THE MESSAGE  - OCTOBER 2008

Welcome back to another exciting edition of THE MESSAGE.. da da da DUNNNNN.
Good new snow fiends, We got are first dusting on the Sierra's last week, so lets hope that this will be an early season for all us!  THE BLOCK, THE BLOCK is gearing up for Snowboard Season by sponsoring a bunch of snowboard premieres and parties. I just saw the new First Tracks Video,  Knock on Wood at Mont Bleu, and what a great turnout we had, THE BLOCK was soldout and Flick was dope as all hell! 

Hot Dawgs and Hand Rails

If you missed Hot Dawgs and Handrails last month, you done F@cked-up. ! Hot Dawgz & Hand Rails 5th annual snowboarding specatcular tested the skills of some of the best jumpers and jibbers in the world and paid out $15,000 in prize money!  Rio and the entire Bear Mountain Park Staff pulled off the 1st contest of the year with Grand Style!  The Dropin, The Gap, and the rails were epic and riders were stoked to be throwing down for the first time of the Season! Big props to reelcomp.com for broadcasting a live feed of the event besure to check it out on their website.

The winners in the Men's Finals were...
1st Place- Jed Anderson
2nd Place- Chas Guldemond
3rd Place- Scott Vine

and the winners in the Women's Finals are...
1st Place- Desiree Melancon
2nd Place- Marie Hucal
3rd Place- Raewyn Reid

Scott Vine brought home Best Trick. Congratulations riders! Additional Heavy Hitters were Ben Bogart, Scott Stevens, Louif Paradis, Bode Merill, Keegan Valaika, Leanne Pelosi, Elise Borelli, Nick Dirks, Zak Hale and Tim Eddy. J.P Walker, Seth Huot and Hana Beaman were chillin' at Bear and Josh Sherman and Dave Duncan were announcing! If you missed Hot Dawgz this year, we'll see you next September! Big ups to Nam for organizing the afterparty, DJ Slip Matt and Matty Mo held it done hard. If you aint heard Matty Mo got a new mixtape out so be sure to Grab Government Cheese Vol 1. 

THE BLOCK BOOTCAMP 2008

Has been rescheduled to December 1st -13th in South Lake Tahoe. We are selecting 50 lucky recruits from an applicant pool of over 500+ that I received. It has been no easy task going through the applications, so if you were selected congratulations you will be receiving your deployment orders at the end of the week!  Remember that during bootcamp you will be tested to your physical and mental limits. So do yourself a favor and start working out and jogging now. This is not going to be a walk in the park. 

Knock on Wood

Who wants to see some sick snowboarding action for cheap?! Well, South Lake Tahoe based First Tracks Productions is offering a special deal to friends of The Block. If you click on the following link, you'll get to a hidden page on First Tracks' site where you can purchase their new movie, "Knock on Wood" for $10 off retail! http://firsttracksproductions.com/knockonwood091317257375.html If you haven't seen the trailer for Knock on Wood, check it out for free here:

Upcoming Events

Big Bear

October 18th is the last Bear Mountain Job Fair at Snow Summit from 8am-2pm. If you got to ride Bear and cant pass the bootcamp, this is a good option for any shredder.

October 18th and 19th is the 38th Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest! So if you missed the job fair you can atleast Drink it off.

October 19th @ Active Ride Shop in Le Brea - F.O.D.T. Presents "Familia"  and TWS These Days from 7-9pm with DJ Episode! Be there!

Lake Tahoe

Wednesday Oct 15th  Technine's own Eric "MessyHair" Messier aka The Snow Man, will be playing with his group "The Fiz" at Whiskey Dicks with The Mathematicians in South Lake Tahoe.


This Thursday and Every Thursday BAR24 is holding Battle of The Bands until a winner is announced on November 6th, so get down their and show your support!


Saturday, Oct 18th – Late Nite productions brings the Original Wailers back to Tahoe at Moe's Place.


Wednesday Oct 22nd – Collie Buddz  is playing at Whiskey Dicks with Rise of the Revolution and DJ Pee Wee.  Rise kills it so sure to get there early and check em out!


