Paul Gemignani

Moving to Frequency Mag

2012-01-25T04:44:00.003-07:00

This winter I will be moving my writings to Frequency Magazines website under the "What Up" pages and will continue writing about my snow adventures and stories with a more in-depth view there. So if you get a chance, check out the magazine and the site, they're a great source for some of the best content on the snowboard world today.

I will still update the blog with links to the stories when I have a chance but until then, see you in the mountains!

Frequency Magazine

Pauly G -

Merry Christmas and Happy Pow Year!

2011-12-24T07:12:00.003-07:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everybody gets some pow turns this holiday season and I will see you in the mountains. Cheers and beers to another year with family and friends.

Final Video Post - AK-47

2011-09-06T17:46:00.002-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

In this uncut clip from AK or Alaska if you are not good with abbreviations, the run shown is called the dragon tooth because at the top of the run on the left, the rock looks like the tooth of a dragon from a distance. Pretty clever I know. But in all of it's awesomeness Alaska is not a place to kid around. What a run might look like from a distance or on the way up, turns into a twilight zone of a world once going down the descent. This is mainly due to - lack of landmarks - to use for navigation as most rocks look pretty similar with a hefty snow pile on top of them. Also, this lack of trees clogs judgment of size and proportions as a 10 foot rock could be 100 ft rock when you actually get close. This Alice in Wonderland effect still blows my mind every time I shred up there, and is one of the most intriguing challenges of riding in Alaska - not including 1000 other ways to die while snowboarding up there. In the video clip above, to get to our spot, we hiked up half the gut then took a lookers left foot pack up the last steep part of the way. The face was already previously shredded so we knew it was pretty stable and safe, which is the kind of run we were looking for since this was the first run of the day. Hopefully everyone gets there chance to really test there skills on a board by making it up there in your lifetime or the next. Enjoy and happy shredding the winter.

Pauly G

Head Cam UnCut

2011-08-18T21:35:00.005-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Here is a clip from my headcam of what it is like waiting around for cameras getting ready, strapping in and then going off the feature - enjoy! One more clip to come in the video marathon and that should wrap this up. I hope everyone is enjoying the vids so far! Peace.

Video Marathon - Uncut

2011-08-04T13:11:00.004-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This video clip is from Colorado backcountry and was my first real day back from having elbow surgery that winter...the run in was super long and mellow and the jump was an hour hike in via snow shoes. The shot of the video was done using an extra snowboard and posting a tripod on it so we could get that dolle video shot feel with depth and motion to give the clip a bit more of a dynamic feel. Backside 180's are fun. If you notice the pants im wearing too, they are a bit tighter than usual because I hemmed them. I went through a hemming pants faze for a couple months that winter. Thank god I got out of it. It looks so cheesy. Anyways, snowboarding is fun and I am stoked to shred this upcoming winter...more clips to come! Enjoy.

Switch Dub Cork Attempt

2011-07-27T02:33:00.003-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So this clip is from last winter. I was fresh off of a surgery and trying to get back into the swing of things. It was when double corks were all the rage, and triple corks were still in the future. My friend and I built this kicky little jump to try some dub corks on and this is my first attempt at a switch double cork. Not to shabby...but by no means good. Ha! A pretty fun day even though no dub corks were landed. The pow landing was soft and forgiving though which made up for a good ol' time jumping with friends. Yeah Boyyeeee!!!

Video Madness - oootah

2011-07-18T01:06:00.003-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This weeks video was filmed in the Utah Backcountry again, near Chad's gap but on a north facing slope. So this basically means it is in the shade usually hidden (the snow) from the sun which keeps the powder nice, cold and fresh. This was a little popper into a nice pow stash, and we had to ride along the ridge line we hiked up as our inrun. Skiers hiking up the same ridge line were getting pissed because we kept telling them to hold on as we strapped in and hit this with out people getting in our way. This was a fun, cold day and the jump was lofty, letting us get a few shots on it for sure. The spot is still there today and is always good for freshies when most of Utah is tracked out. This was about 4 or so years ago, back when I rode regionally for Salomon and Bonfire. Crazy how time fly's. Anyways, the goods are always there to be found. Hopefully this winter, you can find yours. Peace!

