Wipeout Wednesday: The Right, West OZ

SugarFresh poppin' off with your belated weekly smackdown!! Australian chargers Mark Mathews, Ryan Hipwood, Richie Vas and Laurie Towner spent last week hurling themselves into this off-shore slab know simply as "The Right". Nothing short of horrific.

Blind Takeoffs

"Probably one of the gnarliest parts about what we do in mountain biking is the blind takeoffs..."
--Cameron Zink and Kyle Strait, G-Shock "The Descent" Part II

The moment before dropping a new line in any action sport- whether it be a jagged cliff, backcountry kicker, stairway jib or frothing reef- is a maniacal infusion of blissful terror and excitement. You've committed to the approach and there is no turning back. There are only two outcomes: touch down and ride out unscathed, or crash and hope for the best.

When we succumb to the whims of gravity, more often then not, we end up in the later scenario. With our brains as advanced as we believe them to be, one would think the first huck junkies would have weighed their odds and humans would have abandoned this ill fated practice all-together. However, there is nothing like the feeling of sticking a drop.

You're airborne, the world pauses and things seem to come into focus- frame by frame.  You see your natural environment, you recognize your bodily self in a state of suspension, a quick breath rushes through your pipes and into your lungs, your heart beats once.. maybe twice...

Then, all at once, you find your feet firmly planted on the board, pedals or otherwise. With a fresh infusion of adrenaline surging from your eyes, ears and nose, you realize that you made it.

These are the moments that remind us that we are alive.

Ski Porn Spotlight: Tanner Hall's segment from "Retallack: The Movie"

Listen ear all u Rude boys, Shazas, Larrys and batty lovin blokes. Tanner Hall is a massive lad in the ski world with sick skillz. lord of mercy! Watch az he ripz it & goes well big.

Photo of the Week

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.

-Ansel Adams

Photo of the Week

The only guarantee in life, is a life worth dying for.

Wipeout Wednesday: Skate Fail

RoidRageRon back with a gentle reminder that concrete does leave a mark.

Yet, for some reason it just gets me charged up to go get my SHRED on... anyone down for 40's and a pool session at the Pacifica park??

Get the F*%& out of my way grom!!

Mike Douglas to Spend Pre-Season in the Whistler Patrol Shack

Ever wondered what it looks like at the top of your favorite peak the days before the lifts open? 

Mike Douglas, professional freeskier and TV host/producer, plans to find out. This November, Douglas will hunker down in the patrol shack atop Whistler Mountain.  Armed only with his computer, camera and a sleeping bag, the "Godfather of Freeskiing" will document the inside story behind what it takes to prepare a resort, in a series simply dubbed- Embedded. 

“Embedded is a once in lifetime experience.  I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to step right inside winter at the beginning of the season when the stoke level is at its highest point,” says Douglas. “It will be a challenge to document the experience, but it's the kind of challenge I love.  I can't wait to get up there.”

Douglas will head up the mountain 6 days before opening day in November. Visit whistlerblackcomb.com/embedded to sign up for an email alert when the journey kicks off.

Spot Check: OB, SF

Tasty small nw leftovers coming through this morning. 

Sore, tired and happy--

No better way to start the week.

Location: Geary Blvd,San Francisco,United States

Warren Miller's ...Like There's No Tomorrow World Premier

Just in time to meet the first dumps being depositited across California, Wyoming, Utah and the Northeast, Warren Miller Entertainment brings a fresh new look at winter in ...Like There's No Tomorrow. The film, hosted by Jonny Moseley and shot on location in Colorado, Utah, California, New Zealand, Chile, Alaska and British Columbia, premiers tomorrow evening at 8pm at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City.

If you happen to be in town pick up a ticket and check out the adrenaline fueld high def footage of tasty pow turns, sick drops, and rail slaying. And if your mom doesn't want you home too early- there's an afterparty at The Hotel Bar & Night Club at 155 West 200 South.

If you're not in the Salt Lake area, don't fret, the flick will be touring nationally this fall. Check out show dates here: http://www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/events



SYNOPSIS:

The pressure's off. No one's watching. It's just you, your boards, and the mountain. The weather has broken and the snow is untracked. The only sound is that of your breath crystalizing in the winter air. There's only one place to go, but there's an infinite number of ways to get there. Adjust your gear, take a deep breath, and . . . like there's no tomorrow.

For the sixty second year in a row, Warren Miller Entertainment brings you to this moment, and each moment that follows, from peaks as far flung as India and as nearby as New Hampshire. The common themes are snow, steeps, and the skiers and snowboarders who throw themselves into both with an abandon that amazes and inspires us all.

. . . Like There's No Tomorrow is a celebration of these moments, the ones that make up the winter for people who live for it. Join Chris Davenport, Daron Rahlves, Colby West, Andy Mahre, Seth Wescott, Julia Mancuso, and more as they drop into the runs we see in our dreams as we wait for the seasons to change.

Oh yea, and just for attending the premier you get some bonus hook-ups as well:
--FREE lift ticket to Canyons
--2 for 1 lift ticket to Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, or Solitude
--$25 off purchase of $100 or more at Level Nine Sports

Wipeout Wednesday: What the BUCK!?!

