See the full gallery on Posterous

Chris Vaughn (@gnarczar) gave a great recap of our final session on snow, and a great shout out to all of our partners who helped make it happen.

Here are some key photos from the day...

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Throughout the morning, mentees and mentors lapped the Green Mountain, Summit and North Ridge Express quads slashing fresh pow, shredding corduroy, popping 180s and ollies and dipping into the woods all over Northstar, Cruiser, Which Way, Rim Run, Lookin' Good and Elbow.  What is traditionally a one-to-one format for the morning, quickly transformed into a celebration of the very first BFS team, with most of the crew riding together, feeding off the group energy and pushing each other to finish up the BFS season in impressive fashion. 

For the afternoon, everyone donned tank top jerseys and headed to the parks for the Tanks for Nothing event put on by Rhythm Snowboards.  After a few laps through Riemergasse for the judges, the crew headed to Graduation for a hike session on the flat box, urban bar and wedge.  Everyone was pushing themselves and each other to dial in the moves they'd been working on all season, and even learn some new ones.  Some hammers, some slams, lots of hoots and high fives, and smiles for days... literally everything that makes riding park so much fun!  After watching some of Tanks for Nothing finals madness, everyone headed up to the summit for a top-to-bottom victory lap, calling it a day (and a season) at the base.

Gold Stars were awarded for individual mentee achievements throughout the day including Matty K's hard-earned frontside 360, Bobby's commitment to send the back flip on the big jump, Matt P's massive straight air off the wedge and Jake's and Brandon's slay-it-all progression.  Though they had to head back to Burlington before the afternoon awards, Gold Stars were awarded to Bleonda and Merusha for stomping 50-50s on the flat boxes and their all-mountain progression... we've got your stars waiting for you ladies.

Matty K and Bobby were recognized as the mentees of the day.  Matt, your dedication to riding progression has been there all season, but yesterday it all really clicked.  Watching you work for that 360 was inspiring.  Huge props.  Bobby, you joined us late into the season, but you quickly became a quiet leader.  You let your riding do the talking, and it speaks volumes.  Did I mention the back flip?!

As always, many thanks go out to Sugarbush Resort for hosting Burlington Freestyle throughout the season.  Thanks to Tony and the Parks Crew for consistently giving us a playground for progression (and for all the love on the mic yesterday).  Thanks to our sponsors 150 Cherry, The CHILL Foundation, The Future Forward, FRENDS, Volcom, Oakley, St. Michael's College Ski and Snowboard Club (the jerseys were clutch), DieCutStickers.com, Green Mountain Coffee, and Gray Dog Media.  Without all of your support, Burlington Freestyle's inaugural season simply would not have been possible.

Stay tuned for pictures and videos from the day...

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

IMG_3636.MOV Watch on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

See the full gallery on Posterous

As mentioned in the post above, the day couldn't have ended any more epically than it did.

Thanks to Barry Dugan from BFS, and Greg and Susan from FRENDS, the team was able to get up close and personal with some of the world's best snowboarders.

FRENDS has supported us from the very start of our inaugural season, and their fun-loving vibe is right on the money for what we are all about. It was incredible to eat pizza, get autographs, and just hang out with Kevin Pearce, Luke Mitrani, Jack Mitrani, Danny Davis, and Mason Aguirre.

Thanks so much, guys!

And big thanks to everyone who helped make the day an absolute blast: Barry, Gnar Czar, Grant, Jamal, Matt S., Sam L., Cole, Matt K., Matt P., Bryant, Devin, and Brandon S.

Let's do it all again next year!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

In fact, we'd just finished watching his second run on the Jumbotron at the bottom of the course, and it was the first time I'd ever seen him in a competition. The pro rider was Mark McMorris.

Mark is new on the pro snowboard scene. In fact, his success is almost entirely a result of one trick, captured on film: the triple cork 1440:

Now, because of the rain, fog, and bumpy slope course, we didn't get to see Mark's signature move on Friday. But we did get to see a couple of stellar runs, one of which earned him second place in the Finals. 

On the lift I introduced Mark to Brandon, and Mark said this: "You gotta enjoy every moment you have snowboarding. We are all really lucky to be able to do this. Make sure to enjoy it."

When I asked Mark how he felt about his newfound fame, he said simply, "I just feel really lucky. It's been amazing."

It was an awesome time with a truly talented new pro, who also seems to be a genuine, humble guy. 

The kind of guy that a BFS rider would want to be like.

Be like Mark.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

See the full gallery on Posterous

This past Friday 6 mentees and 6 staff packed up a 12 passenger van and departed for the US Open of Snowboarding in Stratton, VT.

