The “EXTERME 4000 PARKA” in Orange.

By Andrew Hart

First of all, I know you are better at snowboarding than me. Well, allow me to qualify that: if you are under the age of 17, from the suburbs, wearing over $1000 in gear from Zumiez, starting a production company with your parents’ camcorder and totally sponsored by a shop, then you are better than me.

But guess what? It is my ramblings that are gracing the glorious pages of Yobeat (enjoy comment-land chumps). In addition, I am from the Pacific Northwest, and we all know how hot the Northwest is these days. We ride in the rain (HARDCORE!) and we wear flannel, which—along with goggles from SoCal—are all the rage. And that is why I will be determining what will be the new hotnessfor snowboarding in 2008-2009.

Coming from a similar gnarly thread as flannel, this year’s must-have item is Grundens foul weather gear. Made from the same stuff that your plumbing pipes are and measured by the yard, Grundens is the numero uno choice of deep-sea fishermen, lumberjacks, butchers and now Joe Shred. Forget a powder skirt, those deep days require material that can withstand tidal waves and power-saws. Furthermore, these bibs are crab-resistant, which will come in mighty handy for life in a small Northwest ski town.

Get ‘em while they are hot kiddos. And while you’re at it, grab some fishhooks and netting to complete your snow-gypsy kit.

For all your shopping needs visit www.grundens.com