THE SLASH TEAM
PRO TEAM
GiGi RÜF
What are your nicknames?
Gigi, Gigismalls, Gigabyte, Giraffe
What angles do you have your feet at on your snowboard?
Front +18°, back +3°
Favourite part about owning a snowboard company?
Always the best boards.
Go to Slash board for this winter?
ATV
NILS BERGER
Name?
Nils Berger
Nickname(s)?
Bergy
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story…
I met Gigi for the first time in Damüls. He asked me if we could swap the boards. At that time, I had the Donald Trump Board from DWD and Gigi said that the design reminded him of an old board of his. So, he gave me a new Slash Spectrum and I gave him my board. It was one of the best days in Damüls haha. I couldn’t believe what happened on that day. Thanks a lot!
Regular or goofy?
Goofy, I don’t like to be regular
Favourite snowboard trick?
Method
Home resort or resort riding this winter?
My home resort is Damüls. I will ride there this winter, but I want to explore some new places in other resorts
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
This year I got a Slash Spectrum. I like the flex of the board. I use it for everything
What projects are in the pipeline this upcoming?
Discover some new spots
DAN BARKER
Nickname(s)?
People have always called my brothers and I by our last name. I am the youngest, so I was always ‘Mini Bark’ or ‘Young Barker’.
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
Well, I actually haven’t met him (I would very much like to). He is an idol to so many and has been for so long. Of course, I am beyond honoured and thankful to be a part of such an iconic brand / team.
Regular or goofy?
Regular, but I try to ride switch a lot.
Favourite snowboard trick?
Switch BS 5’s and BS rodeos. Love a good butter too.
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
I am very fortunate to have grown up in Whistler, BC, Canada. Our resort has so much to offer from a world class park, great amount of snowfall most seasons and lots of terrain; can go tree riding looking for cliffs and pillows, to searching for side hits and bombing runs by going as fast as you can builds for a great all-mountain experience/rider. So many talented people come to or out of this town and our backcountry is endless. Having a snowmobile here is a big deal.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I love the ATV because it’s a traditional camber board. It truly is an “all-terrain vehicle”- I ride it on any given day but mainly, it’s my park and rail set up.
The Brainstorm is a great pow board because of its camrock structure. Last winter I started riding the Portal which has camrock as well, but the short tail allows for tight turns on steeper stuff and I’d never ridden a board with a shorter tail so it was lots of fun to get used to.
-
JACCO BOS
Nickname(s)?
Wacko Jacko,Mr.Bos
TM
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
KTO! I started riding on Slash boards through a local shop on a sponsor-less summer. I tested out everything but just simply fell in love with the Slash Happy Place (155W). It’s a totally different board than I had liked before but it just worked perfect for me and was super strong. So going to KTO, I heard Gigi would be there. I have to admit, I’m from a younger generation, so I didn’t really know what he looked like! But after 1.5 day searching and then a very awkward hello, we chatted a bit and got along soooo great. Gigi is such a likeable guy, and I love working for him and riding his decks 🙌.Regular or goofy?
Learned it goofy, probably should have been regular 🤷♂️😂Favourite snowboard trick?
To see: Backside double 10To do: Big gaps to bs lip
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
For park/street/pow, I’ve found a magic stick that shreds all! The Happy Place is agile, responsive but forgives enough as well for rails and street. It’s not the softest but the way it flexes I haven’t managed to snap any of them, which is saying a lot with my board history. This year, I’ve gone for the ATV -
GEOFF BROWN
Nickname(s)?
BrownTown, Brown Face, Spike, GBSnowHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
Met Gigi at a tradeshow in Denver. He had the smallest booth in the entire tradeshow but the longest line. I expected him to be this wild guy considering how he rides. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he’s a quiet, humble, and friendly person.Regular or goofy?
RegularFavourite snowboard trick?
Front 3, not too many things feel better than a solid poked front 3Home resort and resort riding this winter?
Whistler, BCSlash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Brainstorm for most backcountry and resort riding. This board is the absolute best thing I’ve ever strapped my feet to. On super deep pillow days, I’ll bust out the Portal or the Vertical depending how heavy the snow is. -
Harry Coleman
Name?
Harry ColemanNickname(s)?
HaaaaaaarrrriiiiHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I haven’t actually met him yet but I can’t wait to meet him and maybe even ride some cool lines with himRegular or goofy?
GoofyFavourite snowboard trick?
I always love doing BS and FS 540sHome resort or resort riding this winter?
I am from Scotland but I‘m living in Germany at the moment. Snow in the Scottish resorts is not very reliable and unfortunately, I don’t live close to a resort in Germany but shred the park in Snowworld Landgraaf regularly. But two resorts I have spent a lot of time shredding are Tignes and Chamonix.Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I currently ride the ATV in the park and all over the mountain. I love how stiff the board is when I am riding rails and landing jumps and I love the feeling the board gives me. Carving is so much fun on it. Also – the design is super cool. -
MANUEL DIAZ
Nickname(s)?
RatoncitoHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I was supposed to film with Absinthe in Juneau, Alaska, but I ended up snaking into his crew in Haines as they were flying with the pirates and had an empty seat, that was my first trip to Alaska.Regular or goofy?
GufiFavourite snowboard trick?
bs 540Home resort and resort riding this winter?
FareSlash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Natural, Brainstorm and ATV, for all types of terrain -
BENJI EWENS
Nickname(s)?
Benj / Sketchy BenjiHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I bought a Slash ATV in Austria and rode it for a season doing a few freeride comps. When Spring rolled around, I went to Kaunertal glacier for the Soul Shred event, and that’s when I noticed a guy wearing a hoodie with same design as my board. When I pointed this out to him, he pointed out to that he was the guy that made the board. For the rest of Soul Shred, myself, Gigi, and a few other Slash team riders spent the days riding together having a great time.Regular or goofy?
RegularFavourite snowboard trick?
Miller flipsHome resort, and resort riding this winter?
Turoa Mt Ruapehu.Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
The ATV all the way! Not only for the backcountry/ freeride comps but it’s also great for carving the piste and going large off of side hits, as well as having enough playfulness to have a good time in the park. -
BROOKS FINLINSON
Nickname(s)?
Finny/ Brooklyn / KrooklynHow and when did you first met Gigi? Tell us a funny story
For a long time whilst I was coming up, I knew I wanted to be a part of Slash, so I started emailing Gigi all the Transworld edits I was featured in! After 2 years of watching me progress, both with my riding and style, Gigi put me on the team and invited me to come meet him in Mt. Hood for the Slash takeover week at High Cascade! From day 1, we ended up shredding hard all day and partying harder all night! Since then, we’ve been boyz and it’s been game on.Regular or goofy?
Goofy! But because I’m ambidextrous, so most of my tricks are switch.Favourite snowboard trick?
Backside 720Home resort and resort riding this winter?
Snowbird! This year I’ll be riding there, as well as Park City and wherever else I travel.Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Park/streets- I ride the Slash Happy Place 155w. That’s the board that made me want to ride for Slash; it brings you to a whole new level of confidence with how smoothly it bends on rails and how much flex it has with butters and park ollies! Truly the best park board out there.Powder- the Slash Straight 161. Has ultimate slash capability with amazing edge control! When you’re powering down a fast line or through bumpy chunder your guaranteed to stay on your feet and in control.
JOSH GALLEN
Nickname(s)?
J, JGal, Bug
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I first met Gigi in 2003, when I was 9! My dad was a cameraman for Absinthe. My whole family got to tag along the winter that they were filming for POP. We lived in Val D’illiez, Switzerland for the winter and rode the Portes du Soleil every day. One day, Gigi, Romain, and Trevor Andrews were hitting some jumps on the Avoriaz side. Gigi started bonking some roof a little way down. My introduction to jibbing, I think. I followed him down. He told me he’d give me a beanie if I hiked back up and got his backpack for him. I still have the beanie!
Regular or goofy?
Regs
Favourite snowboard trick?
Back 7, or Frontside 180’s no grab – Nico style (I try)!
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
Crested Butte, Colorado. I’ll be back there this winter!
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I switch between the Portal and the ATV regularly. I like them both all the time and anywhere!
STUART INNES
Nickname(s)?
Stu, Magic Hands
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
Hintertux opening; the weather was terrible, and every other board demo stand sacked it off and went home. Gigi, Roli, Jacco and me stayed in the rain/snow and wind trying to keep the tent up. We ended up shredding this PVC tube next to the stand and Gigi made us teach him the rail tricks that he didn’t know the names for, but he did them all first try. It was rad and despite being the legend he is he just hung out and messed around with us like one of the young guns.
