February 29, 2012
February 22, 2012
MensJournal.com Cover Story
Jeremy Jones Rides Outside the Lines
Freerider Jones champions a new subgenre of the sport: splitboarding. Photo: flickr/UnofficialSquaw.com
One of snowboarding’s top performers, Jeremy Jones, is leading the sport out of the terrain park and into the wild.
by Josh Dean
When the Winter X Games hit Aspen in January, the world’s snowboarding greats were all present, throwing double corks over the halfpipe. But one was notably absent: Jeremy Jones. The world’s preeminent freerider was busy prepping for his upcoming expedition to the glaciers of Alaska, where he’ll strap a tent to his back and camp out between blizzards, waiting for the weather to ease so he can locate, climb, and then snowboard down chutes and couloirs so hairy that he is one of the few humans alive who would attempt them.For the past three years, the eight-time Big Mountain Rider of the Year has dedicated himself to hiking and climbing up mountains so that he can snowboard down them. His primary tool for this is a splitboard, a snowboard that breaks in two to become skis. Jones’ enthusiasm for the splitboard has popularized the genre, and in 2009 he founded a company that manufactures them. His ultimate goal is to get young boarders to follow him out of bounds.
Jones’ transition to a purer, more old-school brand of adventure is not that surprising given his background. Now 36, he learned to snowboard before parks and pipes were ubiquitous. “I would have loved them, but growing up, the parks just weren’t there,” says Jones. “So to me, it’s always been about riding the whole mountain, finding the stashes and the top-to-bottom line that connects them all.” From his onscreen introduction in the 1997 film Totally Board 6 — he dropped into a near vertical Alaskan face, triggered, and then disappeared into an avalanche, only to reappear from the tidal wave of white at the last minute and ride to safety — the Vermont-raised resident of Lake Tahoe has spent the better part of two decades seeking out and riding some of the most difficult lines on Earth. As Travis Rice, the world’s best all-around snowboarder, once said, “Jeremy is breaking down the boundaries of ‘I can’t.’”
What makes Jones all the more unusual is that, in person, he’s short, skinny, and quiet, with an almost Zen-like presence, lacking the bravado you’d expect from a pro snowboarder. The morning I meet him to go backcountry boarding, it is in the parking lot of the Truckee Community Recreation Center, where he’s just dropped off Cass, his three-year-old son, at preschool, after getting his daughter Mia, six, onto her school bus — a dad’s daily duty. “If I miss that,” he says, “it’s a major bummer. I have to drive her to King’s Beach” (a 15-minute drive). That, it seems, is every bit as daunting to Jones as the prospect of ice climbing his way to an Alaskan spine.
Outside TV Premiers "Jeremy Jones Deeper" - Episode 1
http://www.outsidetelevision.com/shows/deeper-project
WATCH FULL EPISODES HERE
A far cry from his humble beginnings riding golf courses in Massachusetts, Jeremy Jones is now one of the most influential snowboarders in the world. He forged his own path in the industry and now sits at the top of his game as not only a snowboarder, but an entrepreneur, environmentalist, and an icon to his thousands of fans.
Over fifteen years of riding from helicopters, Jones felt he had exhausted the resources around him. Frustrated with heli boundaries and inspired by earth consciousness, Jones decided to forego the use of fuel powered machines and go deeper into the mountains using a simpler, less traveled method -- the human body. But achieving the lines Jeremy wants is no walk in the park. It requires the crew to camp miles from civilization in brutal conditions, waiting out the weather for the perfect moment to strike. Completely off the grid, anxiety, fear, and excitement are just a few of the emotions whipping through the tents as storms engulf their ephemeral world, trapping the riders and testing their sanity. With food supplies low and no escape in sight, the severity of their situation sets in... is this even possible? When the skies open up the adventure kicks into high gear and the real danger begins. Leaving before dawn the crew skins by headlamp to climb isolated peaks for hours on end, only to summit and descend within minutes, completing the emotional roller coaster they subject themselves to.
Rather than the sole focus be Jeremy and his team of snowboarders, the cameramen and production crew propel the story even further as they struggle with their own issues: carrying gear, planning logistics and climbing the same lines with a fraction of the glory. These unsung heros of the production industry are brought into the light as the same caliber mountaineers as the riders themselves.
The beautiful thing about Deeper is that it is just the beginning. Jeremy’s complete vision is a trilogy: Deeper, Further, Higher. The entire project spans six years creating extreme adventure.
