The Red Ledge
There are a lot of urban rails that are seen time and time again in movies. Probably one of the most famous rails is The Red Ledge in Quebec. Ever since JP Auclair hit is some 10 years ago (don’t quote me on this, only a guess) it has been a relic for many film crews. Today, Mount Seymour played host to a rail jam on a re-made version of the infamous urban feature. It was my first day shooting with my remote flash set-up and unfortunately, due to weather, I was having a few issues. Here is what came out of it.
Front board
Seymour Park Crew with a switch on tips over the ledge
One last thing, to the commentator who kindly said “I better not see some gay blog about this,” I dedicate this one to you.
Frodo.
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Winter X Games 14 Day 2: HOLY BALLS!
Lots of stuff has happened in the past couple days at X Games 14. None of it really matters though. Ski or snowboard, all you need to know is that TJ Schiller stomped a double cork 1620. That’s 4 and a half spins. With all the doubles out of the way, it’s just like T.Wall said “Aww man, the only thing left are triples…” Here’s a crappy video if you missed it, it’s all I could find.
Marcus’ Music Friday
Marcus actually sent me this on Monday, so we could do Marcus’ Music Monday and feel all rad because we alliterated, but I’m a poopyhead and forgot to post it. Here’s the track for this week, Exhibit C by Jay Electronica. It’s got a dope beat, great lyrics and he’s considered a Nas in the making. Have a listen!
Go Pro!
Have you ever claimed an epic line just to be shot down by non-believers? Or wanted to have your own personal filmer but no one’s down to miss out on laps? Well, the new Go Pro Hero is basically the best POV camera money can buy. It records on SD cards, is shockproof and waterproof, so you can take the gnarliest of falls and know you got the footy! The only real disadvantage to this camera seems to be the lithium-based AAA batteries, which it kills quickly, but that aside, this camera is the only way to go for you POV fans out there.
Check out Tom Wallisch absolutely slaying some runs at the Breckenridge Dew Tour stop, entirely shot on GoPro cams mounted on a ski pole and the helmet of the man himself.
Keep it real Grouse!
Eric Beckstead
Liam Casey Reviews His 2010 Surface New Lifes
As many of you may know, Liam Casey is now a Surface team rider. As he has just gotten the 2010 Surface New Lifes, I got him to tell us what he thought.
Photo - Scott Titterington
First Impressions
My first lap on these bad boys was down Couloir Extreme above Jersey Cream Chair on Blackcomb Mountain. I was pretty nervous at first as I have never skied on rockered skis in my life and this was one of or the steepest run on blackcomb. The conditions were soft which helped and after a few turns I got into the groove and ripped the rest of the bowl. WOOO so much fun! James Anderson and I ripped down to go up Glacier Chair and headed to good ol’ spanky’s ladder. We ripped Ruby Bowl twice and oh boy these skis were just a treat. I did a few 180s off cliffs and airs and was amazed how well riding switch was on these babies. I remember thinking “I should have fallen by now. What’s going on?” but I hadn’t. I have never skied that fast switch in powder before. It was as if I was if I was on a normal groomer… suuper easy.
After this we met up with Andrew Pires, Zavier Vaillancourt, and Yu Sasaki (4frnt freeride slayer). We spent the rest of the day in CBC trees and my skis were allowing me to stomp cliffs, ride pow, hop pillows better than I have ever done. The rocker and the width on these allow you to land upright and not backseat so you are in more control and comfort. just like a groomer.
Anyways that was my first day. I have never skied a better ski in my life and I had a grin from ear to ear all day.
2010 Surface New Life
Groomers
I knew that these were going to be able to slay pow like nothing, but I was worried how riding groomers was going to be like. To my surprise, these actually ripped! I was still able to lay down fast carves all the way to the next pow run. I was very pleased.
Performance Spec
Flex
The flex on these is quite stiff, just the way I like it. Actually, all the Surface skis are on the stiffer side. No noodles here.
Strength
They seem to be stronger than an ox, although I haven’t had many days on these guys, so time will tell I guess. I haven’t heard of any issues yet with them or any other skis in the line as of yet from the Surface Skis boys or anyone else.
Overall
My overall impression on these beasts is simply wow. By far the best ski I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding. They make pow skiing a breeze forwards and switch. The rocker makes for great landings way more often. Really a nice solid, fun, ripping ski.
If you want to check these skis out or any other Surface skis, North Shore Ski and Board on Lonsdale carries the brand. Eliel Hindert (Surface Skis rider and rep) and crew will be in Whistler January 18th at TMC shop for you to demo them out. If you can’t make it on that date, send Eliel a facebook message to demo a pair and I’m sure he can hook it up as he will be in Vancouver and Whistler a lot this season.
Thanks for reading.
