twenty years of riding

In late 1988 I decided that I needed to be a snowboarder. Sure, snowboarding wasn't the most practical sport for a kid in the midwest with no means for getting to a mountain (or snow.) But, what's fun about being practical? I begged and begged for a snowboard. My first board was a birthday present in 1989, shown here on the right:



Yes, I learned to ride in combat boots. That board was a "Black Snow" Legend solid resin board purchased at Venture. At the time it was the only board with metal edges that we could afford. It started out black with silk-screened green and pink graphics. It eventually sported a hot, custom paint job by yours truly circa 1991. The boots were hand me downs from my oldest brother. They were standard issue air force steel toed combat boots. I had to wear 3 or 4 pairs of socks because they were too big.

That board has been to art hill, Hidden Valley, Arapahoe Basin, Copper, and Breckenridge. It would have gone to Keystone, but that was before they allowed boards. I learned to ski just so I wouldn't have to sit alone at the condo while everyone else when to Keystone for night runs.

I bought the Burton Air 55 and Airwalk Advantage boots at a consignment sale while I was in college. I finally had a real board. However, I never realized the boots simply didn't fit. They were so worn out when I got them I'd end up cranking down my bindings until my feet turned blue. Somehow I didn't think that was a problem.

My wife gave me a the Burton Clash (left) and boots for my birthday exactly 20 years after I got my first board. I haven't ridden it yet, but I can tell it is going to be amazing.

Best. Gift. Ever.

Thanks boo.

(more photos)