WATCH FULL EPISODES HERE
Haines Part 1,2,3,4
ABOUT - JEREMY JONES' DEEPER
A collaboration between legendary snowboarder Jeremy Jones and the award winning production specialists Teton Gravity Research instill The Deeper Project with a baseline of epic suspense and athletic greatness. This 10 episode series will take you on an all encompassing journey through untouched snowboarding meccas as Jones and the TGR crew unlock the secrets to mastering some of the greatest lines on earth.A far cry from his humble beginnings riding golf courses in Massachusetts, Jeremy Jones is now one of the most influential snowboarders in the world. He forged his own path in the industry and now sits at the top of his game as not only a snowboarder, but an entrepreneur, environmentalist, and an icon to his thousands of fans.
Over fifteen years of riding from helicopters, Jones felt he had exhausted the resources around him. Frustrated with heli boundaries and inspired by earth consciousness, Jones decided to forego the use of fuel powered machines and go deeper into the mountains using a simpler, less traveled method -- the human body. But achieving the lines Jeremy wants is no walk in the park. It requires the crew to camp miles from civilization in brutal conditions, waiting out the weather for the perfect moment to strike. Completely off the grid, anxiety, fear, and excitement are just a few of the emotions whipping through the tents as storms engulf their ephemeral world, trapping the riders and testing their sanity. With food supplies low and no escape in sight, the severity of their situation sets in... is this even possible? When the skies open up the adventure kicks into high gear and the real danger begins. Leaving before dawn the crew skins by headlamp to climb isolated peaks for hours on end, only to summit and descend within minutes, completing the emotional roller coaster they subject themselves to.
Rather than the sole focus be Jeremy and his team of snowboarders, the cameramen and production crew propel the story even further as they struggle with their own issues: carrying gear, planning logistics and climbing the same lines with a fraction of the glory. These unsung heros of the production industry are brought into the light as the same caliber mountaineers as the riders themselves.
The beautiful thing about Deeper is that it is just the beginning. Jeremy’s complete vision is a trilogy: Deeper, Further, Higher. The entire project spans six years creating extreme adventure.
February 15, 2012
TGR - Jeremy Jones Signature Tee and Jones Snowboard Giveaway
News: Jeremy Jones Signature Tee Sale Launches, Win Jones Hovercraft Snowboard
By TetonGravityResearch | February 15th, 2012
The Jeremy Jones Signature Tee is now available at the TGR Online Shop. Each tee purchased will submit the customer into a drawing to win a 2012-’13 Hovercraft Jones Snowboard. Only 100 of these limited edition tees are available for sale, each individually packaged in a hand numbered band, so that you know you are getting a one-of-a-kind shirt. Due to popular demand, this tee is the same combination of 50 percent organic cotton and 50 percent post-consumer recycled polyester that was used in Sage’s Tee last month. Also, as an added bonus, we’re throwing in a 25% discount on “Jeremy Jones’ Deeper” DVDs and Blu-rays to anyone who purchases this Signature Tee. Sales will end on March 2 at 5 p.m. MST. Jeremy will announce the winner of the Hovercraft Jones Snowboard personally on March 5 in a video posted on www.tetongravity.com.
This tee is the second of four 2012 TGR Athlete Signature Tees, which are designed in conjunction with the athletes to create a product that reflects their individual style. Keep an eye on the TGR Online Shop for news on our next tee created by big mountain skier, Ian McIntosh!
Visit our Athlete Signature Tee page for more information.
Click here to buy your Jones Signature Tee now!
Buy a Jones Signature Tee, Get 25% Off “Jeremy Jones’ Deeper”
February 9, 2012
Further Unplugged #4 / ESPN
http://espn.go.com/action/snowboarding/story/_/id/7554605/part-two-further-unplugged-jeremy-jones-xavier-de-le-rue-jimmy-chin
Further Unplugged: Miracle in the Tetons
Part two of the 'Further Unplugged' Tetons avalanche episode with Jimmy Chin, Jeremy Jones and Xavier de Le Rue
By Seth Lightcap
Chapter four of Jeremy Jones and Teton Gravity Research's "Further Unplugged" series finishes a two-part story about a backcountry mishap that nearly ended in tragedy. The webisode catches back up with Jones, Xavier De le Rue and ski mountaineer Jimmy Chin in Jackson, Wyoming while the crew is still reeling from an avalanche accident that, all things considered, should have killed Chin.
The avalanche occurred when the group was heading back to the trailhead after shredding the Sliver couloir in Grand Teton National Park. The route home mandated riding a sunny mid-elevation slope. When Chin dropped into the pitch he set off a massive wet slide that took him for a harrowing 2,000-foot ride before spitting him out unscathed in a debris field of rock hard snow boulders below.
Needless to say, the avalanche took the experienced crew by surprise.
Tero RepoJones, Chin and De le Rue plot their trip into the Tetons.
