News

World Record: Skiing Switch at 80mph

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 23rd 2012 - 0 comments

Anders Backe of Norway set the Guinness World Record for skiing switch (backwards) on February 21st of 2012 at the Vikersund skiflying slope in Norway.  Anders hit 79.97mph skiing backwards.  To put this in perspective, professional/olympic downhill skiers can hit 100mph in a downhill event and are often in the 70 - 85 mph range.  The downhill skiers are also skiing forwards and using skis designed for speed, Anders did this on his park skis, a pair of Head Caddys.  

How to Pimp Your Boat

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 22nd 2012 - 0 comments

Pimp My Ride was a popular TV show on MTV that we all remember too well. Xzibit and Mad Mike would take randomly selected cars and rebuild them, with over-the-top after market parts and accessories. The show was so ridiculous, but for some reason you couldn't stop watching. After the shows first season people everywhere starting "pimping" out their possessions, most of which ended in ultimate failure. These horrible fails didn't stop Americans from trying to pimp their rides over and over again. I have found some boats whose owners have been inspired by West Coast Customs (The auto garage on the show). Most of these custom rides would not be approved by the crew at West Coast... Although, there are a few that may be worthy Xzibit's signature phase, "You've officially been pimped."

Five Hour Friday: Week 11

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 22nd 2012 - 0 comments

Record temps all over the country this week, hope everybody got to enjoy some warmer weather.  We spent a lot of the week getting footage for some wakesurf blogs we'll be posting up next week.  This week for Five Hour Friday we have some great music, and a couple local Boston DJ's are featured.  All of these mixes you can stream right off of your iPhone, iPad, iPod or Droid.. Get after it! Liz Ladoux makes it into Five Hour Friday again with her 3rd edition of her Meow Mix series.  Listen to it right meow.   Another Boston DJ in this weeks edition, DJ Dera.  Dera just dropped this mix a couple days ago, catch him tonight at Gypsy Bar. Dada Life starts this mix out with his most recent remix of Justin Beiber's Boyfriend.  Mix is fire til the end. Chicago's Dante The Don, did this mix for DMS and it.... is.... Sick. Finishing up with Hardwell, one of the most energetic EDM DJ/Producers.  Go Rage.

Official First Day of Summer: Music Stoke

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 20th 2012 - 0 comments

Today is officially the first day of summer, and all across the country the temps are sky-rocketing. The northeast is set to break high temperature records over the next two days, with the mercury rising close to 99 degrees. What a way to kick things off!!! I hope this weather is a sign of things to come. When my summer stoke levels reach a certain point, I find myself listening exclusively to summertime jams. Songs specifically about summer usually never make it to an iPod playlist, but because it's officially the first day of the new season my excitement levels are at their peak. Here is list of some summertime tracks that will make you laugh, cry or simply remember how much you like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch. The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff - Summertime Sublime - Doin' Time Justin Timberlake - Summer Love St. Lunatics - Summer in the City Don Henley - The Boys of Summer LFO - Summer Girls

Red Bull Wake of Steel

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 20th 2012 - 0 comments

When Red Bull puts on an event or competition you know it's going to be insane.  Red Bull put together a ridiculous event at the Danube in Linz, Austria called Wake of Steel.  Many of the world's best wakeboarders were in attendance and by no surprise also sponsored by Red Bull.  The features were huge, the rails were long, and the scene looked awesome (that's what she said).  Red Bull never disappoints when it comes to action sports.  

