Day 2 of the Protest World Rookie Fest 2012 was on fire with tonnes of action at the Mottolino Swatch Snowpark and in the new Cable Park in Livingno downtown. 126 riders from the starting list all shred the slopestyle set up including 3 table top and ending in a multi rail obstacles in practice. The afternoon saw the Protest Cable session happen in the centre of Livigno awarding a €1,000 prize money to grab in a “cash for trick” contest.

The Protest World Rookie Fest is not just about competing. The program of day 2 included a workshop, “Wanna be a Snowboarder Pro” by Bob Klein from USA. Bob was one of the very first pro ever and today he is in the “snowboarding hall of fame” and works as a professional athlete manager in Octagon, world leading company in this market!

Yeti on the loose! Last seen shredding!

Have you seen seen this Yeti?! Anyone know who it is?
Rumour has it that Red Bull pro Jamie Nicholls has joined the Protest World Rookie Fest to shred with the riders, but in a different style.

Day 3 of the Protest World Rookie Fest 2012 saw a high level of riding at the qualifications, only the best 16 male rookies and the 8 male groms get a spot for today’s super finals while all the girls, both rookies and groms get direct access to the finals.

Swedish rising star Sven Thorgen resulted the best in the rookie category while norwegian ripper Mons Roislan dominated among the groms. As rumoured there was a very special Yeti on the slopestyle: Red Bull pro, Jamie Nicholls had the honor to be the world famous World Rookie Tour Mascotte all day long!

In the afternoon a Yoga Lesson was arranged for the participants: almost 30 riders, coach and parents enjoyed this new activity of the Protest World Rookie Fest program.

Click here to see the qualification results for the finals.

Check out the video below of Training at the Mottolino Swatch Snowpark, Day 2!

Follow the Yeti @ www.worldrookietour.com and www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
For more info on the final event check out the TTR event page.

The Mottolino Swatch Snowpark looked awesome thanks to the crew of shapers who spent the night and day to create the perfect set up for the crowd of rookies arriving in Livigno. The 8th edition of Protest World Rookie Fest has started with the qualification day at the Snowpark and the cable-snow contest  with a prize money of €1000 cash in the afternoon.

The opening ceremony kicked off the World Rookie Fest 2012 in style thanks to the video première of the  Red Bull movie “The Art of Flight” and “Rookie Trip to Chile”, a movie filmed in Chile with the best riders of the World Rookie Tour 2011 together with some South America Red Bull riders. The “Rookie Trip to Chile” will be available for download soon on the official rookie website so don’t forget to check it out at www.worldrookietour.com.

Get more info of the final  4Star event at the TTR event page or visit www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

Watch this video of the 1st day: World Rookie Fest 2012

If you dream to become a professional snowboarder, your future starts here at the Rookie Fest!

O’Neill’s Senior Snow Outerwear designers Haitske Jacobs and Michael Esser were interviewed to get a sneak preview of their FW 12/13 models. Below shows the questions followed by their answers. Check it out!

P lease describe the overall idea / general inspiration behind your 2012/13 outerwear line.

Fall Winter 2012/2013 continues the celebration of the 60-year anniversary of O’Neill. We are celebrating 60 years of innovating and progressing the surf industry since the day back in 1952 when Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit because he “just wanted to surf longer.”

This simple invention has paved the way for O’Neill’s progression – the aim of which to simply enhance your experience in nature.

This winter, with every product embracing the innovation of O’Neill, the products on offer mean that you will enjoy your winter not only in style, but also in warmth and comfort.

60 years of shaping
Influenced by 60 years of O’Neill history in shaping the classic design of the wetsuit, as well as incorporating ergonomic lines, mean the inspiration is all about producing the perfect form.

Mid-century Americana
This design influence harps back to the time of the inception of O’Neill back in 1952, but has translated the classic look into a modern on-trend looking using the likes of classic materials including wool, boucle and tweed.

Eclectic diversity
Eclectic Diversity theme brings a modern fresh and vibrant feel – whilst playing with the established roots of O’Neill. The idea is that through innovation and original thinking – anything is possible. The look and feel incorporates colour blocking and a mix of different styles.

What is the key piece (jacket, pant or otherwise) in the 12/13 collection about which you are most excited? Why?

255020 Sparkle Jacket. This has been developed alongside our teamrider Celia Miller. Her influence on our outwear is on-trend, fresh and technically superior. This jacket stands out not only for its style – EVERYONE who has seen it, loves it – but also its material, a slub yarn combination, it’s loonger fit and its 15k/10k performance.

What fits / silhouettes will you be showing, in pants & jackets? How does it differ from last season?

Jackets: WE will be showing longer fits next to our regular fits as we see a big trend in longer parka style jackets.

PANTS: There are still two trends running simultaneously within pants. The first is a relaxed pant fit and the second is a slimmer fit pant.

