We left around 10am after stopping by Starbucks of course. Anyone who knows me knows how addicted to coffee I am so there will be many more references throughout this post. The skies were blue, the road was clear, and we had my one and only Highlander set at a comfortable 78mph cruise control.Tthe speed limit is 75) With about 500 miles of open road in front of us, we thought it was necessary to set out at a diligent pace. Fortunately for me, I just got an I phone, thanks to my stepdad, so I had lots of entertaining things going on during the drive. I have become an instragram user as well so we took a ton of pictures.

Upon arriving, I was devastated to see how little snow there was in Tahoe, I had heard there wasn’t any, but it’s hard to believe until you see it! We checked into our place at the base of Northstar, and got to bed early to get ready for training the next morning.

Another beautiful spring-like morning in California had us up on the mountain around 9am. The course wasn’t open until 10, so we had a bit to check out the other features on the mountain. The rail line that was setup before you got to the course was really fun to play around, and get warmed up on, but the course was the place to be if you were trying to ride park.

I had a great day training on the course, and felt pretty good. Considering I didn’t compete until Friday, I didn’t want to push it too hard. A few more days of fun in the sun and Friday had already snuck up on me.

It was a crisp bluebird morning the day of the 13th, and the course was incredibly fast. I had no complaints about the course which consisted of; two options up top, on the right was a down box to a flat-down box, and to the left was a down rail, to a really fun wall ride. To finish it off was two jumps. I chose to hit the left side because the judges had determined it was the “more difficult” line of the two. I had a blast weaving my way through the course, and got two laps in before the contest started.

I was 3rd to last in the heat of about 30-40 girls, so I had a long time to try to stay warm, and focused. Being so early in the morning, I knew people would have trouble putting a run down due to the shady conditions on the course, so I played it pretty safe on my first run, and qualified 2nd for finals.
When finals started the top 6 ladies were gathered at the top around 11am the sun was just peeking out around the trees to light up the course for us. Again I was 4th to drop so I had to stay entirely focused, and warm while waiting for my other competitors to take their runs.

I stomped both of my runs, but in the end I played it just a little too safe. I took third on the podium behind some very talented girls that were really fun to watch. Lots of respect to all of the other women throwing down on this course, it was wildly entertaining! I did my research before awards and found there was a Starbucks conveniently located right in the village where awards were being held so once again, I got some coffee.
We left early the next morning to head back to Park City, arriving a little later than expected we were both so tired at the end we had to hit the hay. Now, off to to Breck for some training, big jumps, and S.I.A.

Thanks to everyone at the REV TOUR and NORTHSTAR for putting on a wonderful event, as well as a thanks to all of my sponsors for your support (Gatorade, Capix, Akinz, Fydelity)

And one special thanks to ECHELON SNOWBOARDS for making this trip possible for me!

I am competing in the USASA rail jam series for 2011/2012. USASA has hosted two events in South Lake Tahoe so far. The first competition was held off of HWY 50 by Reagan beach. A lot of locals came out to compete and have a great time! On 12/3/11 twenty five competitors came to Tahoe for the 1st USASA rail jam series. I took 2nd place in the event. The second USASA rail jam was hosted this weekend 1/6/12, this event also was a competition to get an invite to the Winter X Games in Aspen Co. I took 1st place, Natasha Sagucka took 2nd, and Julianne Brackett took 3rd. Along with taking 1st place I took runner up for the invite to the Aspen winter X Games. I hope that you can all make it to the 3rd event on 2/3/12 go to Usasa.org

(photo by Nathan Vetter)

I did two competitions this weekend the other being the Volcom Peanut Butter Rail jam. Volcom’s 1st stop of the Peanut Butter and rail jam was at Sierra Resort in Tahoe. The set up was a lot of fun: a down flat down, pole jam to pole bonk, and a down rail. There was a lot of great talent that showed up for event. Everyone gave it their all! Here are the results of the competition: Girls: 1st Rebeccas Bruce, 2nd Fancy Rutherford, 3rd Julianne Bracket, 4th Claire Hewitt-Demeyer, and 5th Tasha Sagucka. The top five finalists of each division got an invite to the championship in Mammoth Ca, April 21, 2012 for a winning of $20,000.