Fly High Fat Sack, Tsunami Pump Review

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 19th 2012 - 0 comments

When trying to achieve the ultimate surf wave or wakeboard wake, weighing down your boat is priority number one. Many boats come with stock ballast options that will start the weighting process, but in most cases stock ballast is not enough. There are a variety of additional ballast options on the market today, and I have encountered or owned most of them. The brand that I am currently using (and have been for about two summers) is by far the best ballast system I have ever come across. I currently use Fly High Fat Sacks with the integrated Fly High Tsunami Pump. The Fly High ballast system is not only incredibly easy to operate, but their variety of bag sizes allow for perfect integration into almost any inboard boat.  The Tsunami Pump has a convenient quick connect system to help eliminate overflow and pump ejection while water is flowing into the bag. Pumps that I have owned in the past had to be screwed into position, which can be an extreme nuisance. Most of the time I would end up holding the pump in place for the duration of the fill. It is much easier to lock into place with Fly High's quick connect system. It has a small channel on the connection valve that locks directly to the Fat Sack. The Tsunami Pump also fills the bag extremely quickly! It is the fastest ballast pump I have ever used. The Fly High Fat Sack is as solid as they come. The bags are constructed to hold water in rectangular shape, which eliminates the sacks from easily rolling side-to-side. Other bags that I have used were round and didn't want to stay in place. The Fly High bags sit perfectly where ever I place them in the boat. The boat I am weighing down is a Mastercraft X-2 and Fly High makes fat sacks specifically for my boat. The bags fit beautifully in the shorter rear compartments of the X-2. This makes my life so much easier when trying to sculpt an epic wakesurf wave. By having custom designed fat sacks, it allows more room for boat passengers (aka VAB: Voice Activated Ballast) and other ballast bags.  The Fly High ballast system is the best I have ever used. With its full pump to bag integration as well as Mastercraft custom fitting sacks, I don't think I will be changing my ballast brand anytime soon. Give their products a try, and I guarantee you will be just as stoked as I am.  Fly High Products that I am currently using: 2 Mastercraft X-2 Rear Sacks - 455 lbs each 1 Pro X Series Fat Sack - 750 lbs 2 Tsunami Pumps

Top Five Tuesday: Week 13

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 19th 2012 - 0 comments

Been doing Top Five Tuesdays for over 3 months, find that hard to believe, time flies.  We have some really awesome music this week for you to stream on your smart phone or play when you get back home.  Enjoy. PS. If you're reading this off of another site via their RSS feed, click 'read entire post' so you can check out the songs. The Beatles, a band that's hard not to like, and is blasphemy to not like.  Some Grammatik haded some deep smooth bass, that'll make you do that airplane thing with your hand out of your cars window. Kanye tracks always catch a lot of buzz.  Kanye remixes catch even more buzz when EDM is taking over. Wolfgang Gartner's Redline is a sick track.  This remix gives it some more wobbles and a dubby feel. My friends and I have been playing this song quite a bit over the last week.  Spectrum by Zedd. The build up after the 2nd break down in this song is so dope. Rage Valley

Top Five Tuesday: Week 12

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 19th 2012 - 0 comments

Been doing this now for 12 Tuesdays, find that hard to believe, time flies.  We have some really awesome music this week for you to stream on your smart phone or play when you get back home.  Enjoy. The Beatles, a band that's hard not to like, and is blasphemy to not like.  Some Grammatik haded some deep smooth bass, that'll make you do that airplane thing with your hand out of your cars window. Kanye tracks always catch a lot of buzz.  Kanye remixes catch even more buzz when EDM is taking over. Wolfgang Gartner's Redline is a sick track.  This remix gives it some more wobbles and a dubby feel. My friends and I have been playing this song quite a bit over the last week.  Spectrum by Zedd. The build up after the 2nd break down in this song is so dope. Rage Valley

