they’ve created a living legacy of snowboard history and progression.�

Transworld Senior Photographer Andy Wright has been shooting stills for MDP since Decade. An early-90s pro himself, he’s seen the impact that all those MDP films have had. “In the early days, there was nothing that compared to Mack Dawg movies,” says Wright.�“They influenced a generation who took it to the next level and are now inspiring the next generation to do the same. Mike McEntire has been in it for over twenty years, and most of those years were long before there was any kind of money or mainstream appeal—without his vision I really don’t think snowboarding would be what it is today.”       �

Case in point, current MDP rider Darrell Mathes talks about the film that got him stoked on going snowboarding: “I remember the first Decade—how much of an influence it had on my life, and how it gave me the passion to snowboard. So with this project, I put more pride and hard work into making Double Decade, hoping the new wave of kids will feel the same way as I did and be inspired.”

JP Walker grew up watching MDP originals like The Hard, The Hungry, And The Homeless. As one of the key riders in Decade, he says that filming the follow-up was a strange experience in influence coming around full circle. “When Decade first came out I was tripping on Dawger,” says Walker. “I was just thinking, ‘Man this guy’s been making snowboard videos for ten years!’ Now all of a sudden, I’m that dude I was tripping on … ”

Progression: Part 1

While filming the original Decade, McEntire predicted that the level of riding would become “ridiculous” in the next ten years. “And now it is,” he continues. “The tech and the scale of things are really, really ridiculous.” Seth Huot summarizes the change between Decade and its follow-up: “Drop-in ramps, sleds, and helis.” Add to that quicker, more-reliable jibbing, easier and further access into the backcountry, and flights to the steepest mountains in the world.

Now 1080s are the new 360, back lips are the new boardslide, and spinning off cliffs into powder, backward, is average. MDP has always focused on the most progressive shredding, and Double Decade is no different—the roster is stacked with riders who exemplify just how far things have come from the neon-spangled beginnings of modern-day snowboarding. And if you look close, the evolution of the movies themselves are woven right into that trajectory, from crusty resort outcasts to today’s flash and mainstream appeal.

“In the early days of snowboard films,” explains MDP Director Brad Kremer, “just about anything the riders did was progressive because it was so new. To me, the movies were more about the lifestyle and exploration. That was the beauty of the New Kids On the Twock era—they had a lot of feeling and emotion.”

The Decade years documented the warp-speed velocity of snowboard evolution—tricks being invented left and right, riders taking their boards to limits no one had ever seen before. “Videos changed from being about the lifestyle to focusing on the progression,” says Kremer.�“They became very fast paced, and a lot of the creativity on the production side was put in the back seat because all we cared about was the shot, shot, shot.”

Since then, Kremer observes, there has been a second resurgence of innovation, in the films themselves. “Because the sport is not progressing at the lightning pace it used to, you see a lot more people exploring the story they can tell with a snowboard film. It’s almost like we have come full circle back to the focusing on the creativity and production of snowboard films.”

Not to say that snowboarding has leveled off these days. “When a double-pump frontside air off a bump could make the cut,” adds Kremer, “you didn’t need to worry about getting up at 5:00 a.m.—but when people expect you to do a perfect switch back nine over an 80-foot gap into powder, you might want to be sober and get a good night’s sleep.”

Progression: Part 2

Riding has progressed and so has filming—the latest change being the quest to track down new terrain, be it an undiscovered rail, a perfect wallride, or a new backcountry zone. Kremer was hired on in 2003 as MDP’s new director in the middle of this shift toward fresh locations. Formerly the director for Kingpin Productions, Kremer hoped to liven up what he saw as an overly serious film company, capitalizing on MDP’s high production quality while pushing for new angles, edits, and filming styles.

Double Decade marks a major production shift—the second year since Kremer shelved the 16mm cameras in favor of HD. The decision to switch formats came during 2006/07, while the company was gearing up to film for Picture This, a season that would prove to be the worst snow-wise of almost any on record.

“Luckily for us we had a plan to try some new production techniques,” recalls Kremer. “We wanted to experiment with shooting HD and getting a more cinematic feel to the movie, so when the snow didn’t happen the way we were used to, we just dove deeper into our plans for the filming side of things.” The results speak for themselves: moving dollies, heli-mounted cameras, night powder and pipe missions—what Kremer says were “some of the absolute hardest shoots I have ever done.” He continues, “And as much as I wish we’d had a better snow year to complement Picture This, it did give us an excuse to go all out and learn what was actually possible.”

The effect was immediate—a smoother, cleaner, eerily vivid picture. But was something lost in the digital translation? The riders don’t think so.

“I do miss the old videos,” says Seth Huot, “but you can’t keep doing the same thing over and over, everything has to progress or it gets stale. It’s funny, the snowboarding pushes the production and vice versa—I’ll see something that wouldn’t even be a shot a couple years ago, but since the production has changed, things are looked at differently and it could end up being amazing for the movie.”

Walsh is more outspoken: “I really like the new look and think it brings more personality to snowboard films. Grunge is dead!”

