Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Longboarding - Smoothest Standies I've Ever Seen!

This Video speaks for itself. One of the smoothest riders I've ever seen!


Trick Tip: BIG stand up slides by Kyle Chin



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Snowboard Jedi Mental Snowboard Training System


“I have trained with many coaches around the world and Matt was by far the best, I learned 14 tricks in just 10 days!”-Emma Bernard, member of the France National Halfpipe Team.

“I wasn’t really beleiving in that kind of stuff before but I tried it out anyway and It actually does change the way you snowboard or do any other sports…  I  use it all the time now. It’s like my best friend! – Marie Racine  (pro snowboarder and winner of way too many contests to mention here)




Saturday, May 5, 2012

Bethany Hamilton - A True "Soul Surfer"

Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of faith, determination, and hope. Born into a family of surfers on February 8, 1990, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany began surfing at a young age. At the age of eight, Bethany entered her first surf competition, the Rell Sun Menehune event on Oahu, where she won both the short and long board divisions. This sparked a love for surf competition within her spirit.

At the age of thirteen, on October 31, 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai’s North Shore. The attack left Bethany with a severed left arm. After losing over 60% of her blood, and making it through several surgeries without infection, Bethany was on her way to recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude. Lifeguards and doctors believe her strong water sense and faith in God helped get her through the traumatic ordeal.

Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water to continue pursuing her goal to become a professional surfer. In January of 2004, Bethany made her return to surf competition; placing 5th in the Open Women’s division of that contest. With no intention of stopping, Bethany continued to enter and excel in competition. Just over a year after the attack she took 1st place in the Explorer Women’s division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships – winning her first National Title.

In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro. Bethany has since participated in numerous ASP and World Tour Events with her major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships. (See Career Highlights and Surf Related News for more results)
Since losing her arm, Bethany’s story has been told in hundreds of media outlets and she has been recognized with numerous awards, public appearances, and various speaking engagements. (See Awards & Appearances)

In October 2004, Bethany shared her life story in her autobiography entitled Soul Surfer. Seven years later, the book was made into a major motion picture bearing the same title which released theatrically in April, and for home entertainment in August, 2011. Other books Bethany has written include “Devotions for the Soul Surfer,” “Rise Above,” A “Soul Surfer” Bible, “Ask Bethany,” and “Clash,” “Burned,” “Storm,” and “Crunch.” (See Books for publishing information) Further, Bethany was the inspiration behind Becky Baumgartner’s 2007 documentary entitled Heart of a Soul Surfer.
From a young age, Bethany’s parents instilled their faith in Jesus Christ; and at age 5, she made the decision to have a personal relationship with Him. Bethany’s foundation of faith has been her backbone; her source of truth, hope, and strength.
Out of the water, Bethany has grown from a young teenage girl with aspirations of becoming a professional surfer into a twenty-year old professional surfer with aspirations of becoming a beacon of inspiration and hope. Through the platform of professional sport, Bethany has been able to touch a large number of people with her message, charitable efforts, and overall spirit. Bethany just launched her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which supports shark attack survivors, traumatic amputees, and serves to inspire others through her life story, and is involved in numerous other charitable efforts. (See Give Back for more charitable partnerships)

Bethany’s story is continually growing as she strives to be the best at whatever God calls her to do. The future is truly wide open for this young soul surfer! (http://bethanyhamilton.com/about/bio/)


"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

~Coach Carter~

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

How to Jump on a Snowboard


At first, it can be pretty tough to learn how to snowboard so before you start trying any snowboarding tricks, learning how to properly jump and land is very fundamental but important.

Step 1
Learn to Ollie. When a snowboarder Ollies, it is when they jump up into the air with their snowboard. Practicing on level surfaces helps to get this technique. Ollies are one of several really good snowboarding tricks for a snowboarding beginner.

Step 2
Find a small jump to start on. A jump that is one or two feet is good to start. Try to find a small jump where you will land on a small decline, as this is easier to land your jump. Trust me, landing on flat land is not fun when you are trying to learn how to land a jump on a snowboard.