Video Marathon - Week 6

2011-07-12T09:57:00.002-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This weeks video is coming straight out of Utah, more importantly in little cotton wood canyon, where the infamous Chads Gap, and Pyramid Jump are located. Many pros frequent through here every winter season, from Travis Rice to MFM. All have amazing video footage from this here area. This day was pretty overcast and there was no way we were going to be hitting the pyramid gap so we dusted off this tinny jump after our hike up and messed around on it. Good stuff for a mellow, flat light day.

Video Marathon - Week 5

2011-07-05T18:31:00.003-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This weeks video is another backcountry kicker. The day was really sunny when we filmed this and the snow heated up really quick and became hot pow. It was harder to land anything this day, and the run-in was kind of sketchy because it went over a creek at one point. We were messing around with new tricks in the beginning and then towards the end of the session I thought it would be a good idea to get a little frontside three nose grab on camera. It's a weird trick to do, but fun to tweak out the grab on. The jump was really poppy too, which always makes for an interesting time. My friend was taking photos of this too and you can hear his camera going off in the background. Word to blue bird days!

Video Marathon - Week 4 - HeadCAM

2011-06-27T00:53:00.005-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This weeks installment of a video clip is straight from the backcountry via a headcam. Thanks to small cameras these days such as GoPros and the sort, it is very easy to get tons of POV action when you are out in the backcountry filming all day. This clip is specifically after a jump session and is the run down on our way out. It's pretty short run and not very steep, but shows how deep it was that day and the light Colorado pow!

Video Marathon - Week 3 Clip 3 - uncut AK!

2011-06-20T01:17:00.003-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This weeks video is going back 2 years when some friends and I went up to ALASKA to see what it was all about. One thing people should know about Alaska is that you cannot snowboard there unless it is sunny, bluebird out. Why? Because in Alaska there are NO trees or anything of that sort, to help your eyes see the contrast of the mountain, which you need in shitty light conditions. This means you could be shredding a face and not see that the next convex roll is actually a 1000 foot drop to your death or a deep crevasse. Anyways, this simply means AK is only rideable on blue bird days, which usually only happens once or twice every couple of weeks, so you better be ready to get the goods once the sun peaks out from behind the doom and gloom.

This day was no exception. It started off a foggy morning, but by 7 A.M. the sun came out and we were on it. This is a warm up run after a little hike out in Valdez. Good pow can be found in the north facing aspects, but one must be careful of avalanches. If you ever get the chance though, AK is where it's at. It'll scare the SHIT out of you. Peace.

Video Marathon - Week 2 Clip 2 - UnCut

2011-06-13T11:37:00.004-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This clip was taken a couple years ago out in Utah on a little hike I did with my buddy Joel. We were just goofing around with some pow shots in the trees and it's always funny when other stuff starts going off while you are trying to get some footy. Anyways, Joel was solid on not taking the call and getting the pow shot. As they say - the show must go on!

See you next week!

Video Marathon - Week 1 Clip 1

2011-06-06T16:36:00.004-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Pretty basic video clip to start out with. Just a little popper off a cliff in the Colorado backcountry from about 4 years ago...

Video Clip Marathon

2011-06-04T11:18:00.003-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So now that it's summer time and the snow has melted in most regions of the globe, I thought it would be cool to show some old snowboard clips from years past that nobody has seen but myself and a handful of friends. Some will be edited and filmed well, while others will be raw and uncut so you can see first hand some of the random things that happen while out in the snow - like waiting for the camera to be ready to film or the background commentary after a trick was landed. So over the next 3 months I will be dropping a short video clip every Monday of each new week for your viewing pleasure. If people like what they see, I might just continue it into the fall. For right now though, sit back and enjoy the summer sun, while making sure to kick start your Mondays with a random video clip right here on me blog. Peace!

Explosions in the Backcountry...

2011-05-15T15:53:00.002-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This is what happens when you give the snowmobile too much throttle while loading it in the back of a truck. I guess you also shouldn't be using a homemade ramp you built from scratch, by following some instructions you got from a guy in Wisconsin. Note to self - measure twice, cut once. Thank god for car insurance.

the Lake Superior

2011-04-15T10:09:00.012-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

The Master tracks are in from our studio time and can now be checked out at all our band website pages. Please feel free to listen, download and share all the songs. We hope everyone likes what we are doing so far, and this is just a small sample of what we have in the vaults. Look for us playing at festivals this summer, and a possible full-blown tour in the fall. Check back for updates to stay up on the band and where we are at and what we are doing.

theLakeSuperior - Music for Pirates.

