The Winter catalog makes its online debut tomorrow and in grand anticipation we’re pulling back the curtains to give our readers some insight into the collaborative graphic genius behind our 2012/13 Roxy snowboards.

As much as we’d like to say they’re just really cool boards (because they are), there’s a whole lot more heart, thought, tech and creative energy that goes into the boards that are ecologically handcrafted in the USA at the Mervin Factory in Sequim, WA. Today we’re giving you a brief glimpse into the collaboration between Roxy’s own designer Yuhei K., Kyre M., Roxy team riders (including Kjersti Buaas pictured below), and Thomas Sullivan and the rest of the design crew from the LA based design firm National Forest.

We caught up with National Forest and asked them all the tough questions.

As an artist, how important do you think a board’s graphic is, and why?
National Forest: A great graphic can be very important. Snowboarding is about expression, having fun, and feeling great. Being stoked about the look of your whip is a good step in the right direction.

NF designed the 12/13 Roxy snowboard line, can you briefly walk us through the process?
National Forest: Sure thing. The process begins with a lot of “What if we did this?” conversations. We dig up favorite books, posters, pop culture references, old photos, etc., and pool them together for a big mind- -meld of intuitive concepting. We formulate abstract ideas and begin drawing, setting type, or designing with the conversations, references, and specific snowboards in mind. In the beginning we make intuitive marks; then we step back and ask ourselves, “Where is this going? Is this new? Is it good?” We’ve found that this is the best path to create a new vibe that we know we want but can’t quite describe. Our rule of thumb is if we’re uncomfortable with an image it’s good because it’s new and uncharted. As the images take form we meet with Roxy and the snowboarding team, via our friends at Mervin to discuss the progress and invite them to add their contributions to the pool of ideas. We collectively decide which creative paths to follow and then fine- – tune the images. We tweak and refine until the pictures are done and ready to send off to the factory. We all meet at Mervin HQ, located in Sequim, WA (near Seattle), for one final multi-day press check followed by high-fives and beers.

Where do you get your inspiration for the graphics? Do the Roxy team riders contribute inspiration?
National Forest: It is important that each design has a heartfelt expression at its core. We think this level of sharing, risky as it may be, is what allows visuals to resonate deeply and communicate with other folks. These expressions come from the Roxy team, outside artists, or our personal experiences.

Do you think a good board graphic can make you ride better or make your day better, and why?
National Forest: Yes ma’am! I’m stoked on my current set-up and as lame as it may sound, when I feel cool, I ride cool. If you roll to the disco knowing your steez is just right you’re going to strut like a king, look girls straight in the eye, and crush it on the dance floor. The same goes for a day on the mountain.

NF works on a lot of very impressive, national and international campaigns for big brands, are there any similarities in how you approach a national campaign and how you approach designing a snowboard line?
National Forest: There sure are. We work on a lot of self-initiated projects and, as you mention, some big global ones. With all of our projects, big and small, we try to share the same message: “It’s important to experience and share joy, it is important to find time to be in the present, and we can collectively create a ‘cool’ that everyone is invited to enjoy.” We find the message important to remember in our personal lives and are excited when we can help steer big companies (Roxy included) to spread the word.

A few of the 2012/13 designs feature work from prominent artists, can you tell us a little bit about the artists and why you chose them?
National Forest: Sure. There are three contributing artists who collaborated with NF on the 2012/13 line. Two of the artists, Imants Tillers and Michael Nelson Jagamara, are friends of Torah Bright, a shredder on the Roxy Snow team. Torah suggested the two collaborate to create the key image for her signature Eminence C2 BTX board. Thomas, one of the crew here at NF, suggested we reach out to Theo Altenberg for a collaboration on the Banana Smoothie. Theo is a great German contemporary artist who has been making amazing work since the ’70s. He’s also a cool-ass dude.

Do you have a favorite board from the 2012/13 collection and why?
National Forest: I dig the Inspire. I like the simple irony of a rainforest jungle scene with rainbows and tropical birds slashing through the snow. It’s a silly notion but I appreciate the gag. Can you get me one in a men’s 162 wide?

Have any of National Forest’s employees ridden a Roxy snowboard?
National Forest: Not yet. But I’m happy to say we have a new shredder with us who will surely be taking some turns on a Roxy whip come first snow.

Missed our last two countdown posts? Sneak a peek at the catalog press check and get your winter wardrobe fix with the girls from Peepshow Films.

Our upcoming Winter catalog spotlights June Bhongjan and Esthera Preda, the girls behind the lens of the Roxy Wanderlust snowboarding video series. They are masters of cold weather style, so we caught up with them for some winter fashion advice.

You have such unique style, how do you stay stylish in cold weather and snow while also staying warm and dry?
June: I love using warm functional first layers that keep heat in and close to my body, then layering it with a few of my favorite button ups and jackets. Everything else is about wearing a few key statement pieces that are also functional, like bundling up with a thick knit scarf and keeping your clothes dry with a long water resistant parka. It can end up feeling bulky if you do it wrong, so it’s important to invest in some technical first layers (like Roxy’s Tree Trunk layers) and good outerwear. Layering lets you mix and match to create your own personal style.

