The Clarion

Issue date: 1/14/09 Section: News

Media Credit: MCT CAMPUS PHOTOS When a weather report calls for snow, skiers and snowboarders can hardly wait to hit the slopes. Snow skiing and snowboarding are among some of the most popular wintertime recreation activities. But before the day's first ride on the lift, plenty of preparation must take place - in terms of both clothing and equipment.

The snowboarding industry hit Wisconsin, showing where the sport is, and where it is going in the future.

Jan. 5-7, Devils Head ski hill hosted a snowboard demonstration where the Midwest store sales representatives got to go and ride the new 2009/2010 snowboards, binding and gear. Also on display were new clothing lines, helmets, eyewear and accessories.

The representatives had on display all the new equipment and allowed the store representatives to ride the new gear that is not released yet, but will be in the next few years. Some key things changing in the industry is that freestyle boards are now taking on two different styles; one for rail riding and one for jumps. The new idea is that with rail riding, boarders want a very flexible board which will allow you to jib with more style. The idea for jumping snowboards is that you want a stiffer snowboard than previous snowboards have been designed. This is because with the advances in snowboarding, people must go much faster to go much bigger off of jumps. This design is only common in the higher-end boards though, the mid to low-priced boards are still designed with a common ground that combines jibbing and jumping, more of a cross between a freestyle and a free ride board.

There are also new designs coming out for bindings. Two very notable designs are the ones coming from Ride and one from K2. The new ride freestyle binding design offers a rubber mesh that covers the toe, rather than the traditional toe strap. This eliminates pressure points and allows a soft feel in the binding. The new K2 children's binding offers just one strap that covers the whole foot, similar to the Burton Jr. binding. This is a great option for children who are learning to ride and don't want to spend a lot of time messing with the bindings. This is also a cost reducer, which is usually a big element for parents with growing kids.

Notable in the helmet categories is the new Head helmets made with new technologies that require less material, hence making the helmets much lighter. The Head representative said that it is the lightest on the market, however the Smith representative said that they will be releasing a new one, which will be the lightest on the market. There is also Bern's new four-season helmet that allows you to wear it for snowboarding, skateboarding, kayaking or biking. This is a multiple impact helmet that you can use for any action sport.

One more major invention is the new carbon Burton snowboards, costing about $1,500. The new snowboard technologies coming out are helping to strengthen the industry as well as the sport. There are great new inventions to come, such as reversed camber and strong powder specific directional boards.

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