As written about before, I've kinda had a bit of an love affair with snowboarding...
I used to be a straight up addict as a teen. Moved to the mountains to ride for a couple winters after high school. Passion toned down by mid-twenties, and nearly forgot about it during the years in Bali. Yet, upon returning to Canada... oh yeah. It was on.
Prior to coming back, I'd bought a Burton Custom Flying V at clearance discount, putting 10 days on it at Whistler last season. But this season... oh man.
It started with a curiosity to try one more board. (Last year's Burton Custom X, on 40% discount).
Then another, the hard-charging Ride Timeless.
Then another, this year's Burton Custom, with a badass sacred geometry design.
And justwhen I thought that'd be enough, I came across a local manufacturer, Endeavor, and curiosity creeped in about what their powder-specific board would ride like. Next thing ya know, I had a fourth board in my quiver.
And within the first day on it, the curiosity grew.
photo source: Endeavor Snowboards
To some, this story might seem like a tale of over-indulgence.
I mean, c'mon. Who the fuck really needs four or more snowboards.
Yet, it's not a matter of need here.
It's a matter of passion.
So, one thing led to another, and I really got interested in the Endeavor boards.
Burton has always been one of the big snowboard manufacturers. Kinda like the domestic beers of Budweiser in the States, Molson Canadian in Canada, or Bintang in Indonesia. Yet, as I've grown and lived a bit more, I've come to experience the awesomeness of quality craft breweries.
Similar with snowboards, in this case.
Endeavor first caught my attention because they'd used Burton's "Channel" binding system - which after trying on my Burton boards, I had found to be superior. And, the "local" novelty intrigued me. As did the concept of this smaller operation driven by pure passion, rather than the mass-scale corporate mission.
And when I had my first ride on the Archetype, their flagship powder board, I could tell the boards were quality.
Yes, that impression fed my curiosity as to what their other boards would ride like in comparison to the Burtons. Fast forward... many hours spent browsing their website, watching YouTube reviews, dreaming about a couple other of their top-of-the-line rides, the High 5 and Clout.
At first, the High 5 seemed cool, but I wasn't totally a fan of the octopus graphics.
Then, I googled the "spirit animal" description of octopus... "abundance, fluidity, flexibility, shadow work, creativity, intuition, illusion, logic, intelligence, potential..." correlations with the numerological associations with eight... all in all, it sounded pretty rad. So my resistance went down, I eased into a deeper appreciation for the board's artwork, and the idea of getting the board took root in mind mind with a grip that could only be unravelled through actually buying it.
(And while I battled with the dilemma that a fifth couldn't be justified at this point, the last day out at Whistler on the Custom convinced me to sell it, replacing with the High 5. So, up went the Custom on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. And low-and-behold, an email to the Endeavor office quickly unveiled the opportunity to buy the exact board and size at 40% off).
photo source: Endeavor Snowboards
When I laid my hands on that board today, there was just this sense of magic.
Sounds weird, right? Oh well. Fuck it. I'm not making this shit up.
I might be talking (writing) about snowboards here, but surely, the object of focus could be something else and the principles in question could be just as applicable. Cars - Hondas and Hyundais versus Mercedes-Benz's and Lambos. Whiskeys - Jack Daniels versus high-end single malt scotches. Houses - mobile homes versus custom-designed luxury residences. etc, etc.
Undoubtedly, there are significant differences in quality of craftsmanship between, say, an economy American family car and a fine Italian automobile. Same with snowboards.
The price differential may not be as substantial. Nonetheless, the quality and experience vary greatly.
Burton has always made great boards. Yet, the first impression of these Endeavors... wow. There really aren't quite the words to capture the essence. But nonetheless, this attempt is being made, because it's a difference wherein profound inspiration lies. (Regardless of whether anybody here can actually relate to such an overindulgence of something as random as snowboards).
Sure, any snowboard company might be run by people who really do love the sport. Yet, there's just something distinct about a small operation like Endeavor - local, passion-driven, focused on excellence and love of the craft - that is apparent in their product.
Branding may play a part as well. Yet, it's clear that "branding" and "market positioning" and all that blah blah is not what this company was founded on or invested into that got them to where they are today.
I may not have rode the new board yet. But, I'm already thinking about possibly selling the Custom X if the High 5 is just as good, and adding yet one more Endeavor to its place in my quiver. Why?? Is this obsession with more and more snowboards not getting a little out of hand...??"
Perhaps.
Or perhaps not.
Maybe there is some element of obsession in it all.
