After two years riding on the Volcom board project, legendary Austrian rider Gigi Rüf has launched his own brand of snowboards: SLASH by Gigi.
"From early on in my pro career I have had an interest, and fortunately an opportunity, to design the boards that I rode," explains Rüf. "The very essence of my pro models has been about creating a medium in which to express my personality."
And personality he does have. The past 10 years have seen part after insane movie part with Absinthe Films and even a movie of his own: "9191." Not only will the boards represent Rüf through inspired artwork and unique design profiles but they will "facilitate the highest demands of quality through a quiver of boards constructed with a new level of precision," says Rüf. Swiss manufacturer Nidecker will be pressing the snowboards.
Joining Rüf will be part-time international male model Johnny Paxson, who will receive a park focused pro model. Rüf's board, the ATV, will maintain a cambered design profile. "I need camber simply because it's responsive and powerful," explains Rüf, "which is very important to the way I ride."
Rüf will still retain Volcom as his street and outerwear sponsor.
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