Sunday, February 27, 2011

Japow Tour (Craig & Hunter)

The Father and son duo killed it today.  With fresh snow from the previous day and the continued snowfall through out today...there was plenty of fresh lines to go around.  For first timers at Hakkoda these two where major troopers. Riding tight trees and navigating through blind white out conditions.  Nothing like riding blind down and powder face. So glad I got the chance to ride with you two!  I Had a blast with these guys.  Craig your a forsure a RAD DAD and I think Hunter has a new appreciation for good snow. POWDER!

 oh yeah and Hunter is 12 years old... shredding Powder... Yabai! 

In Hunter's words, "come on in this way"


Happy Crew!






Hunter, Craig and Mukai-san

Friday, February 25, 2011

Japow Tour (Collin)

Its always fun when I have a friend or client who is willing to Hike a bit to earn their turns.  Some peaks stand alone in the Hakkoda Mountain range and are really only accessible by hiking from bottom to top.  This was Collin's last day riding at Hakkoda and in Japan and he really earned these fresh turns.  It hadn't snow in almost 5 days and we did not see a single track all day.  The weather has been in a warm batch so there was diffidently some hot pow turns towards the bottom.

We came away with some great shots from the day...Thanks Collin for grab a few of me..
 Fly safe back to Germany!...see ya next year.

Yes, that is where we are going...




Collin riding the snow wave





Wednesday, February 23, 2011

A Burton Stellar Day!

I recently received a Burton Stellar and wow what dream ride in the Powder.  On this certain day at Hakkoda we where blessed with amazing weather and snow conditions. BLUE BIRD, no wind and fresh lines for days.  I can't remember or if ever riding a 165cm board, but this Stellar felt like race car jammin though the trees.  No drag, no slowing down in the flat spots. This snowboard is flat out fast in the Powder.

It handled great in the steeper lines, but a little sketchy in ice or variable conditions.  But thats no what this board is built for. Its for POWDER! I will be riding this board quite a bit in the coming months and years. Burton has really out done themselves by creating this Monster Powder Board. Not only does it ride like a dream but she sure is pretty.

Here is the quote from Burton:

"For those who dream of the prefect snowflakes and bottomless blower, we introduce the NEW Stellar. Our most premium powder stick ever-enlightenment will follow the lucky few who fin it.  S-Rocker, the Swallow Tail, and mellow 5mm taper combine for added float on those overhead days.  Add a rocket-propelled WFO base and ultra-light materials throughout, and this retro-futuristic ride is primed for the off-piste, no matter how deep ( or steep) it gets."

Here are some pic from the 1st day on the Stellar...Thanks to Nate and Collin for these Pictures.















Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Heavenly day at Hakkoda (Japow Tour)

Yesterday was an incredible day at Hakkoda. Insane weather and great crew to ride with.  It was the best weather I have experienced at Hakkoda this year.  Sunny, warm, no wind and plenty of Powder lines to go around.  I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story, but very fortunate to share this special day with good friends. Here are few shots as I will post some more scenic ones later of this day.  Thanks to Nate, Collin and Meghan for coming out.  Happy Birthday Collin!


Meghan, Collin,  Nate






Collin

Meghan

Collin

Guide

Nate

Gentemstick Niseko Showroom

Traveling is all about the experiences and the people you meet along the way.  The Gentemstick store in Niseko was a true highlight of the trip for me. Taro Tamai is the Director/ Snowsurfer of Gentemstick and he is living the dream of surfing, snowboarding and taking photos in Hokkaido and all over the world.  A true living Legend in the surf, snow community.  Gentemsticks are snowboards made by hand with love in Hokkaido for the snowsurfers.  Taro said if I get a Gentemstick, "it will change my life."  I am sure it would.  Taro has created something really special and pure that seems to get lost in the big business of snow/surf industry and it is what fuels our sport to begin with. Please support you local shops and Gentemstick!

So fortunate to meet you Taro...Hope to see in the water or Mountains in the future. 

 For more on Taro Tamai and Gentemstick check out the web below or on Facebook