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Sims Blade (1987)
this legendary sims graphic is one of the most recognizable of all 80's snowboards by any manufacturer. it adorned the sims blade, switchblade, pocket knife, and half pipe models. the graphic was so iconic it was brought back as a throwback model in 2015. for more info on the legendary tom sims see his bio on "boards from the legends" page.
this legendary sims graphic is one of the most recognizable of all 80's snowboards by any manufacturer. it adorned the sims blade, switchblade, pocket knife, and half pipe models. the graphic was so iconic it was brought back as a throwback model in 2015. for more info on the legendary tom sims see his bio on "boards from the legends" page.
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flight UFO
flite was founded by steve derrah. he began building skateboards in 1974. he naturally began making prototype snurfer type decks as early as 1975. the business began in the early 80's. filte was also a pioneer in developing bindings. they were the first to introduce the "hy-bak" invented and developed by jeff grell. the company came to an end in 1992 but the legend lives on. these are particularly difficult decks to find.
(thank you michael ford of rhode island for cutting this one lose) .
flite was founded by steve derrah. he began building skateboards in 1974. he naturally began making prototype snurfer type decks as early as 1975. the business began in the early 80's. filte was also a pioneer in developing bindings. they were the first to introduce the "hy-bak" invented and developed by jeff grell. the company came to an end in 1992 but the legend lives on. these are particularly difficult decks to find.
(thank you michael ford of rhode island for cutting this one lose) .
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K2 Gyrator (1988)
Pressed in a water ski factory using cap construction (see encapsulated edge around boardS PERIMETER), this was K2’s first entry into the snowboard market. It was stiff, had virtually no side cut and thus didn’t turn well, however you could point it straight and rocket. Being an established ski manufacturer, K2 had a distinct marketing advantage over other start-ups. K2’s add campaign designed and produced by the “Wong Duty I” agency in Seattle was funny and attempted to differentiate them from their core ski business - a must in influencing purchase IN A snowboarding culture. It worked fairly well as K2 became the most influential “ski brand” to enter the snowboarding market.
Pressed in a water ski factory using cap construction (see encapsulated edge around boardS PERIMETER), this was K2’s first entry into the snowboard market. It was stiff, had virtually no side cut and thus didn’t turn well, however you could point it straight and rocket. Being an established ski manufacturer, K2 had a distinct marketing advantage over other start-ups. K2’s add campaign designed and produced by the “Wong Duty I” agency in Seattle was funny and attempted to differentiate them from their core ski business - a must in influencing purchase IN A snowboarding culture. It worked fairly well as K2 became the most influential “ski brand” to enter the snowboarding market.
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GNU - Antigravity (1988)
Be it the Antigravity (which defies gravity ;), Kaos, Kinetic, Pharaoh, Dukester or Raceroom models GNU made during this era of the 80’s, the PAINTBRUSH graphics, pooping milk cow and mad scientist top sheet logos were main stays of the GNU brand. And if that weren’t enough the hot lips base graphics sealed the deal. However, the real significance of this deck lies in the fact that it’s considered one of the first mass produced boards with side cut and camber, now common but then revolutionary.
Be it the Antigravity (which defies gravity ;), Kaos, Kinetic, Pharaoh, Dukester or Raceroom models GNU made during this era of the 80’s, the PAINTBRUSH graphics, pooping milk cow and mad scientist top sheet logos were main stays of the GNU brand. And if that weren’t enough the hot lips base graphics sealed the deal. However, the real significance of this deck lies in the fact that it’s considered one of the first mass produced boards with side cut and camber, now common but then revolutionary.
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HOOGER BOOGER - Light Wave (1988)
Hooger Booger was one of the first companies to build snowboards in Europe. It was started by two Swiss riders in 1983. The boards were best remembered for introducing asymmetrical side cuts to snowboarding... however others would say they are best remembered for their use of neon pink and their unique “feather” branding which managed to appear on most every board they made. Scott Corporation which made mt. bikes, skateboards, and of all things THE freaking mono-ski, purchased Hooger Booger in the late 80’s, cropped the name to just “Hooger”, and then eventually expunged the Hooger brand all together when dropped From the Scott family of products.