What”s new in colours / prints?

With our inspiration in the time of the start of O’Neill – mid century America – we have a more muted colour palette linking to a more classic look and feel.

In the theme of Eclectic diversity it’s about new colour combinations with some brighter twists throughout.

Describe the fabrics, features and technical innovations your outerwear will be running? Please highlight *NEW* technical stories that retailers will be seeing for the first time from your brand.

1. WOOL. Working with the inspiration of our 60 year history, the idea of using wool came up. Back in the 1950’s before Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit to enable him to surf the cold waters of Northern California without the pain of the freezing sea on his skin, surfers were going to all drastic measures to stay warm.

“Some guys wore wool sweaters, “said Jack O’Neill. “There are stories about guys putting oil on their wool sweaters to repel water, but that doesn’t make sense. If you did that, it’d get all over your surfboard.”

This is the reason we have introduced technical wool into the outerwear collection. It’s a polyester material with the outlook of a wool material with a high water column and breathability.

2. FIREWALL The O’Neill Firewall system has developed throughout the O’Neill Fall Winter 2012/2013 collection.

Ergonomic research on body mapping has shown designers where the body looses most heat, where we transpire the quickest, and where the body needs the most ventilation.

Through this research a combination of linings and insulations including primaloft, down and hyperfill, are used in every product to provide the perfect balance in warmth and breathability.

Do your jackets attach to your pants for 12/13? How?

The O’Neill Connector System is featured on every single pant and jacket in the collection. The system works with 3 buttons with loops on the snowgator of the jacket that connect to loops on the pants – perfect for powder days.

Will there be a one-piece in your 12/13 line?

Of course! The one piece is classic O’Neill outerwear. In addition as we focus on a trend for Freeski this fits in perfectly this season. Virginie Faivre has been wearing the Moonstone Freesuit (255034) with tonal but outspoken colour blocking. Also new this season and in the same trend for Freeski is the Grid Insulated Bib pant also in the same colour blocking as the full suit.

Will your 2012/13 outerwear feature any eco-friendly pieces? Please describe what you”re doing here. Do you think it really matters to the consumer whether their purchase is eco or not?

Spending winters in the mountains, working with nature and working to enhance your experience in the elements, we at O’Neill have never been more aware of the challenges facing our environment.

This season we bring recycled material and compromise absolutely nothing in performance at the same time by integrating it into the highest technical product offering in the line.

This is enhancing your experience in nature by working with it at the same time. This is recycled material with 4-way-stretch and can be found in the Harmony Jacket (255003) and Harmony Pant (258001)

For the consumer who spends their time in nature, a brand that values this and is taking active steps to limit the impact on the environment is an exceptionally valuable consideration for the consumer.

Want to here more….then click here.

You have once again submitted questions in hopes of getting an answer from the one and only adidas eyewear team rider Marko Grilc. But just getting an answer from Grilo is not all. This time there is the chance of winning some very special prices from TTR’s bronze partner adidas eyewear. The winner will receive adidas eyewear ID2 goggles designed and signed by Marko himself, a signed adidas eyewear ID2 longsleeve and a poster!

Check the interview for Grilos answers and for the announcement of the winner.

Ethan Frantz – When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don’t remember what my biggest goal was. But i remember as soon as I started to skateboard and then snowboard, that I wanted to do everything that was connected to that. So I guess I always dreamed of getting to ride all the time.

Alexander Flink – For how long had you been riding snowboard before you got sponsored? and how? I mean did someone notice you in a competition or how did it happen?
I rode for about 6 years. The thing was that back then there was no internet or all this mega social media like today. You couldn’t just post a clip online. So I had to do well at contests and when I got 3rd at Junior Worlds,  Burton took me onboard.

Erika Ogami – This is silly…but I would actually like to know what your favorite drink is? My signature drink is the White Russian:) If you’re ever in the Great Northwest I’ll take ya to my favorite pub!
heh. My favorite drink would be Red Bull… Erika, thanks for the invite.

Nuša Brez Gnezda – What superpower would you like to have?
I wish I could read minds. Life would be so easy. Haha

Janez Mikec – Where did you get your inspiration from and who’s your mustache hero? Ever thought of entering a mustache competition?
My mustache is growing because I support Movember. Check it online, it is a boss organization. Rocking a stache is no joke I can tell you that. Haha

Guillem López Paradís – Have you ever flirted with a girl saying “I’m a professional snowboarder”?
Of course… always say who you are. Don’t be scared of what you have done. Even if you are not a snowboarder, girls like guys who stand big.

Luigi Clivati – Which similarity exists between snowboarding and dating a girl ?
They are both unpredictable. I never know what my girl is going to do next and same goes for snowboarding. Hehehe

Lara Gruskovnjak – In 2009 you won the Air & Style in Innsbruck. What kind of feeling was it to stand on the top of the winner podium? Were you proud of yourself as a Slovene to win the Air & Style?
Air & Style was just such a magical day. I was so stoked and I was very proud to be a Slovenian.

