We're often asked the question: "So what's so great about a Yankee Snowboard?"

First we need to give credit to few individuals. The first two are Ryan Lenhardt and Scott Duff. These two individuals were the inspiration that really got the whole idea of building a "better" snowboard going. It all started with a trip to Bear Mtn., I was suppose to go skiing with my wife and friends, when Scott, my nieces boyfriend, who at the time was 19 said, hey Steve you should try snowboarding. I responded by saying I don't have a board. He replied "here try my old one". I tried to weasel out of it by saying I don't have any boots. Then Ryan who was my daughters boyfriend said "here Steve I have an extra pair of boots". In my mind I immediately thought I was screwed, plus this was a for sure way of killing myself. The truth is I did get hurt and a concussion to boot but the bottom line is I had a great time.

I started asking questions about how Snowboards were made, I was pretty amazed that most of the boards out there were all simply made out of wood and laminated with glass. Then the concept came. I took on the idea of using different materials that I learned from my 25 years in Polymer Engineering. This experience came from working with such companies such as Mattel, Rainbird, and Hoyt USA. I came up with the Tri-Sectional Polymer Core Design. I threw out all the wood BS and started perfecting the design using concepts which I learned in Polymer engineering.

So what makes a Yankee Snowboard different than a traditional woody board?

Perfecting the concept and finding the right materials for a Tri-Sectional Polymer Core was difficult at best. Then after all the design work was completed I had to have the board tested. I was fortunate to have met James Tuschall, Nick Kavass, and Andrew Bowman who really put the design to the test. The truth is that the first prototypes were unbelievable in performance but the life of the boards fell way short of my expectations. Design after design was tested, these guys beat the crap out of these boards. One by one the boards started to improve to the point where the performance was better and the boards held up to what these guys could put them threw. I had the pleasure of giving speeches at SPE Society Of Plastic Engineers on subjects Like Nano Composite Nylons and various other High Tech engineering resins.

I have worked with various companies which have engineered Polymers for various high tech applications. New materials such as Nano Composite Polymers, Filled Engineering Resins and reinforced Polymers are just a few of the current materials I am now working with.

So what does all this High Tech stuff mean?

I've always been involved in extreme sports dating back to early 70s when I started surfing and water skiing. I was even lucky enough to have performed at 5 years old at the San Marcos Boat and Ski Club in 60s. My love for BMX, Surfing, Motocross and later Snowboarding always created a desire for better equipment and better materials. I guess you can say I wanted find the right sh*t and not the Bull Sh*t.

I was then introduced to James Tuschall, who in my opinion is one of the best ass kicking gravity defying Snowboarders out there. James was the guy who put Yankee Snowboards to the test. At 6'2" and weighing in just over 200 lbs. James defies gravity better than anyone I know. He pushes the limits of our boards. Yea I have all the Engineering knowledge and lab test on what should and/or what shouldn't work, but the proof is if it doesn't work up on the Mountain with James then it's all BS to me. I Personally I think he's one of the best underrated snowboarders riding today. James is the flying demolition man and puts the real test to our boards. James introduced me to two other great talented riders who live in Mammoth Lakes CA. Orion Ayala and Nico. These two guys are the rail specialist of our sport, I don't know anyone else better. These two guys are responsible for inspiring me to design the Yankee Noodle. It is a light, very responsive and unbelievably flexible snowboard design. It also incorporates the Tri-sectional design but tailored to Park riding and rails.

So why are Yankee Snowboards different?

• 1. Tri-Sectional Core Design. Carefully designed radiuses and polymer inlays for the nose and tail. Aerospace grade carbon correctly placed in high stress locations to improve riders response. Not layed there to look pretty for you.
• 2. Polymer Core Technology. Bi-directional and uni-directional carbon are correctly aligned to enhance rider lift for greater amplitude.
• 3. Composite strategies that really work. We don't use feel good marketing "Carbon Jargon".
• 4. Collective Design By Riders who ride for performance not greenback and popularity.
• 5. Dedication to Outlaws. The Parking Lot Rat who spends his last buck on a board he's going to ride and beat the shiz out of and having no idea where he or she's going to have the bucks to buy another one.

As a Polymer Expert I've worked with many large companies trying to solve engineering problems. Please don't be BS'd by the marketing crap out there. Just because some engineer with a name like Hans Weinerheimer was hired to design and say something to make you think this or that board is for you, remember it's your buck don't spend it on his marketing BS. Remember I've been around many applications where an engineer says something like we need more of this property. The truth is he was completely wrong, remember he gets payed a lot of money for his BS degree and you shouldn't have to pay for it too. The truth is what was really needed was less of one thing, and more of something else.

Tri-Sectional Technology.

This technology simply stated keeps your board from hitting the wall. Most boards which have a wood core have a unibody construction, their cheaper and faster to build, sometimes they come wrapped with pretty carbon bows just so you will buy it.

Remember I already have a real job. I only build boards that perform to my satisfaction, Why? because I love to ride. If you want one you can actually call me, but first please checkout our Build your own Board section. I would be more than happy to build you a board that really works and if it will make you feel good, I will sign it to.

Steve