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MYSPACE - Listen for free !

FACEBOOK - Become a fan and "Like" us

PUREVOLUME - Download for free !

LAST.FM - Share us with friends

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Old Favorite

2011-03-28T13:49:00.003-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This is one of my favorite snowboard articles I kept from a long time ago. Maybe circa 02'-03 or something. Anyways the reason I share it today is because I feel some people don't really know what it is actually like to be a snowboard "bum" and I always thought this article painted a nice, simplified version of the lifestyle us grungy snowboarders live sometimes. The article resonates a lot with me, because I can relate to it very personally and maybe some other people will feel a connection with it to. Check it out and enjoy!

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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SNOWBOARDER
By: Jennifer Sherowski

Not everyone who rides a snowboard is a snowboarder, but for those who do bear this illustrious title, it's an undeniable way of life. High school ends, and the road starts calling- off to mountain towns and the assimilation into weird, transient tribes full of people who work nighttime jobs clearing toilets or handing you your coffee in the early mornings, all so they can shove a fistful of tips in their pocket and ride, their real motives betrayed by goggle tans or chins scuffed raw by Gore-Tex. In this world, people don't ask you what you "do", they ask you where you work - knowing that what you do is snowboard, just like them and any job you might have is simply a means for it.

Now, this life is not for everyone. You have to take guff at work from rich tourists peddling snobbery; steal furtive nights' sleep on lumpy, odd-smelling couches; take fearful rides down in ski patrol sleds with a broken wrist or blown knee; spending holidays in the stink and sweat of a restaurant job - far from home and family, and of course, surrender carefree college fun in favor of a different rite of passage. However, for those who live it, all this is part of the reward - freedom from the chain-link fence of a nine-to-five and the privilege of being outside in the mountains every single day.

Stay Posi for Japan...

2011-03-18T08:31:00.006-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Hey everybody, as you know there has obviously been a terrible natural disaster over in Japan and global relief and aid is needed very badly, even in a country that is very technologically advanced as Japan, they need all the love and helpful people they can get to save their family and loved ones at this time. Especially our friend Tadashi Fuse, one of the owners of the YES. Snowboards family, who's hometown is very close to where the Tsunami hit. Please send your positive vibes his way and if you can help donate to the relief, please read below on how to.

Thanks and Love.

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The Red Cross has already launched efforts in Japan. Click here for more info or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone.

International Medical Corps is responding to the health needs of the disaster's victims. To donate or learn about other ways you can contribute to its medical response, click here. Also, text MED to 80888 from any mobile phone to give $10.

The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund was launched at GlobalGiving.org to garner funds that will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake. It has already raised over $100,000, particularly from concerned Twitter users around the world.

Salvation Army personnel are organizing efforts in Tokyo and will soon send a team to help the severely damaged city of Sendai, Japan. To contribute to earthquake relief, text 'JAPAN' or 'QUAKE' to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sending two three-person teams to the Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Japan. To learn more about the organization's efforts or make a donation, visit http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

In The Studio

2011-02-28T08:39:00.004-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Here are a few photos of the band in the Studio from last week. Mastering is going down right now, so expect a super post on the songs, once they are ready for the public. We were all pretty stoked on how the songs came out, seeing we were only in the studio for 3 hrs and did only 2 or 3 takes per song. The 3 song demo, will most likely be posted to all the band sites in the coming month...so keep an eye out for this new project unfolding. Cheers!

Road Trippin'

2011-02-21T08:46:00.004-07:00

So I recently finally put together some video of one of my trips across country this winter, from Colorado to Michigan...thought I'd be cool to show what I see along the long ass trip over 2000 miles in distance. So far this winter, I have put 10,000 miles on my vehicle since December, and I have to admit, I'm pretty "over" driving at this point this winter...so I have been keeping it close to the homestead these last few weeks when it comes to traveling for snowboarding. Hopefully we get some more pow where I am at, so I can stack some more footy. Time will tell...but for now, check out the short clip of cross country travel.