Step 3
Crouch down a bit as you reach the jump. This will help you to spring up as you jump. Ollie when you reach the jump to give yourself lift. Be careful with this snowboard trick! If you ollie to much or too soon, you will be eating snow. A snowboarding beginner needs to take it slow. Make a few attempts and just let the jump naturally launch you. Once you're comfortable, you can progress with more speed and power

Step 4
Plan your land. You will have a short time in the air to see where you are going to come down. You want to come down flat on your board. Try to avoid landing on the front or back of the board.

Step 5
Bend your knees as you land. This will help your body absorb the shock of the landing. If you feel like you are going to fall, go forward onto your hands and knees.

Step 6
Practice, Practice, Practice. Snowboading tricks are not easy and will require a lot of time and dedication. Don't worry if you mess up or fail at first, it just takes time. Even snowboarders with years of practice don't land every jump.One last really important tip, be aware of other snowboarders around you. When jumping make sure the landing is clear of other snowboarders to avoid accidents. Once you are hitting your basic jumps, you can start working on snowboard grabs, flat land tricks and other snowboard tricks while getting some big air.

** PROTECT YOUR MELON! ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET!**

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Longboarding USA - Raising Awareness

I've been in touch with Caleb and Tanner Childs and had to spread the stoke on the longboarding trek that they are planning on making. He's their story:

On May 14, 2012, two brothers from Concord, NC plan to take off on a trip of a lifetime. Caleb and Tanner Childs are leaving from Wilmington, NC and are walking/longoarding to San Francisco, CA. The brothers’ main goal for the walk is to raise awareness and funds for three charities of their choosing and, of course, for the adventure aspect of it all.

Tanner Childs just turned 22 years old and is in his final year at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, finishing up a degree in Criminal Justice. Caleb, the older of the two, just turned 26 and graduated from North Carolina State University in 2008 with a degree in Turfgrass Management of all things. The idea of walking/longboarding across the country came from Tanner, apparently the dreamer of the two brothers. Caleb, who just recently spent some time living in the mountains of North Carolina, which kindled his love for the outdoors, stated that he would accompany Tanner but that they should do it for a good cause of some kind. The good cause turned out to be the three charities they chose to support.

The three charities consist of The Semper Fi Fund, The Vickie S. Honeycutt Foundation, and the North Toxaway Food Bank. The Semper Fi Fund helps ease financial burdens for hospitalized or wounded marines and other military personnel who support the marines. Both brothers believe this to be an important charity to raise awareness for, as many of the wounded soldiers are overlooked upon returning back to the U.S. The Vickie S. Honeycutt Foundation is a charity that was started to honor Mrs. Honeycutt, and gives financial aid to teachers, and their family members, who are battling cancer. Lastly, the North Toxaway Food Bank is an organization that helps families meet their basic needs on a week to week basis in an area that is greatly affected by the economic downturn. 

The brothers plan on having an amazing journey, but are still lacking in a few areas. They are still looking for as much publicity as possible, and could still use some help in raising money or supplies/gear to help them with their budget. If you would be willing to donate, you can contact them at tanner@longboardingusa.com, or caleb@longboardingusa.com. The main thing to keep in mind is the charities though, because that's what it’s all about. Don't forget to check out their website at http://www.longboardingusa.com/, and "like" their facebook page, longboardingusa. They are shooting for 1,000 likes before they leave!!!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Liquid Force Wakeboards





About Liquid Force Wakeboards:
Liquid Force has worked super hard at building season upon season to bring you new lineups. The results of the relentless efforts of their stoked and committed team is simply THE BEST PRODUCT LINE IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORT!!

Liquid Force is proud and inspired by their aggressive team of pro and amateur riders who come up with amazing ideas on how to make the sport more fun. They challenged Liquid Force to make their dreams a reality. From Shane's idea of a closed toe boot that gives unbelievable control to Shawn's idea for bindings that you can put on like your favorite pair of skate shoes, to Phil's idea for a board that pops like a MUTHA but lands as soft as your favorite down pillow - Liquid Force put their more than 100 years of combined wake experience together- and pulled it off!

Get out on the water and ride some LF Gear! Whether you are a young girl just getting started or an experience rider looking to land your first 720, Liquid Force has made something for you that you will love. One your ride Liquid Force, we know you will share the same relentless passion for the sport they created.(Courtesy of http://www.the-house.com/)