Hooger Booger was one of the first companies to build snowboards in Europe. It was started by two Swiss riders in 1983. The boards were best remembered for introducing asymmetrical side cuts to snowboarding... however others would say they are best remembered for their use of neon pink and their unique “feather” branding which managed to appear on most every board they made. Scott Corporation which made mt. bikes, skateboards, and of all things THE freaking mono-ski, purchased Hooger Booger in the late 80’s, cropped the name to just “Hooger”, and then eventually expunged the Hooger brand all together when dropped From the Scott family of products.
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FUNKY - Pro SE (1988)
This is believed to be FUNKY’s first Pro model. This Euro brand didn’t last long but they helped usher in the neon era like Crazy Banana and Kemper. The shape has an appealing style – pointed bullet tip and blunt tail cut, both raised in freestyle fashion. This board is in excellent condition. The base is greasy nice. There is no binding rash or other noticeable blemishes. The topside graphics say it all… carve it left and carve it right but keep it going downhill.
This is believed to be FUNKY’s first Pro model. This Euro brand didn’t last long but they helped usher in the neon era like Crazy Banana and Kemper. The shape has an appealing style – pointed bullet tip and blunt tail cut, both raised in freestyle fashion. This board is in excellent condition. The base is greasy nice. There is no binding rash or other noticeable blemishes. The topside graphics say it all… carve it left and carve it right but keep it going downhill.
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BLACK SNOW - Legend (1988)
As far as we'VR RESEARCHED, this is a first year Black Snow snowboard. This Canadian company hit the scene with a cheesy commercial about a “legendary” secret rider who remains unknown in the commercial. It introduced three Black Snow models – Mogul Monster, Edge, and Legend. This Legend lacked a steel edge. Although these were molded composite decks, had cheap bindings and lacked steel edges (on this Legend) which made them far from high performance, they introduced thousands to snowboarding who couldn’t afford a more expensive laminate top, layered substrate, and p-tex base.
As far as we'VR RESEARCHED, this is a first year Black Snow snowboard. This Canadian company hit the scene with a cheesy commercial about a “legendary” secret rider who remains unknown in the commercial. It introduced three Black Snow models – Mogul Monster, Edge, and Legend. This Legend lacked a steel edge. Although these were molded composite decks, had cheap bindings and lacked steel edges (on this Legend) which made them far from high performance, they introduced thousands to snowboarding who couldn’t afford a more expensive laminate top, layered substrate, and p-tex base.
click the link below for the short commercial advertisement introducing black snow snowboards
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KEMPER - Freestyle a.k.a. "Lucky Charms" (1987)
Kemper was founded in 1987 by David Kemper and George Pappas. It quickly became one of the biggest snowboarding brands of it's day and as this board represents, Kemper is remembered as the company that fully embraced the neon era. In 1994 the company was sold for $1 million dollars to an in-line skate company called California Pro. For whatever reason, they were unable to maintain sales enough to keep the Kemper brand alive. HOWEVER, 2018 BROUGHT A NEW INCARNATION OF KEMPER UTILIZING THE ORIGINAL VINTAGE LOGO'S.
Kemper was founded in 1987 by David Kemper and George Pappas. It quickly became one of the biggest snowboarding brands of it's day and as this board represents, Kemper is remembered as the company that fully embraced the neon era. In 1994 the company was sold for $1 million dollars to an in-line skate company called California Pro. For whatever reason, they were unable to maintain sales enough to keep the Kemper brand alive. HOWEVER, 2018 BROUGHT A NEW INCARNATION OF KEMPER UTILIZING THE ORIGINAL VINTAGE LOGO'S.
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CRAZY BANANA - Breakout (1988)
The European equilivant of the U.S.A. neon craze was filled by Crazy Banana. Although their boards were average at best, their logo goes down as one of the most unforgettable of all time. This board was actually one of the more subdued, but is known for it's attempt at ground breaking "optical illusion & 3D" graphics. Like bananas themselves the shelf life was short, and thus Crazy Banana faded from glory in the early 2000's.