I want to thank my sponsors: Flow Snowboards, Akinz Boardwear, Essi Eyewear, and Shred Betties Magazine.

If you find a mini beanie, you will win either a $5 off coupon, $10 off coupon, free t-shirt, free t-shirt with beanie purchase, or free custom beanie. If you take a picture with your mini beanie and send it to us at suzanne@akinz.com then you’ll also be entered to win a free hoodie. Keep an eye out around town and on our Facebook Page for hints to nab one.

Party details:

When: Thursday, October 13th 6:00pm – 10:00pm
What: Sales, deals, and free bevvies (for those 21 and up with a FB rsvp).
Why: To celebrate the start of winter and our new permanent custom beanie creation station.

Please RSVP on Facebook: Beanie Bash Facebook Event

and please ride your bike if you plan on drinking.

HoodLife with Erika Vikander from Alice Owens on Vimeo.

Over the past couple months I have been looking forward to being a “guest pro” for Woodward at Copper’s first session sponsored by angrysnowboarder.com. So when June 13th rolled around, I was more than ready to hop in the car and drive to Summit County for adult week at Woodward.

The campers arrived on June 14th and had the day to settle before a welcome dinner that evening. After the dinner the wonderful staff at woodward took the time to walk everyone through the facility and the schedule for the next day. I am still in awe as to what an state-of-the-art facility they have to offer. With real snow jumps, and an airbag outside, to multiple trampolines, foam pits, and snowflex jumps in the barn, Woodward offers a variation of features for all ability levels.

The following morning was the first day on snow, the excitement was in the air as we all loaded up the buses after breakfast, which was supplied all week including lunch and dinner! (Thanks Woodward!) When we got to the snow, we had a little time to check out the features and decide whether or not we wanted to hike, or take car laps, I opted to take advantage of the car laps and not tire myself out hiking in the hot sun. First day was pretty mellow as everyone was getting their legs back, and I had some work to get accomplished as well. I showed up to camp with several awesome products from my sponsors; NICHE SNOWBOARDS, GATORADE, AND AKINZ to give to the campers. Niche had given me a snowboard to specifically give to the girl I thought deserved it the most, and I had already made a decision the first day. Just as anxious as the rest of the campers, I had trouble sleeping that night and couldn’t wait to get back on snow the following day.

We woke to a beautiful sunny morning. With the sun dancing on the iridescent mountain-tops it was one of the most inviting spectacles I have ever seen. Fifteen minutes later I arrived back at breakfast got my coffee and was back on the bus being shuttled to the hill. There were a couple of other invited pro’s there, and I had the chance to get to ride with those guys, which was awesome! Woodward was also flexible enough to let me interact as much or as little with the campers, and especially the female campers. I gave pointers where I could, but most of the girls were separated into all male groups, so I went around to the girls and let them know that the following day we were having an all girls group and it was ON!

Before leaving on Thursday, myself and the two other male snowboard pro’s were invited to stay after the campers left and have a private photoshoot in the park. We were all so excited to just be able to ride without a lot of people there, but we also got snowmobile laps on the park! What an end to an already amazing day. WOODWARD you really outdid yourselves there! And a huge shoutout to RYAN SABOL for taking great shots! That evening there were some fun activities geared towards the adult campers, I came out and spectated for a while at the beer pong tournament, we had some fun!

Friday was the last day of camp, although the spirits were up, the mutual feeling about camp being
over was a sad one. Determined to make sure the girls specifically had a good time, I grabbed each one from their separate groups, and formed our own. I wanted to work, but also make it fun for the girls, so I told them that I would give them each prize packages for really trying new things. Every single girl in my group took at least 3 huge steps up their personal ladders, which is more than any coach can ask for. The looks on their faces at the end of the day was priceless, and it feels awesome to get people stoked on something you truly love as well. The day flew by, and we barely had enough time to hit the jump, before we started the highest high-five contest for the entire camp. Everyone participated and had so much fun, the pictures will justify.

