Thursday, December 31, 2009

Okunakayama-Kogen Round 1

Welcome to old world Japan riding. Went down to a local resort just about an hour and half away called Okunakayama-Kogen. Takanori-san and Mukai-san picked me up at 7:00am and by 9:30am we where getting face shots and giving high fives.  Okunakayama is pretty small resort so NO Gondolas, NO high speed quads, just two man chairs that are probably from the early 70's.  I love these kind of resorts because, less people equals more powder for you and me.  Most of our day was spent lapping an upper powder zone which seemed to get better with each run the further we got off trail.  It was a bit tricky though as not all the  foliage has been filled in by the snow so we really had to weave in and out of the bamboo shouts.  Overall the most fun I have had riding in Japan so far. Thanks Taka and Mukai for taking me!  It will forsure be a local favorite for me in the coming years.  "Chooo- Yabai"

Friday, December 18, 2009

Day 1, Snowboarding in Japan, APPI

Day 1 in the books, APPI ski resort in Iwate Prefecture(岩手県). The first day of the season is always interesting because if you are a normal snowboard going person its been 6-8 months since one has seen or been on snow. The first few turns are a little off and the board feels a bit weird, but as soon as you can feel a little speed between you feet it all comes back.  Today was no different. New board...which by the way I fully back the Flying V, Hybrid rocker/camber combo on the Easy Livin. Its the Future forsure. Anyways, back on riding.  The Mountain was pretty good with a Gondola Ride that went to the top which lead way to a 5km course runs.  A couple of fairly steep sections and even a few "face shots" just off trail.  So stoked to be riding again.


Lunch.

Empty parking lot.

After lunch a ran into a couple of guys from a local shop in the town of Towada.
The shop is called "About" www.about-flc.com
If you live in and round Misawa please support this shop.  It is a true core speciality shop and is what keeps snowboarding true. These guys only carry the best product, Example: Burton Snowboards
And that goes for all snowboarders, please support your Local shops around the world.


The rest of the afternoon was spent mashing around the mountain with these two.
So much Fun!
 "Yabai!"

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Free Stickers!!!

Who doesn't like stickers? We'll they have arrived. Who wants free stickers?


Then click on this link--->  Boarder-san
 Send your:
Name
Address
City
State
Postal/Zip Code
Country
And how you found out about the site?

 Once you have received them, blast away and send pictures to Boarder-san of where you have posted the sticker. I will put them up on the Site as they pile in.  Rep them on your Boards or local spot. Happy posting and spread the good word.
Cheers!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Shibuya(渋谷) Livin

Last week I took a quick trip down to Tokyo. Got a chance to meet the rest of the crew at Burton Japan and spend a few days at winter sales meetings.  Some great new product coming out next season for Global and a few new things just for the Japanese customer. Stoked!  Wish I could say more, but I want to keep my job.  Over all a great trip and lots of new experiences.

The Shinkansen "bullet train"


Hotel View, Shibuya...yes that is the famous street corner that you always see in TV.


At Night..




The nice thing about the Shibuya area is that you can take one subway stop and have access to the Burton and Gravis Store. As well as the Burton Showroom and the Home Office for Burton Japan.  Its a one stop shopping and Sales meeting experience.

Walking to the Burton Tokyo Store. 
Burton Tokyo Store.

Gravis Tokyo Store.

Showroom

Skyline

Morning..


More to come as I am headed back to Tokyo later this week.