I currently have three boards in my quiver that I use often, switching between them as conditions and my goals change.
Donek Flux
It finally feels like I want it to feel !!
This board changed my life. The Donek Flux is well known as being stable and vibration free (it even sounds different than other boards when you set it down). Mine is 1.5 cm wider than the standard build and it really holds a carve when I put it on its edge.
Length 155cm, waist 27cm, variable sidecut 8-9.5m. Abstract Wolf graphic on top sheet, die cut base “SHRALP IT!”
With Now Jeremy Jones bindings.
Donek Phoenix
The Donek Phoenix is my go-to board for free riding with friends when the Flux is too aggressive and the Rider’s Choice is too soft. Sean Martin at Donek designs each board to your desires, and when I requested something in between the Flux and Rider’s Choice he made it so. Oh my, this board really holds an edge in the steep, firm snow we get in the east – so much so that I like to say it’s got claws! (Actually all of the Doneks I’ve ridden have been great on firm snow.)
The colorful ‘oil spill’ graphic on top and bottom gets a lot of compliments.
Length 154cm, waist 25.3cm, sidecut 8m, with early rise and long decamber.
With Nidecker Supermatic bindings.
Gnu Rider’s Choice
The 2020 Gnu Rider’s Choice is soft and easy to turn for teaching and in the trees. Since most students have a board similar to this, I use it when teaching so that my movement patterns can be closer to what the student needs to do.
Length 154.5, waist 25.2, asymmetric sidecut 7.7 heel/8.1 toe. Lots of stickers…
With Nidecker Supermatic bindings.
Ride Insano boots
Starts off super stiff but softens up. I got an old pair that is softer and newer pair that is harder.
Burton Impact Wrist Guards
Unrelated to snowboarding, I have significant problems with my wrists. The Burton Impact wrist guard is the one I’ve trusted for years. (Burton says “Secretly Protecting Pros for Years”.) They fit under the glove, which means I need to find extra-large mittens in a style I like (which is another challenge). They were first recommended to me by Michael Poli for skateboarding. Most wrist guards have a big plastic thing covering the inner part of the wrist that will transfer the force of an impact to the soft tissue in the palm – not the Burton Impact. I’ve never seen them in a retail store, and since they are hard to find in stock, I usually buy several pair.
Organic Hogwash
Organic Hogwash is an all-natural spray that removes and keeps away funk from all objects – it is especially useful for helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, etc. that can get sweaty during activity. Think of it as Fabreze that is made by my friend Earl Stout III. Organic Hogwash Instagram