Danny is the bomb!

2011-01-17T10:02:00.004-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Hey everyone, recently my friend Danny had a very bad accident on his snowboard and has been in ICU in Montana for a few weeks due to a traumatic brain injury. Thankfully he has been on the road to recovery thanks to the great doctors and staff on hand in Great Falls Montana. If you would like to help spread the love, please feel free to visit the website his brother set up for him to help bring Danny to a full recovery. Thanks everyone for all the positive vibes so far. Get well soon DCT!

Visit:DannyIsTheBomb for more updates on Danny's recovery.

The Mighty Midwest Tour

2011-01-10T16:11:00.006-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So over the holidays I was fortunate enough to get back to the Midwest to par take in one of the funnest starts to my winter season. It's called So-Gnars Mighty Midwest Tour and is a camp that travels around to resorts in the midwest and teaches kids how to get there shred on and have fun. I was on the tour for about a week and rode at 3 locations. Tyrol Basin, WI, Raging Buffalo, IL, and Sunburst Resort, WI. The kids were crazy at every stop and kept me on my game to keep up with them. It probably didn't help that Red Bull is one of the camps sponsors and the little kids were chugging Red Bull by the gallons. All in all though a super fun time and I was stoked to get to meet everyone on the tour and thank everyone for their hospitality along the way. Viva La Midwest! Check out the video below for a glimpse into a day at camp. For more videos of other stops Click Here

Michigan in the Mags!

2010-12-29T17:22:00.006-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So recently Frequency Magazine - The Snowboarders Journal just dropped the new 8.3 issue and they ended up running a story we worked on last time I was home riding in the U.P. of Michigan where I grew up. Pretty stoked on the piece and how it came out. Big ups to my boy Mike R. Thomas for help with the writing and Terry "Ratt" Ratzlaff for shooting photos and everyone involved. So if you want to know more about what Michigan is kind of like for shredding, pick up an issue at your local magazine shop and get out their and make some shred turns. Word!

New York Baby!

2010-12-12T23:50:00.008-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So recently I took advantage of some miles I had saved up on my Delta card, and took a trip to New York City with my good friend Mike. I personally have never been on the East Coast even though I grew up in the Midwest, so I found this as the perfect excuse to visit the Big Apple. When I first arrived I was a bit overwhelmed as this city trumps the rest of the city's I've been too in the U.S., so it took me a second to re-calibrate myself from the vast open-ness of the West. After awhile though, it's actually quite easily to settle in and find a routine and dial something in. The city itself is very colorful and full of life, culture and art. My main reason for the trip was actually to eat food and I did just that. From amazing pizza's at Joe's, to some of the best seafood pasta of my life at the newly opened - Eataly; so good. The list goes on though, bacon wrapped hot dogs, with onions, cheddar cheese and cream cheese, to artichoke and clam pizza; sushi, wings, chinese food and the sorts...it was an endless array of mouth watering food that is making me hungry while I write this. One would think I would have gained about 20 pounds on this trip, but due to that fact that New York is a walk about city, we ended up walking about 5-7 miles a day, so that kept the calories burning from the last meal. Besides eating amazing food though, we also went to some amazing art exhibits and I got to see a huge spectrum of original art work from Salvador Dali, Picasso, Pollock, Van Gogh, Rodin and so on - truly amazing; I have definitely found a new appreciation for these artists of the past. All in all, it was an amazing trip to the huge city, and I will definitely be going back at some point, and hope everyone gets to visit this city at least once in their lives. Just make sure to have a good guide, as it can be somewhat confusing for a new comer, or someone that hasn't spent much time in big cities. Cheers and buon appetite!

The Heroin Diaries

2010-12-01T15:26:00.003-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Have you ever wondered what it's like living the life of a rock star? Have you ever laughed at those celebrity rehab shows and wonder how these people could be addicted to such stupid shit when they have the world in the palm of their hands? Well if these thoughts did cross your mind at one point or another, I suggest picking up and reading - The Heroin Diaries. When I got my hands on a copy I couldn't put the book down once I got rolling.

