FOLLOW ALONG AS MEMBERS OF OUR SHOP STAFF TAKE DEEP DIVES INTO ALL THE DIFFERENT PRODUCTS ON OUR SHELVES.

INTRO TO GENTEMSTICK

This week, JG is hopping on to talk about Gentemstick snowboards. You would be hard pressed to find someone who has spent more time thinking about board shapes and design than JG. From trips to Niseko to discuss all things philosophical and physical with Taro Tamai to absolutely ripping backcountry powsurf–JG has spent his fair share of time standing on and studying all things sideways. It’s his home. It’s his passion. It’s just a part of who he is. We took a moment to step into the mind of how someone like him sees Gentemstick boards and how they can hold their own in Japanese pow and through east coast winters. Drop off your set up for a tune at @neonwavestowe and talk Gentem with JG.

PART 3: THE DESCENT

We have reached the summit! It’s time to rip those skins off, clip that board together and strap in, you finally get to enjoy the reason you started going up hill in the first place! For the final installment of our Splitboard episodes, Jonah is going to walk you through how to turn those skis into a board that’s ready to rip down the mountain! Go get some early bird laps this season anywhere your splitboard may take you, and if you want to chat about just how great Splitboarding is, you know where to find Mr. Splitboard guy!

PART 2: THE CLIMB

This week Jonah is back to dive further into the wonderful world of splitboarding. On this episode we are taking a closer look at what makes uphill travel possible, your touring skins. Skins are an essential piece of equipment to your split setup, by attaching the skins to the bottom of your skis, the tiny hairs or scales on the skin allow the ski to glide uphill but at the same time grip the slope to prevent you from going back down the hill. If you missed the last installment of our split board basic episodes, scroll back to episode 7, and stay tuned for next week where we have finally reached the summit, turned our skis into boards, and are ready to descend!

PART 1: THE BASICS

On this episode of shop talk we’re talking to Mr. Splitboard guy himself, Jonah D, about the in’s and out’s of setting up and operating an effective splitboard system. It takes a little longer to get uphill with skins so we thought we should take the time to explain everything you’ll need to know about going from ski mode to downhill bliss. Jonah covers bindings and board modes in this episode teaching us all why double the board means double the fun. Learn the necessary steps to seamlessly switch from uphill to downhill, unlocking an endless number of lines would make any lift blush. Stay tuned for part 2! Shop Talk!

KONSEAL HARNESS

On this episode of shop talk we’re talking to Robby about some fresh climbing gear. Ideal for indoor, outdoor, and any number of pitches you desire. The Arc’teryx Konseal harness is designed to be the do it all work horse for single and multi-pitch climbs. A mono-mesh and four-way stretch double weave provides exceptional strength without limiting movement and ergonomically-mapped padding gives you the cushion where it counts. In short, the harness is so comfortable you won’t even care if you send. Relatively lightweight and equipped with enough gear loops to carry hardware for both you and your partner, you may need to keep and eye out for any sneaky carabiners being clipped on while you aren’t looking.

BETA AR JACKET

On this episode of shop talk we are talking with David about jackets, specifically the Beta AR Jacket from Arc’Teryx. The Beta AR Jacket is a lightweight, versatile GORE-TEX PRO shell designed for all mountain use. As part of the Beta Series, which encompasses mountain apparel for various activities, it's classified as "AR" for All Round. This jacket offers a combination of packability, breathability, and waterproof protection suitable for a wide range of alpine environments. It features GORE-TEX PRO with "Most Rugged" Technology, a next-generation material developed in collaboration with Gore, which maximizes durability. The helmet-compatible DropHood™ incorporates an internal collar for added protection, and is equipped with an embedded RECCO® reflector to enhance search and rescue efforts in emergencies. Good for the city, great for the climb.

GENESIS STEP ON® EST BINDING

For this episode of Shop Talk we took a trip up to Stowe to talk with Tucker about the new Burton Genesis bindings. These bindings pair Burton’s rider-proven Step On technology with the components of the all-mountain oriented Genesis EST binding. The Genesis’s Kickback Hammock provides complete suspension to your heel for reduced vibration and an increase in response–creating a more comfortable ride all around. The EST system allows for unparalleled adjustability to your stance, while also allowing the board to flex and snap better; resulting in easier ollies and enhanced board-feel. Enjoy the ease of clicking in and end the hassle of dealing with ratchets and straps every time you’re about to drop in. Pick up a pair of Burton Genesis EST Step Ons this season.

6'8 VOLCANIC SUNDAY

This episode of Shop Talk we are chatting with Devin about this 6’8 Firewire Volcanic Sunday. When it comes to surfing the Great Lakes, you need a versatile board that can handle a lot of chop, moves quick, paddles easy and has enough volume for fresh water - this board checks all the boxes. The Sunday is Rob Machado’s round-tail, twin fin midlength designed for smaller, sloppy waves. The flat rocker and moved up double concave bottom contour makes this board super easy to turn rail-to-rail and initiate speed through flat sections and the evenly distributed volume makes paddling a breeze. Pair these with the Rob Machado Twin Keel set or play around with any twin fin set of your choosing to get the most out of this board.

BENNY URBAN HI-STANDARD PRO

For this episode of Shop Talk (Spooky Edition) we are chattin’ with Rob about the all new Benny Urban Hi-Standard Pro’s from Vans. Versatile, durable, and stylish. When it comes to all mountain, park, and street riding; this boot crushes. Designed by Benny Urban, these boots utilize Benny’s skate background to bring you a boot that not only looks like your favorite skate shoe, but rides like ‘em too. With a medium flex, V2 PopCush footbed, V2 harness, and the Vans Pleasurecuff—these boots give you all the support and comfort you need for long days on the mountain. If you’re lookin for an upgrade in function and style this season, come in and get yourself a pair of Benny Urban Hi-Standard Pros. Shop Talk!

2025 FREE THINKER

Welcome to the first installment of shop talk. 90 second deep dives into some things on the shop floor that the shop staff is digging. Today, we’re taking a look at the 2025 Burton Free Thinker. Designed and ridden by Danny Davis, this true twin camber board is a dream for park riders who like goin’ big and goin’ fast. From shop riders to employees, this is a favorite in the Burton line up. Excelling in the park, the Free Thinker is an aggressive board in nature–stiff, poppy, quick and stable; this thing is a blast all over the mountain. Utilizing some of Burtons higher-end materials and technology’s like the SuperFly II core, sintered WFO base and carbon highlights, the weight and performance are matched by few park boards on the market. If you want a board that keeps its composure at high speeds, holds an edge through hard carves, is stable while flying off takeoffs, and gives you the confidence to go fast and go big, come in and get yourself a new Free Thinker, you won’t regret it.