While snowboarding is a popular winter sport, it is also a cultural sport that mixes fashion and music. We welcome Burton, a company that has shaped and continues to lead the snowboarding scene, as our partner to introduce the appeal of snowboarding in its current form in a series of columns. We will continue this Series until just before the start of the snowboarding season.
Snowboarding history/23 years How I started/ "ROADKILL" video released in 1993
Stance / Regular Frequency of snowmobiling during the season / 1-5 times
This is Hikaribara CAT tour on March 11, 2011. We were skiing when we felt the earthquake in the mountains, but we had no idea that it had happened until we got back down the mountain. All the highways were blocked, so we had to hastily stay overnight, and later that night, our lodge was also hit by a magnitude 6 earthquake. I am sure this will be a snowboarding experience I will never forget."
AK457 LIGHT DOWN JACKET and HI-TOP PANTS
I had only used 3-layer jackets in the past, but this design attracted me to pick up a jacket with down for the first time. I had heard good reviews of the HI-TOP PANTS every year from friends around me, so I thought I would give them a try this season.
What is "Snowboard"?
I've been involved in this sport for 23 years now. Unlike when I was younger, when I was just doing ground tricks and one-make runs in a camp-like style, in recent years I have been able to play in different ways as I get older, such as backcountry skiing and free-running with my kids, and I never get bored of it. I hope to continue to enjoy the gear, food, and other activities while relaxing and having fun for a long time to come.
Snowboarding / 20 years Why did I start / Invitation from a high school buddy
Stance / Goofy How often do you go to the snowy mountains during the season / Around 5 times
On the left is a shot from a recent trip to my favorite area, Hodaiki, with Mr. Fukuyama of M of M, Mr. Aizawa of White Mountaineering, and others. On the right, I accompanied my wife, a photographer, to Zermatt, Switzerland, the year before last to photograph the Matterhorn, and we enjoyed snowboarding for one day. It was a special experience to ski down from an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters with a view of the Matterhorn all the way down.
Burton's STASH HUNTER
In terms of design, I prefer the minimalist two-tone black and white color scheme. The lightness and freedom of movement are both excellent for me, and I also purchased the GENESIS EST bindings with them. The highback feels like a suspension and I ski very comfortably."
What is "Snowboard"?
I'm a city girl, and this is what made me feel closer to the mountains. In the winter, this is all I have!"
Snowboarding experience / 25 years Why did I start snowboarding / I'm from Tohoku, so it came very naturally to me.
Stance/Regular Frequency of snowmobiling during the season/about 3 times
This is a photo from my first backcountry attempt five or six years ago. I went off course and went deep into the snowy mountains. The scenery was so mysterious and I remember being very impressed. It was quiet, just pure white, and the air was clear and cold. When I think back on it, I probably have stronger memories of the climb than of the skiing."
X8V by [Burton].
Purchased around 2009. It's a V-rocker type board. The board is soft and easy to flex, and I like that it can handle everything from powder to grit. I think there is gear that is too high-spec and hard to master, but Burton is different. By using it, I can step up to a higher level than I am now. It's gear that brings out your potential. This is just my personal impression, but that's the image I have of Burton.
What is "Snowboard"?
I've been familiar with snowmobiling since I can remember, so going to the snowmountain itself is something very natural for me. Snowboarding has also nurtured my fashion style and culture, so even now when I go to the snowy mountains, I subconsciously remember that feeling, and it is pure fun and gives me fresh motivation to clear my head.
Snowboarding experience / 23 years Reason for starting / I was born in Fukushima, so there were snowy mountains nearby, and I was afraid of skiing.
Stance/Regular Frequency of snowmobiling during the season/5-6 times
I took this picture last season when I went to Naeba for the first time in 15 years. It reminded me of how I desperately practiced my one-make skiing while working part-time as a mountain hiker here in high school, and how I skied on empty slopes after my lift attendant job was over."
Burton's CUSTOM X
I got it signed by Jake Burton, the founder of Burton, and Shaun White in person. I just bought this board last season and it feels a little like a waste to ski on it ( lol )."
What is "Snowboard"?
Snowboarding is a little different from other outdoor hobbies such as fishing and camping. That's what I like most about it."
Snowboarding Experience/20 years Why I started/I grew up near the Zao ski resort in Yamagata, so it was a natural progression.
Stance/regular Frequency of snowmobiling during the season/more than 30 times
I flew this picture at the beginning of this year when my team and I went on a trip to Niseko and there was mash in the backcountry. The angle of view is one of my favorites. I usually make Marunuma Kogen my home with my team. I enjoy freeriding and playing with terrain, and I also like parks and kickers. Recently, I am addicted to the feeling of floating in powder, and I am also into backcountry skiing.
15-16 Antler ( left ) and Backyard Project Street Sweeper ( right ) from [Barton].
Left switched from a custom last year. I like the chic design and the fact that it is easy to use for everything from freeriding to kickers. The one on the right was designed by my favorite rider, Jeremy Jones, and I like the street-like design. It is mainly used in the park. Burton's products, not just boards, always inspire me with their playful designs, not to mention their gear specs.
What is "Snowboard"?
It is an indispensable part of my life. The best thing about going to the snowy mountains is that everyone, regardless of age or occupation, can enjoy themselves in a flat environment. I think it's an excursion for adults, not only riding, but also the journey to the snowy mountains with friends.
Snowboarding experience / 16 years Why did I start / Changed from skiing due to a friend's influence
Stance / Goofy How often do you go to the snowy mountains during the season / 4-5 times
This is a picture from my visit to Colorado Vail in February of this year. It was my first time riding overseas, but I was so fascinated by the vast slopes that can only be found in the U.S. that I forgot about the time and just kept on skiing. Being able to experience the real snowboard culture was also a great opportunity to learn about the depth of snowboarding."
Burton Thirteen snowboards
This is the first board by Yosuke Aizawa for Burton Thirteen. This is the new one for this season. I fell in love at first sight with the graphics, which had never seemed to exist before. I had been using the board for many years and it was time to replace it, so I bought it without hesitation. I want to enjoy the contrast with the chic one-tone clothing.
What is "Snowboard"?
I started snowboarding again last year after a 7-year blank, and I can't believe how much fun it was! I am once again realizing how much fun snowboarding is. The busier I am at work, the more liberated I feel in the snow. It has become an irreplaceable part of my lifestyle.
