Seattle, WA (January 31, 2012) ­ In a special very early release coming out
mid-February 2012, GNU re-evolutionizes snowboarding with the most
technologically advanced snowboard ever, the new GNU Impossible Asym. Sym.
Sync. Pickle. Balance through asymmetry is taken to the next level, with the
Impossible¹s new asymmetry for ducks then combined with Mervin Mfg¹s latest
and greatest technological innovations. Customized core construction,
sidecuts and contact angles are designed to allow the body and board to
synchronize into perfect harmony through nearly ³imperceptible perfection.²

In addition to Asym Sym Sync, elliptical EC2 camber/banana with
Magne-Traction underfoot creates a fun, all-mountain ride. Impossibly
strong, ultra-lightweight magnesium fiber, rugged Bio Beans topsheet
material, black and blue swirl sidewalls, lightweight Colombian Gold eco
wood core and a sintered base combine are brought together in the Gnu
Impossible for the most technologically advanced snowboard being built
today.

Asym Sym Sync is designed with the body¹s asymmetry front to back, but
symmetry side-to-side in mind. Snowboard turn mechanics are completely
different on your toe side than on your heel side. The Duck Asym of the Asym
Sym Sync balances the amount of board contact behind and in front of your
feet for stable, balanced pop and float.

On the heel side, a shorter contact length allows for turns and reactions
with power that are taken at an inherently lower angle. A softer flexing
core construction on the heel side allows the board to flex into a tighter
arc at a lower angle. On the toe side, anatomically its possible to tip a
board up into a very aggressive angle of attack. The Asym Sym Sync’s
mellower toe side sidecuts and longer contact are designed to balance this
asymmetry creating toe edge stability and a range of turning arcs that align
perfectly with the heelside turns. A firmer flexing core on the toe side
provides added stability and control necessary with finely tuned toe side
turn mechanics.

Available in 155cm only, for mid-February 2012 very early season release.
Full size run and greater availability fall 2012. Learn more at www.gnu.com

TECH SPECS
Twin Asym Sym Sync. Freestyle
Shape and Geometries
EC2 BTX Eliptical Banana Camber combo
Magne-Traction
Magnesium Fiber
Asym Colombian Gold eco core
Bio Beans topsheet
Glow in the dark sidewalls
Sintered Base
Flex: 6 Depending on length
Price: $799.95US, $849.95CDN
In Stores: very early release! mid-February 2012
One size only until next fall, 155cm

These videos are really good advertising for Airbag avalanche safety.

Mammut Ride Airbag R.A.S. 30L Airbag Backpack $699.95	BCA Float 18 Airbag Backpack $685.00	BCA Float 30 Airbag Backpack $750.00
BCA Float 36 Airbag Backpack $785.00	BCA Airbag Refill Kit $8.00	Backcountry Access Float 18 Avalanche Airbag Backpack $684.95
Snowpulse Extrem 22 Backpack with Removable Airbag System $929.00	Backcountry Access Float 18 Avalanche Airbag Pack $685.00	Backcountry Access Float 18 Airbag Pack Backpack $684.95
Backcountry Access Float 18 Airbag Pack Backpack $684.95	Mammut Refillable Cartridge For Avalanche Airbag Backpack - Empty $174.95	Backcountry Access Float 18 Airbag Pack Backpack 2012 $684.95
Mammut Ride Airbag RAS No Cartridge $679.95	Nikita Airbag Jacket $50.00	MAMMUT Ride Airbag RAS Backpack $699.95
Backcountry Access Consumer Refill Kit for Avalance Airbag Packs $8.00	Backcountry Access Float 30 Avalanche Airbag Backpack $749.95	Backcountry Access Float 30 Airbag Pack Backpack $749.95
Backcountry Access Float 30 Airbag Pack Backpack $749.95	Mammut Ride R.A.S. Avalanche Airbag Backpack $699.95	Backcountry Access Float 30 Airbag Pack Backpack 2012 $749.95
Mammut Ride Airbag RAS Backpack No Cartridge $699.95	MAMMUT Airbag Canister $174.95	Mammut Ride RAS 30L Airbag Backpack $699.95
Mammut Cartridge Refill Kit (3 Pack) For Avalanche Airbag Backpack $9.95	Mammut Refillable Cartridge For Avalanche Airbag Backpack - Full $209.95

