FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE… Contact: Travis Glazier - Marketing & Design Director
Email: travisglazier@portsmouthgaslight.com

The Portsmouth Gas Light Co. Teams Up With NH Surf Riders and Summer Sessions To Kick Off Beach Season.
On May 2nd the Portsmouth Gas Light Co., will be hosting a summer season opener. NH Surf Riders, a nonprofit organization focused on the New Hampshire surf scene, will be giving our guests all the info they need to enjoy the summer surf and help raise funds for ocean clean-up efforts.
Summer Sessions of Rye, NH will be providing an array of door prizes as well as heating up the party by sponsoring a beach fashion show. Local surfboard shaper Rich Dennis will be displaying his hot custom longboards. For the Parrotheads itchin’ for some summer paradise, Jimmy Buffet’s Landshark Lager will be chillin’ behind the bars.
Prepare to awe your friends this summer with the seriously sleek gear that we will be showcasing at the Gas Light on May 2nd. A portion of the door proceeds will go to NH Surf Riders to help clean up the seacoast’s beaches and keep the summer surf going. For more information on this event or future events go to: www.portsmouthgaslight.com

Matix/Gabe Kling News

Gabe Kling opened the 2008 WQS season with a bang this past weekend with a 2nd place finish in the 5-star Prime rated Hang Loose Pro which was held on the island of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil. The result posts 2,188 valuable points into Kling’s WQS account.

Fresh off his finals performance, Kling will be featured on Fuel TV’s The Daily Habit this Thursday, February 21, 2008. Guest host Chris Pastras sits down with Kling and talks life on tour and checks out Gabe’s new signature boardshort the “Klinger!” Show airs at 6pm and 9pm and then will re-air on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 11:30am and 2:30pm. All show times are Pacific Standard Time (PST). Be sure to tune in.

The “Klinger”, Gabe’s first signature boardshort for Matix is in retail stores now and is being supported by Matix’s Progress campaign, which is featured in print, shop window displays and via web. Click here to view the Klinger commercial, make your own progress and go out a buy a pair of Klinger’s for yourself!

For more info please visit matixclothing.com.

Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars

FEBRUARY 23RD - MARCH 15th
“HALFWAY BETWEEN THE GUTTER AND THE STARS”
Ivory Serra and Shelter Serra
OPENING RECEPTION:Saturday February 23rd 8 to 10pm
With DJ Tommy Moye

Secret Project Robot is pleased to present brothers Shelter and Ivory Serra in Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars.A photo installation and art collaboration inspired by youth culture, the urban playground,and the long standing endless party of the New York Scene.

Both Ivory and Shelter’s art places emphasis on alternative culture, their work offers a raw, compelling and provocative viewpoint of often unnoticed relics of our daily lives. Shelter uses icons like the game over sign from Nintendo and Sega or computer text written out by hand while Ivory photographs crushed cans, cigarette boxes and local celebrities. Their conclusions are often humorous even tragic but always uncannily self aware.

“Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars,” an Oscar Wilde quote, is as much a tribute as an installation. The artists have worked in corroboration with the gallery to design an idea that will focus on engaging the viewer by bringing them into the imagery and feeling of both the photos and the artwork.

The Desire is to bring the gallery into the world of the artists and provoke the viewer to participate in the scene that Ivory and Shelter have been living and documenting for over 20 years. Not a stage or a set but a platform for dialogue and interaction to a usually two dimensional art world and solitary experience .

*Curated by Andy Kessler and Kandy Assler

Secret Project Robot is located next to Mollusk
210 Kent Ave (corner of Metropolitan Ave and River St.)
Williamsburg, BK 11211

Notes from the Road

On the road again with the Level 1 Productions crew, this time further west. Bluebird skys graced our footage and photos for the past two days while we waited for the white gold. These guys have received more than 450in so far this season. Crossed pathes with the TGR Films crew, Greg Stump and caught big mountain pro Micah Black’s band in the afternoon. Today its puking flakes and you couldn’t ask for more. Still, none of this has anything on Tuckerman’s..

-Austin

Jetty Signs Longtime East Coast Pro Randy Townsend

Last week, New Jersey-based, grassroots apparel brand, Jetty, signed professional surfer, Randy Townsend of Surf City, NJ (Long Beach Island) as an athlete and team manager. Jetty and Townsend entered into a 3-year agreement.

Townsend has competed in professional events for the past eight years and helped put Long Beach Island on the map of the surf world. He is one of two New Jersey surfers to have ever won a WQS event (Unsound Pro, 2002) and recently placed 3rd in the 2007 Garden State Grudge Match. He has appeared in Surfing, Transworld Surf, and is a regular in Eastern Surf Magazine and Surfline.

