SIA 2011 Day 3: A Marketing Analysis

At this point we've seen enough boards, boots, bindings, outerwear and accessories that it feels like it's already 2012. The boards have things like ollie bars, scoop bases and kick jammers (we made those last two up). Outerwear is more more tech (or in some cases less tech) and will hopefully keep you warm and dry on hill. You can get a goggle to match absolutely any outfit, and a helmet too. Bindings are more adjustable than ever, and boots are the lightest they've ever been. And collaborations are still hot. But what did we really learn at SIA? We learned what will sell this year. See the above pie…
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Hump Day Jumps Buildings with Austin Smith

For someone who's managed to blow out his knee, not once, but twice, Austin Smith has actually had a very blessed snowboard career. After two years out with injury, he's got still got the sponsor support and to get back out there, and this year, that's exactly what he plans to do. With accolades such as rookie of the year and video part of the year already under his belt, it seems unlikely that he'll have any trouble. Just don't expect him to throw any triple corks. So you just got yourself a house in Portland, where young people go to retire... but you're not hurt anymore, so how is…
Read More

SIA 2011 Day 3: A Marketing Analysis

At this point we've seen enough boards, boots, bindings, outerwear and accessories that it feels like it's already 2012. The boards have things like ollie bars, scoop bases and kick jammers (we made those last two up). Outerwear is more more tech (or in some cases less tech) and will hopefully keep you warm and dry on hill. You can get a goggle to match absolutely any outfit, and a helmet too. Bindings are more adjustable than ever, and boots are the lightest they've ever been. And collaborations are still hot. But what did we really learn at SIA? We learned what will sell this year. See the above pie…
Read More

Hump Day Jumps Buildings with Austin Smith

For someone who's managed to blow out his knee, not once, but twice, Austin Smith has actually had a very blessed snowboard career. After two years out with injury, he's got still got the sponsor support and to get back out there, and this year, that's exactly what he plans to do. With accolades such as rookie of the year and video part of the year already under his belt, it seems unlikely that he'll have any trouble. Just don't expect him to throw any triple corks. So you just got yourself a house in Portland, where young people go to retire... but you're not hurt anymore, so how is…
Read More