Yet, maybe it is all driven by passion - or rather, love.
Love not just for snowboarding and snowboards. After all, there are many different snowboard manufacturers and boards. But what specifically resonated so strongly between me and this particular line?
Maybe I don't know completely (besides the reasons listed above).
Or maybe, it's just an appreciation for the art and their craft.
That for whatever reasons, I've recognized an exceptional beauty in the entity this team has created and invested into their products - which serve as both a fine, high-end, precision tool for my all-time favorite sport and a masterful artpiece that fills me with joy every time I look at it in my home.
Honestly, it feels kinda weird to be publicly writing about snowboards like this.
Yet, I don't do it just for the sake of the story. But for the greater points of importance within the story - namely, to share even a fragment of the inspiration.
It may make no logical sense as to why I've gotten so fixated over a plank used to slide down the side of a mountain on. Yet, these boards have me inspired in a way little else has lately. And, it's probably because the inspiration that has gone into them is, in some way, contagious.
Just as, hopefully, the inspiration in this story might be.
Guaranteed, not everyone reading this may relate to the love of snowboards.
But, we can all relate to the love of something.
Whether an object or tool used for a creative hobby or sport, a collectible item, game, food of craft spirit, technology, philosophy, movement, work of art, science, etc, etc, etc.
And perhaps, its these type of inspirations that enrich life such that it's truly worth living.
Or who knows. Maybe I'm just talking out of my ass at this point, rambling on.
Bumbaclaaaaaaat...
For days I look forward to your post. However, unfortunately I always be the most late commentator in every post you. Trying to read and understand the meaning of every sentence you write. Some posts may have been missed by my comments. However, I still try to take the time to read interesting things from your post. And honestly, for this post I do not know have to add a sentence let alone. because for me the writing and the content of this post is very interesting. And finally at the end of this comment, I miss your arrival in my blog. if you have a little time, I hope you can do it. I need your feedback and comments. can you do it, thanks, good luck!
It's a great experience. I also include this sports lover even though in my country there is never snow, but I always follow this sporting event on tv-tv. Thanks for share @rok-sivante
Amazing. I love snowboarding too. We dont have snow in Africa but I look forward to enjoying this wonderful sport someday, maybe when I make it to the United states
great post.
i appreciate your post.
thanks for sharing this blog....carry on my dear.
This very nice post i appreciate your post thanks for sharing this blog best of luck my dear friends ..resteemit..
So true.
I love some levels of addiction because it will bring out what you never believed was possible in you but that is possible when it collides with passion. Nice post @rok-sivante
Of course everyone doesn't like snowboarding... But if someone ambitious something and writes about it by his/her feeling, that is something nice as you do here. I like your writing and ambitious to snowboarding. Hugs from Spain..
i wish i could experience snow!! there's almost no hope for me haha. it's so expensive to travel to country if you're in the developing world. i do love reading about you're adventures!
follow upvote and resteemit has been done
You've really achieved the aim of posting this which is inspiration, now Im thinking about getting to ride one now. Your story inspired me
nicely written
wow. apparently you've settled in Bali. extraordinary. I am proud you mention my country, I just settled in Aceh, I have never gone to Bali. Thank you @rok-sivante. greetings I make all your friends in Canada.
was there 5 years, back in Canada for over a year now.
appreciate the ramble! can definitely relate to the passion and inspiration behind it. lost that for a while in my own way and just held on to what i loved. keep "not making logical sense," i'll keep reading!
Never seen or held a snow board before.
But it's an amazing sight seeing people board and maneuver it with such grace and beauty.
This is a beautiful line :)
Beberapa waktu yang lalu anda pernah datang ke blog saya. Terimakasih @rok-sivante. Kamu pernah menetap di Bali , pasti kamu bisa sedikit Bahasa Indonesia. He h e he
@rok-sivante I like your story:)
A person can only love something healthy when he knows his object... and I salute you :)
Have always been told about your eloquence. This is a pure convince. Canada has always been my dream land especially alberta have read n heard a lot about it. Here i come soon. Thanks @rok-sivante
So...
I'm not a snow board fan nor have I ever been on on.
But, I do understand what you are trying to convey.
The passion for an activity, an object (cars,make up brushes, shoes).
Some times you just want to know what makes this brand unique you know?
Is it really different, or is the hype the only thing great about it?
Good read @rok-sivante
a unique hobby, good job brother @rok-sivante i think you dare to trying it
Regards from me @blacksweet
I like your snowboards! 4 in a row hehe