An Update from GROUSE
There may not be as much snow on the hill as this time last season, but that hasn’t stopped park crew from keeping this running smoothly. If you haven’t been up lately, you’re missing out. The park has something this season that it has been struggling with the last few years, flow. A few new additions to Grouse’s park crew have helped keep this flow in the park. The other night I got up the mountain and did a few photo laps with Shayan, Park Crew Conrad and new Park Crew Anthony. Anthony and I had a bit of a close call with him almost landing me. I was shooting with a fisheye lens and, as anyone who has shot with a fisheye lens can tell you, it makes things appear to be much farther away. Due to this, I couldn’t tell just how close Anthony was until I felt him tap my backpack on the way down. Anyways, here are some shots from the night.
A close up of Anthony's face from the jump where he almost landed on me
Anthony looking a little less frightened this time with a 3-tap on the barrel feature
Shayan with a tap 1 in colour
That’s all for now,
Frodo.
Do You Know What Beef Is?
What is beef? According to deceased rapper Biggie Smalls, beef is when you need two gats to go to sleep. By that definition, it would appear that there is no such beef between the parks at Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour. Most likely because we’re not located in east Brooklyn. In any case, any one who knows anything about the local scene is well aware that there is, unfortunately, beef between the two mountains.
It’s not intermountain beef either. It’s strictly park related. Maybe I’m just old fashioned, but when I was growing up riding, I enjoyed both Grouse and Seymour. Yea, I went to Grouse way more often, but I got up to Seymour every now and then. I was just stoked to ride, didn’t matter where, didn’t matter who had more snow, or who had a better park, or how much the food was, or whether you had to drive up or not. A day on the hill was a day on the hill. Now, it seems like people want to talk shit more than they want to ride. Listening to all the drama that’s going on within the local scene is like reading a script off Peak Season or the OC. It’s absolutely ridiculous.
I’ve heard people say “Why doesn’t Grouse put in some corrugated pipe?” Why does every park have to have the same features? Seymour has corrugated piping set up and yes, it’s super fun. BUT! Grouse has an S-rail, and that’s fun too. They’ve got Nike as a park sponsor, we’ve got Quiksilver. In the end though, who cares? It’s so frustrating, having to deal with all the road blocks that this situation throws up when it comes to the two parks. You go to Seymour as a Grouse rider, you get called out. Why? That’s absolutely retarded. It happens at Grouse too, so don’t get too smug. Moreover, it has nothing to do with the management at either mountain. Have you ever talked to the powers at either mountain? Nicest people ever! It’s just skewed attitudes and ignorance of the riders that ride at either mountain that lead to more drama than all of Shakespeare’s plays put together.
So here’s the deal. Big props to both crews, they’ve both killed it this season. Instead of talking shit, go to one of the local parks, strap in, and get creative on what’s there. There was a time, not too long ago, when having a box and a flat bar was a huge thing. It’s not about who has the most legit handrail, or the most pristine jump. It’s about doing what we do best, and that isn’t dishing beef. It’s riding. If you’ve forgotten what having fun and just riding looks like, here are a few videos to refresh your memory.
Thank you Crapneto, for keeping the fun in snowboarfunding.
Love and Peace,
Sam
New 8mile Movie and Website
The New 8milelife.com website is now online! Check out the new movie YO! 8MILELIFE! and check out the rider bios…just a whole pile of fun! I would like to add a photo but this blog is not allowing me/I am not tech savvy enough. Click on the links and be there! PEACCE!
Slushy Deliciousness!
On Tuesday last week, Jack, Nick, Reid, and myself made our way up the rally course that is the road to Seymour, for some after-class shred action. Not exactly sure what to expect (as university students, we’re apparently still unable to check forecasts), 
we were greeted by slushy, drizzly, warm springtime conditions… a bit like summer, really. Needless to say, we forgot our shorts. However, the park was fun, no one was on hill, and the only people in the lift lines were two frenchmen chatting away the hours to each other. We all seemed to get lost in the quiet of this deserted mountain playpark, hot lapping and jibbing with ouropen jackets battering against the wind. At 10pm I remembered I’d brought the camera, so the few shots below are what came of it, after begging the one lone ski patroller to let us get just a few more frames before everyone went home. Great times.
It’s Snowing, It’s Snowing!
Good news, there’s fresh snow on the ground. The recent dip in temperatures have resulted in a frosting on all the locals. Much needed frosting, to say the least. Let’s hope the temperatures stay low and the base starts to build up so the park crew can get more going in the Quiksilver park. Not to say what they’ve provided us with given the conditions isn’t absolutely phenomenal. You guys kill it! Anyways, that’s all I really wanted to say. Also, if you really want to know what my unfiltered thoughts are on snowboarding, the Olympics and life in general, feel free to get on Twitter and follow my useless banter or get in touch with me. Or don’t. Your call, really.
PS: I miss riding with Jordan Johnstone and Max Buchanan. If you’re reading this, go riding more.
Here are some more pictures from the Oakley Night Jam, taked by one of our latest additions to Grousepark.com, Hamish Baxter. Our bloggers kill it!
Sam Masih