"It's hard to make perfect decisions out there all the time. You do your best. I used to always judge other people's mistakes in the mountains. I think a bit differently now. Everybody's gotten away with a mistake or poor decision out there at one point or another, but sometimes it catches up to you or sometimes you're just plain unlucky."
De le Rue recalled that when he started his avalanche beacon search, he was certain that he was looking for a dead friend.
"I remember being shocked at the size of the huge field of big snow boulders and thinking that even if Jimmy hadn't been crushed to death, it would take way too long to find him and dig him out," said De le Rue. "A few seconds later, I heard him shouting and realized that miracles in the mountains do happen."
The miracle of his survival was not lost on Chin.
"Getting crushed by tons of snow and watching stands of trees blowing up in front of you as your moving down the mountain is pretty scary," said Chin. "Seeing the massive debris field and how far I'd gone, I shouldn't have lived -- but apparently, it wasn't my day to die."
February 6, 2012
Go Out Project - Interview with Jeremy at SIA
http://sites.google.com/site/gooutproject/news/abriefchatwithjeremyjonesatispowinter2012
Hi Jeremy, we are great fans of yours. We are very inspired by your way of doing freeride. Hi, thanks guys.
We're from Rome, you know, there are great mountains to ride and a huge potential for freeriding on the central Appennini. Have you ever been there? No, but I'd love to go to Rome one day and check those mountains.
Can you show us your new products for next winter? This year about 80% of our boards will be splits. But the two main innovations are the new Carbon series (high-performance carbon boards) and the new Women's line, which includes also splits.
(A provocative comment:) Hey Jeremy, I'm still a bit skeptical about the idea of splitting a board... Have you seen my videos? That wouldn't have been possible without a splitboard. If you still want to walk up with snowshoes you are free to do it, but you're fucking crazy!
“Deeper” ... “Further” ... what's gonna be your next movie? I don't know yet, one movie at a time!
Jeremy Jones at ISPO Winter 2012
posted Feb 6, 2012 1:02 PM by Italo Balestra [ updated Feb 11, 2012 11:19 AM by GoOut Project ]
Go out Project meets Jeremy Jones
We're from Rome, you know, there are great mountains to ride and a huge potential for freeriding on the central Appennini. Have you ever been there? No, but I'd love to go to Rome one day and check those mountains.
Can you show us your new products for next winter? This year about 80% of our boards will be splits. But the two main innovations are the new Carbon series (high-performance carbon boards) and the new Women's line, which includes also splits.
What's the reason why you added carbon to your boards?
It makes the boards more reactive.
Jones Snowboars' stand at ISPO 2012
“Deeper” ... “Further” ... what's gonna be your next movie? I don't know yet, one movie at a time!
You know, in Italy you've got lots of fans, who follow your performances.
I didn't know it, wow, it's nice to hear that.
You should come to Rome to present your next movie, what do you think?
Good idea! I'll think about it.
Bye Jeremy, see you in Italy!
See you guys.
NRDC - Climate Change is Impacting Winter Sports
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/tspencer/skiing_snow_blog_2312.html
Theo Spencer’s Blog
Climate Change is Impacting Winter Sports
So far, it hasn’t been a great winter for skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and folks who depend on a lot of snow for their recreation and livelihood. Some states—Washington and Alaska—and some ski areas like Taos in New Mexico, and Telluride in southern Colorado, have gotten dumped on. But most resorts across the country are hurting for snow and hurting for dollars as a result. (See my colleague Kelly Henderson’s recent blog post on this topic).
Some people have been arguing that this is just a normal fluctuation that comes with El Nino and La Nina weather patterns as well as the position of the jet stream, and that a warming climate has nothing to do with it. You can see evidence of this in the comments in response to Kelly’s blog.
Those weather patterns certainly do effect seasonal precipitation. But what we’re seeing this winter is part of a trend which is the result of more than just the current La Nina weather pattern. It is also the result of a buildup of heat-trapping carbon pollution in the atmosphere. As the US Global Climate Change Research Program states, “Snowpack has reduced over the last 50 years, due to temperature.” See their very helpful map of the trend in decreasing snowfall near bottom of page 42.
NASA scientist James Hansen shows in a recent paper that heat-trapping pollution has loaded the climate dice. Not only are severe heat waves becoming much more likely, but the warmer atmosphere holds more water. In the summer that means heavier down pours when it rains and more extreme droughts when it doesn’t. In winter it means that a larger share of precipitation comes as rain rather than snow, but when it does snow we can expect bigger blizzards. California skiers know how frustrating this can be. Last year big blizzards often made it impossible to get to the slopes, and this year has been patchy at best.