How to Survive The Zombie Apocalypse

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 18th 2012 - 0 comments

Will the Zombie Apocalypse happen?  I hope not, I don't think zombies would buy very many skis or much of anything for that matter.  So in the event of a Zombie Apocalypse we want our followers and customers to be prepared.  Everybody that is actually worried about this social media driven end of days, are thinking about surviving this castrophic event all wrong. The answer to surviving the Zombie Apocalypse is simple, and here are two solutions that will help to ensure your survival. Solution #1:  Buy a boat Based on the data collected from watching zombie movies, zombies can't swim.  Buying a boat will enable you to get away from land where zombies are running around and fast.  Even if it's a lake or pond, just make sure it's big enough to support a good amount of boats so zombies don't jump off shore and run from boat to boat.  Also make sure the lake is deep enough, no one knows how fast a zombie can walk through water but experts think it's slightly faster than mortal humans.   If people in your party get sick when being on a boat, or the boat isn't big enough to hold supplies for an extended period of time.  Find a body of water with an island (remember that the water surrounding the island needs to be deep so the zombies will be forced to attempt swimming, which they will fail at) if you plan now you can start stashing supplies.  If you are on a popular body of water like Lake Minnetonka, Big Island isn't a good option for stashing supplies, weekend partygoers will find and consume your beer and doritos.   I know what your thinking... 'We'll bring fishing rods to catch our food'  There haven't been any movies of fish becoming zombies only birds,  you're probably safe unless a movie comes out saying otherwise. Solution #2:  Buy a home....... On a mountain... Next to at least an intermediate trail... That has snow surrounding the property... Year round. Properties like this are hard to come by, if you have home that fits the criteria listed above, this blog post just boosted the value of your property.  If you would like to send me a commision check for the boost in home value, give the office a call and we'll make arrangements.    The reason that a home that is surrounded by snow next to an intermediate or expert trail on a mountain will be safe from a zombie attack is because walking up anything steeper than a green circle trail in shoes is really, really hard.  Experts are certain that zombies don't know how to put on snow shoes, their legs would break trying to put on a pair of ski boots and they have lost the mental capacity after becoming a zombie to know how use a boa coiler on snowboard boots.   I know what you're thinking.... 'What about the chair lifts?'  It's estimated 93% of ski resorts will have shut down the chairlifts if a zombie attack even makes it to the amazing ski town that you decided to buy a mountain side chalet.  The reason 7% of ski resorts will keep the chair lifts and gondolas turning is because they are owned by the people that came up with that T-Shirt, 'The worst day skiing is better than the best day at work/school'.  In the event that zombies do make it your favorite ski town, we recommend finding a safe apres ski location.   These two solutions for surviving the zombie apocalypse happen to be things that are really fun to have, even if the zombie apocalypse doesn't happen.  If you were looking for an excuse to pull the trigger on a boat or a place at the mountain, this is a good excuse even if the zombie apocalypse never becomes more than just a hashtag on twitter.  #zombieapocalypse

Five Hour Friday: Week 10

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 15th 2012 - 0 comments

Last weekend was EDC in Vegas, none of us made it there, but the pictures made me wish I would have booked a trip.  At least all the DJ's record there sets and post them on SoundCloud so I can embed them on to this weekly blog.   R3hab opened up with Hard Rock Sofa's remix of his song Sending my Love at EDC Las Vegas, what a way to start out your set.   Chuckie is a monster and his sets sound better live in person than they do just off of a recording.  Chuckie going in at EDC Las Vegas, awesome set. Electric Daisy Las Vegas had four stages and it's not just the massive names playing bangers.  Pretty Lights had an awesome set. One of the most energetic DJ's obviously has one of the most energetic sets.  Steve Aoki's EDC Las Vegas Set. Benny Benassi has big sound dialed in, and shows it in his EDC Las Vegas set.

Flag Day: American Flag Fails

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 14th 2012 - 0 comments

In honor of Flag Day, this blog is dedicated to America's strange use of our great Flag. I can't classify all of the images as American Flag Fails because in my opinion, some of these would fall into the win category. Flag Fail or Flag Win???... I will let you be the judge. Happy Flag Day and God Bless America!!!