Regular or goofy?
Regular
Favourite snowboard trick?
Frontboard or Front 3
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
I grew up riding dry slope, then when I was 17, I moved to Mayrhofenm and that’s where I’ll be based again this winter.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Slash ATV 154 – To be honest the name says it all, it’s an all-terrain vehicle and I hate having to choose what I’m gonna shred in the morning. If I go up with the ATV, I know I’m covered whether I shred jumps, rails or take some pow laps. In addition, despite what many other “rail kids” say, I prefer a stiffer board, even on the rails. My theory is if your board bends less you don’t get bounced around as much by rail kinks and it’s easier to stay balanced.
YUTA KOBAYASHI
Nickname(s)?
Yuta
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
The first time I met Gigi was in Sapporo, Japan, about 19 years ago. I don’t think I remember Gigi, but I remember coming to Sapporo for some event and Gigi hiding champagne in his clothes. I met Gigi at the party the night after that. Our next meeting after that was when Gigi came to Hakuba on a Freeride World Tour.
Regular or goofy?
R
Favourite snowboard trick?
Powder turn Powder jump and Front 7
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
Hakubavalley
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I’m basically just powder riding at the moment, so I’m using a Slash Vertical. I’m looking forward to using a Slash Straight this year.
LESLEY MCKENNA
Name?
Lesley McKenna
Nickname(s)?
Lel
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story…
I remember meeting Gigi in Saas Fee one October around the year 2002, when he was making a great name for himself as a young creative and inspirational rider filming with Absinthe. I had just set up Chunkyknit Productions with my friend and production partner, Josie Clyde. We got some good support from the Absinthe crew back then which was a big help to us as the first all-female snowboard film crew in Europe. The whole Absinthe crew were really creative and pushing all sorts of boundaries in different ways. It felt like a really progressive time and that spirit of progression and innovation is something that I think Gigi still embodies to this day.
Regular or Goofy?
Regular
Favourite snowboard trick?
Frontside 3 nose bone or a good solid tweaked out backside air.
Home resort or resort riding this winter?
Home: Cairngorm Mountain in Scotland.
But I have lived all over the snowy world in the last 30 years from Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Bourg St Maurice, St Anton, Laax, Livignio, Tignes, Meribel, St Anton, Chamonix, Wanaka. I have called many places home over the years and take a little bit of each with me wherever I go, and those are just the places I actually lived in for a season, I also take a little bit of each place I have travelled to with me as well.
Resort riding this year: Mainly Cairngorm Mountain and all over Scotland, maybe with a trip to the European Alpes.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Splitboard – I ride the Vertical Split which I absolutely love. Last season I even ended up riding it in the park every now and again if I came back from a tour adventure and the kickers were on. It handles itself really well, both carving the piste and on the jumps as well as being brilliant backcountry.
Brainstorm – I ride the Brainstorm if I want to charge the whole mountain. It is amazingly stable and can handle all snow conditions at high speed as well as being great if I feel like laying down a good carve or getting some air. It is a very good all-rounder: if you like to charge hard it can handle all snow conditions, including the dreaded Scottish Sastrugi on the way to the good stuff in the backcountry.
Happy Place – This is the board I take when I want to have fun and play around. I pick my moments for park these days, but I do still have occasional park days. And when I do, I want a fun and versatile board that is happy on jumps, transitions, and whatever jib features there are around. I want a freestyle board that is consistent and dependable and handles well under all snow conditions so that I don’t need to put extra effort in rescuing myself when the board is having trouble with the snow! At my age, I want to make the most of the freestyle days and limit the unforced errors! Ha! It also rips in transitions and can go huge in a superpipe if it gets the chance.
What projects are in the pipeline this upcoming?