The Jetty family and Townsend worked out the details while surfing the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool before the Surf Expo tradeshow in Orlando, Florida last month. The session proved to be no different then surfing LBI with their hometown friend. “He kills it,” says Jetty co-owner Jeremy DeFilippis, “we couldn’t ask for a better guy (or surfer) to represent the Jetty brand.” Townsend’s job will not only be to represent Jetty while traveling the globe, but to manage the growing surf team. Using his industry knowledge and experience, Randy promises to improve the level of surfing and visibility of all Jetty team riders. Check www.jettylife.com for the entire Jetty roster coming March 1st!

Supah Bowl Sk8

Montanaro Gallery Presents Preview 2008

Montanaro Gallery presents “PREVIEW 2008″ in a two day only exhibition at 518 Thames Street in Newport, RI. The “PREVIEW” exhibition will feature new works by our 2008 contemporary artists including: Jesse Reno, Julie Goldstein, Mikey Welsh, Easton Davy, Ty Williams, Andy Davis, Justin “Skr!bner” Pillotte, Elizabeth Montanaro and more….
On view Feb. 15th and 16th only!!!

With an Opening Reception on Friday, February 15th from 7-11pm at our 518 Thames Street location in Newport, Rhode Island.

All are welcome to join us in our final exhibition at 518 Thames Street. Our new gallery, located at 18 Franklin Street in Newport, will be open by appointment only for the month of February. We will resume our regular business hours in March.
Click here for artists bios: www.montanarogallery.com/exhibitions/08_preview_bios.htm
Click here to view some available works from this show: Montanaro Gallery Preview

Hope you can join us at the opening!

Sincerely,

Michael Paul Montanaro
Montanaro Gallery

Four Season Passes Up for Grabs in Waterville’s Signature Shots Photo Contest

Waterville Valley is filled to the brim with signature features this season. So we’ve decided to have a Signature Shots Photo Contest. We’ve partnered with Forum Snowboards, Oakley, Red Bull and Skullcandy to create the most progressive park features on the planet and now we want the photos to prove it. The features are the Forum Bombs, The Oakley Hubba, The Red Bull 1 Hit Wonder and the Skullcandy half-rainbow box.

We want to see the best skiing/riding photo on each of the signature features. There will be 4 winners, one for each feature. Each winner will receive a 08/09 Waterville Valley Season Pass and a product pack from that features’ sponsor.

The Particulars:
Contest ends at 11:59pm March 13, 2008. All files must be submitted as .jpg files at 300dpi and emailed to jgasowski.wv@boothcreek.com . All submissions must include: Names (Rider/Photographer), Address, Phone # and photo caption. All images become property of Waterville Valley Resort. Winners will be notified by email, March 15, 2008. Submit only your best shots! Multiple submissions will be accepted.

For more info contact jcobbett.wv@booothcreek.com

Main Event Series Finals

The Main Event hit a home run at the finals this Sunday, February 10th at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. With inclement weather conditions, 50 mph winds, almost no visibility and adverse hazards that attacked the main event staff, things all came together in the end. When life gives you lemons, the Main Event made lemonade. Tristan Corriveau of Portland, Maine and Jordan Parks of Waterville Valley Academy both walked away with invites to the Burton US Open, giant checks and invites to Sludge Session photo shoot.

Tristan Corriveau qualified for finals at the 3rd Main Event stop at Mt Snow Resort in Vermont. There he blew all the judges away, throwing 1080s and spinning on and off rails like nobody’s business. He came to Waterville and stepped his game up. Despite the bad weather conditions, he proved that he is no amateur by stomping everything and progressing run after run. Jordan Parks was the first woman to win the pro division this season at our Crotched Mountain stop. At Crotched, she made it clear she had skills when she made backside 360s seem like a walk in the park. Then at finals, she showed that shes been practicing, she was throwing frontside 360s to front 180 melons.

Its been a close race from state to state around New England. Vermont has proved to bring the best riders for the 2008 season and shown their support at all the Main Event stops. New Hampshire came in second, and Massachusetts was close in third. Though both champions were not Vermont based, the state had a strong force at all the competitions and had riders in the finals at every stop. Next season the Main Event Series will be growing to include a qualifier in every shred worthy state in New England. Come on out to represent your state, in our search for the best riders in New England.