It depicts a year in the life of legendary rocker Nikki Sixx and his band Motley Crue. It was a time when Sixx was extremely addicted to Heroin and every other drug for that matter (drinking a bottle of Jack Daniel's per day was normal), and re-accounts the horrific tales and debauchery and struggle with addictions. It was like reading the diary of an insane person, and to think that Sixx is alive today is a crazy concept to wrap your mind around. Lots of good extras too, including crazy fucked up art work, old classic party photos and lost lyrics. If you want an unfiltered autobiography of one of the biggest rock and roll bands ever, then The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx will take your hand down to the darkest depths of hell and have you watch in awe as this lunatic torches himself for years with drugs, sex and rock. Check it out, and get addicted.

Getting Old

2010-11-22T01:33:00.005-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So I recently did another interview on Buoloco.com about age and the snowboard industry. If you ever wondered why you never see old guys in the snowboard world I try to shed a little light on the situation. Plus if you want to hear me say the word "like" about a million times, watch the interview to confirm that I am my own pet peeve. Slow, wide turns brother. Check out the interview here: Old people keep talking and talking... Cheers!

Graffiti - Today's Urban Art

2010-11-13T19:42:00.004-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So the other day I went for a typical morning skate session at the local skate park in town, and while I was there I noticed that there where fresh new paint marks around the skate park and in the bowls. After a bit of thought, It occurred to me that they were covering up old graffiti marks that used to adorn the pool walls.

What once was colorful works of art and a form of expression was now a pale gray, lifeless and boring. This concerns me. If not just from a skate boarders stand point but also from an artists standpoint. Graffiti and skateboarding I consider very similar, in that they are both forms of expression and ways for people to circumvent the conventional, but seeing this mainstream influence on two things I enjoy really bummed me out.

I know most people associate graffiti with gangs or whatever, but it started as a raw form of creating something new, just like skateboarding. And now, people are trying to delegate and control two things that should not become mainstream or bled dry.

I personally think, the town should embrace the graffiti and encourage creative, colorful works of art instead of repress it and maybe inspire some people. This might give the skatepark a much more personal feel, rather than just a place to skate.

Check out this article if your interested in this topic more.
County Accepts Graffiti

First Pow Turns of the Season!!!

2010-11-04T09:38:00.002-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

First Trip to the White Room from Shreddy Times on Vimeo.

Interview on Buoloco.com

2010-10-26T21:06:00.005-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Hey everyone, just wanted to share with you a little interview I did on Buoloco the other week. I talk a little bit about the new YES. Snowboards, Nike snowboard boots, and my binding set-up. If you have ever read any interviews on Rodney Mullen the skateboard, he talks about how back around 2007 he started skating switch on his skateboard to get rid of any "preferred stance" and I thought that was a cool idea, so I have been working on that the last winter season, getting rid of my preferred stance which is "goofy" and will be continuing riding switch on a lot of my back country riding and steep lines. Not sure how it will work out, but it's a new challenge, which I am always down for. You only live once! Fuck it.

New YES. Snowboard Website Live!

2010-10-21T17:04:00.006-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Hey everyone, Yes. Snowboards just updated their website for the winter season. It's looking pretty tight. I will be riding for the company for the 10/11 season, and will be part of the extended familia. So watch out for this company to turn some heads again this winter and check out some of the boys in Absinthe new film - NowHere.

Book Review - Love Thy Neighbor

2010-10-06T16:56:00.007-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

This book will put life in perspective. Recalling the tales of the Bosnia war, which was only in the 90's. It depicts the struggles between international politicians, the U.N., reporters in the field, and the genocide that the world let happen, not so long ago...I am surprised schools don't teach about this war in school. It is gruesomely similar to the horrible events that happened during WWII. A really powerful piece of literature...

Paul Gemignani & Friends Summer Living

2010-08-25T16:23:00.006-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

My summer on the West Coast this year was one for the books. Lots of sun, sand, beer and babes. Not to mention lots of driving around in the black car of death, topping out at 5,000 miles in about 2 months. I am fully ready to take it easy this fall now until the first snow fall. Looking forward to not driving all over, and maybe putting down the car keys and pick up a good book. If anyone has some good book ideas, please suggest them below. Otherwise, cheers - to another summer with friends!

Summer stuff coming soon...