Wandering Workshops Backcountry Adventures
Last year, I launched a Community Interest Company called Wandering Workshops so I could run backcountry splitboard workshops with the aim of making them as accessible as possible. I work with my photographer friend Hannah Bailey from @neonstash, and together, we take people on backcountry adventures where we help them to capture the experience and group narrative through words and photography so they can find a shared meaning and connection in the experience. The workshops sit in the adventure and mindfulness space and are as much about connection to self, others, and environment as they are about taking on backcountry lines and adventures. They are amazing to run, and we have a whole bunch coming up this season. I have my backcountry guide qualification so am the on-snow leader with Hannah supporting on the photography and storytelling side. We are a good team and really look forward to each workshop. We also aim to be able to offer free or reduced-price places on each workshop to help breakdown the financial barrier that a lot of people face when they want to get into backcountry touring. If you want to know more about Wandering Workshops check out our website
https://wanderingworkshops.com/
Wandering Film
We are also working on a film that unpacks the themes of connection to self, others, and environment and looks at how backcountry adventures and experiences can help build different kinds of personal value systems and conceptions of responsibility. Responsibility to self, others, and towards the environment. We believe that this can support people towards more responsible choices and behaviour which is much needed in the climate emergency space. We hope to show the film at the Kendal Film Festival.
https://wanderingworkshops.com/we-are-wandering-film
SEBASTIEN METENIER
Name?
Sébastien Méténier
Nickname(s)?
Snowbast
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
Back during a winter without too much fresh snow, I was looking for an aggressive board and a shop (Backside) in Verbier gave me a Slash ATV.
On the first try, I really fell in love with how this board worked so well on hard snow….and then when it starts to snow heavily, the ATV is fantastic in the powder too!!!! So, every winter I crack out my Slash ATV!!!
Then, it was almost impossible to find Slash.
It was just at the time when Gigi had to change factories to make his boards. So, one day in the extreme of Verbier, I was lucky enough to see Gigi. I was so happy that I jumped on him telling him that his boards are the best in the world… I think I was a little strong there and that scared him!! But he gave me his phone number and that at a later time, I was going to receive new boards. However, we had a problem – I didn’t understand anything when he spoke to me on the phone because my English is really poor. Luckily, I managed to understand that he was in Avoriaz, so I said to wait for me as I was only 2 hours away… Gigi come and got me as they were riding in Verbier. I came back with Gigi to Verbier where we rode some super cool lines and filmed to a board test. Gigi is really incredible to ride with! It was like a dream. I gave everything and when we arrived down the mountain, he told me to become a Slash ambassador.
I’m so happy, it gave me a new boost after 33 years of snowboarding. I still have the same joy of riding and now even more with my Slash.
Regular or goofy?
Goofy
Favourite snowboard trick?
Half Cab, 360 Mute, Hit a Quarter to Slash.
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
My 2 favourite places are Las Lenas and Verbier.
I’m now living in Verbier, and I love to go to small ski resorts like Bruson, La Fouly or Les Arcs.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I love the Straight for all the terrains.
What projects are in the pipeline this upcoming winter?
This winter I’m in charge of the web TV of Verbier which gives me the opportunity to ride every day, at any time of day – even before or after the opening of the slopes!
It’s so good.
I also have a TV show being broadcast in South America and I’m going to do some reports in the ski resorts of the Alps. And of course, I will share the best moments of winter on the networks.
Merci les amis et belle saison❤👍
-
CASEY MITCHELL
Nickname(s)?
Spacecase, SpaceHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I was gripping a skateboard on the street in Government Camp, Oregon. I was cutting up my grip tape in a weird way and someone walks up to me and says “ohhhh that’s cool”. I looked up and freaked out because it was none other than Gigi himself! I started riding for Slash, maybe 2 years later thanks to Gigi and Andy Glader.Regular or goofy?
RegularFavourite snowboard trick?
Frontside 540 or 720 TailgrabHome resort and resort riding this winter?
Appalachian Ski Mountain in Boone, North Carolina but I’m currently at Mt. Hood Skibowl!Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Spectrum 157 for most things, ATV 157 for street, Portal 159 for pow plowing -
BILLY MORGAN
Name?
BillyNickname(s)?
Billy.How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I met him a couple of times in passing but properly on a team trip to Kaunertal in 2021.Snow blades are a thing.
Regular or goofy?
GoofyFavourite snowboard trick?
BS RodeoHome resort or resort riding this winter?
MorzineSlash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I’m diggin’ the ATV at the moment all round, I try to find one board I can travel with that does most things.What projects are in the pipeline this upcoming winter?
