To take a look at the evolution of the snowboard clothing industry,
you'll find a fast and furious mutation of wide ranging styles and
functions. The whole sport of snowboarding has leapt at such a rapid
rate that constant change has became inevitable.
I remember 1985, coming back from the CSUS Ski Swap. I had a
pair of top of the line used ski boots and a water resistant (unless it
got wet) ski jacket. No, I wasn't a skier I just needed some liners for
my Sorel boots and a jacket that didn't have fur around the collar.
You see, at this time, snowboard companies were still trying to figure
out the snowboard, so they left the apparel to the huge ski industry.
The rest of my ensemble consisted of a yellow rain slicker pair of
pants that gatored to the boot via duct tape. A pair of Hot Fingers
ski gloves (named after the method of purchase) and a wool beanie
that my dad had used in 50's to check his oil. Regardless of the
jumble that I was wrapped in, it did serve its role in the game of
elements and after it is function, never fashion.
When I got to the hill, I could hear the chuckles before I even
entered the parking lot. But, I was here on a mission, determined to
govern the path of this sledding machine. The lady in the ticket
window told me the snow park was one exit back, but that poor
women would never know the calling. So there I stood amongst the
elite Bogner, Descente and North Face.
Intimidation blanketing my spirit I hobbled to the lift line avoiding
any eye contact with those supreme beings. With one plank below me like
a sore thumb, I advance the mountain alone, still unsettled with my fetish.
As I reached the top, my feeble legs struggled to find some control for the
exit. The uncertainty weighted my finesse, as I jerked and flailed
down the runway, then on to my face. This wouldn't be the last time
doubt overcame an endeavor. In fact, it's that same apprehension
that drives me to fall every time I go. Fear is the mind killer and
every fall is a hurdle in a race that I don't want to win.
Back to today....
So there you stand with your quadruple stitched hypertech earth
tone jacket with a label of supremacy. Those gangster funk mob
pants with built in accommodations for another. The fly ultra-
function beyond-breakage gloves and boots that would make any
java-swell-head-done-it-before-twice-as-big dude die for. You're so
fucking cool you tell the resorts the sick lines for the trail maps.
The snowboard companys hire spies that follow you with telescopes just
to get a glimpse of the shape of your board that you cut to make you
the ripper that you are. Shred hard hip guy, the flock is at your feet.
-Matt Kennedy