Negative human impact on the climate and winter recreation hasn't been lost on people like professional snowboarders and skiers. Protect our Winters (POW) was founded by one of the pioneering and most celebrated boarders, Jeremy Jones, after Jones noticed that so many of the places he was riding all over the world had less and less snow as the years have gone by. Jones and fellow advocates Grethen Bleiler (an Olympic silver medalist), and extreme skiing champion Chris Davenport, have taken their argument to Washington, lobbying members of Congress to pass legislation to cut carbon pollution. Big retailers like The North Face, Patagonia, Vans and O'Neill are behind POW--these companies make a lot of money selling winter gear. Less snow and shorter winters mean lower sales.
Other internationally known winter sports athletes, including two time Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott, are also getting involved in helping boost support for cutting heat-trapping pollution
In a related development, as the Washington Post reported recently, the Department of Agriculture released a new plant hardiness zone map that shows generally warmer low temperatures for winter than the department’s previous map from 1990. The zones cover all 50 states and Puerto Rico and were drawn from the average winter low temperatures between 1976 and 2005 at 8,000 weather stations. The Agriculture Department did say, though, that the new map is not specifically a tool to measure climate change and that many of the boundary shifts are the product of better and more complete data and sophisticated computer algorithms.
As to the trend of overall human-induced warming temperatures, check out the recent New York Times article reporting on a new striking video NASA produced showing how temperatures around the globe have risen since 1880.
While weather does fluctuate year by year, and El Nino/La Nina do have an impact, the long-term trend is less snow and earlier snowmelt. This means more frustration for snow sport enthusiasts and a negative impact on the snow sports industry just as we are seeing in so many parts of the country this winter.
Some people have been arguing that this is just a normal fluctuation that comes with El Nino and La Nina weather patterns as well as the position of the jet stream, and that a warming climate has nothing to do with it. You can see evidence of this in the comments in response to Kelly’s blog.
Those weather patterns certainly do effect seasonal precipitation. But what we’re seeing this winter is part of a trend which is the result of more than just the current La Nina weather pattern. It is also the result of a buildup of heat-trapping carbon pollution in the atmosphere. As the US Global Climate Change Research Program states, “Snowpack has reduced over the last 50 years, due to temperature.” See their very helpful map of the trend in decreasing snowfall near bottom of page 42.
NASA scientist James Hansen shows in a recent paper that heat-trapping pollution has loaded the climate dice. Not only are severe heat waves becoming much more likely, but the warmer atmosphere holds more water. In the summer that means heavier down pours when it rains and more extreme droughts when it doesn’t. In winter it means that a larger share of precipitation comes as rain rather than snow, but when it does snow we can expect bigger blizzards. California skiers know how frustrating this can be. Last year big blizzards often made it impossible to get to the slopes, and this year has been patchy at best.
Negative human impact on the climate and winter recreation hasn't been lost on people like professional snowboarders and skiers. Protect our Winters (POW) was founded by one of the pioneering and most celebrated boarders, Jeremy Jones, after Jones noticed that so many of the places he was riding all over the world had less and less snow as the years have gone by. Jones and fellow advocates Grethen Bleiler (an Olympic silver medalist), and extreme skiing champion Chris Davenport, have taken their argument to Washington, lobbying members of Congress to pass legislation to cut carbon pollution. Big retailers like The North Face, Patagonia, Vans and O'Neill are behind POW--these companies make a lot of money selling winter gear. Less snow and shorter winters mean lower sales.
Other internationally known winter sports athletes, including two time Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott, are also getting involved in helping boost support for cutting heat-trapping pollution
In a related development, as the Washington Post reported recently, the Department of Agriculture released a new plant hardiness zone map that shows generally warmer low temperatures for winter than the department’s previous map from 1990. The zones cover all 50 states and Puerto Rico and were drawn from the average winter low temperatures between 1976 and 2005 at 8,000 weather stations. The Agriculture Department did say, though, that the new map is not specifically a tool to measure climate change and that many of the boundary shifts are the product of better and more complete data and sophisticated computer algorithms.
As to the trend of overall human-induced warming temperatures, check out the recent New York Times article reporting on a new striking video NASA produced showing how temperatures around the globe have risen since 1880.
While weather does fluctuate year by year, and El Nino/La Nina do have an impact, the long-term trend is less snow and earlier snowmelt. This means more frustration for snow sport enthusiasts and a negative impact on the snow sports industry just as we are seeing in so many parts of the country this winter.
February 5, 2012
O'Neill Introduces Jeremy Jones Signature Outerwear Line
http://www.boardsportsource.com/#!/article/o-neill-men-s-outerwear-preview-f-w-2012-13
Michael Esser, Senior Designer for snow Outerwear at O'Neill told us what they're going to be kitting the guys out in next winter.
