The Tailgate Alaska X Never Summer graphic contest is officially a wrap. The winning design, titled, ‘First Blood / First Tracks’ was created by Chuck McLean, and will be produced as a limited edition Never Summer snowboard. Based on the brand’s Raptor shape, the board will be available in 159, 164, and 169, and can be found exclusively through http://worldfreeridefestival.com

“Chuckʼs graphic was mean, bad ass and all- American,”  — Never Summerʼs Vince Sanders

Congrats Chuck!

Never Summer Winner

 

Valdez, Alaska – November 13, 2013 – The Tailgate Alaska X Never Summer Graphic Contest came to a close on November 5, 2013. More than 45 graphics were submitted and 5,500 votes cast. The top three graphics were chosen by popular vote and left to a jury of Tailgate Alaska and Never Summer staff to choose the winning design.

The Top 3 graphics, in order of popularity were Cherryville, B.C.ʼs Erin Foggoa, Rye, New Hampshireʼs Chuck McLean and South Lake Tahoeʼs Michael Miller.

It was clear that all of the graphics were designed by graphic professionals, and the final decision was tough, but in the end, Chuck McLeanʼs First Blood / First Tracks won, with 4 of 7 votes from the designated jury.
According to Never Summerʼs Vince Sanders, “Chuckʼs graphic was mean, bad ass and all- American,” (not unlike Never Summer.)

According to Tailgate Alaska founder Mark Sullivan, “I was blown away by the amount and quality of the contributions. Erin, Chuck and Michael have a lot to be proud of and are very talented artists. That is why each will receive an All Access ticket to Tailgate Alaska. Chuck McLeanʼs design felt the most complete, where the top and base were perfectly matched, with the branding integrated seamlessly and represented the raw reality of Alaska. It was really a tough decision and much closer than I had imagined at the outset of the contest.”

The winning design, ʻFirst Blood / First Tracksʼ will be produced as a limited edition, based on Never Summerʼs popular Raptor shape and will be available in 159, 164 and 169 – and will be available exclusively through http://worldfreeridefestival.com. Each board will be shipped with a matching Air Force Survival Knife from the Ontario Knife Company (also made in America) – a useful addition to any backcountry pack.

Tickets to the seventh annual Tailgate Alaska, March 28 – April 6, 2014 are available now online. Among other benefits, Tailgate Alaska offers multiple on-site rescue teams, direct unlimited backcountry access and free daily snow science classes. This year Tailgate Alaska will add nightly seminars given by industry veterans and snow safety experts, who will share their experience with participants of the event.