2010-08-15T10:58:00.005-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Paul Joins Shreddy Times

2010-07-25T13:36:00.006-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to say I will be partnering up with the crew over at Shreddy Times this winter, based out of Lake Tahoe California. So you will be seeing some video footage and photos coming out of that area of me this winter. It is going to be a nice switch up from Colorado, and I am stoked to be working with the Toumarkine brothers this winter...stay tuned as the season gets closer and make sure to check out SHREDDY TIMES for all your snowboarding needs!

Californication

2010-06-23T13:02:00.008-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So recently I made my way from Colorado to meet up with my good friend Moss Halladay in California before I head to Mt. Hood, Oregon for the summer. We met up in Mission Viejo with my other friend Ian and kicked it for a few weeks on the Cali coast. It was nice to see the open water again, which I don't get in Colorado. The ocean is so awesome, I wish I lived closer to it. Got the chance to surf for a few days in Malibu with buddy Trevor Jacobs. The beach break was gnarly and was breaking at 6 or 7 feet at times and both Moss and I got broke off by waves. After chilling in Cali, Moss and I made our way up the 101 coast to Oregon. Making a few stops along the way in San Francisco to check out The North Face world headquarters, where we checked out what they got brewing in there cubicles. After that, we made our way into Oregon camping along the way...so make sure to check back in a couple weeks to see where the hell we end up next...

Alaska Mini Vid

2010-05-01T09:36:00.007-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So here is some footage put together from the trip to Alaska. My two good friends Moss and Ian traveled to Alaska with me for an event called Tailgate Alaska. Friends, beer, snowmobiles, avalanches, glaciers, eagles, snow, more beer and of course the most insane riding you will ever get to be a part of, ensued for what was an amazingly good time. Enjoy.

ALASKA SuperPOST

2010-04-12T14:50:00.009-06:00

By: Paul Gemigani

So after spending two weeks in Alaska, I made it back to Colorado alive! It was a wild ride and the photos don't do the trip justice, but I hope you enjoy some of the images. If you ever get a chance to go to Alaska, you won't regret it. The place is gnarly and death awaits around every corner, but that's what makes it fun. Look for a video of the trip to Alaska in the next post. Word up.

AK bound...

2010-03-25T09:20:00.005-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Heading to Valdez today with good friends Moss and Ian. Super excited to get on the road again this month and hopefully get some work done on some big mountain Alaska lines. Stay tuned for pics. Word!

Bubbas New Band

2010-03-22T21:01:00.003-06:00

By: Paul Gemignani

When out the other night to check out infamous snowboard shop owner Bubba of Bubbas Boards and his new country band. They did not disappoint and threw down some country licks for a good ol' time at The Summit in Durango, CO. Yeah Bubba!

Utah Trip = POW

2010-03-13T20:35:00.005-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Went to Utah for a short trip to visit friends. Ended up riding 4 days of powder in the Wasatch backcountry. Pure Awesomeness. Heading to AK in a few weeks for more pow. STOKED! Check out the photos and video of the trip...

VIDEO:

Utah Pow from Paul Gemignani on Vimeo.

Back to basics

2010-02-13T19:06:00.004-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Well ever since I broke my elbow off in December, it's been a slow process of getting back into the swing of things with snowboarding; especially the backcountry. In order to take the backcountry on, you have to be in pretty good shape, have your avalanche skills dialed, a good crew and the right conditions. The variables are crazy hard to line up all in a row, and there are many frustrating days in the backcountry - but it's were I feel the most at home on a snowboard. This past week has finally been the start of getting back into the deep snow, and it feels good to be outside again exploring. Go get your own now. Cheers!

SIA Tradeshow

2010-02-07T10:48:00.004-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Some photos from last weeks trade show in Denver. Good times.

Deltron @ Ink Monstr Warehouse

The Rat with one of the Skullcandy girls.

Trouble Andrew throwing down the jams

VIP Bottle service, thanks to The North Face!

Davey

2010-01-28T10:33:00.004-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

I was bored today and thought I would post a video of my crazy friend Dave. This video is from a local rail jam in Michigan called the Jibba Jabba. It's good fun. Enjoy.