So Michael, please describe the overall idea / general inspiration behind your 2012/13 outerwear line.
Fall Winter 2012/2013 continues the celebration of the 60-year anniversary of O’Neill.
We are celebrating 60 years of innovating and progressing the surf industry since the day back in 1952 when Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit because he “just wanted to surf longer.”
This simple invention has paved the way for O’Neill’s progression – the aim of which to simply enhance your experience in nature.
This winter, with every product embracing the innovation of O’Neill, the products on offer mean that you will enjoy your winter not only in style, but also in warmth and comfort.
The three themes that serve for the inspiration behind this collection are:
60 years of shaping
Influenced by 60 years of O’Neill history in shaping the classic design of the wetsuit, as well as incorporating ergonomic lines, mean the inspiration is all about producing the perfect form.
Mid-century Americana
This design influence harps back to the time of the inception of O’Neill back in 1952, but has translated the classic look into a modern on-trend looking using the likes of classic materials including wool, boucle and tweed.
Eclectic diversity
Eclectic Diversity theme brings a modern fresh and vibrant feel – whilst playing with the established roots of O’Neill. The idea is that through innovation and original thinking – anything is possible. The look and feel incorporates colour blocking and a mix of different styles.
What is the key piece (jacket, pant or otherwise) in the 12/13 collection about which you are most excited? Why?
250020 SEB TOOTS PREMIUM JACKET because Seb who has been involved with producing the jacket from beginning to end has been so unbelievably stoked on this jacket it has got us even more excited about it than we could have imagined.
A herringbone and slub yarn combination bring this 15k/10k jacket with waterproof block zips, a subtle but rich textured look. With simple colour blocking, Seb plays on the latest trend. He also brings in trends first hand from the mountains with his custom long bomber jacket shape to the jacket. With removable sleeves and ergonomically shaped collar, this jacket hides plenty of tricks allowing it to transform into a vest, perfect for riding park.
What fits / silhouettes will you be showing, in pants & jackets? How does it differ from last season?
Jackets: We will be showing longer fits next to our regular fits as we see a big trend in longer parka style jackets.
PANTS: There are still two trends running simultaneously within pants. The first is a relaxed pant fit and the second is a slimmer fit pant.
What's new in colours / prints?
With our inspiration in the time of the start of O’Neill – mid century America – we have a more muted colour palette linking to a more classic look and feel.
In the theme of Eclectic diversity it’s about new colour combinations with some brighter twists throughout.
Describe the fabrics, features and technical innovations your outerwear will be running? Please highlight *NEW* technical stories that retailers will be seeing for the first time from your brand.
1. WOOL. Working with the inspiration of our 60 year history, the idea of using wool came up. Back in the 1950’s before Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit to enable him to surf the cold waters of Northern California without the pain of the freezing sea on his skin, surfers were going to all drastic measures to stay warm.
“Some guys wore wool sweaters, “said Jack O’Neill. “There are stories about guys putting oil on their wool sweaters to repel water, but that doesn’t make sense. If you did that, it’d get all over your surfboard.”
This is the reason we have introduced technical wool into the outerwear collection. It’s a polyester material with the outlook of a wool material with a high water column and breathability.
2. FIREWALL The O’Neill Firewall system has developed throughout the O’Neill Fall Winter 2012/2013 collection.
Ergonomic research on body mapping has shown designers where the body looses most heat, where we transpire the quickest, and where the body needs the most ventilation.
Through this research a combination of linings and insulations including primaloft, down and hyperfill, are used in every product to provide the perfect balance in warmth and breathability.
Do your jackets attach to your pants for 12/13? How?
The O’Neill Connector System is featured on every single pant and jacket in the collection. The system works with 3 buttons with loops on the snowgator of the jacket that connect to loops on the pants – perfect for powder days.
In addition, on a style level, we have a connection here as well. The Line Up Jacket and Pants are not only simple but dynamic colour blocking at its best, but in an added twist the colour blocking from the Line Up Jacket runs straight into the Line Up pants.
Will there be a one-piece in your 12/13 line?
Not this season for men as we have seen a trend move away from this for men.
Will your 2012/13 outerwear feature any eco-friendly pieces? Please describe what you're doing here. Do you think it really matters to the consumer whether their purchase is eco or not?
The Jeremy Jones collection as always works in harmony with the nature around him. The fabric is all produced by a Japanese manufacturer with 100% recycled polyester, but retains the highest technical standards such as in the 20k/15k Jones 3 Layer Shell.
For the consumer who spends their time in nature, a brand that values this and is taking active steps to limit the impact on the environment is an exceptionally valuable consideration for the consumer.
