From Don Watkins via Vimeo:

Recently I had the pleasure of building a Custom 160 Swallowtail Snowboard with board builder Mikey Franco of Franco Snowshapes. Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Franco Snowshapes builds snowboards that represent their riders. Mikey’s 30+ years in the snowboard industry put his skills and knowledge second to none. He knows what shapes ride well, because he probably helped design it, and he knows how to analyze your riding style, because he helped set the standard for teaching snowboarding across the globe over the last 20 years with AASI.

Each board that comes out of his shop is unique. From tip to tail and back around to the topsheet, it’s a board that’s built for you. In this case it was also a board built by me, providing an even deeper personal connection. In addition, we also used Lodge Pole Pine deadfall from Teton Pass for the topsheet, which is one of my most coveted locations to ride in the Teton Valley.

If you live near or plan on visiting the Jackson, Wyoming area, I highly recommend dropping by The Factory on Gregory Lane (1255 Gregory Lane, Jackson, WY 83001 (307) 734-8788). It’s a shop unlike any other where passion for the sport yields the production of some amazing artisanal, revolutionary products. The Factory is also home to world-famous Igneous Skis (igneousskis.com) and Teton Artist Mike Tierney. Just make sure you bring a six-pack of PBR and be prepared to talk snowboards and skis for the next couple hours.