After the on-snow session we came down to “The Edge,” to have lunch, and do the giveaways. I had prize packages put together for all the girls, and the seemed pretty stoked! I had one snowboard to give to a girl, as well as Scott having bindings and boots to giveaway. Lisa Collier was a camper in my group from New York who clearly deserved a new setup, she had a great attitude, and was riding a setup straight from 1997. Upon receiving her new setup, she wasn’t sure what to do, cry, laugh, jump, scream, or just stand there in total disbelief. In the end she was so excited and it was rad to see what an impact you can make on someone’s life. Around the same time we had cases of Gatorade show up for the campers and staff to enjoy… Thanks Tera!

Hope everyone had as much fun as me and comes back for the Angrysnowboarder.com session at Woodward at Copper! THANKS ESPECIALLY TO AVRAN, GATORADE,NICHE, AKINZ AND OF COURSE WOODWARD FOR HAVING ME!

First Run at Kirkwood!

On my way to Tahoe we hit snow storms driving over Sonora Pass, a pass near my house leading you into Nevada, upon arrival in Tahoe the snow was still dropping and really starting to accumulate. You can only imagine my feeling of stupidity rocking sandals for this shred trip. I mean one would think it being Memorial day weekend that you would be able to get away with some summer threads.  But, I didn’t let my stupidity hold my rush of excitement back from the fresh falling snow.  All this meant was that’s the last day of the season would be a powder day at Kirkwood!

Chairs 10 and 11 were open only, so the Wall was going off in full effect. If you haven’t ridden Kirkwood’s Wall you really need to get over to Tahoe and check it out. You see some of the best riders cruising this wall and blasting through the chutes.  I’m not going to lie, it took some female balls for me to get down the Wall, it was steeper than it looked from the lift.  Here’s some advice: never talk something up until you have tried at at least once…riding up the lift I was telling everyone that the Wall looked easy and would be no big deal. I may have given myself way too much confidence, because when I got to the top and looked down I may have saw the fear. So I had to female balls it  big time to get down, and trust me I was shaking in my outerwear…but it was awesome!

In all, both days of riding were pretty good conditions for being the end of May, and gaining a goggle tan in the spring time was also a major bonus. I highly recommended adding as many days on to your season as you can, this is not one to miss.

Though, for many the winter season is over and there are new adventures to be had. Maybe a time to pick up a new summer hobby? Or go on an epic road trip. Whatever it is, make it a summer that you will always remember, go off the limb a bit and dig deep into your bucket list.  If you still have the shred bug, which many of us hold year round, go to your nearest ice rink and ask to get some of the groomed shavings, set up a box or rail and have a little shred fest with your friends.  But if you still can, keep adding the days! No one wants the winter to end, they may say it for a couple weeks, but once it does its over until next year. Get as much shred time in as you can!

Friday May 26th I hopped on a plane from Salt Lake City up to Portland, OR. This is the second time I have attended the Cricket Campus Rail Jam Tour Finals, and probably my tenth time competing in the series. The guys at the tour do a great job keeping everything legitimate, therefore its easy to come back year after year! I landed around 7pm and my friend Janessa came and picked me up, we got some food then went to her house to rest up for the following contest day.

The following morning we woke up to some true Oregon weather, rain. Thankfully I had checked the weather prior to leaving so I was prepared. Janessa was patient and kind enough to play tour guide all day before the contest, and she took me to some pretty spectacular places around Portland. We checked out Pittock Mansion, downtown, and some other areas, it was really nice and I appreciate her putting up with me being such a tourist!

The contest didn’t start until about 3:30 after we had about thirty minutes to practice. Trying not to get too wet or wear myself out, I only hit it twice during practice to feel the speed.The girls were all grouped together, in the 3rd heat, so we had a while to hang out and socialize. I spent most of my time with Janessa and her boyfriend and fellow Shred Betties team rider Randa Shahin. Between the crowd, the setup, and those two girls my spirits were high and I was ready to get out onto the course.

With about eight or nine other girls competing, I wasn’t sure what to expect. These girls not only met, but exceeded my expectations for the level of riding. I was very impressed with what girls were doing, and trying to do. It poured rain on us the whole time, but I had enough in me to get some solid tricks on every feature which included; a down-flat-down rail on the lookers right, a launch box in the middle, and down rail with a kick at the end of it on the lookers left. The jam lasted about 30 minutes, then they announced the top 5 finalists which included myself and Janessa!