Wednesday Nov 12th – Pato Banton with the Mystic Roots Band and Planting Seeds! Mystic Roots is dope and Pato got love for THE BLOCK so don't miss this show!


Friday November 14th – Finger on Da Trigger presents "Familia" Premiere at Bar24, signing with the Technine Team, Snowbunny Contest, Live Performances by the worlds top VJ; DJ Crime,  Hip Hop by Concise Kilgore from the Cali Agents and more TBA Lots of other bar24 contests for lots of SWAG and giveaways! Be sure you are there!


Saturday November 15th – The Premiere and the team travel to the Sandbar in Sacramento. We got a Snowbunny contest with the Déjà vu Girls and Zsu Swimwear, a Rail Jam in the back, T9 Team Signing and so much more so be there!!!


Tuesday Nov 18th – One Block Radius come to town, Marty James, MDA and Z-Man throw a tough show, pickup there new hit "you got me" and come to the show.


Friday November 28th – Del The Funky Homosapien has been add to host the "Blizzard" Pray for Snow Party with A-Plus and Bukue-one! So mark this one down cuz its going to GO OFF in Tahoe that weekend!


Saturday December 28th– "How The Grouch Stole Christmas" with Grouch and Eli from the Living Legends! I am looking forward to this show the most! So get up on game and go buy his new album that came this past spring and be sure to celebrate X-mas with the GROUCH!!!


Ok that's all I got for ya for now, I am working a bringing a "Familia" premiere to Vegas as well as planning THE BLOCK PARTY 2009 at the SIA Tradeshow. More info when I got it all confirmed but until then, Pray for Snow and see you on THE BLOCK!


-Dirty D from THE BLOCK


PS Check out these Videos:
Live From the PALMS Pools and Bungalows - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru3vhbtu7tI
Live From Hot Dawgs and Handrails - http://reelcomp.com/videos/view/6990

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http://firsttracksproductions.com/knockonwood091317257375.html

If you haven't seen the trailer for Knock on Wood, check it out for free

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Down With People Teaser

Ekipa z Mack Dawg Productions w 2008 roku powraca z nowym filmem pod tytułem Dawn With People. Zeszłoroczny projekt We’re People Too odniósł duży sukces, a występujący w nim Austin Smith zdobył nagrodę TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine “Rookie of the Year” i “Video Part of the Year”.
http://www.roninsnowboards.com/down-with-people-teaser/


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oh shi*t yes! a lil som'n som'n fo you from us....download, view, repeat.....just don't ask us to pay for your optometrist bill.

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Here are the final Video-clips of the BAGJUMP SpringBreak08 Film&Foto Award presented by TVB-Kühtai.

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The only snowboard contest in a bar is back!

The Frank & Bean's Indoor Snowboard Jam.
16 riders going head to head in a battle to be The champion.
We also present a screening of the new surf film from Rip Curl "SOMEWHERE"
Don't miss out on this event.

Rider registration:
Entry fee: $20
There are 16 rider spots.
12 for males and 4 for females.
Spots are giving on a first come first serve basis.

The contest will start at 9:00pm sharp.

Doors open at 8pm
$10 cover

Lots of prizes and giveaways from our sponsors.
contact me for more info

Sponsored by:
Westbeach, IS Design, Rip Curl, Option Snowboards, Universal Records, Kokanee, Loaded Gun Productions, Terrain Park Boyz and The Royal.



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(Saint-Sauveur, April 5, 2008) – Mont-Tremblant native Charles Reid has won the 2008 Empire 

Shakedown grand finale, presented this Saturday at Mont Saint-Sauveur.  In addition to honours, the 17 

year old snowboarder also won himself $15 000 in prize money.  

 

Empire Shakedown is one of the premium snowboarding events in the world - classed in the top five by 

the snowboarding industry.  This year’s competition also had two other Quebecois boarders climb onto the 

podium, namely Sébastien Toutant, a 15 year old boarder from Lanaudière, and Sherbrook’s Antonin 

Chamberland.  Chamberland was in fact one of only two amateur snowboarders to take part in the finals, 

the other being Saint-Sauveur’s Matt Kulisek.   