Dino Penić – Best 3 Yugo riders?
Cilka Sadar, Tim Kevin Ravnjak, Nejc Ferjan

Takis Karagos – Can you tell us about the most important and happiest moment in a snowboard competition for you?
I would say that contests are a learning process. If you blow it or if you do good, you always learn something. Each moment is very important to go through which is why I would say all of them were important.

Nace Novak – At first i am your biggest fan. I want to become like you and i really really really really … want your GOGGLES !!!!! My question is: Is SNOWBOARDING your life ?
Snowboarding is without a doubt my life, Nace. Thanks for the nice words.

Marina Marković – Is there any chance that you would ride some lines and places like those guys from “The art of flight” and what is your dream mountain where you would like to ride? A mountain that you haven’t had a chance to ride..
i rode so much backcountry in the past and I cant wait to go back and ride some more. It will really be a cool day. Just to go film and shred pow with my friends.

Eric LeGov – Is your life really like in grilomentary?
grilomentary is a picture of my day. I really do live like it is shown in the movie. Of course, every day is different and changes a lot but most of the movie was filmed like I lived a year ago.

Dan Cirenza – Growing up as a snowboarder long before the internet, how did you know what tricks were being thrown down in the competition scene and how did you push yourself to learn tricks without being able to see them performed in person?
I believe growing up in those times was way more challenging. The information didn’t travel in a second, so it was a much bigger challenge to get recognized. The tricks we learned were mostly from snowboard movies and that was all you could get. It made us appreciate the riders who did get recognized way more.

Paul Kapeller – Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? Riding pow and steep lines like Jeremy Jones, establishing and managing your own label like the Helgasons, teaching kids how to shred or something completely different?
It is so hard to predict. When you live at 100%, so manny things change daily and to think that far ahead is difficult. But I hope that I will have the chance to shred it up as much as possible. I just want to stay connected to snowboarding because this is who we are peoples. hehe

Last but not least, the winner of some awesome adidas eyewear gear is….. Dan Cirenza!

Congrats, you’ve won

- adidas eyewear ID2 goggles designed and signed by Marko himself
– a signed adidas eyewear ID2 longsleeve
– a signed poster

We will get in touch with you shortly.

“The routine and the good weather worked out for us”, says Udo Schlatter, from Schlatter Scaffolding. Thursday, the carpenters assemble wood paneling on the scaffolding and a week before the event, the snow will be spread over the ramp.

For the second edition of “Relentless BigAir Stuttgart”, the organizers expect about 10,000 visitors in the Neckar Park. The contest is part of the TTR World Snowboard Tour and is one of the biggest snowboard competitions worldwide.

For more information about events, program & ticket’s go to www.bigair-stuttgart.com and www.facebook.com/BigAirStuttgart

Make sure to check out the teaser:

WAS, the movement started by 7 of the world’s most elite snowboarders has reached out to the snowboard community to voice their opinion about the Olympic qualification process. There has been much talk and objection to the FIS controlled Olympic slopestyle qualification process since the announcement by the IOC. The riders and members of “We Are Snowboarding” are now taking action by asking everyone in the snowboard community to write a letter to the IOC. These are their words:

People always ask us… “What can I do to help?” Here is the best way to get involved. Every member of WAS is helping to get this message to the IOC. You should to. Step 1- Print this letter, Step 2- Mail this letter, Step 3- Let us know you sent it. It costs less then a dollar and takes very little time. Will you HELP WAS get the message across to the IOC? We want a fair chance to be heard. Give us that chance!

Print the letter and take action!

- ESPN.com

The International Olympic Committee recently approved the qualification process for all International Ski Federation events, including halfpipe and slopestyle for snowboarding, that are scheduled to take place at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games to be held in Sochi, Russia.  This seems like another mundane announcement about snowboarding and the Olympics, but there are some interesting details that run a little bit deeper.

Back in July, the IOC approved the inclusion of slopestyle in the program for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games; a great thing for snowboarding and for slopestyle riders who previously didn’t have an opportunity to make a run for the Olympics.  But, the addition of slopestyle in the Winter Games revived a long-standing debate about the International Ski Federation (FIS) controlling how snowboarding is handled in the Olympics.