The trip was made possible by our very own board member and connected-guy Barry Dugan. Barry hooked up guest passes for the whole crew, and rode with us for most of the day as well. Thanks, Barry!

Despite the warmer temps, rain, and a bit o' fog, the riding was super fun, the snow was fast, and spirits were high. On top of everything, we got to watch some of the best snowboarders in the world in the Slopestyle finals at Sun Bowl. And, we got to hang in the sponsor village and see all the latest and greatest stuff.

As we left the Sun Bowl area, we were sure to leave our BFS mark on the day - in the form of a brand new sticker from Diecutstickers.com right on the big US Open sign.

But that wasn't the end.

The way the day ended was the really magical part. But I'll save that for an upcoming post.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

It didn't really happen until it's posted: so, it happened!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

IMG_3626.MOV Watch on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Saturday was the first day the BFS crew saw spring-ish conditions, and I have to say I am super excited for (keep your fingers crossed for sun and slush) the last two sessions on March 19 and 26.  Saturday's snow was soft and loose, but still pretty fast.  Maybe everyone was feeling a bit more comfortable and flexible not having to layer for freezing conditions; maybe the idea of bailing onto spring snow rather than icy hard-pack let everyone push themselves a bit further; maybe everyone was hungry to get back out and shred with their teammates after the long break... Whatever the cause, Saturday's afternoon session was crazy fun and full of the All-Time Freestyle progression that Burlington Freestyle is all about. 

The first part of the afternoon was spent in Graduation working mainly on hitting the large jump line and sliding the flat and banked boxes and urban style down bars.  Props to the whole crew for pushing themselves to hit bigger and more challenging features every week.  And a big salute goes out to Coach Nick Pintauro for providing the right amount of guidance, encouragement, critique and demonstration to help everyone put their nerves aside and just send it!

The second part of the afternoon was spent hot lapping on Cruiser, boosting off of bumps and rollers, gapping and tapping rocks and stumps, cruising, charging, cheering each other on, laughing, and even tossing a few friendly snowballs.  Week after week I am blown away by how the sense of team gets stronger and stronger.  Another reason the afternoon was so fun was that Sugarbush's in-house videographer, Spencer, took a few laps with the crew filming the on-snow energy and progression and learning about the positive effects Burlington Freestyle is having on its mentees, mentors and staff alike.  Thanks again Spencer!  We're looking forward to the edit and hope that we can catch back up with you to film some park on either the 19th or 26th!

This week's recognized mentees were Merusha and Matt P.  Merusha, your riding has improved so much in such a short time!  You are looking fluid and comfortable and most importantly like you're having fun!  Your perseverance is inspiring.  Even through tough falls you're quick to get back up and keep learning.  Keep up your hard work and you'll be taking those toe turns to the park in no time!  Matt P, the progression you made between Session 3 and Session 4 was unreal!  You've always had the physical abilities, but it was clear that something mental just clicked for you on Saturday.  You brought an attitude of, "I'm going for it!  Big!  And If I don't land it I'm going to get right back up and give it another go."  It was contagious, and it really helped set the tone for the whole afternoon.  Props for stepping to those heavy urban down bars.  For their personal successes, Merusha and Matt were recognized with prize packs from our good friends at Volcom and FRENDS.  Many thanks for your continued support of Equal Shred!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

After recharging at lunch with the help of Chris and Cameron Hancock's delicious cookie bars, Coach P and I led the crew to the parks for a great afternoon session.  Big ollies off the wedge, 50-50s, front and back boards, 180s in and out... it was flowing!  It was awesome seeing mentees stepping to some of the heavier features of the Reimergasse park.  BFS left their mark on the curved down box, the banked wall rides, the pill bonk, and the jump line.  Props to everyone for pushing themselves to ride faster, go bigger, and get more tech on the rails and boxes. 

With the sun retiring early and the vibe cooling, Coach P helped everyone find their second wind with some hot laps on the quad filled with slashes, ollies, and smiles galore.  A few follow the leader laps was exactly what the team needed to close out the day.

This week's recognized mentees were Cole and Jake.  You guys killed it all day!  Your energy, your effort, your attitude... you two set an of example of progression as snowboarders and as teammates.  Keep it up gents!

Many thanks to the whole BFS family for your positivity and dedication!  As always, thanks to Chris, Tony, and everyone at Sugarbush for your generosity, hospitality, and perfectly groomed trails and parks.  And a special shout out to our good friends at Oakley for their continued support!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

See the full gallery on Posterous

The highlight, though, came at the end of the day when Bryant and Brandon were recognized for their accomplishments. Coach Nick Pintauro praised Bryant for finding creative lines all afternoon - both on trail and in the park - and for pushing himself to learn some new, key skills. And Mentor Aaron Desrochers talked about Brandon's good attitude and positive outlook - and his morning of getting into the trees and expanding his terrain abilities.