The European equilivant of the U.S.A. neon craze was filled by Crazy Banana. Although their boards were average at best, their logo goes down as one of the most unforgettable of all time. This board was actually one of the more subdued, but is known for it's attempt at ground breaking "optical illusion & 3D" graphics. Like bananas themselves the shelf life was short, and thus Crazy Banana faded from glory in the early 2000's.
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HOT - Revolution (1988)
This French manufacturer MAY HAVE named this deck after the French Revolution. In this case the Revolution was a design that allowed for a body position that could lean so far into the turn that the rider could contact the snow WHILE LAYING DOWN, carving a deep trench in the snow. THIS WAS YEARS BEFORE skiing would adapt the same techniques. Designed by Serge Dupraz, this type of turn was named after one of Team HOT's riders, Serge Vitelli, who was the first person to carve at such extreme angles. Similar HOT designs, and a stable of HOT Pro racers that trained HARD year round (in contrast to the typical laid back approach of the time), provided for many European and International Racing Championships - and HOT became one of the most well know Euro brands of the time because of it.
This French manufacturer MAY HAVE named this deck after the French Revolution. In this case the Revolution was a design that allowed for a body position that could lean so far into the turn that the rider could contact the snow WHILE LAYING DOWN, carving a deep trench in the snow. THIS WAS YEARS BEFORE skiing would adapt the same techniques. Designed by Serge Dupraz, this type of turn was named after one of Team HOT's riders, Serge Vitelli, who was the first person to carve at such extreme angles. Similar HOT designs, and a stable of HOT Pro racers that trained HARD year round (in contrast to the typical laid back approach of the time), provided for many European and International Racing Championships - and HOT became one of the most well know Euro brands of the time because of it.
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heavy tools "flip" 1989. another euro entry because we just like the name.
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LOOK - Bert Lamar Freestyle Trick Stick (1988)
The French brand LOOK changed the game by design & function with this Trick Stick. It was the first twin tip free style board of it's kind with the "look" to match. The funky shape of the ends aided the epic grabs of the 80's. Lamar, a skateboarder by trade, was one of the early successful cross over riders from skate to snow. Bert won the 1987 World Halfpipe Championship on a Trick Stick. LOOK snowboards quickly faded from their early glory and by 1994 the show was over.
*board COURTESY OF "DW" from Milford, MI. WHEN NOT ON HILL, IT RESIDED in his VW Microbus, Timberline Lodge PARKING, Base of Mt. Hood Glacier, summer of 1989.
The French brand LOOK changed the game by design & function with this Trick Stick. It was the first twin tip free style board of it's kind with the "look" to match. The funky shape of the ends aided the epic grabs of the 80's. Lamar, a skateboarder by trade, was one of the early successful cross over riders from skate to snow. Bert won the 1987 World Halfpipe Championship on a Trick Stick. LOOK snowboards quickly faded from their early glory and by 1994 the show was over.
*board COURTESY OF "DW" from Milford, MI. WHEN NOT ON HILL, IT RESIDED in his VW Microbus, Timberline Lodge PARKING, Base of Mt. Hood Glacier, summer of 1989.
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MISTRAL - Swallowtail (1987)
Mistral, a water board sports company based in the Netherlands began dabbling with snowboards in 1987. This beauty is a result. It's main feature is the tri-grove pattern on the base. The intent of this feature was for better downhill tracking as opposed to sliding. Another manufacturer, GNU, had an early board with this feature as well. Obviously the feature didn't catch on with riders and is now history.
Mistral, a water board sports company based in the Netherlands began dabbling with snowboards in 1987. This beauty is a result. It's main feature is the tri-grove pattern on the base. The intent of this feature was for better downhill tracking as opposed to sliding. Another manufacturer, GNU, had an early board with this feature as well. Obviously the feature didn't catch on with riders and is now history.