Do Work

2010-01-20T07:32:00.005-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

So recently I had to go back home to have surgery on my elbow. Basically I broke the end of my elbow off and had to get a plate and nine screws to attach it back on - not that cool. But it's my first broken bone ever and I have to say that's not too bad for over a decade worth of snowboarding under my feet...many people are not so lucky. But regardless of injury I believe the show must go on. I think there are two ways people can treat injuries. Good or bad. I've decided that I am going to treat this as a good injury and learn from my mistakes. Some people say all things happen for reasons, and I think that's true. The universe has a unique way of unfolding, we as people need to learn how to recognize this and go with the flow instead of fighting it sometimes, otherwise it will come back to fuck us. Anyways just a thought. Even though I'm still laid up, I gotta keep the ball rolling and do work. Stay posi.

Another 1 bites the DUST

2010-01-06T08:40:00.005-07:00

By: Paul Gemignani

Finally, a New Year. I never thought I would see it because it just seemed like 2009 would never end, slowly digging its claws in the ground until the very end. I coined it as my "injury year"for good reason. It started with a broken rib in Canada, torn MCL in Wyoming, dislocated shoulder after overshooting a dumb backcountry jump, and finally an elbow injury in my backyard of Colorado, during the first day of a photo shoot; what a great way to cap the year i must say. After the elbow injury I decided to take a break and fly back home for the holidays and one day I got in a discussion about all my injuries with some friends and how it was the roughest year I've had in a while, and they started going off about how odd years are always like that and how they we're surprised I didn't realize there was this big suspicion about odd years and even years. Apparently odd years suck and even years are good. So if this is happens to be general theory, I hope it's fucking right, because I could use an injury free year with my snowboarding. Either that or winning the lotto would be nice.

X-mas EVEr so Cold

2009-12-24T12:05:00.006-07:00

Today as I sit and write this out, I can't believe Christmas is right around the corner, and i find myself back home again with family and friends. Unexpectedly of course, i wasn't supposed to be here this year and had other plans, but the universe has a way with changing my plans all the time when i least expect them to. So i have found the silver lining on the cloud this time and I am riding it out to see where it will take me this winter. It always seems that i have grand plans to do all these amazing things, until something not really in my control happens and i can no longer fight "fate" so to speak. So this year, I decided instead that I am going to just go with the flow and not stress or worry about anything because there is something bigger than all of us out there I can't explain and we just have to let things roll on as there supposed to. This post reminds me of a great line from a poem i love called - Desiderata. it goes..."and whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding as it should". Happy Holidays.

What the FaCK

2009-11-28T01:13:00.003-07:00

So the first snowboard trip of the year went down this past week. No new snow anywhere in Colorado, but to not work and sleep during the night instead of the day was a breath of fresh air. My packing job was a sore sight for the first trip, with shit flying everywhere in my car, but everything seemed to pan out well. Did a little thing for TV with some friends, rode some new gear, rail jam in the downtown of Denver went well and did some urban photo stuff. All in all a good trip...

...The problem was coming back to reality. After being gone for only a week, that seemed like a month, I find myself back to my typical routine that has defined my living for the last 8 months. I got to thinking...Where the hell did the time go. Is it that easy for us to simply fall back into a comfort zone and forget that there is a world out there full of amazing people, imagery and inspiration. Why are we so conditioned to take what we are given instead of fighting for what makes us happy. I think i need to quit my job.

Week Blaster

2009-11-18T03:50:00.002-07:00

So starting tomorrow, I get my first week off in almost 8 months working. I'm so pumped right now, it's not even funny. Anyways, my buddy Moss flew in today from L.A. and we are heading up towards Breckenfridge this week to hit some jumps and start the snowboard season. I'm looking forward to get my shred legs back under me, catch some air, spray some skiers and test out the new YES. snowboards. Also I will get to see some friends I haven't seen in a quick minute and I think I am doing some rail jam in downtown Denver. It should be fun. Hopefully I don't get lost in Denver...ha.