Double Down

With the cameras dialed, fresh faces and returning veterans, the MDP crew set out to film a “classic” MDP film, in the vein of the first Decade— “A bit updated and polished, of course,” says Kremer, “but classic nonetheless.” An early-season Utah jib session with Jones, Walker, Mathes and Hout was a standout for McEntire and Kremer, while Lauri Heiskari, Iikka Bäckström, and Wiig all mention a few heavy Whistler backcountry days with Walsh, Ettala, and Walker. For Wright, the banger was in Alaska, with Walsh’s monstrous backside 180 over a rock gap—the Transworld September cover shot.

Mixed in with all this, McEntire personally edited some historical pieces. “It shows the progression of riding through the years,” says McEntire, “bringing back a lot of killer memories for the older shredders and at the same time teaching the new shredders about the roots of the sport.”

As for some salty punk-rock soundtrack, that’s probably not going to happen. “That was ten years ago,” says Eero Ettala. “I am sure kids wanna hear some electro pop these days.”

Keep It Lit Up

With Double Decade, MDP shows no signs of slowing down. The company has built and maintained more momentum than any other outfit, but even McEntire says, “I actually did not think it would last this long.”

So what’s kept them in the game? For Kremer, it’s constant pursuit of perfection. “It’s simple: I want to make the best snowboard film ever produced. Period. One day I will get there. But it’s the journey and the experience that keeps it exciting.” McEntire breaks it down to the craft of pushing each project further and further: “Filmmaking is an art. Art is fun. Fun is inspiring.” And what an experience that’s been. As Walker notes, “Think about how many bangers Dawger has witnessed go down with his own eyes over the last twenty.” But brace yourself, kiddos—next season there ain’t going to be another part-for-part Mack Dawg shred video breakdown.�

In August 2008, McEntire announced that he’s going to put aside the annual snowboard movie formula in order to focus on longer-term and more in-depth projects. Peter Line will be the first subject in a series of documentary films, along with a history of snowboarding feature, commercials, and 3-D pieces. It’s a shift McEntire has wanted to make for a while, but couldn’t while the season-to-season snowboard movie production machine was still in place.

McEntire doesn’t rule out another rider-part film sometime in the future, but for now he’s moving on and glad to have put out the best follow-up shred movie to date—Double Decade: all-time shredding and a fitting cap for the twenty-year reign of Mack Dawg Productions.

BURTON LADIES SHOPPING NIGHT:

Burton Snowboards is opening its door THIS Thursday night- for the ladies only!
This season’s ladies night will be a true shopping night geared to get your kit refreshed, your threads dialed,and feast your brain on tricks of the trade for the new EST binding system.

Brings friends, and get stoked to meet new ones, this night is the right way to kick off the new winter season NYC style.

BURTON LADIES SHOPPING NIGHT:

WHEN:
Thursday December 4th 2008
6PM – 8PM

THE DEAL:
The night will be action packed with shots to win free stuff, or score a rad discount on every from outerwear to a cut back on a full set up.
EST binding demo’s and how to’s clinics will be going down all night
First 100 ladies through the door will score sweet gift bags, and if you spend $50 or more your first Christmas present to yourself will be on Burton
The action continues with free snacks, giveaways, and a raffle to win a BRAND NEW 2009 Snowboard!

WHAT TO DO:
RSVP TO:  RSVP@burton.com

WHERE TO SHOW UP:
BURTON SNOWBOARDS
106 Spring St (at Mercer) NY, NY 10012

PHONE:
212.956.8070

WEB:
www.store.burton.com (here)

Are you 16 or younger? Do you consistently kill it on the hill? If you answered, “yes” to these questions, then we have something for you. The 2008-2009 Little SlammerSeries at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire! Here’s the deal. We have two categories- the Big Slam and the Little Slam. First off, the Little Slam is totally free and open to all ages 16 and under. The Little Slam is designed as a great way to get into competition and not to mention a great way to win some rad product. The weekly winners will receive everything from Coal hats to DVD’S. After all is said and done the overall point winner from the 3 events will win a brand new snowboard from Flow snowboards.

The main event however will be the Big Slam. Registration will be $5 and will be open to all. Just like the Little Slam the weekly winners will walk away with even better prizes from goggles to products from Skullcandy, but the real kicker is the overall winner. At the end of the series when all the points are calculated, the overall winner will receive a one-year sponsorship from Waterville Valley for the 2009-2010 season. This will include a free season pass, a bio on snowboardwaterville.com, free entry into all 2009-2010 WV events plus all the insider gear like sweatshirts, t-shirts, and stickers.

Series dates:
Sunday 12/7/2008
Monday 12/29/2008
Finals on Sunday 1/25/2009.

Registration for all 3 events will be from 8am-10am in the Events Yurt.

Check out some video from last year’s series here.

Capix Ego in glossy white limited edition
Minimal skate style and enough vents to keep you cool when the session heats up. Come spring or skate time, you can strip this down to a shell by taking off the goggle strap, liner, and ear pads making for one versatile package.
$70, capixco.com

Bern Watts Hard Hat in matte gray
It’s so cozy inside this rig you don’t even need to worry about wearing a beanie underneath. Bern’s removable ear-pad inserts have the feel of grandma’s hand-knit goodness, and they can pump out some tunes if you’re into it. A furry plaid one is included and you can swing by your local shop for more.
$100, bernunlimited.com