Where to Wakeboard: Lake George, New York

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 13th 2012 - 0 comments

If your a wakeboard enthusiast on the east coast or even the extreme nomadic adventurous type from Godonlyknowsville, Lake George, located in upstate New York, is a must see for all riders. With its crystal clear waters and sprawling mountainous landscape, it is truly one of the most gorgeous lakes in this great country. There is an enormous amount of water to explore, and one can easily get overwhelmed by the epicness of the Adirondack Mountains that ascend above the lake in every direction. The lake, which is over 32 miles long running south to north, provides numerous locations that are ideal for shredding. With a little help from Lake George locals Beau and Liz, we were able to seek out a few awesome areas that were perfect for both wakeboarding and wakesurfing. We didn't even come close to experiencing all of the riding spots Lake George has to offer, but these are two zones that I am particularly stoked on. Where to Wakeboard: Van Warmer Bay, Northwest Bay - Lake George Van Warmer Bay is a large bay located on the southeast part of the lake. The bay offers protection from the busy waters of the main lake. Its position behind a large island and connection with smaller bays to the south, make it an ideal area for wakeboarding. The bay shares water with three smaller bays, Harris Bay, Warner Bay and Sandy Bay. The smaller bays are also good spots to ride with the exception of Sandy Bay, which is a popular mooring and rafting site for party goers. When riding this area wakeboard runs can easily last from one bay to the next, so there are ample opportunities for long passes. This area of Lake George is fantastic spot to find calm water and get in some solid riding anytime of day. The northern point of the lake's most western section, is exactly where you will find this epic riding spot. Northwest Bay is a dream location for any wakeboarder or wakesurfer. It is especially awesome when the wind is blowing out of the north. When the southern waters are a bit choppy, head directly to Northwest Bay for glassy water and some ridiculous scenery. This bay has a gorgeous backdrop of rock cliffs and NY state forest beauty. The monstrous hanging cliffs engulf the bay and make every wakeboard pass feel so much sweeter. Any wakeboader looking to get some epic shots while riding in an insane location, check out Northwest Bay. Lake George is a unreal wakeboarding haven that attracts thousands of visitors each year. I recommend everyone experience the natural beauty and phenomenal riding that Lake George has to offer. Whether your a die-hard wakeboarder or just along for the journey, the lake beautifully accommodates everyones needs. With incredible dining options, pull-up restaurant/bars and one of the best parties a boater can attend, Lake George is a true American destination.

Jimmy's Aspen, Colorado

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 13th 2012 - 0 comments

If you're traveling to Aspen you're probably aware that there is a pleathora of great restaurants, picking a good one is not difficult.  But if you would like to drink and dine at one of Aspen's best restaurants, the answer is Jimmy's located just blocks away from the Aspen Gondola.  Jimmy's is an american restaurant and bar that made Food and Wine's list of the Top 50 Bars in America in November 2011.  At Jimmy's you get the full experience of what eating out is supposed to be; excellent food, great drinks, a fun atmosphere, and a staff that wants to make sure your evening is spectacular.   First glance at the menu once you've sat in your seat is a little overwhelming, overwhelming in the sense that you want just about everything that there is on the menu.  We were with a large group, so we got to order almost everything on the menu for the first course and sample a little bit of everything.  The seafood at Jimmy's is nothing short of amazing.  The Lobster Mac n Cheese is something the whole table will enjoy, though you probably won't want to share after you've had your first bite.  The same goes for the crab cakes that are bursting with flavor and are prepared perfectly.   For the Main course I had the the Filet Mignon on the rare side of medium rare, just how I like it.  I can honestly say that is one of the best pieces of meat I've ever had.  The Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes we're just great, a mashed potato connoisseurs dream.   One of the most impressive things at Jimmy's was their attention to the tables dietary needs.  I have a very severe nut allergy and the staff did everything in their power from different pans, to cooking in a different part of the kitchen to insure that I didn't have an allergic reaction from cross contamination.   Jimmy's is a must if you are going to be in Aspen.  If you're unable to book a reservation because they are already booked up be sure to stop by the bar, it's one of the best and I'm not saying that just because Food and Wine did.  Like most skiers, snowboarders or action sports enthusiasts I love tequila, and they have over 100 different ones for you to choose from.  Bottom Line you won't be disappointed if you go, you'll be thrilled that you stopped by Jimmy's.  

