Professional snowboarder and business owner Jeremy Jones. Photos by Shop-eat-surf.
By TIFFANY MONTGOMERY
March 21, 2012 07:32 AM
March 21, 2012 07:32 AM
I talked briefly at SIA with professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones about his business, Jones Snowboards.
Jones Snowboards was unveiling its third season of boards at the show, and the company has a very specific niche.
The company specializes in all mountain freeriding boards including split boards that can be pulled apart and used like skis to climb uphill in the backcountry, and then are put back together into a snowboard for the descent.
Some split boards by Jones Snowboards
Previously, Jeremy was sponsored by Rossignol for nearly 20 years,
and had always taken a great interest in how boards were made.“My passion is how to make a better snowboard,” he said.
He started making split boards and all mountain freeride boards for selfish reasons, he said. It was the type of board he always wanted, but others weren’t interested in making them.
At Jones Snowboards’ first SIA, his boards arrived after the show had started. Still, the best shops placed orders.
“The industry wants to see rider-driven brands succeed,” said Jeremy, who lives in Tahoe and is also sponsored by Sanuk and O’Neill Snow and is known for his environmental activism.
Jones boards are designed for very accomplished snowboarders.
“My customer has been snowboarding for a long time,” he said. “They understand what a good snowboard feels like. They are passionate, everyday snowboarders not five days a year snowboarders.”
For the next winter season, Jones Snowboards is introducing women’s boards, backpacks and a series of carbon boards.
I asked him if he has encountered any surprises while starting his own business.
“I’ve been in this world so long, it was a pretty calculated decision - I knew what I was getting into,” he said. “I have been surprised by how well its been received.”