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duret - spot 1580 kevlar carbon (1989)
Duret is france's oldest ski manufacturer since 1925, one of the oldest manufacturers of skis ever, and creator of the parabolic ski. enough on skis and on to snowboards which they introduced in 1987. the sprayed on rainbow graphics appear as if graffiti applied. probably the most interesting thing about this board is tragic. canadian hocky player duncan mcpherson was on a similar board when he disappeared on the stubia glacier in austria 1989, not to be found for 14 years, amidst a cover up of the actual cause of death, spurring both a book and CBC documentary (refer john leake book "cold a long time", and the cbc 5th estate documentary "a cold case"). R.i.p Duncan.
Duret is france's oldest ski manufacturer since 1925, one of the oldest manufacturers of skis ever, and creator of the parabolic ski. enough on skis and on to snowboards which they introduced in 1987. the sprayed on rainbow graphics appear as if graffiti applied. probably the most interesting thing about this board is tragic. canadian hocky player duncan mcpherson was on a similar board when he disappeared on the stubia glacier in austria 1989, not to be found for 14 years, amidst a cover up of the actual cause of death, spurring both a book and CBC documentary (refer john leake book "cold a long time", and the cbc 5th estate documentary "a cold case"). R.i.p Duncan.
click the link below for the 45 minute documentary on the duncan mcpherson's disapearance
http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/blog/interview-john-leake
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DYnastar - gourou 165: 1989/90 (development/introduction)
early (if not the first) mass produced snowboard produced by french ski company dynastar. this board was sold without inserts like many of it's era, and drilled to accommodate for emery plate bindings for hard boot use. dynastar was/is owned by rossignol, which also came out with it's own name brand snowboard around this same time. although it's a solid deck for it's time, it's yet another early offering by the many euro ski companies who got in the game late, without core focus on snowboarding, hoping eye popping graphics would sell their decks.
early (if not the first) mass produced snowboard produced by french ski company dynastar. this board was sold without inserts like many of it's era, and drilled to accommodate for emery plate bindings for hard boot use. dynastar was/is owned by rossignol, which also came out with it's own name brand snowboard around this same time. although it's a solid deck for it's time, it's yet another early offering by the many euro ski companies who got in the game late, without core focus on snowboarding, hoping eye popping graphics would sell their decks.
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elan - whoopee board (late 1988/89?)
not a whole lot is known about this board.
not a whole lot is known about this board.
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VARIFLEX - SNOW SLIDER (1982/83):
THE SNOW SLIDER WAS A KNOCK OFF OF THE BURTON BACKYARD. THE CONCEPT WAS THE SAME DESPITE THE MORE GRADUAL SPLIT TAIL SHAPE AND MORE SUBSTANTIAL WATER SKI HANDLE & ROPE. THIS IS A HARD FIND IN THIS CONDITION. THE BOARD HAS A FACTORY INSTALLED FORMICA BASE FOR SPEED AND DURABILITY. MOST SNOW SLIDERS HAD A MORE SIMPLE TO APPLY INEXPENSIVE PAINTED OVER WOOD BASE. THE WATER SKI HANDLEBAR AND ROPE ARE ORIGINAL AND CAME WITH THE BOARD. DON’T LET THE TOY LIKE GRAPHICS FOOL YOU - THIS IS A SUBSTANTIALLY MADE SNOWBOARD THAT RIVALED WHAT BURTON HAD OUT AT THE TIME.
VARIFLEX WAS A FAMILY OWNED SPORTING GOODS AND SKATEBOARD WHOLESALER THAT FELL ON HARD TIMES AND ATTEMPTED TO CAPITALIZE ON THE NEW TREND CALLED SNOWBOARDING. ALTHOUGH THE SNOW SLIDER WAS SHORT LIVED THE OWNERS APPARENTLY COULDN'T SHAKE THE ALLURE OF SNOWBOARDING, SO IN 1996 THEY FORMED A JOINT AGREEMENT WITH BARFOOT SNOWBOARDS, AND LATER PLUNKETT SNOWBOARDS. THE RESULT WAS A NEWLY FORMED COMPANY CALLED STATIC SNOWBOARDS WITH MANUFACTURING BASED IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA.
*THANK'S VST MEMBER R. COTTO FROM “DOWNRIVER” MI.