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Well, SIA 2012 tradeshow is a wrap. Here is the last look of next year’s 2013 snowboard gear. Take a click through the gallery above to see what you might want to get your hands on next season.

http://www.snowboardermag.com/exclusives/2013-product-sneek-peek-sia-day-2/

Another day at SIA, another slew of product for the 2013 snowboard season. Let us know in the comment section below of what you like… what you don’t like… and other brands you want us to cover. Stay tuned for one more day of product coverage and follow us on Instagram at @snowboardermag for live product updates from the show.

If you have not heard of this snowboard contest, time to listen up!

Riders and Judges Named for Red Bull Supernatural
18 of the world’s top snowboarders to meet at Baldface Lodge, Feb. 3-8th

Santa Monica, CA (January 25, 2012) – Red Bull and Travis Rice today announce the 16 snowboarders who accepted invitations to compete at the inaugural Red Bull Supernatural at Baldface Lodge outside of Nelson, B.C., Canada. Invites were sent to riders on the forefront of bringing freestyle snowboarding into natural terrain. On one day between February 3rd and 8th, riders from seven different countries will compete in a first-of-its-kind backcountry competition designed to challenge, then crown the best all-around snowboarder on the planet.

The invite list is partially made up of the top finishers from the Quiksilver Natural Selection, such as Mark Carter, DCP, Nicolas Müller and Wolfgang Nyvelt. Travis Rice and a panel of experts next extended invites to established pros and freeride contenders including Jake Blauvelt, John Jackson, Mark Landvik and Terje Håkonsen. To round out the freestyle contingent of the field, Scotty Lago and Kazu Kokubo, along with two wildcards who are deeply involved in contest-based slopestyle snowboarding, were invited.

Wildcard invites will go to the X Games men’s slopestyle gold medalist, to be crowned on January 28th in Aspen, and the current top seeded slopestyle rider on the TTR World Tour, Canadian Mark McMorris. If Mark McMorris wins slopestyle at X Games, the second wildcard spot will go to the silver medalist.

Red Bull Supernatural’s judging team will include some of the most recognized legends of snowboarding including Tom Burt (Head Judge), Andy Hetzel, Temple Cummins, Shin Campos, Bryan Iguchi and Mel Simmons (Assistant Head Judge). The overall impression judging system will be used taking into account the line’s risk, flow, amplitude, creativity, tricks and control.

Overall judged scores will look at the riders’ use of the course as a whole, navigating the steep upper tree section, two cliff bands, a 300’ wide jump and a lower powder park section. All competitors will receive two complete runs with a bonus third run going to the riders who finish in the top eight after the first two runs. The best single run score of the day will win.

Red Bull Supernatural Confirmed Rider List:
David Carrier-Porcheron   CAN
Devun Walsh   CAN
Eero Niemela   FIN
Gigi Ruff   AUS
Jake Blauvelt   USA
John Jackson   USA
Kazu Kokubo   JPN
Lucas Debari   USA
Mark Carter   USA
Mark Landvik   USA
Nicolas Müller    SUI
Eric Jackson   USA
Scotty Lago   USA
Terje Håkonsen   NOR
Travis Rice   USA
Wolfgang Nyvelt   AUS

For photos, video and updates on Red Bull Supernatural, please visit www.redbullusa.com/supernatural.  Fans in the U.S. can tune-in March 31st to catch the two-hour Red Bull Supernatural special airing nationally on NBC from 1-3pm EST.  The event airs as part of a new sports programming block called the “Red Bull Signature Series” which features the most progressive snowboarding, mountain biking, freestyle motocross, skiing and BMX events. For more information, visit www.redbullsignatureseries.com

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Day 1 of SIA and our look into the future of snowboarding is a wrap. Take a look at some 2013 product highlights from the first day of roaming around the show. Let us know in the comment section below of what you like… what you don’t like… and other brands you want us to cover. Stay tuned for two more days of product coverage and follow us on Instagram at @snowboardermag for live product updates from the show.