The series has officially come to a close for this season. Thanks again to the title sponsors Burton Snowboards, Flow Snowboards, Sobe Energy, Fuel TV and direct TV. Other sponsors include Dekal.com, Snow Grind, Anon Optics, R.E.D., Rye Airfield, Oakley, N’East Magazine, and Future Snowboarding Magazine Come out and join us for the 2009 Main Event State next season to see what state in New England brings the best riders!

Pro Men
1st Tristan Corriveau from Portland ME
2nd Graham Hoffman from Waterville Valley NH
3rd Ted Lavoie from Southbury CT

Pro Women
1st Jordan Parks from Campton NH
2nd Laura Rogoski from Burlington VT
3rd Taylor Owen from New London NH

AM Men
1st Ian Hart from Meredith, NH
2nd Mike Perle from Stratton VT
3rd Randall Stacy from Ipswich MA

AM Women
1st Kelli Redes from Clinton CT
2nd Tess Herman from Winsted CT

For details and event photos check out www.maineventseries.com.

Union Square Street Sessions / Main Event

Any excuse to pile into the WORD van, rage irish punk music, tell ridiculous stories and generally have a killer time at an event is a good excuse. Union Square provided the setting, the athletes and the action to bring snowboarding to the masses in NYC. Thousands came out to show their support for the sport, akwardly gawk or grab copies of issues 10-12. We ran out in about 12 seconds once the gates opened. Melissa, Jim, Tyler, Jon Coen, Ann Coen, Tommy Snapwater and I were all in attendance. Particular thanks to Burton for N’East team jackets, Jack Flemming for an unreal event and all of the people that have subscribed, newslettered or shot us emails of support. You guys rock. Photos of NYC below.

Ryan and I attended the Main Event finals at Waterville Valley Sunday only to be met by the full onslaught of Mother Winter. Who took the cookies? Mom’s pissed and she let it out on us. Finals turned into a railjam to decide the $1000 purse. Mucho thanks to Wendy from Dekal for a much needed event series (and rib dinner) that had an awesome turnout despite the weather.

On a down side I lost about $200 worth of memory cards in a small black wallet. If you found these please mail them to the mag with an abundance of small, unmarked bills. Seriously though, mail them please. You’ll be my best friend and I will shower you with Schwag.

Results to follow. Photos of Main Event Below.

-Austin

Three Down, One To Go–Main Event Series

Third times the charm, for New England’s Main Event Series. The series had its last qualifier this Sunday at Mount Snow Resort in Vermont. Riders came from as far away as Michigan for their last chance to qualify to win an invite to the Burton U.S. Open. With the series finals only one week away, ringers threw down trying to get their points they needed. Tristan Corriveau blew all of the judges away, winning the Men’s pro division, and winning the Back Side Snowboards best trick contest, he walked away with $500 cash, an invite to the finals, two brand new snowboards from Burton and Flow, a set of Burton Cartel Bindings, and a backpack full of schwag.

It all started the night before Josh Lempert from Snowgrind came to the rescue again. He stayed up with the park crew sculpting the perfect 55 ft jump, that was followed by a down rail and a down box. From the minute things started, kids threw down impressive tricks. With riders ranging in age from 10 years old to 26 years old, the competiton was progressive and entertaining. Two younger riders put everyone in their place. One being eleven year old Gabe McGroven showing how you can kill it even when you are half the size of all the other riders in your division. Also, the second was 10 year old, Ty Walker, from Stowe Vermont. She stopped all the other women pros in their tracks when she stomped a frontside 360 off the jump without even blinking.

The series is coming to a close in less than a week and only time will tell what state brings the best riders. Thanks again to the title sponsors Burton Snowboards, Flow Snowboards, Sobe Energy, Fuel TV and direct TV. Other sponsors include Dekal.com, Snow Grind, Anon Optics, R.E.D., Rye Airfield, Oakley, N’East Magazine, Future Snowboarding Magazine, Action Sports Snowboard Shop and Backside Snowboard Shop. Come out and join us for the 2008 Main Event finals this sunday, February 10th at Waterville Valley Resort. May the best state, and the best rider win!

Heavyweight (Pro) Men:
1st Tristan Corriveau from Portland, ME
2nd Nikita Lermontar from Richford, VT
3rd Justin Morgan from Ballston Lake, NY

Heavyweight (Pro) Women:
1st Ty Walker from Stowe, VT
2nd Laura Roguski from Burlington, VT
3rd Celia Johnson from Laconia, NH

Lightweight (AM) Men:
1st Jesse Wells from Morrisville, VT
2nd Rex Calebreise from Proctorsville, VT
3rd Randall Stacy from Ipswich, MA

Lightweight (AM) Women:
1st Kelli Redes from Clinton, CT
2nd Jessa Gilbert from Burlington, VT

Action Sports Best Trick:
Justin Morgan from Ballston Lake, NY with double handed back scratcher frontside 1080 (new for record books) winning a Burton X8 and Burton Cartel Bindings.