Which of your riders are you particularly proud to have riding your outerwear? What aspects of their personalities or riding styles gel well with your brand?
JEREMY JONES
Jeremy Jones represents the very heart of innovation and exploration that O’Neill stands for. The top Big Mountain Rider in the world, Jeremy is always looking for a new challenge and progression in his riding: “I just look forward to where I can progress,” he said.
His attitude as well as his riding as earned him respect from all spectrums of the snowboarding world and has been awarded 8 times Big Mountain Rider of the Year.
His clothing works aims to work in harmony with the mountain and nature around him. It is not only all 100% recycled, but also works keeping in mind the extremes of the environment he finds himself in.
In his own line he has the
250000 JONES 3-LAYER SHELL
253000 JONES 3-LAYER SHELL PANT
250002 JONES 2-LAYER JACKET
253002 JONES 2-LAYER PANT
250015 JONES PACKABLE DOWN
SEB TOOTS
When it comes to performance, it doesn’t get more progressive right now than Seb Toots.
The young Canadian was doing Cab 10’s at the age of 14, double corks at the age of 16 and triple corks when he hit 18. With his unwavering dedication to pushing the sport to the next level, the future for the kid is almost unimaginable. And his innovation and determination match perfectly the ethos of O’Neill in the world of boardsports.
FREDRIK EVENSEN
Norwegian trendsetter Freddie is equally at home throwing down in the backcountry and on rails as he is threading technical lines down pristine mountain faces. He uses his board as a vehicle for self-expression and having fun. And his clothes serve to do the same.
What trends will be HOT for 2012/13?
The trends for loose and longer fits will be hot in 2012/2013 as freeski makes a name for itself.
A richer depth to fabrics will also be seen with muted colours and classic looks.
What is your pet hate in outerwear trends that you're hoping will disappear for 12/13?
Garmasche.
Thanks Michael!
Michael Esser, Senior Designer for snow Outerwear at O'Neill told us what they're going to be kitting the guys out in next winter.
So Michael, please describe the overall idea / general inspiration behind your 2012/13 outerwear line.
Fall Winter 2012/2013 continues the celebration of the 60-year anniversary of O’Neill.
We are celebrating 60 years of innovating and progressing the surf industry since the day back in 1952 when Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit because he “just wanted to surf longer.”
This simple invention has paved the way for O’Neill’s progression – the aim of which to simply enhance your experience in nature.This winter, with every product embracing the innovation of O’Neill, the products on offer mean that you will enjoy your winter not only in style, but also in warmth and comfort.
The three themes that serve for the inspiration behind this collection are:
60 years of shaping
Influenced by 60 years of O’Neill history in shaping the classic design of the wetsuit, as well as incorporating ergonomic lines, mean the inspiration is all about producing the perfect form.
Mid-century Americana
This design influence harps back to the time of the inception of O’Neill back in 1952, but has translated the classic look into a modern on-trend looking using the likes of classic materials including wool, boucle and tweed.
Eclectic diversity
Eclectic Diversity theme brings a modern fresh and vibrant feel – whilst playing with the established roots of O’Neill. The idea is that through innovation and original thinking – anything is possible. The look and feel incorporates colour blocking and a mix of different styles.
What is the key piece (jacket, pant or otherwise) in the 12/13 collection about which you are most excited? Why?
250020 SEB TOOTS PREMIUM JACKET because Seb who has been involved with producing the jacket from beginning to end has been so unbelievably stoked on this jacket it has got us even more excited about it than we could have imagined.
A herringbone and slub yarn combination bring this 15k/10k jacket with waterproof block zips, a subtle but rich textured look. With simple colour blocking, Seb plays on the latest trend. He also brings in trends first hand from the mountains with his custom long bomber jacket shape to the jacket. With removable sleeves and ergonomically shaped collar, this jacket hides plenty of tricks allowing it to transform into a vest, perfect for riding park.
What fits / silhouettes will you be showing, in pants & jackets? How does it differ from last season?
Jackets: We will be showing longer fits next to our regular fits as we see a big trend in longer parka style jackets.
PANTS: There are still two trends running simultaneously within pants. The first is a relaxed pant fit and the second is a slimmer fit pant.
What's new in colours / prints?
With our inspiration in the time of the start of O’Neill – mid century America – we have a more muted colour palette linking to a more classic look and feel.
In the theme of Eclectic diversity it’s about new colour combinations with some brighter twists throughout.
Describe the fabrics, features and technical innovations your outerwear will be running? Please highlight *NEW* technical stories that retailers will be seeing for the first time from your brand.
1. WOOL. Working with the inspiration of our 60 year history, the idea of using wool came up. Back in the 1950’s before Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit to enable him to surf the cold waters of Northern California without the pain of the freezing sea on his skin, surfers were going to all drastic measures to stay warm.