The crowd was pleased to have this going on downtown Portland and the CRJT guys always find a way to get them involved. This time they had a dance off featuring some of the very colorful people in the audience. Needless to say it was amazing to watch. After the dance-off it was time for finals to start, all the the guys and girls on ski’s and snowboard’s were at the top strapped in, itching to drop first.

In the end I believe they were looking for consistency across the board and a variety of tricks. I cleaned the down-flat-down rail a few times, got some solid back lips and 180′s on and off the down rail, and some good 180 taps over the launch box. I was very happy to take 1st and Janessa got 2nd and another lady shred friend Krysta got 3rd! It was a great event and a lot of love goes out to the guys who put this on year after year. Another successful year down, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year. THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT EVENT GUYS! Till next year…

My name is Erin Blaisdell and I am more than excited to start interning with Akinz. I am looking forward to being a part of a company that keeps it real and only gives us what we want, creativity with top of the line apparel and accessories. A little background about me is that I am an avid snowboarder and skateboarder who loves the outdoors, I do not think I could live my life any other way. Catching the thrill of it all is what I seek out.

I have been working around the industry as a Marketing/PR/ Sales Assistant for a few years. I have met some great people along the way and absolutely love being apart of this community. I have recently moved from the East Coast out West to explore more life and make some grand memories. And no, I do not have a favorite coast, they both have some great qualities and life that I find exciting. Ill be posting up some Blog entries about the on goings at Akinz and whatever we think is awesome that you should know about. Make sure you check in often so you do not miss out. Akinz is  constantly growing and you do not want to be the one not in the know!

As soon as I got home, I started snowboarding without my sling. I took it easy for a couple of weeks to give my arm a little more time to heal. This past week the snow conditions have been great, the snow really allowed my friends and I the chance to explore and find new places we can shoot. The black and white photo was taken in South Lake Tahoe back country. After a 45 minute hike this was the second pillow line we found. I could not stop smiling after dropping it. The wall ride photo was out by North shore Tahoe, this photo shoot never had a dull moment. We arrived at 11:30 and didn’t leave till 5, all the riders got a few great shots and I know everyone left with a smile on their face. This Last photo is of myself representing my new Flow Snowboard! The photo was taken right before we left North Shore Tahoe. I want to thank photographer Geno Fonderoli for all of his hard work and in helping me get the best shot.



I also want to give a BIG THANKS out to my sponsors; Flow Snowboards, Shred Betties Magazine, Akinz Boardwear, Onus Arts, and Essi Eye Wear!

When it finally came time to compete I was more than ready, and the setup looked really fun. From lookers left to right the setup consisted of; a down-flat-down rail, a launch box with a gap on the end, and a down rail with little kink at the end for added technical difficulty. I climbed all the way to the top of the scaffolding, strapped in, and dropped into the launch box. Trying to set a high standard for the girls, I tried to do a smooth press and grab my board off the box, when I landed I sunk in about 6 inches into slush, and had to readjust my game plan.

Next up I tried my luck with the down rail. I got it first try, with a clean frontside 180 out, but that slush got me again, and I couldn’t stick the landing. After that, I decided I would not fall anymore. Nervously peering over the edge of the drop-in to get a look at the rail, I strapped in and went for it. Success! I was feeling very good about that rail, and spent most of my time on it. I did some pretty good tricks on there including a solid frontboard through the kink, which was a personal goal of mine. By the end of the 40 minute heat we were all down right exhausted.

I cheered on the rest of my friends who were competing including Cat who was up next. She killed it the whole time and WON! YAY CAT! In the meantime while Cat and I were competing, Madee was holding it down on the dancefloor for us. She even won the “Teach me how to dougie” contest! We all had a blast hanging out all day, but it was finally time for the results! With the suspense building up inside me, knowing there were some good girls there, I couldn’t barely even listen when they announced the 2nd and 1st places. Lejawn Allen ended up in 3rd. Alexa McCarty took 2nd, and I ended up in the top spot on the podium! After a quick interview with Fuel Tv I had to fly up the canyon to get to work! Needless to say, it was a long, busy, and super fun day! Thanks to CRJT for putting on yet another great event. Keep up the good work guys!