Travis Rice and Absinthe Films

The backcountry legend still has it; this month he managed to land a cover for Transworld's 200th issue! Check out the picture, it's pretty damn intense!

As most of you know, Travis has been a pioneer in powder and big jump riding; he was probably the first to land a double rodeo 1080 in the backcountry and on Chad's Gap no less. This part is from "Pop" by Absinthe back in 2004.

A few years later, Travis went back to Absinthe for "More." This is from 2006; this was the first DVD I bought with him in it and it blew my mind.

After the success of "That's It, That's All" Travis filmed with Absinthe again in their 2009 production "Neverland." I've always loved Absinthe; Justin Hostynek has a very artistic vision for all of his movies.

Park City, Opening Day 2010!

Park City is a great place; I spend four days there last year and it was amazing! They've got great powder, some good backcountry access, and three incredibly fun terrain parks! Here's a short clip of Aaron Biittner, Stevie Bell, Zak Hale, Sage Kotsenburg, Blaze Kotsenburg, and Griffin Seibert ripping it up there a week or so ago. I like Sage's helmet camera shots in this vid; it's cool to watch snowboarding in the perspective of such a good snowboarder (I think he has Cab 1440s under his belt).

I hope I get there chance to go there again soon! If you have a chance, definitely go!

Scotty Lago Killing It!

He doesn't just ride half-pipe, he's an incredibly well-rounded rider! Here's a video of him shredding it up in Grenade's 2008 flick "The Boned Age." The last shot is probably the worst wipe-out I've ever seen...his board actually comes off!

Here's another video with some of his footy in Transworld's flick from last year "Get Real."

Last but not least, Scotty Lago's full part from Flow's "Witness the Sickness." The double kicker line in this vid is nuts and goes to show Lago can throw down anywhere, anytime. An all around great part for sure. The last gap is absolutely mind-boggling, make sure you don't miss it. It goes to show in order to be a pro in this business, you have to scare yourself on a daily basis.

KBR's Full Movie "Homework"

These European kids put together a pretty good production this year. This video has some great rail riding; just wait for Toni Kerkelä part at the end. He gives Jed Anderson, Ethan Deiss, and Ryan Paul a run for their money.

"F IT" Montage and Bonus Footage

This first clip is of Austen Sweetin, Cam Pierce, Niko Cioffi, and Alek Oestreng shredding it up at Cranmore in New Hampshire. The rooftop gap is one of the more intense things I've ever seen.

This second clip is from Camp of Champions at Whistler Resort in British Columbia. Unfortunately Andreas Wiig and Pat Moore got injured this year so this was one of their few chances to actually get some footage. Also featuring Nic Sauve and Alek Oestreng.

Here's some more bonus footage taken at Seven Springs in Pennsylvania. Spring riding is my favorite, I definitely love these kinds of edits. Featuring Alek Oestreng, Stevie Bell, Niko Cioffi, and Austen Sweetin.

This last one if of Forum's trip to Finland. This is the best clip; it's got a ton of second angles of the rail shots from the movie, plus a bunch of pretty good extras as well. Featuring Nic Sauve, Niko Cioffi, and Cameron Pierce. Enjoy!

More Snowflex Clips!

This first video is of native Virginia rider Cody Boan riding at the Liberty Snowflex Center in Lynchburg. He currently rides for Arbor Snowboards and shows up for many of the contests in the area. The switch back 900 he pulls in this video is probably the best trick I've seen there.

Here's another edit of pros Scott Stevens, Chris Beresford, and Yale Cousino shredding it up as well.

If you haven't tried Snowflex, I highly suggest it. Although it'll never match real snow and you have to dumb down you're carving a bit, it's great practice and is the closest snowboard simulation you'll find around.

Scot Brown Blowing Up!

Lucas Magoon fans, I have a new rail rider for you to idolize. He managed to get to opener for two legit films this year, "Now You Know" by Sandbox and "Witness the Sickness" by Flow Snowboards. Here's a clip of him nailing a trick on one of the biggest wooden rails I have ever seen.

This is his part from "Witness the Sickness," Flow's flick this year. This is kid is just unreal on rails; he makes everything look so damn easy.


Also featuring riding from Flow riders Austin Young, Ian Thorley, and Kade Madsen.

Mammoth Opening Day Clip!

An awesome clip I just found of some pros throwing down at Mammoth on Opening Day. I can't wait until my local mountain is open for business!

Riders include Dylan Alito, Mason Aguirre, Shayne Pospisil, Lonnie Kauk, Luke and Jack Mitrani, Tyler Flanagan, Forest Bailey, Mitch Richmond, Broc Crouch, Judd Henkes, Cornell Agee, Eddie Wall, Zak Hale, and Johnny Lazzereschi.