Nixon Watches

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 12th 2012 - 0 comments

Nixon watches are some of the best and steeziest in the industry. Their watches are unparalleled, when combining style with functionality. The company thrives on originality and being able to provide the extreme sports world with the best products possible. Nixon watches have been such a huge part of the people here at TheSkiMonster.com. All of us have at least one Nixon watch (most of us have two), and are rarely seen without it strapped tightly to our wrists. With a variety of different style options, Nixon offers something for everyone. We have loved their product for years, and are now proud to say that we are carrying it. TheSkiMonster.com has Nixon watches in-stock and ready to ship ASAP! The brand that has been giving us ridiculous style points over the past few years, is now part of our growing product lines. We want to offer our customers the best, and that is exactly what Nixon watches are. The Best. Shop all Nixon watches --> TheSkiMonster's Nixon Selection

6 Awesome Ski Fails

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 12th 2012 - 0 comments

Fail pictures are very educational.  It's a great way to learn from somebody elses mistakes, instead of learning the hard way.  Remember to think before you do, could save you a lot of pain and probably some embarassment too.   Amazing that no one thought this looked funny during the design, manufacturing, or installation process. This one has been all over the internet. How does something like this happen?  I guess it's not a complete fail the girl he's skiing by is smiling and checking him out. This probably happened because her sunglasses are on upsided down. Again.. How does this make it through the approval process? This picture above isn't the fail, that's the video game the guy is playing below when he fails epically.  You don't have to be on the hill to hurt yourself, dog, or property skiing, it can also happen while playing Wii.  This is one of the best ski fails I've ever seen.

Top Five Tuesday: Week 12

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 12th 2012 - 0 comments

This week is all about bringing old jams back to life. The freshest part about this week is you're able to download every single one of these songs for FREE.  Free is something we like around here, if you want something else for Free just go buy something, FREE Shipping on all orders.   The 90's Hip Hop hit, that every kid born in the 80's can sing-a-long too.  Benzi freshened it up with some Moombahton for some needed bounce, but still pays respect to the vocals. Another 90's hit everybody remembers is Daft Punk's 'Da Funk'.  Joe Maz brought up the tempo and gave it some more modern sounds.  I think Daft Punk would approve. California Love, I think that's a record you know unless you were born after 2003.  Peep this up to date glitchy moombahton goodness. Not quite the 90's but the keys in Still Dre, makes everybody go 'OHHHHHH' when they hear em come in.  This Moombahton remix, belongs in ski edits.  Click download and add it to yours.   DJ Scene gave this reggae hit from the 80's some upgrades.  Give this sunshine ready song a download.

Five Hour Friday: Week 9

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 8th 2012 - 0 comments

Been a busy week over at The Ski Monster, we got Nixon Watches in, Never Summer Longboards, Eric is adding Under Armour right now, the Celtics won Game 5 and last night was a joke.  But the sun is finally out so I think we're gonna bug outta here early and hit the lake.  We have iPhones its not like the work stops we just get better scenery than staring at an iMac.  Of course while we're out there will be streaming this weeks music on our iPhones, if your reading this blog with a smart phone or iPad, click play on the songs below.  Man technology is rad!  Anyway let's get into the music. Vice is one of my favorite DJ's to see live, I've spent quite a bit of time in the booth with him whenever he comes out to Boston and he can control a room better than most.  Check out his latest Podcast, it's sick as expected. Kevin Scott is another DJ that is a mustsee if he makes it to your town.  His blends are so smooth and in key that you'd swear it was a pre-recorded set.  Well it's not, and this mix is proof.  This mix is for the person that says they love everything and it's mixed 100% Live. Buddy Costa just started doing a weekly show on KISS108 here in Boston and it's pretty rad.  Dada Life's Remix of the Justin Biebers Boyfriend is on it, so you know it's good. DJ JD another New Englander that made a really fresh 90's mix.  It starts off with Jamiroquai... is there a better way to start a 90's mix? No, there isn't.  If you're at MGM tonight at Foxwoods check him out at Shrine.  Just Click Play.

Extreme Ironing. Planking is so 2011

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 6th 2012 - 0 comments

Planking was all the rage last summer, then came owling in July, batmanning in August and Tebowing in the fall. But what is going to be the thing to do this Summer?  Extreme Ironing.  Ironing is a difficult thing to do in general, at least for me it is, and it's been taken to the next level.  Don't leave your ironing board and wrinkled button-down shirt at home next time you decide to do get your adrenaline fix.  Bring it and make sure your friend has a camera and you'll be guaranteed a photo that will make all your followers say 'WTF?!'.

