Authors: Shawn Mayer
Ludicrous Speed, Go!
Like Maverick, I’ve got the need … the need for speed. As Reese Bobby quaintly put it, if you’re not first, you’re last. And without that glorious burst of generated thunder provided by pounding pistons and burning fossil fuels creating the torque in the vein of 400-plus horses tugging at a one-ton wagon, then you’re certainly not going to win. … read more
Absinthe Films: Resonance Salt Lake Premiere 09.01
On the first of September, Justin Hoystenek and Shane Charlebois gathered a few of the riders featured in their 15th film, Resonance, to showcase last season’s ups and downs on the big screen at the Tower Theater in SLC. … read more
Teaching ‘Fun’damentals With Chill
The program, which originated in Burlington, Vermont in ‘96, has become an international activity. Now, based in 14 locations worldwide, it’s a way to reach less fortunate kids and allow them to enjoy the mountain life. Now in its sixth year in Utah, Chill serves over a hundred youth who without this opportunity would never get to experience snowboarding. … read more
The Northface Masters: Big Lines in Little Cottonwood
For the second consecutive season, the North Face Masters Contest Series kicked off at Snowbird Resort. … read more
Wet, Cold American Skate Comp: Summer of Death
Summer arrived on June 21, and you all know what that means: hot weather, BBQ’s, and SLUG’s Summer of Death contest series. … read more
Freedom of Choice: Revolution Manufacturing
There’s nothing better than buying a new snowboard: a clean top sheet to customize with stickers, a freshly tuned base and the feel of that first flex under your weight. It’s a very intense feeling knowing that for the next season or two, this piece of material will be bringing you the best of times and the worst of times. What’s better than this? Well, how about not only designing your own board, but watching the whole process take place … read more
Hungry Hungry Hipolito
When I agreed to interview Hippo, I assumed it would go just like any other interview: meet up, shoot the shit, take some photos, write the article. Man, was I wrong. Turns out he’s another struggling dude just like me. After three weeks of missed calls, no replies and failed meetings, we eventually chatted through his filmer’s email account (you have a filmer but not email?). Here’s how the conversation unfolded. … read more
It�s All Mathematics: Learning Trickonometry with Cody Weber
There was a time when skate shop videos were as abundant as porn stars at Charlie Sheen’s house. Now it seems that due to the recession, many shops are struggling to pay their utility bills, let alone give some young buck any sort of budget for a film. With a fresh start and a new team, Technique will be dropping “Trickonometry” on Utah like a baby grand piano. … read more
Breaking Down the Scene: Urban Media Show
If you live in Utah and don’t know about its underground, then you are missing an important part of the state’s culture that has become a lifeblood for those of us with a different perspective. For these scenes to sustain themselves, some exposure is required. One man helping to get the word out is Anthony Ambriz with his Urban Media Show, a web-based series of videos, which showcases local artists and musicians. … read more
From the Ground Up: the Birth of Grassroots Powdersurfing
Grassroots Powdersurfing is a company that produces bindingless snow tools. Not quite a snowboard, skateboard or surfboard, these products offer consumers an alternative that has a feel of it all. Similiar to a NoBoard or early Snurfer, these boards are used to surf the snow, but what makes these boards different is the lack of ropes or handles to help the board steer. … read more
Secret Snow Flying Machines: The Story Behind WuBanger Skis
Somewhere, a huge factory is spitting out thousands of skis. The materials are obtained for rock bottom prices, the designs are flawed, and Laverne and Shirley carelessly inspect the product before flaking off in song and dance. After one day on your new setup, you realize the skis suck, but now you’re screwed—the skis are used and can’t be returned. There goes a thousand bucks—FUCK! Enter WuBanger Skis. … read more
Review: Jake Blauvelt’s Naturally
If you don’t know the name Blauvelt by now, you must be a cave dweller. Since coming out of Vermont (my old stomping grounds), Jake has established himself as one of the best all-mountain riders in the world. … read more