Tyler Flanagan Montage

I don't understand how kids so young can be this good. He's only 16 yet he competed in the X-Games last year. Here's a short clip of him winning slopestyle at the Breckenridge stop of the Dew Tour

32, one of his sponsors, has been releasing some good videos of him these last few years. This one is of him riding Mammoth last year...

and another of him riding at June Mountain...

and this last one is of him riding at Mammoth opening week. Apparently he managed to bag the ender for Mammoth's park video coming out soon. A solid accomplishment for sure.

Video Review: "Now You Know"

What do I look for in a snowboard video? Instead of going through all of the unnecessary nitpicky details, I'll just say the best ones are those which remind me why I love snowboarding. It's not just the riding and the tricks; it's the entire experience. It's the people you meet, having fun with friends, the random shenanigans, the places you get to travel, and the the natural beauty of the sport. Sandbox's 2010 flick is one of my favorites this year for all of those reasons. First of all, the riding level is incredible; all of Canada's best riders are featured in this film and they all throw down! Scot Brown has an amazing opening part; he's so fluid on his board he might as well ride rails with his hands in his pockets. I hadn't heard of him until this year but regardless I'm impressed. This is also his second opener of the year, in addition to Flow's "Witness the Sickness." You also get to see Andrew Geeves shred the DC Mountain Lab which is probably to coolest terrain park ever built! If you haven't heard of it, I suggest checking out it because it will blow your mind! I'll also give a shout-out to Ryan Hall, Steve Cartwright, and Cory Gallon for super stylish urban riding as well. The most impressive section of the movie however would be the monster kicker session filmed by two helicopters! There's nothing more surreal than seeing Seb Toots and Mark McMorris throw down a double cork 1260s with snow capped peaks in the background. Basically "Now You Know" is an old school snowboard movie on par with today's incredible level of progression. Helicopter shots, trips to Japan for amazing powder, trees lines, double corks, and some of the biggest backcountry gaps I have ever seen are in this film. "Now You Know" is entertaining not only for its snowboarding, but also as a film. It has great music, great filler, and great editing.  For only $4.99 too it is such a steal; I highly suggest downloading it on iTunes, you will not be disappointed.  Click the picture below for a link.

John Jackson Montage

John has been slaying it for years now but since joining the Forum team, he has really started to blow up. You'd be hard pressed to find a better country rider than him; he goes big with insane tricks. Here's his part in Standard Film's White Balance from back in 2004. I thought it was really cool seeing him ride rails again, it's been a while!

Here's another one of his Standard parts.  This is from "Paradox" back in 2005.

In this video of John discusses his season and his part in last year's Forum video "Forever." It's impressive that he's gotten the ender for two years in a row now.

I somehow found a video of John's full part from "F IT" but unfortunately it was taken down. Here's some of his bonus footage though and some second angles on his tricks.

Erik Botner in "Turn On, Tune Out, Drop In"

Here's another section from Nitro's team movie "Turn On, Tune Out, Drop In." I have to say, I wasn't too familiar with Nitro's team before I saw this part and Marc Swoboda's but I'm pretty damn impressed.

Erik has got that effortless style I love, both in the street and in powder. I was also happy to see another trick over the Mount Baker road gap; pretty much any trick at that spot is insane!

Matt Belzile!

Matt is an insane shredder! I first saw his riding years ago in some Camp of Champions videos and since then he has been blowing up! Nowadays he rides for Eddie Grams and the rest of the Variety Pack crew. This first video is him riding in Alterna Films' 2009 flick "Knockout."

Last year he managed to bag the ender for "Not Bad" by Variety Pack. This is a solid part and really demonstrates his backcountry prowess.

Lastly we have his opener for part two of Variety Pack's film this year "All Plugged Up." He is quickly becoming one of my favorite riders; he's has a good variety of tricks and pulls them off with great style.

To download the whole Variety Pack feature for $5, including both "All Plugged Up" and "The Leak," visit http://www.varietyinyourlife.com/.

More Early Season Snowboarding in Utah!

Watching these edits just makes me want to move there even more. First we have some footage from Sean Black, Derek Dennison, and Cale Zima in Brighton. Even though their just hitting up some small park features, it still gets me excited for this season.

Next we have another Bone Zone edit. It's crazy how many well known riders show up just to ride this backwoods park. Looks like a great time!