Backside Snowboard Shop Best Trick:
Tristan Corriveau with the best run of the day, a backside 720 indy off the jump to a frontside 270 to backboard onto downrail with a 180 out, adding a Burton Dominant and a pair of Burton Cartel’s to his stack of prizes.

For details on upcoming event dates and event photos check out www.maineventseries.com

PEARCE WINS FIVE(5)STAR BILLABONG AIR & STYLE TITLE

PEARCE WINS FIVE(5)STAR BILLABONG AIR & STYLE TITLE, MOVES INTO SWATCH TTR WORLD NO. 2

Innsbruck, Austria – February 2nd 2008: The Bergisel Stadium in Innsbruck, Austria was packed with screaming fans as riders reached incredible heights and laid down some of the sickest tricks ever seen on a Quarterpipe at the Billabong Air & Style. Kevin Pearce (USA) took the Swatch TTR FIVE(5)STAR Title, his second Air & Style win of the season, and moved into World No. 2 on the rankings, right behind Risto Mattila (FIN) who still holds on to his TTR Tour lead.

Pearce was more than happy with his evening’s accomplishments: “It’s just amazing to come here and get another Air & Style win. I totally wasn’t expecting it. The TTR events have been working out well so it’s awesome that I’m still up there. I’m stoked!”

The atmosphere was full of intensity, as a roaring crowd pushed the riders to lay it all on the line, resulting in some hard hits on the coping, but also some huge airs with even bigger style. Pearce stomped a smooth BS 5 Alley-oop, rising to just over 7m, landing him on the top of the podium. Scotty Lago (USA) took second on his 3rd hit pumping up the crowd with a huge FS 7 Alley-oop as Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) rounded out the Top 3 with a massive BS 5 that pushed him into Swatch TTR World No. 3.

Terje Haakonsen’s record Quarterpipe height of 9.8m was almost broken, had Jack Mitrani (USA) landed after being the first rider to look down from 10.2 m. Mitrani did however take home the Swatch Highest Air Title of the night after successfully landing an 8.2 m BS Air and is now TTR World No. 30.

Other big changes in the TTR rankings include Andy Finch (USA) moving down to World No. 4 as Swiss rider Markus Keller moves into the Top Ten at World No. 9. Antti Autti’s (FIN) sick Inverted 7 and 4th place finish at the Air & Style moves him up to World No. 11 with Scotty Lago close behind in the No. 12th position. Arthur Longo (FRA) stomped huge BS Airs that placed him 15th and earned him World No. 16 as Kim Rune Hansen (NOR) sits just below at World No. 17.

With the FIVE(5)STAR Billabong Air & Style now over, the Tour moves on in full force, with the FOUR(4)STAR Quiksilver Natural Selection taking place this weekend, and the SIX(6)STAR Arctic Challenge on the horizon. Risto Mattila, who is still Tour leader was a little disappointed with his run, but has the Burton US Open in his crosshairs: “I’m still super stoked to be World No. 1. I didn’t do too well in this competition and I was hoping for a better result. But I’m still going to do the Burton US Open cause it’s the biggest competition. I need really good results so I’m going to really push it there.”

Check out www.ttrworldtour.com for more updated ranking changes and the TTR video player for behind-the-scenes action from the Swatch TTR FIVE(5)STAR Billabong Air & Style. Also check out the TTR Blog for fresh news from the FOUR(4)STAR Quiksilver Natural Selection in Jackson Hole.

Billabong Air & Style Final Results

1. Kevin Pearce USA Burton

2. Scotty Lago USA Billabong

3. Peetu Piiroinen FIN Burton

4. Antti Autti FIN Billabong

5. Arthur Longo FRA APO

6. Colin Frei SUI K2

7. Markus Keller SUI Nitro

8. Kim Rune Hansen NOR Burton

SIA Vegas

Mid 50’s, blaring slots, endless mazes of casino pit floors and one amazingly massive tradeshow. Austin and Ryan spent the last week of their lives navigating the city known as the ski industries of america tradeshow. Copies of N’East were distributed, elbows were rubbed, hands were shook and nightlife fun was had. Despite a couple of debacles involving rooms (for myself) and an impending transportation nightmare due to the East Coast storms it looks like our Monday through Friday 7am till 3am sleep deprivation-fest had a killer end result. Thanks to all the brands, shops, pros and photographers that stoked us out and made Vegas a success. Now on with my 11 hr wait for the red-eye flight to Manchester.
-Austin

Update from Natures Shapes

New York based shop, Natures Shapes, has a new site on the way along with a daily blog which is brand new updated daily and will have shop info, daily happenings, and random stuff to boot.

