THE STORY
From the mountains to the sea, the ocean connects us all in many ways. The feeling one gets from gliding on an ocean wave is similar to sliding down a mountain of fresh snow. I have been doing both for a long time—all over the world and on numerous boards. The search is always there along with the feeling of freedom and being able to express oneself in the elements. It is something that is personal yet better shared with others. Surfing is the ultimate sport— pushing the mind, body and spirit to a better place. The energy of the ocean can be found in different forms in the mountains during the winter. Storms come and go; some have names and others appear overnight. One often looks back and remembers certain days more than others. Looking forward, not knowing what the next storm will bring us, is what keeps us going.
Living in the mountains of Vermont has allowed me to surf the earth and look beyond. Some call it pow surfing, I often refer to it as snow surfing. The simple act of sliding down a mountain on a board in the middle of a snowstorm with friends is the best. There are no rules, lines, or boundaries. With the ability to move your feet fore and aft, and side to side, snow surfing is as close to real surfing as one can get without being in the ocean. A simple run of a couple turns and a little air into a slash is all it takes. Longer runs are like longer waves. Hiking up is like paddling out. It teaches one the importance of flow and board control.
My quest for a surfboard-style feeling under my feet in the snow is how ShredEye came to be. This is me, my vision, my shapes, and my story that I share with you. I created a board that is the right shape, weight, and constructed like a surfboard with flex. Another winter season is upon us, so I am looking forward to sharing my boards and products with you.
THE TECH
Over the last several years I have been working with the crew at Varial Surf Technology in Ventura, CA. They have developed a proprietary construction method that starts with Varial Foam. The surfboards they make are 40% lighter and 25% stronger than other boards. We designed a foam for pow surfers that is a much higher density than what is used in surfboards. The density plays a huge factor in the flexibility and strength. Since the thickness and density are key to the flex, we calculated the correct thickness and layup schedule to the narrow flexibility bandwidth that makes the ShredEye boards ride so well. We did this without compromising any strength or integrity. Close tolerances in the shaping process and the vacuum infusion regulates how much resin is used. The process ensures that we are producing boards as sustainable as possible. The boards are lightweight and strong due to the foam and glass infusion.
3D shaping on the top, sides and bottom of the board are key elements to the performance. Starting with the rail profile that is like a surfboard, it blends from round up front to sharp underfoot and out the tail. This is noticeable in a turn where the entry is smooth with holding power in and out of the turn. This in conjunction with the V Bottom and Quad Channels allow the for additional hold and aid in the transition from one turn to the next. Front foot forward, the bottom of the board is flat creating a smooth feel and lift in the nose. The concave top in the stance area along with the traction cairns lock your feet in place. The Engineered flex is what gives the board it’s life and response in the turn and adds some holding power.
The tail rocker makes for easier control and finishing a turn. All the features along with the sidecut, taper, flex, weight and outline shape work in harmony to make a magical board.