In this edit we have Matt Piasecki, Ted Borland, Scotty Arnold, Alex Andrews, Jason Heckle, Scott Stevens, Brandon Hammid, Derek Dennison, Chris Grenier, Matty Mo, Jonas Carlson, Johnny Brady, Alex Sherman, Zak Hale, Justin Bennee, Parker Worthen, Blaze Kotsenburg, Parker Duke, Tim Ronan, Noah Lohr, Jayell White, Johnny Miller, and Dylan Thompson.

Video Review: "Bon Voyage"

When I was picking out which snowboard videos to buy this year, I will honestly say that "Bon Voyage" by Videograss was not my top pick.  I didn't have very high expectations for it; I bought it mainly because I wanted to see Jed Anderson's part.  However, I couldn't have been any more pleased with my choice.  Jed of course killed it; the part really shows how versatile a jibber he is.  He knows how to session a rail; he lands over ten tricks on one (definitely my favorite section of the video)!  But everyone else threw down too!  Mikey LeBlanc is of course up to his old shenanigans, just wait for the stair ollie at the end!  Alex Cantin also has a sick opener; he is inhumanly smooth on rails.  One of my favorite Salt Lake City shredders Chris Grenier has a banger part; he makes every trick look so easy (his backyard demolition shenanigans are pretty damn entertaining too).  Think Thank riders Johnny Miller and Gus Engle also have great parts.  Legends Darrell Mathes, Jon Kooley, and Jordan Mendenhall also kill it; especially Mendenhall.  I haven't seen him in a video since "Burning Bridges" and he definitely steps his game up.  His last trick is intense!  The editing was great as well; their filler had me laughing pretty hard and the intro artwork for each rider was really cool.  Definitely a suggested buy; it might not have the mind blowing progression like Standard but it's got some solid riders and great tricks.

Early Season Shredding in Utah!

Brighton Resort in Utah is officially open! Here's a short clip of their opening day by Videograss. Featuring Alex Andrews, Johnny Miller, Ben Bilocq, Dave Downing, Chris Brewster, Dylan Thompson, Jonas Carlson, Parker Duke, and Anton Gunnarsson.

A short clip of Zak Hale and Alex Andrews shredding the Bone Zone in Utah. Just some homies camping in the woods and snowboarding! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous.

"No Joke" by Nuu Life Cinema

Just watched this, it's a pretty sick video. I have to say, the McMorris brothers, Mark and Craig, are both pretty insane riders. It was also cool to see Matt Munn, maker of the YouTube snowboard series "Meat Magic" in this video as well. He's a good rider and deserves to be in this crew.

Also featuring the riding of Geoff Brown, Andrew Burns, Gordon Emery, Adam Chuntz, Kurtis Rothecker, Connor Copithorn, Lucas Ouellette, Robby Balharry, Tanner Davidson, Zach Stone, Jesmond Dubeau, Katie Hall-Leah, David Craig, John Swystun, Kyle Herperger, Dan Zimmerman, James Murphy, Garrett Kendel, Barrett Lucak, Joe Hills, Jason Gretzinger, and Jordan Phillips.

Ryan Paul (A.K.A. 86)

This kid is insane!  Definitely one of the best amateur boarders I have seen in a long time.  Last year he won the W.C.I. at Mammoth.  He even did a front flip onto a rail!

Here's a video of Ryan shredding it up at Big Bear last year.  Absinthe rider Cale Zima throws in a little commentary as well.

Lastly, I have his part in the Minnesota snowboard film "Poachers 10" by Bald E-Gal. This part is great! Click the picture for a link to a Transworld exclusive video.

Definitely look out for him in the future. The season has barely begun and he's already won the Downtown Throwdown in Seattle!

Video Review: "The Arena"

As a native of New York, I don't have many options in terms of backcountry terrain and powder.  It's called the "Ice Coast" for a reason.  When it has snows where I live, I always turn to urban riding.  Though some people don't like it, I think it is one of the most artistic aspects of the sport.  It's not just about the trick; it's about location, consequence, and environment.  When it comes to urban riding, Technine and the Finger on Da Trigger are always at the forefront.  The quality of riding in "The Arena" is fantastic; Jonah Owen, Derek Dennison, and especially Dylan Thompson have fantastic parts (check out his part on my blog if you haven't already).  I was definitely disappointed when I saw that Johnnie Paxson had hurt himself this year (they even show the fall that did it in the video) but despite this he manages to stomp some insane stunts.  Frankly, on top Derek Dennison's first jump (best of the entire video) I think Johnnie had the best  tricks in the entire video.  He managed to bag the ender for "Hard to Earn" last year and I think he may get it again next year if he doesn't hurt himself.  Even though the riding was good, the editing just couldn't keep up.  Frankly, MFM and F.O.D.T.'s films have always been a bit disappointing in that regard; I think Cole Taylor is good but for riding of that caliber, someone else could do a much better job.  The production effects were good but there was too much slow motion and filler (Dennison's part felt like it had only ten tricks).  In addition, you never get a feel for the crew dynamic which I think can be very interesting.  All in all, great riding but maybe not worth your buy.