I wanna get some shredding in this winter, whatever form that takes. -
BETTINA ROLL
Name?
Bettina RollNickname(s)?
Tina or BøttaHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I haven’t met Gigi yet, but hopefully I will soonRegular or goofy?
I’m regularFavourite snowboard trick?
My favourite trick is FS 720 with melon grabHome resort or resort riding this winter?
My home resort is Geilo and I will mostly be riding here as wellSlash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I’m riding the ATV for every terrain. I really like how the board feels when I’m riding, and it just feels right no matter what terrain. Never been happier with a board 🙂 -
TIMMY SCHRÖDER
Nickname(s)?
Timmy ShredderHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
Hintertux/Kaunertal Opening. I came up to the glacier with my old board split in half and old bindings mounted… Meeting Gigi, Holzi, Adi and Roli at the Testival, I had to try out every single Slash board and when I came back down, I really didn’t want to give any board back.After a big business meeting in Adis’ yellow VW van, I was sure: I wanted to be part of the team.
Regular or goofy?
RegularFavourite snowboard trick?
MethodHome resort and resort riding this winter?
ArlbergSlash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Vertical for freeride: Best overall, any conditions, any terrain shred-gun.Vertical for touring: It’s the vertical and it splits, any more questions?
ATV for park and everything else: Switch, Pow, Park and everything in between. All-Terrain Vehicle is a fitting name.
RAPHAEL STIFTER
Nickname(s)?
AfroRaph, Raphdog
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I first met Gigi at the KTO Slash Testival booth. I was looking for a new board and wanted a Slash cause some friends of mine had one and were huge fans, so I went for it. After a little chat with Gigi about each board I chose to test the Brainstorm.
BUT since I had no bindings, he simply took his, mounted it & wished me a hell of a ride with a big smile from one ear to another.
I went for it and was stoked as hell, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Regular or goofy?
Reggae
Favourite snowboard trick?
Todeo7
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
Serfaus is the resort where I got into snowboarding and still love it there. Long jib lines with kickers at the bottom and lots of sunshine. I’m living in Innsbruck now, so definitely will be shredding at Nordkette & Patscherkofel a lot.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
The Brainstorm is currently the board I’m riding cause it’s fulfilling all my backcountry & park needs in one board. I love how it floats in pow with its rockered nose and how it still serves with a pop-y response on the jumps.
The Happy Place is the one I’m taking to the street missions and yes, it makes me happy!
I also like the splitboard, there’s nothing like wandering through lonely places, aiming for lines and riding though untouched pow.
SHOGO TAKAI
Nickname(s)?
Shogo
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I met Gigi for the first time in January 2014. It was the time he came to Tokyo, Japan to present the 14/15 model. I changed my plans in a hurry in order to meet him. It was a long-time dream of mine to see him, so I was very ecstatic! It is a feeling very similar to going out on a date with a beautiful girl for the first time.
We were scheduled to meet on the presentation site. But to my surprise, I met him at the Miyashita Park. It was a sudden meeting, so I was a bit tense.
After a month, we met again in Mt. Baker, LBS. This time, I was able to relax and actually have a great time. I was given support by Slash as they were just starting their business. I was very thrilled and in high hopes that together, we would be able to create history together forever.
I will be always grateful to Gigi. He has a great heart and is a true gentleman.
Regular or goofy?
Regular
Favourite snowboard trick?
My most favourite trick to do is a Tweak and Crail Indy.
BS 180 is also one of my favourites.
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
It really depends on the snow conditions either at the ski resort or in the backcountry, up mountains in the Hida area.
Most of the time, I am in Nagareha or Hirayu Ski Resort.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I prefer Portal for powder snow. Portal makes the best buoyant and manoeuvrability. It is the perfect match for me and I’m ecstatic whenever I use it.
Other snow types, I will choose the ATV. With this board, I can go faster because of its outstanding stability and ease of control.
JAKOB SVENDSEN TESSAND
Name?
Jakob Svendsen Tessand
Nickname(s)?
Tessi, Jackærn
When did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I’ve actually never met Gigi in person. My expectations are really high though, after hearing all the stories about him.
Favourite snowboard trick?