THE SNOW SLIDER WAS A KNOCK OFF OF THE BURTON BACKYARD. THE CONCEPT WAS THE SAME DESPITE THE MORE GRADUAL SPLIT TAIL SHAPE AND MORE SUBSTANTIAL WATER SKI HANDLE & ROPE. THIS IS A HARD FIND IN THIS CONDITION. THE BOARD HAS A FACTORY INSTALLED FORMICA BASE FOR SPEED AND DURABILITY. MOST SNOW SLIDERS HAD A MORE SIMPLE TO APPLY INEXPENSIVE PAINTED OVER WOOD BASE. THE WATER SKI HANDLEBAR AND ROPE ARE ORIGINAL AND CAME WITH THE BOARD. DON’T LET THE TOY LIKE GRAPHICS FOOL YOU - THIS IS A SUBSTANTIALLY MADE SNOWBOARD THAT RIVALED WHAT BURTON HAD OUT AT THE TIME.
VARIFLEX WAS A FAMILY OWNED SPORTING GOODS AND SKATEBOARD WHOLESALER THAT FELL ON HARD TIMES AND ATTEMPTED TO CAPITALIZE ON THE NEW TREND CALLED SNOWBOARDING. ALTHOUGH THE SNOW SLIDER WAS SHORT LIVED THE OWNERS APPARENTLY COULDN'T SHAKE THE ALLURE OF SNOWBOARDING, SO IN 1996 THEY FORMED A JOINT AGREEMENT WITH BARFOOT SNOWBOARDS, AND LATER PLUNKETT SNOWBOARDS. THE RESULT WAS A NEWLY FORMED COMPANY CALLED STATIC SNOWBOARDS WITH MANUFACTURING BASED IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA.
*THANK'S VST MEMBER R. COTTO FROM “DOWNRIVER” MI.
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SAUNZEE (1983):
SAUNZEE BEGAN MAKING SNOWBOARDS IN HOLLAND, MI IN THE EARLY 80’S. ALL BOARDS WERE HANDMADE IN A TIME CONSUMING PROCESS BY LAYERING FIBERGLASS OVER A BALSA WOOD CORE. THEY EVEN HAD THEIR OWN BINDING MADE OUT OF MOLDED FIBERGLASS. PERHAPS THE MOST INTERESTING ASPECT WAS THAT EACH BOARD HAD A UNIQUE HAND PAINTED DESIGN MAKING THEM AS MUCH ABOUT ART AS SPORT. ALTHOUGH SAUNZEE GOT OUT OF SNOWBOARDS BY THE MID 1980’S, THE COMPANY REMAINS IN OPERATION UNDER THE SAME FAMILY NAME IN SPRING LAKE, MI AS A MANUFACTURER OF CUSTOM MADE SIGNS, DISPLAYS, AND FIXTURES FOR EXHIBITS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION GOOGLE “SAUNZEE HISTORY” TO SEE IMAGES OF THEIR HISTORICAL SNOWBOARDS, SKATEBOARDS AND SURFBOARDS.
SAUNZEE BEGAN MAKING SNOWBOARDS IN HOLLAND, MI IN THE EARLY 80’S. ALL BOARDS WERE HANDMADE IN A TIME CONSUMING PROCESS BY LAYERING FIBERGLASS OVER A BALSA WOOD CORE. THEY EVEN HAD THEIR OWN BINDING MADE OUT OF MOLDED FIBERGLASS. PERHAPS THE MOST INTERESTING ASPECT WAS THAT EACH BOARD HAD A UNIQUE HAND PAINTED DESIGN MAKING THEM AS MUCH ABOUT ART AS SPORT. ALTHOUGH SAUNZEE GOT OUT OF SNOWBOARDS BY THE MID 1980’S, THE COMPANY REMAINS IN OPERATION UNDER THE SAME FAMILY NAME IN SPRING LAKE, MI AS A MANUFACTURER OF CUSTOM MADE SIGNS, DISPLAYS, AND FIXTURES FOR EXHIBITS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION GOOGLE “SAUNZEE HISTORY” TO SEE IMAGES OF THEIR HISTORICAL SNOWBOARDS, SKATEBOARDS AND SURFBOARDS.
