Today was International Noboard day. While the official Greg Todds memorial went down in TL last weekend, in Hakuba a small group took to the local hills to honor our friend and Noboard founder Greg Todds.

Heavy snow was in the forecast but sadly a long weekend in Japan left the slopes with many moguls. About a foot had fallen by the time we hit the hill but not enough to kill the bumps. Those moguls rocked me back to my first day on snow.

So with some sound words from Matsumoto of Rapie's Ski and Board shop we headed to a closed ski hill called Highland. This was a great idea and with in an hour we were on top ready to ride. I was stoked to learn Matsumoto noboards and it was really cool he came out and had his first Norope run. Conditions were prime for noroping. I had some great surf inspired moments myself.

After we rode our 4th run we packed it in. We were chatting in the parking lot minding our business when i noticed a sweet Toyota HiAce and wondered who might own it. After about 10 minutes of hanging in the cold suddenly 2 Hakuba locals and barky dog were standing in front of the sliding door. For some reason I had feeling these guys had some noboards and had something special to show. As it turned out they did and really stoked us out with the decks they had brought.

A cool end to a very cool day in Hakuba. Thanks for providing pow for the kids again Geets.

Rapie leads the charge up Highland.

It stormed all day. Here Andy takes one of his first legit Noboard runs.

Marc riding out the piste.

This shrine was at the base and made for a good group shot. To bad Marc and Rapie dress like trees. Me and Andy on the left.

This run was pretty fun. Over the roll provided some challenges.

This is what's Over the roll. What you can't see are some dips and nasty dives.

This is Konna and Taksu. They stumbled out of the van like Spicoli in Fast Times.

There boards were really sweet. Handcrafted all wood and very creative. It was cool to see them out this day.

more pics at facebook