Posts Tagged ‘snowboarding’

Erika’s take on Supergirl Rail Jam

08.30.2010

After an eight hour drive from South Lake Tahoe Claire Demeyer arrived at my house in Laguna Beach on Friday afternoon. We wasted no time taking some lifestyle pictures down at the beach at sunset the following day. Since we both ride for Shred Betties Magazine, and Akinz Boardwear, we thought we would stoke everyone out with some new pictures flaunting our favorite gear! We ended up with some really nice shots that will surely show off our funny/modeling sides.
Erika Vikander for Akinz
The following day marked the 4th Annual S3 Supergirl Jam at Venice Beach, CA. We got up at 7am to avoid traffic on the 405 North, to be pleasantly surprised to find NO traffic at all. Arriving a couple of hours early we had time to register with the wonderful staff at ASA, grab some breakfast, and do some interviews with the guys at FUEL TV. Fox News also covered the event, so I am looking forward to seeing our interviews this coming November.

It was great to see all of the girls again, most of whom I haven’t seen since last season. Everyone had huge grins and were sincerely happy to see one another, which is uncommon amongst females. It was great to see the Shred Betties girls, and we were happily greeted by our amazing team manager Diana, and the newest member of the gang, her baby boy Tosh. Thanks for making it out you guys!

Most of the competitors had been up at Mt. Hood for the summer, and their riding definitely displayed that. Unfortunately I was not able to make it up there this year, so I was a little behind on my skills on the rails, and these girls came ready to throw down.

The first heat consisted of a lot of good riders, the girls really stepped it up from last year in their twenty minute heat. After some redesigning of the course, it seemed to me that everyone was a lot more comfortable trying stuff since there were no stairs underneath the rails. With the anticipation building I was ready for our heat to start.

The second heat seemed like it was more “stacked” to me. Wishing I had some more practice under my belt, I dropped in and tried to get motivated by watching girls like Laurie, Gabby, Megan, Desiree, and Colleen just destroy this setup. Twenty minutes flew by, and I wasn’t feeling very confident about my performance. Mostly due to the fact I haven’t snowboarded in 3-4 months, and I have never ridden my current board on rails.

After the finalists were announced, myself not included, I hung around to watch the rest of the event. Finals were crazy! I was ecstatic to see how much every single girl was pushing themselves and truly trying new things. In the end I saw lots of stylish frontboards, some great 180’s on and off the rail, and some other amazing tricks. In the end it was Danyalle Patterson who took first, Desiree Melancon in second, and Laurie Currier in third.

female riders at Supergirl Rail JamI can definitely say that every single girl had a great time, and was truly inspired by girl power. We are all supergirls at this competition and the good vibes were high. Can’t wait to throw down next year at the S3 Supergirl Jam. Special thanks to Courtney Dornstein for putting this all together and keeping all of the competitors informed, as well as ASA entertainment, Fuel Tv, and Fox news, without you guys this competition would not get the coverage that it deserves!

Claire’s trip to Supergirl

08.24.2010

Akinz had not one, but 2 team riders competing at the Supergirl competition in Venice Beach this past weekend. We love it when Akinz peeps get together and especially when they decide to do an impromptu photo shoot. Here’s Claire Hewitt-Demeyer’s play-by-play of her trip.



My Trip out to L. A. for the Super Girl Jam 2010 began as I left South Lake Tahoe at 6:30 A.M on Friday the 20th and began my adventure to HWY 395. I love my GPS; it took me the most scenic route possible. It took me 9 hours to make it to Laguna Beach where I met up with fellow Shred Betties and Akinz team rider, Erika Vikander. She was very hospitable for the 4 nights I stayed with her! While i was there we did a photo shoot with her mother on the beach during the sunset. The photo shoot was a lot of fun and the sunset was unforgettable.

Erika Vikander and Claire Demeyer wearing Akinz
Claire and Erika sporting Shenanakinz sunglasses
Claire and Erika wearing the Goldie Tee
Claire and Erika Akinz hoodie dress
Sunday the 22nd Erika and I left Laguna Beach early in the morning to drive out to LA for the Super Girl Jam. The competition was held at Venice Beach on the boardwalk. Venice beach has a lot of creative people. I have never been so dumbfounded and amused in one place all at the same time! The competition brought together some of the top female riders in the industry. Claire Demeyer, Erika Vikander in Laguna BeachIt was 80 degrees out, but the girls and I still threw the snow pants and sweaters on to protect from snow rash. Most of the girls had spent time at Mt. Hood for the summer, and although i have gone a few times this summer, I felt a could have used a little more practice before the competition.

I ended up not placing in the event, however I had a great time and I got a few really good interviews! As a result of the competition I was able to see some of the Shred Betties riders that I have not seen in a while. I was also able to meet some other great riders such as Gabrielle Maiden and Tammie Varner. All the girls that came to the Super Girl Jam were very nice and they all brought good vibes to the event which made the competition fun and enjoyable.

When I left Laguna Beach on Tuesday the 24th I realized even though I did not leave with a 1st place I left with great memories, new friends and the experience to travel Laguna Beach and LA. I hope to have a successful next year at the Super Girl Jam 2011!