Check them out.
www.naturesshapes.com
www.naturesshapes.blogspot.com

Snowrider

Save the Date as the Massachusetts Surfrider Chapter will be hosting a Snowrider event at Sugarbush Vermont the weekend of February 23 & 24, 2008.

This is a killer chance for all SR East Coast Chapters to get together and build some camaraderie as they each bring the message of the water cycle and “Sea to Summit” to skiers and riders on the slopes. All participating Chapters are encouraged to bring their Campaigns and stoke to the slopes. Each year we talk with dozens and dozens of skiers and riders hailing from all corners of the Northeast who want to find out how to get involved with their local Chapter. We would be stoked if any participating volunteers would host a table and sync up with the public. It’s also a great chance to do something fun and constructive with other members outside of your own chapter – think about a road trip and rip’n it up in Mad River Valley, VT!

There will be discounted lift tickets, reduced rates on lodging, an après’ party at The Castle Rock Pub hosting a membership drive, fundraiser, raffle with plenty of loot and give-a-ways for all those who attend.

Marc Angelillo and Carol Tobian of the Massachusetts Surfrider Chapter are coordinating this event and teaming up with the Sugarbush Resort, N’EAST Magazine and a number of green industry manufacturers like Ocean Minded, Billabong, Smith Optics & Peak Organic for the event.

Please let them know if you are interested by contacting one of them at either m.angelillo@att.net or caroltobian@yahoo.com.

Don’t forget to check out the Sugarbush website at www.Sugarbush.com for the latest skiing and riding conditions. The skiing and riding has not been this good in years!

Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Loon® Mountain Announce Jay Scambio as Terrain Park Development Manager

Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Loon Mountain are pleased to announce the promotion of Jay Scambio to the newly-created role of Terrain Park Development Manager. Scambio will work closely with the resort teams and park staff at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire and in Maine at Sugarloaf and Sunday River to elevate the quality of freestyle terrain and associated events and programs.
Scambio most recently held the role of Terrain Park Manager at Loon Mountain, which under his leadership, has steadily climbed to the top of eastern and national terrain park rankings in Transworld Snowboarding, Freeskier, and many East Coast publications.
“I see this as a great opportunity to continue to elevate the level of our terrain park quality and consistency for all park users in the region,” said Scambio. “I’m proud of what we offer at Loon and I’m looking forward to working with Sugarloaf and Sunday River to further develop their terrain parks and youth related events and programs.”
A graduate of Plymouth State University, Scambio started working at Loon in 1998, where he worked his way from snowboarding instructor to Terrain Park Manager and Youth Marketing Coordinator. He grew up in North Kingstown, R.I., and rode at Yawgoo Valley before moving to New Hampshire.
“Jay’s promotion reinforces our commitment to offering high quality programs and experiences at our resorts,” said John McGregor, vice president of ski operations for Boyne Resorts. “His on-hill skills and the behind-the-scenes expertise will facilitate the continued success at all three New England resorts. We’re proud to have him.”
All three resorts are offering midwinter conditions with multiple terrain parks open at each resort. More information about terrain parks and events at Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Loon are available at, www.sugarloaf.com, www.sundayriver.com, and www.loonmountain.com.

Monday monday.

Monday’s can be painful. Hopefully a little surf visual courtesy of Kevin over at the Levitate Shop in Marshfield, MA will help you ease into the week. Less talk, more surf. Enjoy.