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AVALANCHE - Slalom RFX REFLEX (1985)
Probably one of the stiffest heaviest decks in the collection, this thing is a directional monster. The plate bindings (and likely a pair of accompanying hard boots) are remnants of snowboarding borrowing from skiing. Avalanche was founded in 1982 in Lake Tahoe (the birthplace of snowboarding on the west coast) by Chris Saunders and Earl Zeller. Instead of reinventing the wheel they borrowed from the latest ski technology by removing fins, and LATER adding side cuts and edges. The first three boards they made were called Huey, Dewey & Louie AND HAD Formica bases and tops.
*This particular board has a Michigan upbringing and was found in Walloon Village, MI where it spent TIME ON BOYNE MOUNTAIN.
Probably one of the stiffest heaviest decks in the collection, this thing is a directional monster. The plate bindings (and likely a pair of accompanying hard boots) are remnants of snowboarding borrowing from skiing. Avalanche was founded in 1982 in Lake Tahoe (the birthplace of snowboarding on the west coast) by Chris Saunders and Earl Zeller. Instead of reinventing the wheel they borrowed from the latest ski technology by removing fins, and LATER adding side cuts and edges. The first three boards they made were called Huey, Dewey & Louie AND HAD Formica bases and tops.
*This particular board has a Michigan upbringing and was found in Walloon Village, MI where it spent TIME ON BOYNE MOUNTAIN.
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SNOwteck - comp gs pulsar 1987/88
co-founded by earnie delost (more info comming soon).
co-founded by earnie delost (more info comming soon).
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gordon & smith 1987 (?)
this appears to be a very early, possibly first year G&S. There is very noticeable non-precise hand work done in cutting the base, topside, wood substrate, as well as the laying the edge in place. the most unique aspect of this deck is that ptex was used on the top and bottom (meaning base material was used on the top side too). the colors of later G&S ptex decks are typically faded due to UV rays penetrating the PTEX easier than the standard laminate or paint. We believe this was the first ever snowboard to double dip on ptex. G&S was a successful skateboard company out of cali that is now no longer.
this appears to be a very early, possibly first year G&S. There is very noticeable non-precise hand work done in cutting the base, topside, wood substrate, as well as the laying the edge in place. the most unique aspect of this deck is that ptex was used on the top and bottom (meaning base material was used on the top side too). the colors of later G&S ptex decks are typically faded due to UV rays penetrating the PTEX easier than the standard laminate or paint. We believe this was the first ever snowboard to double dip on ptex. G&S was a successful skateboard company out of cali that is now no longer.
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lib tech (LIberace technologies) - emma peel "flowertop" 1992(?)
although this board is early 90's, no collection would be complete without an early lib tech. lib was formed in 1988 out of gnu after a bad business deal, and is the brainchild of founders mike olsen and pete sari. the lib name was formed in 1988. they didn't begin pressing boards in earnest until the very late 80's early 90's. the late start did'nt hurt them as they are a powerhouse right behind burton today. the COMPANY name came after mike used a new breather cloth material while making a skate deck. it came out of the oven "sparkly" and textured. he tagged it "liberace technologies" after the extravagAnt, sequIn suited, flamboyant las vegas performer. since he couldn't patent the name "liberace", it was shortened to "lib tech". lib added many iconic pro riders, crazy graphics, innovative ideas, well built boards and a cult like following to propel themselves in rider status. this decks graphics are representative of this. the "emma peel" line of boards was pulled from the character of the same name from the old "avengers" tv series. the slang name "flowertop" came from the pattern and texture of the boards topside which when viewed up close resembles tiny RAISED flowers. to further add to it's counter culture prestige, the skier graphic on this flowertop mocks the olympic gold medalist skier picabo street by referencing her muscular gluteus maximus with the words "apple butt" on the board. lib is a mostly vertically integrated company and controls it's materials and manufacturing process right here in the USA (washington state) to be as environmentally friendly as possible. they also produce skateboards, surfboards and skis; own the brands roxy and bent metal bindings; and partner with quicksilver in ownership. other quirkey lib tech oddities included measuring boards in inches (like surfboards), and including hard candy in board box shipments.
