Words: Dave Lee / Photos: Arlie John Carstens

First Three Days

Long flights and jetlag mark the beginning of what is turning out to be an amazingly fun, at one moment scary, and now hilarious tour. We began the shred tour in Osaka visiting three of Signal's accounts and hanging with local riders before heading up to Mt Hachi Kogen. Day one of shredding (most of the photos you see here) started out great, lots of little jibs, jumps, and grass rides to be had. Jake was killing this stick jib, Peter was throwing out methods that were reminiscent of the great Craig Kelly, Spencer was wowing the Japanese with his smooth style, and Hammer, well Matt was shredding everything.

Later on in the day there was talk of riding across a grass patch about a football field in length. As all of us headed toward this patch with full speed, Spencer carried the most speed and was mocking across the patch when he hit some wood stairs about five feet from the end, and edged out which sent him flipping into them. There was a moment where we were all worried for our brother, but after Spencer told the ski patrol not to cut his jacket off because it was brand new and getting an "all clear" from the doctors, we knew he would be alright. It's nuts how much a body can take. Spencer is a bit sore, but recovering nicely and will probably be shredding at our next stop at Mt Takasu.

Check out Signal Snowboards Japan Tour: Day 4, 5 and 6

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