Main Event Series Round 2

Anyone who thought there was no such thing as good snowboarding in Connecticut is wrong! Ski Sundown Resort in New Hartford CT whipped out a new level of insanity when they hosted the second stop of the Main Event Series this past Saturday, January 19th. With a 65 foot booter, and an unseen level of riding, we will certainly remember the crazy occurrences that blew the staff away at this event, to put it in the history books!
Starting Saturday morning there was a great vibe in the air. Josh Lempert from Snow Grind worked long and hard with the Ski Sundown Park Staff to sculpt a perfect jump that followed a cheery rail patch. Once practice started, everyone was impressed with the level of riding that was going down. With some familiar faces, and a few fresh riders straight from the local super market, things quickly became interesting. The heavyweight riders continued to set the bar higher, hoping to win a chance to compete for the Burton US Open invite spot at the Main Event finals. The lightweight AM’s mixed it up. AM girls gave it their best shot, stomping landings left and right, trying to reach to knuckle every time.
Ideal weather and happy riders brought out the biggest spectator crowd we have ever seen for a Main Event. People gathered to watch, and cheered on from the chair lift as riders were throwing down, and MCB was keeping the vibe high. Finals were intense, with Connecticut’s own, Teddy Lavoie (Riding for K2, Volcom, Oakley, Dekal, and Eastern Boarder) took 1st place with a back lip followed by a backside 720. Justin Morgan continued to blow the judges away, winning the Sartorius Sports Best Trick (for the second time), with his ultra corked out, smooth as butter, cab 720 truck driver.
After the event was over, the fun continued when all the staff stuck around. With a few Burton versus Forum wrestling matches on the deck of the jump, everyone went riding to see all of Ski Sundown had to offer. The night riding was off the hook. With one minor ski pole attack, a incidental visit to a Hells Angels bar and a slight run in with the police while checking out of the hotel, the trip will be remembered, for sure.
If anyone reading this has never been to Ski Sundown, the time is now. Connecticut is now our destination vacation spot for snowboard escapades. A big thank you to Jarrod Moss and all of the Ski Sundown staff, as well as the title sponsors Burton Snowboards, Flow Snowboards, Sobe Energy, Fuel TV and direct TV who gave a ton of prizes. Other sponsors include Dekal.com Sartorius Sports, Snow Grind, Anon Optics, R.E.D., Rye Airfield, Oakley, N’East Magazine and Future Snowboarding Magazine. For more information and photos check out www.maineventseries.com. Come join us for the next Main Event stop at Mount Snow Sunday, February 3rd.

Men’s Heavyweight (PRO):
1st Place, Ted Lavoie, Southbury, CT
2nd Place, Brandon Honeycott, Avon, MA
3rd Place, Steven Levandowski, Burlington, CT

Men’s Lightweight (AM)
1st Place, Tyler Martel, NH
2nd Place, Sean Burns, CT
3rd Place, Kevin Court, Westford, MA

Women’s Lightweight (AM)
1st Place, Tess Herman, Winstead CT
2nd Place, Maggie Leon, West Simsbury, CT

Best Trick: With a cab 720 truck driver (again)
Justin Morgan, Antrim, NH

JENNY JONES LAUNCHES INTO SWATCH TTR WORLD

JENNY JONES LAUNCHES INTO SWATCH TTR WORLD NUMBER ONE FOR ONE DAY AFTER BURTON EUROPEAN OPEN SLOPESTYLE

Laax, Switzerland: It was a gorgeous day in Laax Switzerland as the leading Men and Women fought for the Tour lead in the Slopestyle finals at the Swatch TTR SIX(6)STAR Burton European Open. Jamie Anderson (USA) took home the BEO Slopestyle Title as did Shaun White (USA), who posted his first TTR result of the season, earning 1000 TTR Ranking points. Jenny Jones (GBR) however, finished second in the slopestyle, which moved her into TTR World No. 1, just 3 points ahead of now TTR World No. 2 Jamie Anderson.

Snowboarding fans and judges saw big tricks come from the day’s top riders in both the Men’s and Women’s fields, taking progression to a whole new level. With Anderson stomping huge 540s off the kickers, busting out sick eggplants on the Quarterpipe and bringing back her buttery rail combos, there was no question as to why she won the Title. Jenny Jones landed huge 3s and a FS540 off the bigger kicker line, coming in second, as Silvia Mittermueller (GER) rounded out the Top 3 with sick alley-oops, big 7s and technical rail combos.

06/07 Tour Champion Torah Bright (AUS) who finished 9th overall in the Slopestyle has moved into Swatch TTR World No. 3 ahead of Elizabeth Beerman (USA) who is now World No. 4. Kelly Clark (USA) did not compete in the BEO Slopestyle and thus has been bumped down to TTR World No. 5.

The Men were going huge today with the Americans leading the pack. Shaun White (USA) took the Slopestyle Title with an insane kicker combo comprised of a huge Frontside 9 off the quarterpipe, a Frontside 10, a Backside 9 and then a Cab 10 off the kickers. Chas Guldemond (USA) was the runner up stomping an insane backside 1260 on the last kicker after a sweet McTwist, and Cab 9. Chas was the only rider to do a 12 in the entire competition. Tim Humphreys (USA) took the third spot with sick rail combos, and clean 7s, 9s and 10s in each of his runs.

Andy Finch (USA) holds on to his TTR Tour Lead as Chas Guldemond moves into World No. 3 with Risto Mattila (FIN) right behind him by just one point at Swatch TTR World No 4. Tim Humphreys’ (USA) second place moves him into World No. 8.