although this board is early 90's, no collection would be complete without an early lib tech. lib was formed in 1988 out of gnu after a bad business deal, and is the brainchild of founders mike olsen and pete sari. the lib name was formed in 1988. they didn't begin pressing boards in earnest until the very late 80's early 90's. the late start did'nt hurt them as they are a powerhouse right behind burton today. the COMPANY name came after mike used a new breather cloth material while making a skate deck. it came out of the oven "sparkly" and textured. he tagged it "liberace technologies" after the extravagAnt, sequIn suited, flamboyant las vegas performer. since he couldn't patent the name "liberace", it was shortened to "lib tech". lib added many iconic pro riders, crazy graphics, innovative ideas, well built boards and a cult like following to propel themselves in rider status. this decks graphics are representative of this. the "emma peel" line of boards was pulled from the character of the same name from the old "avengers" tv series. the slang name "flowertop" came from the pattern and texture of the boards topside which when viewed up close resembles tiny RAISED flowers. to further add to it's counter culture prestige, the skier graphic on this flowertop mocks the olympic gold medalist skier picabo street by referencing her muscular gluteus maximus with the words "apple butt" on the board. lib is a mostly vertically integrated company and controls it's materials and manufacturing process right here in the USA (washington state) to be as environmentally friendly as possible. they also produce skateboards, surfboards and skis; own the brands roxy and bent metal bindings; and partner with quicksilver in ownership. other quirkey lib tech oddities included measuring boards in inches (like surfboards), and including hard candy in board box shipments.
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ROSSIGNOL - SURF A.K.A "BI-PLANE" 1ST YEAR ROSSI SNOWBOARD 1988(?)
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NITRO - FUSION. 1ST YEAR NITRO LINE UP INCLUDED THIS BOARD. COMPANY FOUNDED 1989, PRODUCTION BOARD BUILDS BEGAN 1990.
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nidecker - lip stick (1988?)
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Morrow - blaze (1990)
rob morrow former junior world snowboard champ, started his board making business with his cousin neil morrow in 1989. after prototyping various designs, this was their first entry in the market. their early proto methods even involved backing his fathers truck over decks as a press. morrow went on to innovate with materials, shapes, eliptical side cuts, carbon fiber torsion box, as well as new binding and boot developments - all leading the growth in freestyle riding. all designed and manufactured in the usa.
rob morrow former junior world snowboard champ, started his board making business with his cousin neil morrow in 1989. after prototyping various designs, this was their first entry in the market. their early proto methods even involved backing his fathers truck over decks as a press. morrow went on to innovate with materials, shapes, eliptical side cuts, carbon fiber torsion box, as well as new binding and boot developments - all leading the growth in freestyle riding. all designed and manufactured in the usa.
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kneissl - pipestar 1989/90(?)
kneissl is a very old austrian manufacturer. they began making wooden carriages in 1862. they began hand making skies in 1900. they had the first registered ski brand and serial production line in 1919. all along their rich timeline they innovated their way to become one of the top ski makers in the world. Their skies were used by many olympians. although not much can be found about their snowboard history, this deck may have been their initial offering into the snowboard market, which is believed to be short lived effort.
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canadian flyer - by brookfield 1980's (?)
this entry level board was made by brookfield manufacturing company, a subsidiary of hyde athletic industries, located in peabody, MA. it's low price point made it possible for kids to get on a non-area hill and slide down. it's plastic molded and has somewhat sharp edges for plastic. Very basic and eye catching to any kid with a decent allowance.
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Moss V-1 snowstick 1981. super hard to find deck from the godfather of japanese snowboarding shinzo kamakura. shinzo was raised in the small surf town of shonan kamakura where he began by making surfboards. his snowboard construction began in 1971 (possibly predating burton and sims initial efforts) but he did not create a comapny until after them in early 80's. his construction method involved urethane foam and fiberglass. the bindings accomodated leather ski boot with metal tip and heel as no modern snowboard boots existed. with a crazy wide width, set back stance, and slick base this board performed well in Japan's deep powder. we've saved this substantially historical deck for last in the section of the site.
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