In 1977, Pete Saari and Mike Olson co-founded Mervin Manufacturing, the company which builds the Lib Tech, Gnu, and Roxy products that are so highly regarded in our culture. It is the longest running snowboard manufacturer in the United States and most importantly, it is company of riders that stand by what they create. Pete has played a tremendous role in crafting where snowboarding is today and it is our pleasure to share his words and philosophy in “The Way I See It.”
Originally featured in Snowboard Magazine 11.1: The Product Collection
The Slide
Snowboarding at its most basic level is the joy of a slide on frozen water. Humans love to slide and take their brains and bodies on exciting and occasionally dangerous thrill rides. With that primal urge as the foundation of our sport we’re going to be in good shape for a long time. A simple testament to the power of the frozen thrill ride is the fact that Mike Olson and I have spent our entire lives improving and perfecting the stand-up sled they call a snowboard. It started when we were kids with dreams of making something “rad” and riding it. Through twists and turns, challenges, hard work and the kind of ridiculous dedication that comes from facing more “real” options and identifying that the pursuit of sliding toys was the only answer, we’re still at it. The slide is a powerful force.
Snowboards as Art
Building non-functional or semi-functional snowboards is always a good time. More fun than that is building snowboards that make snowboarding easier and more fun. Opening doors to progression is what our Lib Experimental Division and Gnu Weird Science crew are all about. I love our Mervin snowboard kitchen, the crew and the process and no one turns an idea into a rideable object faster. Thanks Mike, Jeff, Steven Cobb, Pos, Jeff and all the craftsmen.
Snowboarding is Life
Snowboarding is life now… when I was a kid it was an “extreme sport”, mainstream media rage… that white, hot heat has mellowed a bit, or maybe it’s even hotter. Snowboarding is no longer a novelty. It’s integrated into the fabric of society. It’s real; boards work better, boots fit better, bindings are more comfortable and there are many aspects and angles you can participate in. There’s something for everyone. This is the best time I’ve ever seen for snowboarding.
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Photos courtesy of Mervin Manufacturing
Life is What You Make It
There have never been more options for a good time in snowboarding than now: 70-year-olds, groms, teens, pros, rad dads, splitboarders, post- holers, urban Midwest skate-focused, shred schools, camps, Olympics, X Games, backyards, golf courses, downtown, travel destinations, freestylers, freeriders, weekenders, mid-weekers, night shred, groomers, park, woods, trees, steeps, DIY, high roller, summer season, mid-winter, spring, etc… Keep it 0°, 90°, or Zeach the crap out of it; it’s metal and probably dangerous.