 

In total, 35 professional and 3 amateur snowboarders participated in the event; the finals saw the 15 best 

athletes retained for a showdown.   

 

‘I’m very excited to have won, it was a fantastic day, and the conditions were ideal for snowboarding – we 

could have even competed in fleece and t-shirts!  I think the moves I really succeeded with, the front side 

1080 and the back side 270 were what won me the competition.  I don’t really know what to do with the 

$15 000 prize money, but for the moment, its going to the bank.  One thing is certain; I will be ready for 

Shakedown 2009.’  explained an elated Reid.  

 

Empire Shakedown is a unique competition among competitions, requiring that athletes master two 

different snowboarding disciplines (the AMP booter jump, followed by the rail) in a jam format (unique to 

the Shakedown).   

 

Additionally, during the VANS Skateboarding half-time show and competition, Thomas Parent won top 

honours and a money prize of $2 000. 

 

An estimated 20 000 people have been present for the competition which has taken place over the past 

two days.  ‘The level of competition is very high and the boarders have been extremely creative; some 

jumps we’ve never even seen before.   The ambiance was incredible, especially today with the beautiful 

weather we’re experiencing’ commented Brendan O’Dowd, President of DIZZLE Productions Inc, and one 

of the Empire Shakedown’s organizers.   

Top 3 Runs:

1st Charles Reid 

- Jump: Front side 1080 

- Double Kink rail: back side 270 lip on the kink rail

2nd Sebastien Toutant: 

-Jump: Backside 1080 double cork 

-Double Kink rail: gap to back lip

3rd Antonin Chamberland 

- Jump: Front side 900 

- Down rail: Front side 270

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(Monday December 17th 2007) After much speculation and an industry-wide rumour mill, StepChild Snowboards is proud to announce the signing of JP Walker to the International Pro Team.

"JP's riding and dedication to snowboarding speaks for itself- not many snowboarders have remained at the top of their class for over ten years. We are absolutely thrilled to have him on the team. It's cool that we share the same values and beliefs as to what a snowboard company and team should be." - StepChild founder Sean Johnson.

" Where else would I end up? Come on, you know I keep it one-hunney! StepChild is one of the last true snowboard companies out there. I love that they value what a professional rider brings to the table. Rider owned and driven, others claim it but none live it, son!" - JP Walker.

There's no denying JP has had a huge impact on the sport of snowboarding over the past decade. Anyone who knows anything about snowboarding is familiar with JP's video parts. Over the years he set a new standard filming with MDP and for some of the biggest selling team videos of all time; he invented tricks and numerous first-ever-bangers caught on film. JP's riding and style has stayed relevant even in an era marked by the X-Games, reality shows, corporate takeovers and riders with fistfuls of energy drinks. No one has been able to continually raise the bar, and maintain a high level of integrity, style, innovation and technical tricks like JP has. Even after a season unexpectedly cut short, JP managed to have a solid presence in videos and magazines, including his Future cover, surprisingly JP's first North American cover shot of his career.

Walker's snowboarding career is the result of immense talent, hard work and dedication -attributes he will continue to bring to the game in the future. His priority is the progression of snowboarding, but it's also about the way he and his sport are portrayed to the public. Driven by the same ideals StepChild and JP are the perfect combination.

"Obviously StepChild is focused on snowboard videos and progression, two things that I've always been an advocate of. They have an amazing team of handrail slayers, and i'm stoked to be a part of it, been riding their boards on the down low this past week and i'm stoked. It's simply the best fit. One." - JP Walker.

Simon Chamberlain adds, "Growing up watching snowboard videos, JP Walker has always been my favourite snowboarder of all time. It truly is amazing to see him riding for Stepchild. Its like a dream come true, not only for me but for the whole company."

JP will have a Pro Model with StepChild in three sizes: 147, 151, and 154. The boards will be sold with a regular edge as well as a RETT (Round Edge Taper Tuning) option. The board has a dull round edge between the feet for jibbing, and tapers out to a regular edge by the time it reaches the contact points. "The boards are tuned at the factory exactly how I would tune them at home." adds JP.

