Naku Receives His First Shred Care Package

Antti-Juhani “Naku” Piirainen – the Finish 2007 Snowboarder of the Year – is a man of few words.  He prefers letting his riding do the talking.

Antti-Juhani Piirainen was awarded “The Snowboarder Of The Year” at the Slammer Gaala Awards (a riders poll of the Finnish snowboarding magazine). While  other categories were selected by public voting, the award Naku won was voted on by a special jury of his peers. He was later told that the decision was unanimous!

“I’m speechless from this kind of honor and accomplishment, especially when it could have been any other Finnish pro rider… Jussi Oksanen, Heikki Sorsa, Eero Ettala etc…” – Naku

And now, in 09/10 season, he’ll be sporting Shred goggles and shades. “Naku” signed on with Shred, loving the fact that it’s an athlete inspired brand which caters to the true core shredders out there. He had several other options, but ultimately chose Shred. Their loud style balances out his otherwise reserved demeanor.

We’re stoked to have you on board, Naku! We hope you put in some sick sessions for all of us other mortals who aren’t as lucky as you and can’t quite get as much snow time in as you.

Keep the pics comin’!

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Shred Optics at Boston's Fenway Park

Red Sox fans delight in the Sir Edmonds Shreds.

If that isn’t one of the sweetest dining table views, I don’t know what is.

Thanks for sending in Normand!

Shred’s will be more readily available in the US, with new stores and an online store popping up all over the place.

Make sure to signup to our email subscription to the right so you can find out when and where to find Shred Gear.

The snow looks hella soft, but hey, if you want to hit it in the summer time in the northern hemisphere, Mt. Hood is about as good as it gets. In this video, Shredder Luke Allen looks like he’s in top shape!

Any one else get out there this summer in the north? Let us know and shoot us a comment below!

Mt Hood Edit from Luke “Ocho” Allen on Vimeo.

Shredder Resi Steigler on the Come Back Trail

Author of Story: Doug Haney

Stiegler Q&A: Live from New Zealand

CORONET PEAK, New Zealand (Aug. 12) – Even after two long injury packed seasons, it’s hard to slow down 2006 Olympian Resi Stiegler (Jackson Hole, WY), who is back on snow and training full steam with the U.S. Ski Team in New Zealand.

Stiegler has more or less been sidelined from ski racing since late Dec. of 2007 when she slid off the course at an Audi FIS World Cup giant slalom in Lienz, Austria. While preparing for a comeback the following season, Stiegler hampered her return until February 2009 after breaking her leg while playing soccer.

The long awaited return to the starting gate came at the 2009 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Val d’Isere, France where she was named to the Team as a discretionary pick. It proved to be a good decision by the coaches as the young firecracker ripped to 19th in slalom during her first race in over a year. She aptly celebrated climbing into the stands and getting French President Nicholas Sarkozy’s autograph on her race bib.

With the 2010 Olympic Winter Games on the horizon, Stiegler says she’s back and ready to gun for a spot at her second Olympic Team.

How does it feel to be back on snow?
“It feels great. It awesome to be training back in New Zealand and I’ve really been enjoying being with the rest of the U.S. Ski Team girls. I am super happy with my coaches and they are all really working well together. Trevor [Wagner], Seth [McCadam] and Chris [Knight] have some new stuff that we are working on. It’s going to be a great year.”

What are you goals this year?
“I am at a great stage in my life. I have had a year and a half off, and I am fired up. It is perfect timing for me because I have no pressure really. I have learned a lot, I am happy and I think this is going to be fun season.”

How’s the body feeling?
“Well I have been working out really hard. Ernie [Rimer, USSA Strength and Conditioning Trainer] has had me on a great program this summer and I am feeling great. I am strong and ready to have some fun.”

How does everyone else look in New Zealand?
“I think we have a great technical team this year. Hailey Duke (Boise, ID), Kaylin Richardson (Edina, MN), Jessica Kelley (Starksboro, VT), Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO), Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA), Megan McJames (Park City, UT) and Sarah Schleper de Gaxiola (Vail, CO) are all such awesome teammates. I think we are going rip!”

Stiegler plans to open the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season with the traditional giant slalom on the Rettenbach Glacier in Soelden, Austria on Oct. 24. American fans can see her an the rest of the U.S. Ski Team live at the Aspen Winternational in Aspen, CO – the lone U.S. stop of the World Cup tour – on Thanksgiving weekend.