Jonathan Tollefson

I have heard this snowboard question before, and I am here to answer it today.  At what age can your kids start snowboarding?  If you ask me, I would start teaching them as soon as they walk.

I bought my niece her first snowboard when she was three.  From there we took her to the backyard and to a couple super small hills.  We did not take her to a resort.  Just find a hill where your kids can pick up a little bit of speed.  This will allow them to ride in a very safe environment, and it will let them learn how it feels to have a board strapped to their feet.  You will be amazed how well balanced kids are and how fast they catch on to riding the board down the hill.

The most important part is that you make sure your kids are having fun.  It should also be fun teaching them how to shred.  When they are little you will be pushing them all over the hill which lets you make up all kinds of games and activities to keep their mind into it.  I think if you start your kids young there is a good chance you will soon be Boarding the Midwest All Day, Everyday.

With day snowboard passes reaching $40-45, and season passes climbing over $500 dollars, it is hard to see why people love the sport of snowboarding so much.  What a lot of people don’t know is that we who love to snowboard find creative ways to board without going to the hill.  One way many of us get on the snow more is by getting off the couch, going outside, we pick up a shovel, and build ourselves a backyard snowboard park.

I love creating and building different snowboard obstacles in the backyard, or anywhere else that you can find some open land.  One of my favorite hits to build is a simple wall.  The only materials you need are a couple saw horses, a 4′X8′ piece of plywood, and a little bit of the white fluffy stuff.  From there the options are endless, and the the tricks you can preform are amazing.  This winter get off your butt and go for it.  I have just given you one of the best ways to Board the Midwest All day Everyday!

Congratulations to Jack H. for answering last weeks blog about Michigan Snowboard Companies.  Because he was the smartest and fastest out of the group, he is taking home a brand new Dragon Snowboard Beanie.  I hope it keeps your head warm, and thank you for reading jonathantollefson.com.

Two Michigan Snowboard Companies

Marhar Snowboard Co. located on the west coast of Michigan, started a couple of years ago, and is bringing a whole new aspect to riding.  These guys are innovative and are building boards with original shapes that have the potential to revolutionize the snowboard industry.  Their boards are made with killer materials which I am going to keep secret.  If you are interested in a sweet ride, look’em up at www.marharsnowboards.com.

Epix Snowboard Company is located on the eastern coast of Michigan, and has been on the map since early 2000.  They design boards that I have seen rode in competitions around the state, and I have recently seen posts of them adding more presses to their shop.  From graphics to board construction, Epix will build a board that fits you.  Looking for a killer 2010/2011 board to add to your quiver be sure to check Epix out at www.epixsnowboards.com.

I am down with all of the big companies that build snowboards, but I have to support the snowboard companies in the Midwest and especially the local boys of Michigan.  There are two companies in MI and I think everyone should know them.  Instead of letting the Michigan economy bum them out, these two companies are building reputations, building a business, and their boards are killer.  Can you name the two snowboard companies?

Name two Michigan Snowboard Manufactures to Win!

The first person to leave a comment and answer the questions below will be awarded with a Dragon Snowboard Beanie.  Please use your correct email address because I will have to contact you in order to send you the winning hat.

Leave a comment with these four questions answered:

1. Name both Snowboard companies

2.  Include links to the snowboard companies websites

3.  Where they are located

4.  A fun fact about each of the companies

Good luck and and get yourself a beanie!

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I hate to say it, but summer is on its way out.  Do you need a new snowboard to start the season off right?  If so, I am always about getting your moneys worth, and these are the four best places I have found to buy a board.

1.  Local Snowboard Shops

Look for tent sales, early season deals, late season deals and talk with the folks who know what is going on in the industry.  You will surely find these people at your local shop.

2.  Brociety.com

In the same family as Whiskey Militia and Steep and Cheap.  You might have to become addicted to these sites to find a deal, but it’s worth it, don’t worry, everyone does it.  Just click for the latest snowboard deal.

3.  The House Boardshop

Located in Minnesota, and my favorite shop of all time.  The House.  The place is full of cool knowledgeable people, their website is easy to use, and they have always hooked me up.  Everyone should know them!

4.  Craigslist

You just never know what you will find.  If you know what you want,  check it out for sure!

Your Ideas?

Do you have a favorite shop or site that you go to?  Please leave a comment.  This is your time to support!!