JP is currently filming with Mack Dawg Productions for Double Decade, which will be released in August 2008. His current sponsor list includes: StepChild Snowboards, 32 and Etnies, Oakley, Nixon, Bear Mountain, Milosport and Molcasalsa. StepChild's International Pro Team now consists of JP Walker, Simon Chamberlain, Markku Koski, Stian Solberg and Fredu Sirvio. The International Am Team consists of Joe Sexton, Risto Ruokola, and Scotty Vine. Other notable supporters include Chris Wimbles, Brian McClatchy and E-Man amongst others.

About StepChild: StepChild is a snowboard company that specializes in camping stoves, fishing tackle, and tennis rackets. The StepChild team is currently training and testing sand boards in Egypt. Joe Sexton and Simon Chamberlain are currently pushing the envelope of progressive sandboarding in the Egyptian Parallel Slalom while Markku and Stian aren't having much luck in the Sandboard half pipe event. "The stupid camel just won't pull us to the top! He's going to need an energy drink sponsor" adds Markku.





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Aca citamos el texto que nos enviaron al mail y que es la noticia de su sitio web.

StepChild Snowboards Signs JP Walker

After much speculation and an industry-wide rumour mill, StepChild Snowboards is proud to announce the signing of JP Walker to the International Pro Team.

"JP's riding and dedication to snowboarding speaks for itself- not many snowboarders have remained at the top of their class for over ten years. We are absolutely thrilled to have him on the team. It's cool that we share the same values and beliefs as to what a snowboard company and team should be." - StepChild founder Sean Johnson.

" Where else would I end up? Come on, you know I keep it one-hunney! StepChild is one of the last true snowboard companies out there. I love that they value what a professional rider brings to the table. Rider owned and driven, others claim it but none live it, son!" - JP Walker.

There's no denying JP has had a huge impact on the sport of snowboarding over the past decade. Anyone who knows anything about snowboarding is familiar with JP's video parts. Over the years he set a new standard filming with MDP and for some of the biggest selling team videos of all time; he invented tricks and numerous first-ever-bangers caught on film. JP's riding and style has stayed relevant even in an era marked by the X-Games, reality shows, corporate takeovers and riders with fistfuls of energy drinks. No one has been able to continually raise the bar, and maintain a high level of integrity, style, innovation and technical tricks like JP has. Even after a season unexpectedly cut short, JP managed to have a solid presence in videos and magazines, including his Future cover, surprisingly JP's first North American cover shot of his career.

Walker's snowboarding career is the result of immense talent, hard work and dedication -attributes he will continue to bring to the game in the future. His priority is the progression of snowboarding, but it's also about the way he and his sport are portrayed to the public. Driven by the same ideals StepChild and JP are the perfect combination.

"Obviously StepChild is focused on snowboard videos and progression, two things that I've always been an advocate of. They have an amazing team of handrail slayers, and i'm stoked to be a part of it, been riding their boards on the down low this past week and i'm stoked. It's simply the best fit. One." - JP Walker.

Simon Chamberlain adds, "Growing up watching snowboard videos, JP Walker has always been my favourite snowboarder of all time. It truly is amazing to see him riding for Stepchild. Its like a dream come true, not only for me but for the whole company."

JP will have a Pro Model with StepChild in three sizes: 147, 151, and 154. The boards will be sold with a regular edge as well as a RETT (Round Edge Taper Tuning) option. The board has a dull round edge between the feet for jibbing, and tapers out to a regular edge by the time it reaches the contact points. "The boards are tuned at the factory exactly how I would tune them at home." adds JP.

JP is currently filming with Mack Dawg Productions for Double Decade, which will be released in August 2008. His current sponsor list includes: StepChild Snowboards, 32 and Etnies, Oakley, Nixon, Bear Mountain, Milosport and Molcasalsa. StepChild's International Pro Team now consists of JP Walker, Simon Chamberlain, Markku Koski, Stian Solberg and Fredu Sirvio. The International Am Team consists of Joe Sexton, Risto Ruokola, and Scotty Vine. Other notable supporters include Chris Wimbles, Brian McClatchy and E-Man amongst others.