All the major TTR men and women riders will be bringing out the big guns, as there are only a few more opportunities to post their best SIX(6)STAR results and claim that desirable Swatch TTR World Championship Title and a piece of the $250 000 USD TTR prize purse.

In the men’s field, Risto Mattila, Andy Finch and Kevin Pearce (USA) will battle it out for the Top 3 spots in the TTR Rankings. 06/07 Tour Champion Shaun White is also a favourite going into the finals, and he could take home a second 2008 TTR Title in just one event, moving into Top 40.

Jamie Anderson didn’t make the Halfpipe finals, but finished 9th overall in Halfpipe, which earns her enough TTR Ranking points to move to World No. 1. Therefore, the battle for World No. 2 will shift over to Bright and Clark. Both girls are favourites going into the finals, so look for huge amplitude from Kelly and technical finesse from Torah.

Catch all the suspenseful action in-person at Laax tomorrow, but if you’re not on the mountain, log on to www.go211.com or www.freecaster.tv for live coverage and commentary of Friday’s Halfpipe finals. Also don’t forget to check out the TTR homepage for fresh News and Ranking updates as well as the Video Player for the highlights of the most heated snowboard competition in Europe.

Top Ten Slopestyle Results – Men

Shaun White (USA) Burton
Chas Guldemond (USA) DC
Tim Humphreys (USA) Flow
Ville Uotila (FIN) Atomic
Peetu Piiroinen (FIN) Burton
Iouri Podladtchikov (SUI) Santa Cruz
Joel Lahti (FIN) FTwo
Risto Mattila (FIN) Flow
Sebastian Toutant (CAN) O’Neill
Kim Andre Eliassen (NOR) K2

Top Ten Slopestyle Results – Women

Jamie Anderson (USA) Salomon
Jenny Jones (GBR) Billabong
Silvia Mittermueller (GER) Oakley
Meri Peltonen (FIN) Protest
Margot Rozies (FRA) Roxy
Sina Candrian (SUI) Burton
Kjersti Oestgaard Buaas (NOR) Roxy
Lisa Filzmoser (AUT) Elan
Torah Bright (AUS) Roxy
Lisa Wiik (NOR) Roxy

Billabong Ante Up Snowboarding Contest

BILLABONG ANTE UP SNOWBOARDING CONTEST

Jan. 12, 2008, Calgary, AB:Billabong Ante Up, presented by Monster Energy went down this past weekend at COP in Calgary Alberta. The event was a qualifying event for the 2008 Billabong Air and Style event taking place Feb. 2nd in Innsbruck Austria.

The day found perfect temperatures (-2 Celsius, 29 degrees Fahrenheit) and sunny skies for the athletes to hit the triple jump set up. Forty (40) selected riders from across North America competed in two separate heats, with the top 10 riders advancing to the finals with a best of three run finals. In the finals, it really became a showdown between two riders: Shayne Pospisil of Mammoth Lakes, California and Matts Kulisek from Montreal, Quebec. Both were throwing down insane lines on the triple jump set up, but it was Matts Kulisek who prevailed in the end. Kulisek took home the first place cheque of $6000 and an entry to the Innsbruck Air and Style with a run that consisted of a cab 7, switch backside 9, and finished it off with a backside rodeo 9 off the final booter. When asked about the day, Kulisek commented ‘I’m super stoked on the day. The set up was really fun, and to dial it in like this and get a chance to compete at the Air and Style is a dream for sure’. Shayne Pospisil took home second place, with Whistler’s Logan Short rouding out the top 3. For more information, you can go to www.billabong.com/anteup.

Kulisek will be flying to Europe in a couple of weeks to compete in Innsbruck. The Innsbruck Air and Style is a 5 star event on the TTR World Tour, with 50,000 Euros up for grabs on Feb. 2nd, 2008. You can check out www.air-style.com for complete contest info.