“Some guys wore wool sweaters, “said Jack O’Neill. “There are stories about guys putting oil on their wool sweaters to repel water, but that doesn’t make sense. If you did that, it’d get all over your surfboard.”
This is the reason we have introduced technical wool into the outerwear collection. It’s a polyester material with the outlook of a wool material with a high water column and breathability.
2. FIREWALL The O’Neill Firewall system has developed throughout the O’Neill Fall Winter 2012/2013 collection.
Ergonomic research on body mapping has shown designers where the body looses most heat, where we transpire the quickest, and where the body needs the most ventilation.
Through this research a combination of linings and insulations including primaloft, down and hyperfill, are used in every product to provide the perfect balance in warmth and breathability.
Do your jackets attach to your pants for 12/13? How?
The O’Neill Connector System is featured on every single pant and jacket in the collection. The system works with 3 buttons with loops on the snowgator of the jacket that connect to loops on the pants – perfect for powder days.
In addition, on a style level, we have a connection here as well. The Line Up Jacket and Pants are not only simple but dynamic colour blocking at its best, but in an added twist the colour blocking from the Line Up Jacket runs straight into the Line Up pants.
Will there be a one-piece in your 12/13 line?
Not this season for men as we have seen a trend move away from this for men.
Will your 2012/13 outerwear feature any eco-friendly pieces? Please describe what you're doing here. Do you think it really matters to the consumer whether their purchase is eco or not?
The Jeremy Jones collection as always works in harmony with the nature around him. The fabric is all produced by a Japanese manufacturer with 100% recycled polyester, but retains the highest technical standards such as in the 20k/15k Jones 3 Layer Shell.
For the consumer who spends their time in nature, a brand that values this and is taking active steps to limit the impact on the environment is an exceptionally valuable consideration for the consumer.
Which of your riders are you particularly proud to have riding your outerwear? What aspects of their personalities or riding styles gel well with your brand?
JEREMY JONES
Jeremy Jones represents the very heart of innovation and exploration that O’Neill stands for. The top Big Mountain Rider in the world, Jeremy is always looking for a new challenge and progression in his riding: “I just look forward to where I can progress,” he said.
His attitude as well as his riding as earned him respect from all spectrums of the snowboarding world and has been awarded 8 times Big Mountain Rider of the Year.
His clothing works aims to work in harmony with the mountain and nature around him. It is not only all 100% recycled, but also works keeping in mind the extremes of the environment he finds himself in.
In his own line he has the250000 JONES 3-LAYER SHELL
253000 JONES 3-LAYER SHELL PANT
250002 JONES 2-LAYER JACKET
253002 JONES 2-LAYER PANT
250015 JONES PACKABLE DOWN
SEB TOOTS
When it comes to performance, it doesn’t get more progressive right now than Seb Toots.
The young Canadian was doing Cab 10’s at the age of 14, double corks at the age of 16 and triple corks when he hit 18. With his unwavering dedication to pushing the sport to the next level, the future for the kid is almost unimaginable. And his innovation and determination match perfectly the ethos of O’Neill in the world of boardsports.
FREDRIK EVENSEN
Norwegian trendsetter Freddie is equally at home throwing down in the backcountry and on rails as he is threading technical lines down pristine mountain faces. He uses his board as a vehicle for self-expression and having fun. And his clothes serve to do the same.
What trends will be HOT for 2012/13?
The trends for loose and longer fits will be hot in 2012/2013 as freeski makes a name for itself.
A richer depth to fabrics will also be seen with muted colours and classic looks.
What is your pet hate in outerwear trends that you're hoping will disappear for 12/13?
Garmasche.
Thanks Michael!
February 3, 2012
Mother Nature Network
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/stories/4-professional-snowboarders-who-double-as-environmentalists
improve your world
4 professional snowboarders who double as environmentalists
Global warming is a real problem for athletes who depend on the snow.
By Shea GuntherFri, Feb 03 2012 at 9:14 AM EST
OLYMPIC-WORTHY: Gretchen Bleiler competes in the women's halfpipe in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) Professional snowboarders have awesome jobs: They spend their days on mountains riding chairlifts and ripping runs down snow-covered hills. Depending on their focus, they might find themselves spending the day in a halfpipe nailing down highly technical tricks or up in the backcountry dropping huge lines for video cameras filming from nearby helicopters. While the smart ones also put in time in the gym lifting weights and doing yoga, the bulk of a snowboarders' training time is spent in the mountains, outside on the snow collecting wintry vertical gain and drop.