Watch "Eurogap 3" by Pablo Films

I just watched this a few moments ago, it's damn good! This video has some of the top tier European riders including Eero Ettala, Fredu Sirvio, Niki Korpella, Joni Malmi, Hampus Mosesson, Heikki Sorsa, Markku Koski, Jussi Oksanen, and Iikka Backstrom. It's got sick riding as well as some funny extras. Those Europeans are so damn crazy! Click the picture below for a link to the video.

Some Next Level Halfpipe Runs and Manuvs!

First we have a clip Shaun White throwing down the Double McTwist 1260. Love him or hate him, he's still pretty damn good.

The second is from last year, when Kevin Pearce beat Shaun White at the European Open. As many of you know, he had a grisly halfpipe crash last year and suffered serious brain damage. However, he has made great strides and is on the way to a full recovery. Who knows how the Olympics would have turned out if he hadn't injured himself.

This last clip is probably the best halfpipe run I have ever seen! Danny Davis is my favorite halfpipe rider; he has great style and tricky grabs for his double corks. I like how he manages to throw a double rodeo into his line as well. Unfortunately Danny got into a drunk driving accident after winning this contest (The Mammoth Grand Prix) as well as Winter Dew Tour at Snowbasin and was unable to compete in the Olympic Halfpipe.

These three are in my opinion the most technical and well-rounded halfpipe riders. I hope this year I'll be able to see them all compete at once!

Nicolas Müller in "The B"

This is a clip from last year's Burton movie. Nicolas Müller is in my opinion one of the best powder riders out there; he has always been concerned more with style and flow than with progressive tricks. That being said, he still manages to land a double backflip in this vid. Enjoy!

"Paint It Red" by Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain's full length snowboard DVD is now online and free! I love Bear Mountain; they always have to must creative features and some really great snowboarders. I hope I have the opportunity to snowboard there someday. I've already seen a bunch of footage from this movie; it looks great! Enjoy!

The Liberty Snowflex Center!

I was actually in Lynchburg this afternoon riding there and it was a ton of fun!  There's definitely a learning curve so I took about five or six runs to get used to it.  Though it can never replace snow, I would kill to have one near me so I could ride all year.  After five or so months without snowboarding, it was just great a feeling to strap back into a board.  Check out this vid, it explains how the system works and also has some solid tricks thrown in there.

The 2010-2011 Season Is Here!

Although there isn't any snow where I am, snowboard season has begun out West! Here's a clip of Boreal's Opening Day...

and one for Loveland as well.

Words can't even describe how psyched I am for the season!

"House of 1817: The Movie"

The House of 1817's new movie is out and it's completely free! Check it out here!

Ethan Deiss is probably one of the craziest rail riders I have ever seen and I was not let down by his part. A few of his tricks, along with some of Jake Olson-Elm's even made it to the Transworld movie this year. Joe Sexton and Chris Bradshaw even make an appearance. Props go to Cory Beiersdorf for the ender though; he had a nasty part! The Midwest definitely has some talented boarders.

"In Color" and "Now You Know" on iTunes

Buying snowboard DVDs used to be such an expensive ordeal. But now it's so cheap! Thank god for iTunes!  Click the pictures below for iTunes links to" In Color" by Transworld Snowboarding and "Now You Know" by Sandbox.

Only $8.99 and $4.99 respectively!

Marc Swoboda in "Turn On, Tune Out, Drop In"

This part is straight hammers! I'd heard of this guy but hadn't seen a full part of his before; he's nasty! He's got some style too!

Downtown Throwdown 2010

The Downtown Throwdown is Seattle's annual rail jam, sponsored by Think Thank.  Even ESPN covered it!  The results were as follows:
1. Ryan Paul: $3,000
2. Scott Stevens: $2,000
3. Forest Bailey: $1,000
4. Jake Kuzyk: $750
5. Ted Borland: $500
Johnny Lazz also won best trick with his backside 360 tailpress, pretzel 180 out.  What a trick!

Also featuring Dylan Thompson, Chris Beresford, Nick Visconti, Ben Biloq, Brandon Reiss, Chris Brewster, Jonah Owen, Austen Sweetin, Jess Kimura, Sam Hulbert, Austin Hironaka, Ivan Marchinko, Andrew Brewer, Ben Bogart, and Yale Cousino.