Never Summer Longboards

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 6th 2012 - 0 comments

Never Summer Longboards are some of the best in the world. Their longboards have revolutionized the industry through the company's commitment to innovation and design. Never Summer Industries is located in Denver, Colorado, so that makes these decks certified,"Made in the USA". TheSkiMonster focuses on carrying the best brands and the highest quality equipment for our customers, and Never Summer fits the mold. The company delivers exceptional products with a fantastic service team to back it up. So starting summer 2012 (which is right now), TheSkiMonster is carrying Never Summer's longboard line-up. While patiently waiting for the snow to fall, pass the time this summer by getting out on a Never Summer deck. Shredding pavement has never been more fun. Shop Never Summer Longboards.

Best Boardshorts of 2012

by TheSkiMonster
Jun 5th 2012 - 0 comments

When ushering in a new season, there is always the waiting game for the weather to turn favorable. The excitement of new activities are on the horizon and you just need mother nature to start cooperating. During the anxiety of spring, there isn't much to do except plan for summer fun and acquire appropriate gear for warmer weather. If you spend most of your weekends on water, you understand the importance of quality boardshorts. Having a solid boardshort rotation is key to your summer successes. There are shorts made for every occasion, and you need to be sure all your bases are covered before the temperature starts to rise. These are five of the Best Boardshorts of 2012. All serve a particular purpose and will ensure that your summer wardrobe is top-notch. Hurley Phantom Hex Boardshorts The Hurley Phantom Hex is a fantastic everyday boardshort. Made with 85% polyester / 15% spandex, Hurley's Phantom 4-way stretch and a 21" outseam, these shorts fit well and are extremely comfortable. The boardshorts have a seamless design as well as a zip cargo pocket. Having a zipper pocket is extremely under-rated in the boardshort world. Being able to carry your personal belongings with the security of a zipper is phenomenal! The zip pocket really adds to the everyday functionality of the Phantom Hex. Hurley offers the shorts in three color-ways. I went with the multi, but all of the options look pretty sick. Billabong Platinum X - R U Serious Boardshorts The Billabong R U Serious boardshorts look more like a cotton lifestyle short than a swimsuit. The print gives the shorts an everyday-type presentation, but are actually made with Billabong's H2 Repel and Hydrostrech technology. The boardshorts are 100% polyester and have a 22" outseam, which is a slightly longer fit than most boardshorts on the market. They come in a variety of different color-ways but I think the mint, lime and americana are the best options. (All three shown below) Rip Curl Mirage Tangent Boardshorts Rip Curl says these shorts are "like wearing nothing", and to be honest they might be on to something. Theses boardshorts are super lightweight and incredibly stretchy. The Mirage is made with Rip Curl's Hydrophobic Fabric, Stichless Seam technology and Illusion Seam Tape. By the use of heat welding and flexible stretch tape, these shorts are absolutely seamless. The construction and functionality of these boardshorts makes Mirage Tangent perfect for surfing, wakeboarding and any other aquatic activity. Billabong Stars N Stripes Boardshorts American flag steeze. The Stars N Stripes shorts are all black and whited out! Made with 100% polyester and a 20" outseam, they fit a little shorter than most boardshorts but the style points out-weight any fit issues you may have. These are my go to shorts for all summer holidays and large gatherings, and an obvious choice for America's birthday. If you don't already own a pair of American flag shorts (you should if you call yourself an American), check out Billabong's 2012 black and white edition.  O'Neill Hangover Boardshorts The O'Neill Hangover Boardshorts are designed with a beer pong/beer bong style print. They are made with 100% polyester, Velcro fly and have a 21" outseam. They come fully equipped with a limited edishhh O'Neill beer pong ball, so you can be ready for any spontaneous lake or poolside ponging. I suggest pairing the Hangover Boardshorts with a Tuxedo T-Shirt because it says you're formal, but you like to party.