Mervin Mfg Voted Brand of the Year!
Retailers speak, Transworld Business listens and Mervin WINS

Seattle, WA (January 17, 2012) — Retailers nationwide choose Mervin as the action-sports brand of the year in polling by TransWorld Business. Retailers point to Mervin as the brand that created the best partnerships and products, while also doing the most to support shops. The award comes courtesy of Transworld Business who reached out to over 5,000 retailers across surf, skate, snow, wake, moto, and BMX posing open-ended questions about which companies have done the most this year to foster their stores’ growth, goals, and continued success.

“The entire Mervin team feels truly grateful to be recognized for doing what we love,” says Ryan Hollis, GM of Mervin Mfg. “We’ve been building boards since 1977 and have always had our retail partners first of mind. We feel lucky to be able to maintain a healthy business for them and us, especially in rough times.”

The men and women working at Mervin are true board builders with a mission to innovate and improve the sports they participate in and love. Mervin brings real innovation including Magne-traction and banana technology, making snowboarding, skiing, skating and soon surf, easier and more fun for everyone. The company has been building ecoMotional boards near Canada in the USA since 1977.

“Mervin was the clear winner for brand of the year – it was an open ended survey and they dominated with responses such as ‘anything Mervin,’” says Mike Lewis, Editor-in-Chief of Mervin Mfg. “Mervin crushed it in 2011, helping keep specialty retail special.”

Specific to supporting specialty retail, Mervin uses Shopatron, which sends online orders directly to shops. The company also actively enforces minimum advertised pricing and Internet sales in an effort to protect specialty retail.

According to SIA RetailTRAK™ data produced by the Leisure Trends Group, Mervin brands have the highest sell-through of major snowboard brands. Very strong margins and the most volume growth of any other snowboard brands on the market last season. Both Lib Tech and Gnu moved into the top five snowboard brands sold at retail last season with early season sales indicating that they will both keep their top five positions for the current season. The study also states that Mervin dominates price-points between $400 and $699 at retail.

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Northface Surge Backpack Review

You have to be at your office in the morning, meeting friends at the gym in the afternoon and, to make matters worse, you have to lug books to your night class.  No time to go home and change or pick up books.  Instead of looking forward to a day of backbreaking work, the Northface Surge gives you the chance to keep your schedule and your spine in tact.  Northface, more than any other company, realizes the benefits of keeping a healthy body so you can enjoy the things you love.  While all Northface products are high quality, the Surge is made with your back in mind.  Mixing comfort and scientifically proven structure, the Surge is just what you need to make it through your day.

If keeping a wallet in your back pocket can throw off your balance then what do you think a full-fledged backpack could do?  Northface has worked closely with chiropractic foundations to ensure that their backpacks not only are made of with high-quality products, but also displace the weight to your hips and legs.  The Surge has been specifically endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) as a product that is functional and safe for your back.  This means that you can feel safe wearing it around all day every day loaded with office, school and life supplies.

An extremely versatile bag, the Surge is ideal for a host of individuals.  From office guru to school nerd to athlete addict, the Surge is perfect for everyone.  Each of the standard features on the Surge serves a number of purposes and provide all the needed space.  Features include:

• Laptop Pocket: This large compartment is a dedicated laptop case with accompanying cord pocket.  This pocket will fit most 15” computers.  When not being used by the laptop the compartment can store other items.
• Main Compartment: Large enough to hold all of your gym clothes and basketball, the main compartment has a sturdy design to hold the weight of books and athletic equipment.
• Electronics Pocket: Be in the office without the hassle of the office; carry around all of your electronics from iPad to phone in this organized and compartmentalized electronic pocket.
• Flex Vent: The shoulder strap will mold to your shoulder giving you added support while not compromising ventilation.
• Padded Hipbelt: Everyone knows that your back should not have to support a lot of weight.  Thanks to this added hipbelt the bulk of the backpack weight rests on your lower extremities.
• Backsaver Bottom Panel: An extra cushion specially formulated to save your lower back from chronic pain.
• Hydration Sleeve: Be prepared for whatever the day will bring by keeping hydrated without ever having to hunt for those pesky water bottles that are always out of reach.
• Reflective Lights: Benn a long day and can’t catch a ride home?  Feel safe with the reflectors ideally placed for high visibility.