Tubular Tommy here with the second installation of Wiiiiiipeout Wednesday!!! I caught a glimpse of this sweet wreck while checking my stats in the mirror at Hot Topic. Turns out the beenie wouldn't fit over my giant balding head, but whatever, least I got some cool new Vans. Catch ya on the flipside...

Spot Check: Rodeo Beach/Fort Cronkite

Just over the Golden Gate Bridge lies Fort Cronkite, a former WWII Military base-- perfectly situated overlooking Rodeo Beach. This southwest facing stretch of sand holds knee high to double overhead waves nearly year round. It can be heavy at times; this is not a good spot for beginners. Also, beware of submerged rocks at the north end.

Best on S/W/WNW, low tide rising.




The north point can crank on the right swell direction. There is a local presence- show respect and you should be fine.

Getting there:

From the north take the Sausalito exit, south Alexander Ave.



Follow the signs to the fort.



It's a straight shot through the tunnel, follow the road a couple miles and fork left down the hill to the lot. This beach is also a great spot to hike, romp on the beach with your dog, and wallow away an afternoon with beers and barbecue.

Under the Gate: Fort Point

Fort Point, doing its thing. Plenty of local smokies out this day by the looks of it. The videographer said that two guys got sucked out and had to be rescued by Coast Guard later on. I've had the tide switch to a heavy flow while I was sitting under the bridge and ended up paddling for 15 minutes in one spot before a lucky last bit of swell pushed me around the corner. Talk about a heart pounding adrenaline surge. Check your tide charts.

Hot Licks! K2/Stone's Ski Celebrates Shared 50th Anniversary

As much as I can't get stoked on the majority of cross promotional collaborations (simply because they are just that) I have to admit that introduction of the K2 Rolling Stones Limited Edition Ski Collection- kicking off celebrations for their shared 50th Anniversary- is pretty badass.

The Stones, whose first major album debuted in 1963 (spending 51 weeks at #1 in the UK), have reached legendary status that few living souls (if barely... cough, Keith) ever achieve. Their timeless sound and limit pushing antics have paved the way for rock n' roll today, while K2 has been a staunch innovator and pioneer within the ski industry.

It feels right. Waking up early on a crisp blue-bird day, you hike to the lift, strap on Jagger approved planks, crank up Exile on Main St, and you're ready to crush runs until the sun goes down.

The first model of four in the K2/Stones Collection will be available on the versatile SideShow chassis this November. The ski rocks the iconic lip and tongue logo- first featured on the inner sleeve of the 1971 Sticky Fingers album, something like the Stone's 10th album cranked out between '64 and '71-- astounding. The snow must have been good back then.

Wipe Out Wednesday: Hole in One

Yo Bro,

Trashcan Travis here, coming at you from sunny AZ bro. Hanging out park side with my bros: fat mike, Stezzy Steve, and Aurthur Smith. Me and my bros never fall, whether its slaying rails, slashing turns, going big or any other nasty sick shit bro, we never look bad. Our skillz are so tight bro. Check n Weekly, to check out punks recking themselves. Peace Bros.

Whistle While You Work

San Francisco and Alcatraz, as seen from Sausalito

Angel Island through pained windows

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.

~Voltaire

Love that Dirty Water? Health Tips for this Storm Season

A bit of swell entered the area overnight, but the prevailing high tide and prospect of nasty water conditions, due to the first significant rainfall of the season, was enough to keep us out of the water. California, and other surf friendly locations world wide, are often highly impacted by the run-off from industrial and residential sources. The result- a less than appetizing, toxic oceanic cocktail. Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and enjoying the waves this storm season*:

• Avoid surfing for the first 72 hours after a storm event (especially at the beginning of the storm season). Even though the streets may dry-up after a day or two, run-off is still likely to be making it's way down stream from inland locations- resulting in elevated bacteria levels for an extended period of time.

• Steer clear of drain outlets, streams, creeks and other areas that offer a lot of outflow. When possible seek out more pristine locations further away from cities and towns.

• Wear ear-plugs. Any place where water can enter your body and marinate has the potential to become a breeding ground where bacteria can flourish.

• Shower as soon as possible after your session and rinse your equipment.

• Move to a remote, pristine tropical island and surf in warm waters- rain or shine- every day.

So while you wait out the storms, get your stick primed for the months to come and mindsurf Ocean Beach until the next sunny day of bombs.

Video Credit: ArtifactProductions

* I am not trained in any sort of medicine, nor do I claim to be a doctor. Proceed at your own risk and use your best judgement.

Ski Porn Spotlight: A Spoon Full of Goodness

DPS' Stephan Drake tests the Spoon behind Alta, Utah. from DPS SKIS on Vimeo.

Alo.

Check dis vid from our mates at DPS' Skis, founder Stephen not Steven iz a brill lad, he iz lik a croz between the curnel from KFC and Einzsten. E iz Crunchy on da outside but Well smart on da inside. Dis ske will blow your mind like how the moon disapears evry day or ow the telly workd. Lets say itz from da future.

Like DPS on Da Facebok and u can win a set of des planks.

Check yourself befor u rek yur self!