It’s hard for me to pick one because it’s always changing, but right now I’ll say BS 720 with Indy, like outside the knee. Not Tindy, but kind of like a tuck knee. You can kind of like tweak it with the axis you get mid-air, and I love that feeling. BS 180’s on big jumps when you can kind of spot the landing and switch mid-air is also the best feeling.
Home resort or resort riding this winter?
My home resort is Tryvann or “Vannærn” as we call it. I’ll mostly be riding Tryvann this year, but I’m also gonna go to different resorts in Norway, as well as some other resorts around Europe like Tux.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I ride the ATV 159 W for any terrain. I ride park most of the time, but it turns out it works great in powder too. I haven’t really tested it out in the streets yet, but it’s great for rails in the park, so I think it will translate. I think the name of the board fits well with its functionality, and on top of that, it’s easily the best board I’ve ridden. I’m not just saying that either.
ROLI TSCHODER
Nickname(s)?
Roli and sometimes Paznauner
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I can’t really remember when I met Gigi the first time… I think it was back in my childhood when my room was postered with his mag shoots and I got the movie “Walk the plank” from the Pirates. Years later, I met him, and Holzi, at Stubai-Glacier and we went for a shred together. A couple of runs later, he asked why I was riding with a broken board and then asked if I would like to ride a fresh Slash snowboard. I was totally stoked!!! A dream come true 💯💥🍻
Regular or goofy?
Regular since day one
Favourite snowboard trick
Backflip and Onefoots are tricks for the soul and me. I also like Methods
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
My home mountain is Ischgl. I’ve been riding there since my childhood. Basically, I’m riding everywhere around the Alps, mainly Tirol and Vorarlberg. In the autumn and spring, I love riding Kaunertal and Hintertux, both in and out of the season.
SINDRE TVEITEN
Name?
Sindre Tveiten
Nickname(s)?
Tveiten
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I met Gigi in Stubai in November last year.
I had been in contact with Jacco about joining the team, so we decided to meet up in Stubai at my hotel. Suddenly, he pulls up at the meeting…with Gigi! I obviously got pretty stressed at first, but Gigi has to be one of the kindest and most passionate people in the world. We ended up sitting there and talking for a long time, meanwhile Jacco had someone waiting for him down in the car. I think the plan was just to say hi and deliver some boards, probably a 15-minute visit. But instead, we ended up ruining Jacco’s timetable for the day! Haha
Regular or goofy?
Goofy
Favourite snowboard trick?
Double frontflip and FS board
Home resort or resort riding this winter?
Hovden is my home resort. It’s where I learnt to snowboard, and it’s also the place I enjoy snowboarding the most.
I’ll be travelling a lot this season, so hopefully I’ll be able to ride a lot of sick places, together with a lot of different people.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
ATV 163W. This is the best board I have ever tried, and it works for everything!
COLLIN WHALEN
Nickname(s)?
Chollin or Coach Chollin.
My lil’ sis calls me Bub.
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story.
Before meeting Gigi, I met our regional rep, Dustin Anderson through my good friend Joey Carnera. I threw Gigi an email telling him how much I loved the boards and wanted to be a part of Slash and Dustin started hooking me up. Eventually, I met Gigi at the 32nd Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom where we cut out a quarter pipe on top of hemispheres with Jay Hergert and Andy Glader and had one of the most fun sessions I’ve ever had up there. We proceeded to wreak havoc all weekend while staying at a dark cabin off the grid about a quarter mile from the Canadian border. The funniest part was trying to play ping pong in a dark garage lit by headlamps. Don’t think anyone could remember who won.
Regular or goofy?
My first lesson, I was taught to ride regular, but I knew I was goofy. That made it super hard to learn how to turn on my toes, so I kept going heel side and just switching goofy to regular all the way down the hill. Then one day, years later, my back binding got loose and turned to a positive angle, making my stance double positive, and everything just clicked… and I’ve been goofy ever since.
Favourite snowboard trick.
A Fat Grasser or Frontside Air 360 off the toes
Home resort and resort riding this year?
My home resort is Mt. Hood Skibowl, but I’ve been at Baker for 8 winters now and don’t think I’m going anywhere soon.
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
I have quite the quiver now and will take out each board at least once a winter. The 158 ATV is my go-to freestyle/resort board because of how stable and quick to respond it is. Super-fast edge to edge control and perfectly balanced swing weight.