Given the huge amount of time that they spend in the great outdoors, it's easy to find professional snowboarders who double as environmentalists. Climate change could bring some serious disruption to winters in places like the U.S. and Canadian Rockies and the French Alps, disruptions that could shorten seasons and drastically cut snowfall totals. In the face of the damage that climate change could bring to snowboarding, it might be harder to find a snowboarder who isn't an environmentalist. But the world needs every advocate it can get, and the following four snowboarders have heard Mother Nature's call and stepped up to help spread the message that we need to do something before it's too late.
Gretchen Bleiler Bleiler was born in Ohio and lived there for the first 10 years of her life. When she was 11, her family moved to Aspen, Colo., and she started snowboarding. Four years after she started, she turned pro and has since become one of the strongest riders in the world. She's a three-time X Games gold medalist, Olympic silver medalist, and was the first female rider to land a Crippler 540, a difficult inverted trick that had been the sole domain of the male riders and which helped spur more female riders to pursue more challenging inverted tricks.
She has her own signature clothing line produced by Oakley and was the first action sports female to score the cover of ESPN Magazine.
Not content with being just one of the world's best riders as well as a fashion designer, Bleiler has become a vocal and passionate advocate for the planet. She's given talks about climate change at schools and universities, has worked closely with StopGlobalWarming.org to promote their campaigns, and sits on the board of directors for Protect Our Winters, the nonprofit advocacy group started by fellow list member Jeremy Jones to unite the snow sports world in the fight against climate change. And if that isn’t enough, she started a company with her husband, Chris, to sell the ALEX Bottle, a cool concept in water bottles that makes it easy to customize size and colored designs.
Jeremy Jones Jones grew up snowboarding in New England and attended Carrabassett Valley Academy, a small private school at the base of Maine ski resort Sugarloaf that allowed students serious of on-mountain training the freedom to pursue their sport. A typical school day for a student includes three or fours hours of time on the slopes in addition to the regular high school work load. Jones was initially a racer but transitioned into big mountain free riding (ripping runs on crazy steep high mountain peaks) where he excelled.
In 2007, Jones started Protect Our Winters (POW), the nonprofit mentioned above. POW's mission statement stresses that its focus is on "educational initiatives, activism, and the support of community-based projects."
Its "Hot Planet/Cool Athletes" series brings professional snowboarders and skiers into schools to talk to kids about how important it is to care about the environment. POW also pulls no punches when it comes to the dangers of coal, saying, "Coal is killing snow … that’s a fact. Mining and burning coal is the dirtiest and most environmentally destructive process to generate power — the resulting CO2 has a direct negative effect on climate change." Amen. In September 2011, Jones traveled to Washington, D.C., (along with fellow listee Gretchen Bleiler) to deliver a letter to Congress signed by more than 500 professional snowboarders, urging politicians to protect the EPA and the Clean Air Act.
As a sign of his deep commitment to his cause, Jones swore off the use of helicopters and Sno-Cats in getting to the start of his runs high up on mountains (both are staples for top big-mountain riders) and he now hikes up to whatever he's set to ride. In 2009, he dropped his long-term board sponsor, Rossignol, and started up his own snowboard company, Jones Snowboards, so he could have more control over the sustainability of the boards he rides.
Forrest Shearer Shearer grew up in California, picked up snowboarding back in the winter of 2001, and hasn't looked back since. The now-professional rider spends most of his riding time on big mountains ripping down steep slopes and is deeply involved in environmental advocacy work though Jeremy Jones' Protect Our Winters, where he regularly speaks to kids in schools about how important sustainability is to the world. When he's not hiking some peak in the French Alps or throwing himself down a steep Alaskan slope, Shearer can be found making tracks in the mountains near his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Check out this great video profiling Shearer and his environmentalism over at TransWorld Snowboarding.
Seth Wescott Two-time Olympic gold medalist Seth Wescott was born in North Carolina but grew up in the mountains. He went to school at the Carrabassett Valley Academy, an elite private school for kids focusing on skiing or snowboarding that fellow list member Jeremy Jones attended, and specializes in the boardercross, an intense race event that pits four riders against one another on a crazy course packed with jumps, speed rollers and other obstacles that each rider must navigate in a mad dash to the finish line. He took home the gold medal in the event at the 2006 Olympics and repeated the feat four years later in Vancouver.
Wescott got his start as an environmental activist and advocate through the friendship with Jones that had developed during their shared time at Carrabassett. He's participated in Hot Planet/Cool Athletes program and spoken to thousands of kids about the need to do something about man-made climate change. Wescott still lives in Maine (he built his home at the base of Sugarloaf using green materials and practices) and is on the board of directors for Maine Huts and Trails, a nonprofit organization that works to protect and preserve the Maine wilderness.
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