Surge Backpack $124.95	The North Face Women's Surge Backpack $89.99	Columbia Women's Storm Surge Pants $34.90
Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool $89.85	Suncloud Surge Sunglasses $49.99	Suncloud Surge Sunglasses $49.99
Suncloud Surge Sunglasses $49.99	Princeton Tec Surge/Torrent Xenon Bulb ONLY $6.19	Volcom Surge Crew Shirt - Men's $59.99
Suncloud Surge Sunglasses $49.99	Columbia Women's Storm Surge Pants $34.90	DAKINE Surge Rashguard - Long-Sleeve - Men's $47.95
Wigwam Ironman Surge Pro Socks $11.00	The North Face Surge Backpack $115.00	686 Surge Hat $9.95
AquaBound Surge FG 2-Piece Kayak Paddle $274.95	The North Face Surge Backpack $114.95	The North Face Surge Daypack $84.95
Discraft Surge FLX ESP Disc Golf Disc $17.99	686 Surge Mens Hat 2011 $9.95	The North Face Surge Daypack Zincgrey $114.99
Leader Surge Swim Goggle $19.95	Suncloud Surge Sunglasses Brown Fade Frame with Rose Polarized Polycarbonate Lens $39.99	Quiksilver Surge Sandals BLACK/SILVER $35.00
Men's Ironman Surge Pro $8.80	The North Face Surge Pack $85.95	The North Face Surge Backpack $125.00
The North Face Surge Daypack - Men's $114.95	The North Face Surge Pack (Spring 2011) $88.95	LEGO Hero Factory Bionicle Mark Surge 7169 Building Toy $8.00
Surge $114.99	LEATHERMAN Surge Multitool $94.95	Columbia Sportswear Upward Surge II Jacket - Omni-Shield(R), Hooded (For Men) $39.95
Dalbello Surge Ski Boot | Men's | 09/10 $299.95	H2o Audio Surge Waterproof Headphones $59.99	The North Face Surge Backpack $114.95
GoLite Surge Lite - Mens $54.95	DAKINE Surge 8oz. L/S Rash Guard $47.95	Women's Surge $92.00
The North Face Surge $115.00	Mens Surge Shoes $55.00	Up Surge Shorts $18.99
Energy Surge (30 Tablets) $16.95	The North Face Surge Backpack $115.00	The North Face Women's Surge Laptop Backpack $80.49
Columbia Storm Surge Pant - Women's $49.95	North Face Surge $104.65	North Face Womens Surge $104.65
Suncloud Surge Sunglasses $49.99	The North Face Women's Surge Laptop Backpack $80.49	DAKINE Surge Rashguard - Short-Sleeve - Men's $40.95
Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool $94.95	The North Face Surge Backpack - Women's $115.00	AquaBound Surge Carbon 2-Piece Kayak Paddle $374.95
The North Face Surge Backpack - Women's $114.95	Columbia Sportswear Women's Storm Surge Pant Black $29.99	Suncloud Surge Sunglasses Matte Black Frame with Gray Polarized Polycarbonate Lens $39.99
The North Face Surge Backpack - Womens $114.95	The North Face Surge Daypack - Women's $114.95	The North Face Women's Surge Pack $114.95
Surge $124.95	THE NORTH FACE Women's Surge Daypack $115.00	Redington Surge Fly Fishing Reel - Pre Spooled $79.95
The North Face Surge Backpack - Women's $114.95	DAKINE Surge 8oz. S/S Rash Guard $40.95	Up Surge 2 Shorts $25.55
Surge Day Pack (Women's) $114.95	The North Face Surge Laptop Backpack $124.95	Aqua-Bound Surge Glass Paddle - 2 Piece $274.95
North Face Womens Surge $104.65