If you asked me two years ago if i thought there would be a day when at least 40 new snowboard companies would launch, i would say; no way, never again, can't happen. It looked like the big companies had won. Bastards!

But not so fast! Within the past year we have seen a fury of resurgance from the little guy. I don't know who's to blame for this new wave of brands. Hopefully the public demanded it. I mean, did the entire industry forget the 90's already? Are we that stupid. Or, are we really smart. I hope the latter.

In 1997 everyone claimed, "wait and see, in 5 years there will only be 8 brands on the market." Everyone had their guesses as to who would make it and who wouldn't. But look at our sport now. HOLY SH**!. Vegas is gonna go off this year. SIA is claiming a sell out (doubt thats true) and ASR is showing snow! This winter is gonna be big.

Finally we have a new media presence on the block. I've seen Snowboard Mag's first issue, and i have to say it's solid. Excellent photos, great editorial, and a good balance of core companies investing. Can the industry sustain 3 mags? I don't think so, but i also don't think the Snowboard Mag will go away.

And why not a new mag? No corperate ownership, industry vetrans at the helm, a great new idea. Sounds like a good package to me. It gonna be fun to see how the industry reacts.

So the stage is set. Time to sit back and enjoy the show!