What inspires your winter style?
Esthera: I could say that my winter style is a mix between street fashion and vintage children’s winter wear. I like my pants and jackets to have modern cuts but I also like to wear big beanies, wool mittens and oversize jackets (the kind your mom would zip up for you in the morning).

Any tips on transitioning your closet from summer to winter?
June: I still wear my favorite tank tops and shorts, but I layer them with fall staples like leggings, scarves, oversize cardigans, flannels or denim button up shirts. If this isn’t enough I throw on my favorite military parka.
Esthera: During winter, I try to give a second life to my summer clothes by layering up. For example, to wear a delicate summer dress, I pair it with a wool sweater, thick leggings and combat boots with warm socks. For me, mixing fabrics and layers is the trick!

How would you describe your off snow style compared to your on snow style?
Esthera: They’re both pretty similar in the way that I like to add layers and wear earth tones. But off snow, I like to experiment a little more. Right now, Roxy’s hi-lo hem pullovers (the Rochester and the Elm) are my favourite. I also really like the Briarwood street jacket because it’s very convenient when it’s time to transition from snowboard clothes to a street style.

Name your all time favorite piece of flare during the winter, and why?
Esthera: Beanies! I’m very picky when it comes to finding the best beanie. When I do find a good one, I keep it for years.
June: I love my red flannel. It’s a classic red and black plaid, but I’ve been wearing it for 6 years now and I haven’t even thought of retiring it.

The mountains will open soon, what fun new style ideas /trends your looking forward to trying out this season? Esthera: I’m excited about all those new riding shirts that combine the look of a flannel over a hoodie like Torah Bright Dusk Riding Shirt. I’ve been wearing flannels over hoodies for years now, but the combination of both into an insulated good fitting shirt seems very appealing to me.

See more styles from June at Boat People’s Vintage

If you missed last week’s Catalog countdown, check it out here!

Roxy’s Lisa Andersen Champ Camp has all water temperatures covered after last week’s camp in the scenic and chilled surf off the coast of Tofino, Canada. From California to Costa Rica and now Canada, the camp has brought together young leading surfers hand-picked by Lisa Andersen for a chance to learn and be inspired by the best.

This two-day experience hosted in the stunning surf town of Tofino and the rainforest nestled cabins of Long Beach Lodge Resort gave 8 of the region’s top surfers an opportunity to train with 4x World Champion Lisa Andersen, preparing them for reaching their goals of becoming professional surfers. Special guest and world-renowned Roxy Surfer Rosy Hodge joined Lisa to provide the girls with expert coaching, video analysis and technical breakdown, and all the necessary tools for surfing success!

The girls kicked off their Canadian surfing adventure with a session and coaching at Cox Bay. The waves were exceptionally large, which upped everyone’s duck-dive count, but once out back, the mess gave way to some proper waves, giving the campers a chance to push each other—and catch a glimpse of Lisa’s and Rosy’s surfing. Technical video analysis and insight from Lisa followed, as did another arm burning surf session. The day of surfing in icy waters was rewarded with one of the biggest perks of surfing in a hood and gloves—the camaraderie of water ninjas jumping into hot tubs to defrost! The next day, the Champ Camp was welcomed with friendly, rippable waves at Chesterman’s Beach, where the campers worked on applying technical feedback from the day before, and improving on what Lisa and Rosy broke down for them. At the end of the day, the girls walked away stoked on so many waves, surfing knowledge, hot tub sessions, and new friends over such a short time. We hope our camper’s love affair with surfing is only just getting warmed up, even if it’s in the coldest of water! Luckily our Roxy wetsuits are fit for warmth.

Thank you for joining us Let The Sea Set You Free finalists Kait Fennell and Alexandra Groot Koerkamp of Canada, along with Sylvie Julien, Hanna Scott, Emily Thicke, Alexa Verstraten, Maria Grant, and Sherah Grant. Keep your eye out for these future champs, and stay tuned for our next Lisa Andersen Champ Camp adventure on the North Shore of Hawaii! #LisaAndersenChampCamp

Photography by:

Robin O’Neill  www.robinoneillphotography.com
Scott Furkay    www.scottfurkay.com

Snow has started to fall in many parts of the country, so riding days are soon here again. We cannot wait to ride the chairlift and cruise the park with our friends. This little gem is the 3rd video in our Wanderlust collaboration series with Peepshow films, and features Roxy snow team riders Corinne Pasela, Erin Comstock, Kjersti Buaas, and Ty Walker. Watch, enjoy, and whet your winter whistle! Don’t forget to stock up on all your Roxy Snow gear.

Crafted for women by women from start to finish, we’ve created a women’s suit built to maximize and radiate warmth where you need it. Added thermo panels and contoured style lines tested and designed to ensure optimum fit and maximum warmth. Get out there and surf longer any day of the year! Shop all Roxy wetsuits.