Launch Pad

2009-11-14T06:25:00.004-07:00

This past week, I was invited down to a show in Albuquerque, NM. The venue was at a place called the Launch Pad, and for anyone who has ever been there before, you will know that the sound system is AMAZING, and is probably the best place to see a show in this area. Anyways, the bands that where playing that night were - The Red Sparowes and Russian Circles. They are two very innovative and amazing instrumental bands, that I have been listening to quite a bit these days, and to finally get a chance to see them play live was awesome. Overall, if you ever get to see these two bands play, you won't be disappointed. Hopefully I will get another chance to see them again down the road, if they decide to do another tour. Big thanks goes out to David Clifford, the drummer for Red Sparowes, for putting us on the guest list. Make sure to check out some of the photos my buddy Mike took of the show. Until next time...Peace.

Mike's Photos - Red Sparowes@ LaunchPad

The Red Sparowes
Russian Circles

Snow Flakes Falling

2009-10-29T00:57:00.002-06:00

So it has actually started to snow in town this week and the snow has been piling up. Until now, I was uncertain how excited I would be for winter but now after watching it snow all night, I can't help but think of all the wonderful times I have had during winter months. There is just something really special about snow that I haven't quite figured out yet, but I have been obsessed with it my whole life. I don't even mind that I have to shovel out my car and sit in it and warm up, I actually get a homelike feeling from it oddly enough. Anyways, it's dark outside right now and Im sitting at this hotel watching the flakes come down, I hope some other people somewhere else are watching it snow too. Welcome winter.

Shrapnel

2009-10-18T23:42:00.002-06:00

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm definitely having one of those weeks. First I woke up to a ridiculous throat sinus death sickness and had to go work. After shivering in cold sweats and throwing up throughout the night, i finally got to go to sleep, but alas! my friend was in town for his twenty first birthday so I had to make sure I was in decent shape to celebrate. After trying to sleep most of my time away with a splitting headache, we went and wrecked some havoc on the town. Following the next day though, in an un-anticipated cleaning of my bathroom, a light bulb blew up in my face and now I wonder if i will be left blind from the shrapnel in the coming days. I hope this week takes it a bit easier on me. Peace.

Cleaning out my closet

2009-10-07T01:24:00.002-06:00

Well fall is officially here, and it's that time of year to get rid of all the old snow gear. Last week, we had a garage sale at the house. It was an interesting time. Some skateboarding, lemonade drinking, brat eating, gear selling and rotation of interesting characters. I can't decide what was more amusing. If it was the pueblo native Americans in the Mitsubishi that bought a beanie and peeled out down the street at about 70 mph hour, only to overheat the engine and break down, or the wizard like man, that couldn't decide on whether he wanted the 3 dollar back pack or the 1 dollar drinking game. ha ha. Good times though for sure. I think everyone at the house agreed it was the best garage sale to ever go down in history. People are still coming by the house a week later, to get the gear they missed out on after we took the garage sale down. Now that's what I call, supply and demand. Peace out.

Absinthe

2009-09-30T03:47:00.002-06:00

So this past weekend I was privileged enough to be invited up to DCP's house in the Vail area for a barbecue and to watch the new Absinthe Movie premiere showing at the Vilar Center in Beaver Creek. It was a good time with tunes jamming, hot dogs and burgers, new people to meet and of course watching an awesome snowboard film to cap the day. All in all, it was a sweet trip and I wish I was still on the road but unfortunately had to get back to work and school. Hopefully though, if all goes well this fall, I will be looking at a winter packed full of pow turns. Just gotta stay the course right now until the snow starts falling.

Autumn to Ashes

2009-09-17T23:14:00.002-06:00

Well it's the end of September now, and the weather is starting to get cold. With the cold comes some changes. Recently we have been having a spider convention at our house thanks to the colder temps and extra rain...it's not too fun walking up the stairs half asleep and seeing a huge ass wolf spider staring back at you. But this happens i guess, I remember my buddy Tim used to live in the basement of his parents house as kids, and it was one of those cold, dark rooms with no windows, which was good for staying up till 5 or 6 am, but bad when it came to spiders. Anyways, fall is getting close and with that I believe we are going to have an early and big winter season.

Back to School

2009-08-31T23:37:00.004-06:00

Wow. School is back again, and it seems like it came pretty quick this time - which i am o.k. with. Stoked on my classes though, some business and art classes, teachers seem pretty rad. Unfortunately I also have to work my 40 hrs a week this fall during school as well, and it doesn't help that it happens to be a graveyard shift. Can you say - 18hr days? shit. Oh well...as Rob and Big say - Do work son! Do work.