The two standouts walked home with some FRENDS earbuds and T's for their accomplishments. And there will be more recognition to come, every session, from FRENDS and other sponsors like Oakley and Volcom. 

As always, thank you Sugarbush Resort (@Sugarbush_VT) for being such generous hosts. Can't wait for Session 3!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

After copious amounts of sleep, I'm feeling recharged and would like to share with you the awesomeness that was Burlington Freestyle Session 2.

Yesterday was an enormous success!  With an almost-full roster, Burlington Freestyle stormed Mt. Ellen with a hunger for progression.  There were so many individual accomplishments, but what stood out most for me was the leadership that emerged from different mentees, and the real sense of team that defined the afternoon session. 

Coach P and I decided to run a woods clinic to start the afternoon session.  What began as the two coaches scoping lines and breaking trail quickly turned into mentees guiding mentees on a woodland adventure.  I was super impressed with the terrain awareness everyone had while in the trees.  And the amount of communication - lots of "stay right," "watch for the rock," "keep your speed!" - really showed that the BFS mentee crew is becoming a real team.  Everybody looking out for each other and pushing each other to ride harder... it was a coach's dream.  Even when the terrain got really tight and challenging, everyone kept a cool head and persevered.  Props gentlemen!

Once back on the trail, we headed over to Graduation and the lower half of Riemergasse for the second chapter of the afternoon session.  Everyone was stepping to different features and trying new tricks.  Joined by some of the mentors, team spirit was almost as high as the level of riding.  The BFS Core Values - Integrity, Creativity, and Progression - were in full effect as we hiked the flat box and urban down bar, and had a good old fashioned follow-the-leader line on the wedge box... so fun!

I'm sure Zach will be post to salute the two mentees we recognized at the close of the day, but I want to give shout outs of my own:
Bryant - You killed all day long! Your 180 In Revert Out on the box just before lunch was next level.
Devin - "I think I'm gonna frontside it." Yep. Proper Front Board. Hammer time!
Brandon D and Cole - Way to jump right in! It's never easy being "the new guy." You two made it look easy.
Brandon S and The Matts - The woods are tough.  You guys showed you were tougher.

Already looking forward to next Saturday!

<3 The Gnar Czar

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Here's one last video from the BFS box-slaying session!

IMG_3014.MOV Watch on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

During our first-ever team session last Saturday afternoon, a full-on box assault broke out in the Sugarbush Park at Mt. Ellen. Team Coach Nick Pintauro led the riders in proper box basics, while demonstrating some sweet pressy moves himself (see Part 2). Here are the first two videos, one more coming! 

IMG_3011.MOV Watch on Posterous

IMG_3010.MOV Watch on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

See the full gallery on Posterous

At long last, this past Saturday, the dream that is Burlington Freestyle became a reality on the slopes of Mt. Ellen at Sugarbush. 

And we couldn't be happier.

It all started on Thursday night with a video and gear session at 150 Cherry St. in Burlington. 150 is one of our key partners and our off-hill home - we literally wouldn't have a program without their support. Mentors, mentees, staff, and parents all gathered to make a plan for Saturday and watch the Smart Style safety video. 

And at that meeting another key partner - The Chill Foundation - was in full effect providing all of our youth (and even one of our mentors) with all of the gear they would need for the season. BFS Board Secretary-slash-Chill National Coordinator Megan Skiles was the star of the evening, transporting all the gear to 150 and then helping us get it into the hands of our smiling mentees. Megan and Chill - THANK YOU! (Check out this post about the night on the 150 blog.)

It's this kind of generosity from our partners that has enabled the dream to come to fruition. And the third big piece of that puzzle is the generosity of Sugarbush Resort itself. I have never seen a resort come through for a nonprofit initiative quite like this before. They are incredible. So to Tony from Sugarbush Parks, Chris from Marketing, and the entire management staff, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Our first day was a total success. The one-to-one mentor sessions in the morning were fantastic, and the team session in the afternoon (riding park for most of the time) was killer. Great friendships were formed between mentors and mentees, and among the entire team and staff. It was the kickoff to a truly epic season of equal shred.

So, we'll see you in two weeks. And don't forget to VOTE!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Last week we had on-snow training for our mentors at Mt. Ellen (@sugarbush_VT) - and it was a blast.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Permalink | Leave a comment  »