Roxy Professional Longboarders Jen Smith and Chloe Calmon are jet setting on an experience of a lifetime to surf the Silver Dragon, a tidal bore in Hangzhou, China. This is only the fourth time China has ever allowed anyone to surf in the river, and our very own Roxy girls will be competing in the Silver Dragon Shootout Surf Contest! Chloe’s been lucky enough to surf in the river before, so she knows exactly what to expect and has a head start against the competition, but Jen’s done her research, and it sounds like she’s ready for the adventure! This is one of the most unique surfing experiences we’ve heard of, so we caught up with Jen and Chloe as they were getting ready to leave, and they filled us in on everything we need to know about surfing tidal waves and traveling to China.

Chloe’s Travel Tips and China Tricks

Last year, when people saw me walking on the street with surfboards, they thought I was crazy and tapped me to see if I was real! Ha! This time, I’ll make sure learn a phrase in Chinese that I can explain to them!

I suggest packing comfortable clothes. I know I won’t be leaving without my  1. sun skippers, 2. easy tees, 3. savage dress, 4. a cross body purse , 5. and some easy boots.

I’m also bringing a 1. lightweight springsuit, and my 2. favorite bikinis, for the river. More importantly, the 3. surf essentials for the competition. It’s a must to bring a spare leash in case it snaps and all the other basics including fins, and wax which are easy to forget when packing for a trip. Plus sunscreen and sunnies!

The most important thing to know about before traveling there is the culture. The Chinese have an ancient culture that cherishes small details and gestures, from giving a business card to eating with them. So it`s helpful to watch some videos on the internet about Chinese etiquette and respect!

How to surf a Tidal Wave by Jen

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It’s a brave new winter! Today we’ve launched a new snow site, so be sure to sneak a peek. We’re also excited to unveil a new collab video series with the ladies over at Peepshow Films. This talented filmmaking duo, June Bhongjan and Esthera Preda, met at a snowboard contest in 2008 and bonded over their love for filming, fashion, and snowboarding. They teamed up and created 2 successful films that documented women’s snowboarding the way that it really goes down, with creative verve and progressive riding. Always a supporter of women who are working to redefine the sport, Roxy proposed to join forces and apply Peepshow’s unique vision to Roxy’s team of talented riders. The result is “Wanderlust”, an inspiring collection of videos that roam from urban obstacles to the backcountry, from pipe to park, and showcase the depth and diversity of the Roxy team with a fresh new eye. Follow the series here.

To us, spending the day on the sand and in the sun listening to some amazing live music was the perfect way to spend Labor Day Weekend.  So it was no wonder when Pacific Festival: The Dunes completely rocked our Sunday!  With great live acts from Poolside,  Yacht, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and the funky Mayer Hawthorne and up-beat DJ sets from Bag Raiders, Cosmic Kids, and DJ Metric, we were dancing all day in Newport’s scenic back bay.

To really round out the music festival spirit, Roxy set up amazing beach tents and teepees for concert-goers to DIY their own feather and bead headbands.  Right next to the DIY-ers, spiritual medium Austyn Wells was giving readings in her civil war tent complete with Moroccan rugs and patterned stools.

Roxy team rider, Jen Smith, stopped by to hang out for the festival and help throw out bright, neon-pink ROXY beach balls into the crowds.  We have to give her all the credit for one of our favorite moments of the day, too:  throwing the huge blow up ROXY swan into the crowd and watching it fly around while music fans listened to Poolside.

Look Groovy, Feel Rad and Shred Hot – That basically sums up the Kassia Meador wetsuit collection, designed by Kassia Meador with fit, form and fashion in mind, and more importantly designed by Kassia for women and fancy footwork fanatics like her everywhere. Between the neoprene, neon, and cuts, we’re sure that these are more than just your average surfing suit. We dig it – don’t you?

For more behind the wetsuits, we suggest you check out Kassia’s slideshow where she details the inspiration behind her 4^th wetsuit collection for women, her drawings, designs, and the color inspiration behind the suits.

Here’s a snapshot taken this morning of USA Olympian Lolo Jones getting ready to paddle out in her K.Meador wetsuits. We’ve got a major crush!

Want even more? We’ve been obsessing over our Pinterest boards and have dedicated an entire board to all things Kassia. Trust us, there’s plenty to pin if you combine her wetsuits, her fancy footwork in the water, photography and friends. Get on board…

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Roxy had a great time in Virginia Beach last week for the 50th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championship.

We played spin the wheel all weekend long, giving beach goers a chance to win the perfect beach essentials including beach balls, Roxy sunnies, and screen printed Roxy beach tanks of their choice. On the menu of options they could pick from: ‘Stoked’, ‘Hot Beach’, and of course ‘I Heart Surfer Boys’.

Beyond the games on the beach, there was plenty of action in the waves. Team riders Chelsea Tuach of Barbados took 1st and Nikki Viesens of Florida took 2nd in the Women’s Pro, meanwhile Vanina Walsh of Hawaii made her mark in the SUP Division taking 2nd place. It was a great week in Virginia Beach for Roxy, sea ya’ next year ECSC!