About StepChild: StepChild is a snowboard company that specializes in camping stoves, fishing tackle, and tennis rackets. The StepChild team is currently training and testing sand boards in Egypt. Joe Sexton and Simon Chamberlain are currently pushing the envelope of progressive sandboarding in the Egyptian Parallel Slalom while Markku and Stian aren't having much luck in the Sandboard half pipe event. "The stupid camel just won't pull us to the top! He's going to need an energy drink sponsor!" adds Markku.

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By Wang Don & Photos by Lorenz Holder

  

When most people think about China, they imagine Kung Fu, The Great Wall, poverty and communism.  Where these things still make an appearance in our daily lives every so often over here, the new face of China has changed.  In an economy that is flourishing, not only are most snowboards now produced here, but also the sport itself is finding is feet in what turns out to be the new snowboard market that has the most potential in the world.
 

Just a few short years ago, the population of in China had never even heard of snowboarding (or skiing for that matter), but thanks to Steve Zdarsky and his event The Nanshan Open things are changing.  Nowadays just outside of Beijing you can find 14 ski areas, one of which is Nanshan, the host of the only international snowboard event and the resort which boasts The Nokia Nanshan Mellow Park, the best freestyle area in the country.  With the first and largest event in China, The Nanshan Open with only 6 years behind it is now a 4 star TTR event and has a prize purse of $25,000 US Dollars.  But, things were not always so glamorous…

Austin Smith, frontside 5.

“The Chinese people remind me of the early 90’s when snowboarding just   started. There is a buzz around it, like the good old days. Nothing but positive passion for this great shredding activity. I’m looking forward to experiencing this wild country once again." -Marc Andre Tarte”

Tadej Valentan with another front 5.

The Open was born when a handful of riders, mostly foreigners living in China, got together in the small but first park on Chinese soil.  The day was reminiscent of those homegrown events that took place twenty years ago in the west, but no one could imagine the potential. For an event to find such success in such a short time in a country that didn’t event have distributors of snowboard goods until a short time ago has never been done before.  And with International media attention, top-level riders in attendance and sponsors such as Red Bull, Quiksilver and Gibson Guitars, the Nanshan Open is putting Chinese snowboarding on the map.

 

The Nanshan Open has single-handedly driven the progression of snowboarding from a newborn infant to a teenager in the Peoples Republic.  The snowboard scene has by no means reached its potential, but when you witness the Nanshan Open you would never believe that this is Chinese snowboarding.  With Chinese riders competing head to head with international pros, musical acts on stage that are famous nationwide, and video productions like Mack Dawg and The Pirates on hand to catch all the action, its like you were magically taken back to the west for these tow days.

    Atsushi Ishikawa pleasing the crowd.

The park, which was expanded in 2006 by relocating 30,000 cubic meters of earth, is now the only international standard area of its kind in the country. Hosting top riders such as Hampus Mossesson, Marc Andre Tarte, Kier Dillon and Danny Davis, The Nokia Nanshan Mellow Park is an integral part of The Open.  Without the hard work of Steve and his crew of local top riders, the Chinese snowboard scene would sill be unheard of….

 

The Nanshan Open takes place this January 5^th and 6^th at The Nokia Nanshan Mellow Park, 20 mins outside Beijing, China. 

 

For more information, please visit www.mellowparks.cn or stay tuned to www.snowboard.com for future updates!



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Hey Everyone

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Now hear this: It is now October, summer is over.  Therefore, there will be no more of this claiming that you are "totally stoked on surfing", and your bronzed skin is no longer in vogue.  In Seattle, the skies are uneasy, temps are dropping, the yuppies are jittery, flannel is still cool, and Bald E-Gal and NC Productions are a comin' to town. 

Be there:

Signal Snowboards Presents:

Bald E-Gal's "Smorgasbord"
and
NC Productions' "For Love or Money"

with Dyme Def

Friday, October 5th. El Corazon in Seattle.
Doors at 6pm, $5.

Come get down!

www.signalsnowboards.com
www.baldegal.com
www.ncproductions.net


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