N’Eastern Snow

After a solid head-fake by mother nature cold weather returned to New England. The days of 50 degree weather and snow destroying sunshine were quickly canceled by an early morning dump yesterday. Here in Portland pure bedlam insued with parking bans, musical chairs style parking dilemmas and dump truck alleys that weaved in and out of oncoming traffic. All that due to almost 15in of snow. Local area Shawnee Peak was on point with continuous snowfall as skiing under the lights fired up. Check out Portland and a late night photo mission in Auburn below. Pictured: Forrest Frizzell / Shea Flynn
-Austin

Rhode Warriors

Clean Ocean Access (COA) is an Environmental group concerned with safety, cleanliness and open access of the ocean and coastlines with a primary focus on the ocean shoreline of Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island. The group formed in 2006 and represents a general interest of the surfing community to work towards preserving the environment of today, for tomorrow and future generations to allow us to continue to enjoy ocean activities. http://members.cox.net/cleanoceanaccess

Add to Your Snow Game with Ski Snowboard Tips from Waterville’s Online Video Playbook

Ski tips meet the digital age as Waterville Valley launches its new “Video Playbook” this week at waterville.com. The Playbook helps skiers and riders beef up their snow game with online video tips from Waterville’s top instructors, complete with an e-mail option to book a lesson with them. Want to know how to snowboard through the trees? Looking for tips on smooth skiing in the bumps? Need help getting started in the terrain park? Like any good playbook, Waterville’s online videos will show you how to instantly apply the tips next time you’re on the snow.

The Video Playbook also gives Waterville instructors a chance to showcase their skills, favorite terrain and specialties as skiers and riders surf the site. Take Tim Whitten for example. He enjoys introducing new snowboarders to the park for their first time. Kim Kortz likes helping skiers overcome fears associated with skiing. Kathy Brennan specializes in helping people return to the sport after long absences or injuries. Mike Furgal’s specialty is introducing intermediate skiers to advanced terrain for a “dramatic impact on his student’s skiing abilities”. Asa loves riding through the glades and showing you how to keep it safe and fun. You can even inquire online about booking a lesson with a specific instructor by clicking on the e-mail link posted below their bio. 48 hours notice is required and requested instructors are subject to availability.

Waterville will be adding more ski and snowboard tips as the season builds and new snow conditions come into play. Additional videos are posted on the Waterville home page including daily video snow reports, weekly mountain reports by Tom Day, General Manager and weekly park reports by Luke Mathison, Terrain Park Manager. Check them out too at www.waterville.com.

This One’s For The Ladies

Women’s Weekend at Mountain Creek
Vernon, NJ (January 14, 200 – Saturday and Sunday, January 26th – 27th has been officially designated Women’s Weekend at Mountain Creek, with a variety of events and special programs specifically geared toward members of the fairer sex who love the snow!

The cornerstone of this weekend will be the Tubbs Snowshoe Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series stop on Saturday. According to the National Cancer Society, women have a 1 in 9 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. New Jersey has the 10th highest incidence and the 5th highest breast cancer mortality in the U.S. Over 6,700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and over 1,400 die of the disease each year in the state.

In an effort to raise community awareness and help support the battle against breast cancer, Mountain Creek is pleased to partner with Tubbs Snowshoes for the Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series. This benefit puts a new twist on charity runs and walks: including a 3k or 5k scenic snowshoe hike, as well as a 3k snowshoe fun run. Participants who collect pre-event pledges will receive great prize packages from event sponsors, which will be awarded based on total team or individual funds raised. Up to 400 pair of Tubbs snowshoes will be available to use free of charge on a first come, first served basis, so get here early, rent at a local shop or bring your own! To register and learn more visit http://www.mountaincreek.com/todo/events/2008_January/012608_Tubbs.html

75% of the funds raised will go to fund grants in North Jersey for programs that focus on breast cancer screening, education and treatment, with the other 25% supporting research and education projects nationwide through Komen for the Cure’s national grant program. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of volunteers working through local Affiliates and Komen Race for the Cure(R) events to eradicate breast cancer. The Northern New Jersey affiliate carries out this mission on a local level.

Mountain Creek will also host the popular Girls Learn to Ride sessions on Saturday. This is the perfect opportunity for women ages 5 and up, who’ve never snowboarded before, but always wanted to try. Or who are looking to improve their riding skills in a supportive environment. The Girls Learn to Ride program is specially designed to give girls and women an opportunity to learn and progress in the sport in an all-female environment. The $79 package includes rentals, lesson and lift ticket. Learn more at http://www.mountaincreek.com/todo/events/2008_January/012608_GLTR.htm

Of course, the girls and women who already love to shred cant be left out of the fun. K2’s Pretty in Pink Rail Jam on Sunday, January 27th is just for you! Perfect for skiers and riders with little to no competition experience, who want to come out and enjoy a morning on the rails with members from the K2 Ski and Snowboard Alliance Teams supporting you and giving pointers. Winners will receive great giveaways from K2. Just visit http://www.mountaincreek.com/todo/events/2008_January/012708_K2+Womens.htm for all the details.

For more information or to book your Women’s Weekend Getaway click here http://www.mountaincreek.com/todo/events/2008_January/012608_Womens+Lodging.htm