FIS currently oversees everything from qualifications and nation quotas to running the actual competitions onsite.  The discussion of FIS control over snowboarding came back into the spotlight and garnered a lot of attention in the snowboard community due to the fact that the FIS has little to no experience running slopestyle competitions (they ran their first slopestyle event in La Molina, Spain in January, 2011).  And, many pro riders also voiced their opposition to FIS getting into the slopestyle game because of how jam-packed the competitive calendar has become for the athletes.  Riders rarely have a weekend off in the winter and are often traveling long distances from the United States to Europe to Asia and back again all in the span of one month.  This basically makes for an unhealthy competitive environment for the athletes who have little time to recover after an event and are dealing with heavy bouts of jet lag.  If the FIS were to create a whole new slopestyle tour, it will make the already busy contest season even more crowded with new events.

With all these issues out in the open, people in the TTR crew took it upon themselves to spark up some discussions with the FIS to see if there were some compromises that could be worked out for the good of the sport and the riders.  TTR event organizers have been running snowboard events, including slopestyle competitions, for decades and have a wealth of experience in progressive course design, fair judging, safety and formats.  With this bank of snowboard contest knowledge, the TTR approached the FIS with the best intentions of authentically representing the sport of snowboarding and helping to develop a fair system for snowboard athletes to qualify for the Olympics.

Talks between TTR and FIS began simply with a focus on the winter calendar of events in order to minimize major events overlapping.  Many other issues have been mulled over and discussed over the past year and, finally, back in June, it felt like some progress was being made when the TTR and FIS created a joint ‘task force’ that was charged with creating a long term strategy for competitive freestyle snowboarding  The task force is made up of TTR and FIS representatives along with coaches, judges, athletes and national snowboard organizations; a well-rounded group of snowboard ‘officials’ who collectively posses a mountain of knowledge that was being made available to FIS while they were getting ready to make some large decisions about freestyle snowboarding.

After meetings in South Korea at the end of August 2011, FIS announced that they had made final decisions on field sizes, national quotas and the

qualification process for freestyle snowboarding for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.  Despite having the newly formed joint task force at their disposal, the FIS made these decisions behind closed doors choosing to totally ignore any recommendations from the newly formed task force which included some of the most knowledgeable people in the snowboard game.  FIS’s actions left out an excellent chance to pull from this collective knowledge, engage the snowboarding community and embrace the sport.

TTR is greatly dissapointed by the recent decisions made by the FIS.  However, TTR remains open to future discussions with the FIS and will continue to work towards having an impact on, not only the 2014 Olympics, but the long-term future of snowboarding.

Read related stories below:

http://onboard.mpora.com/news/snowboarding-set-fisted-olympic-qualification.html

http://espn.go.com/action/snowboarding/story/_/id/6913174/ioc-approves-fis-recommendation-olympic-qualification-ski-snowboard-halfpipe-slopestyle-2014-winter-games

http://silviamittermuller.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/slopestyle-la-molina-and-the-olympics/

It happened more or less on accident when filmmaker René Eckert (www.blickinsfreie.de) decided to create a new snowboard documentary in 2011. With the unique chance to visit China, Eckert decided to use that opportunity to realize Blickinsfreie´s new masterstroke. The movie is presented by their long term partner Ripzone Europe (www.ripzone-europe.de).
After movies like “From Romania with Love“ or last year’s highlight “At Equilibrium“ the new movie deals with the development of snowboarding in China. The documentary focuses on the passion-driven Chinese shredders and the key role of the TTR Nanshan Open snowboard competition which has driven the young Chinese scene to become one of the most progressive out there.
Besides Chinese stars including Wang Lei and He Wei, legends such as Travis Parker and Risto Mattila join shooting stars Nils Arvidsson, Marc Swoboda and Werni Stock to give a deep insight into the snowboard culture of the Far East.


Like in the last years, the movie will be premiered during a world – wide premiere tour kicking off in October 2011 in Beijing (China) followed by the release of the movie as High Definition download around Christmas 2011.

Those ones of you that always wanted to know how subcultures like snowboarding develop in a world where Facebook or Myspace is banned, should make sure to visit one of the premiere stops or get ready for the movie as HIGH DEFINITION DOWNLOAD at Christmas 2011.
Blickinsfreie is asking fans to actively support the post-production of „Sleeping Giants“. Since this movie project got just partly funded by sponsoring, Blickinsfreie is aiming to fund the lack of budget in post-production by innovative crowdfunding. People that appreciate this project have the opportunity to support the post-production through the different donation options on the left hand side of the Blickinsfreie website.

Check out the trailer by clicking the image below and see for yourself.

Seb had the following to say about his new site “I’m really happy to be launching a website of my own. Like most 18 year-olds today, I spend a lot of time online, so to have a site where I can provide fresh content to my fans is really a dream come true. I hope that everyone is stoked on it as much as I am!”

Go on and give it a browse!

The reason for this short movie is a contest in which Nike 6.0 is looking for the most inspiring, motivated and unique crew of riders to live the life of pros. The winners will travel like pros, get product like pros and of course party like pros!

To watch the entire movie, navigate to the Nike 6.o Facebook page, watch, get inspired and get out there and shoot!