The 161 Vertical is what I take up high for deep and open powder riding. Never ridden such a fast and stable board. The camber in the tail can take some seriously harsh landings with ease.
The 159 Portal comes out when I want to lay out some serious carves. That thing is so wide, and the progressive side cut just suits that board’s shape perfectly.
Finally, the 159 Wide Straight is my storm boarding board. Super snappy and responsive with an amazing shape for free styling in the deep stuff and riding out of harsh landings. The Straight was also the board that introduced me to Slash. A classic, I’m so glad it’s back in the lineup.
AMBASSADORS
NEIL MCNAIR
Name?
Neil McNair
Nickname(s)?
Wags / Wagon / Wagon Wheel (it rhymes with Neil – courtesy of Dewi Thomas in the late 90’s Andorran era)
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
We were roomies in Kaunertal on a team trip – We can geek out for hours about the micro details of board design, we’re both dads to teenagers, both in our 40’s but think we’re still in our 20’s. When we started snowboarding in the late 80’s it was by far a counterculture sport, whereas now there are so many sub-cultures within snowboarding. I think Gigi and I connect because we only see snowboarders as one entity, people who froth on shredding. The stoke is always there: whether you’re shredding park, side hits, carving, fresh lines, street riding, cruising the piste or just making your first turns. For a funny story, I’ll have to tell you it in person!
Regular or goofy?
Goofy
Favourite snowboard trick?
Method (not mine, others)
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
Tignes, France has been my home since 2005. This winter plans so far are Japan, Switzerland, Georgia, Kosovo, and Norway
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Vertical 157 + Vertical Split 158: My focus is 100% backcountry and big lines. Riding this board allows me the same feeling whether I’m touring or bootpacking. When you’re off on an adventure you have to ride so many different types of snow. This board gives me the confidence to hold my edge when it really matters and make the turn in a tight spot without sacrificing the ability to keep you up and floating on the powder without having to force the board to plain on the surface.
Portal 154: The deepest days and weirdly just hoonin’ around the piste searching for goofy side hits. Don’t be intimidated by its shape and size, it’s super playful.
What projects are in the pipeline this upcoming winter?
I run trips and guide snowboarders on backcountry adventure weeks all winter. Getting back to Japan after a few years and exploring the lesser-known areas is what I’m hoping for if Covid doesn’t get in the way. Also spending more time in the Baltic states before returning to the Lofoten islands in the spring.
Experiencing new cultures, new terrain, exploring more unique destinations, and sharing this with good humans creates the best snowboard experience and trips. When I’m not travelling, you’ll always find me shredding my home resort of Tignes – make sure you come and say hi if you’re ever around.
STEFANIE RÜF-KOHLER
Nickname(s)?
Steffi
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I first met Gigi in kindergarten, when we were 5
Regular or goofy?
Regular
Favourite snowboard trick?
Riding powder
Home resort and resort riding this winter?
Damüls / Diedamskopf
Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Happy Place 46 (park and slopes) and Spectrum
What projects are in the pipeline this upcoming winter?
Snowboarding as much as possible.
YOUTH TEAM
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MARTINA
Name?
MartinaNickname(s)?
MartiniHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
I didn’t know who Gigi was until I put a can of Burn energy drink in the fridge which my parents had had laying around for a long time. They told me never to open that can because Gigi was on it. I didn’t know who he was exactly – or the reason why that can had been in the living room. It wasn’t until quite recently that my parents explained who he was.Regular or goofy?
Regular, but somewhat goofy!Favourite snowboard trick?
Frontside 360Slash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
My board is the Slash Splash 110. Good for every terrain and I love the drawings on itWhat projects are in the pipeline this upcoming winter?
Projects: To enjoy it! -
OSKAR RÜF
Nickname(s)?
OskiHow and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story.
At my birthRegular or goofy?
RegularFavourite snowboard trick?
MethodHome resort or resort riding this winter?
DamülsSlash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Splash kids board – it takes me everywhere because Gigi made it like that for me! -
JONA RÜF
How and when did you first meet Gigi? Tell us a funny story
Since the first second of my life.Regular or goofy?
RegularFavourite snowboard trick?
180Home resort and resort riding this winter?
DamülsSlash board(s) you ride for what terrain? Why?
Happy Place 142 for park and powder. Also, the Spectrum.