Nikita Chickita USA 2010 went down on Saturday February 20th at Brighton, Utah. What lay ahead was a super fun day and everyone who made it had a great time. A total of 46 girls showed up to be part of this year's event and some amazing riding led to the following shredsters making the finals:

Top ten AMs:

Jessica Jensen
Midori Oatari
Anouck Gran
Lauren Weibert
Ariel Freidman
Renae Palma
Halo Wilson
Jessi Higgi
Kirra Kotsenburg
Oliyvia Weston

Top ten PROs:

Lynn Niell
Colleen Quigley (Nikita)
Steph Luxton
Lajawn Allen
Ashley Thornton (Nikita)
Kaitlyn Farrington (Nikita)
Gabby Maiden (Nikita)
Kara Rennie (Nikita)
Paige Rainear
Sandra Hillen

The surprise of the day was seeing winner of the AM division, 17 year old Jessica Jensen go on to win the PRO category as well!! This has never happened before and Jessica is definitely going to be a name to watch. She was hucking some super clean back 5's which earned her the win and becomes a proud member of the Nikita Team with a one-year sponsorship deal. She totally rocked it! The Brighton staff did justice providing a great course. It had a variety of five different rails and boxes at the start leading to two 20 foot kickers in a row on to a wall ride finish. Long and challenging, but super fun!

Nikita Team rider and NC USA regular Colleen Quigley took 3rd again in the PROs category, consistently throwing huge back flips throughout the day. Another highlight was Paige Rainear getting tech on the rails with front board back one's and gnarly nollie back tails.

Thanks to the judges on the day, including Madison Blackley (Nikita Team rider), Ana Van Pelt (Niche Snowboards), Kory (Arkade Magazine) and Marty (Park Digger at Brighton). Each judged a particular category either looking at Style, Technicality, Amplitude or Landing. Madison "had a blast judging. It was very fun being on this side of the competition. I got to see really rad tricks that I normally don't see being so focused on the competition.”

Well done to all competitors that took part in Nikita Chickita 2010. Here are the results: Winner AMs:

1st Place - Jessica Jensen, Idaho
2nd Place - Midori Oatari, Japan
3rd Place - Ranae Palma, Massachusetts

Winner Pros:

1st Place - Jessica Jensen, Idaho
2nd Place - Lynn Neill, Utah
3rd Place – Colleen Quigley, Massachusetts

Following her win, this is what Jessica had to say; "It was my first all-girl event and I had so much fun! The jam format took all the stress away from the comp and that was great.”

Other riders included Alice Gong (Winner Nikita Chickita USA 2008), Gabby Maiden, Kaitlyn Farrington, Kara Rennie plus Ashley Thornton who commented that "All in all it was an amazing contest!” and Colleen Quigley, "You guys killed it, the event was awesome and super fun.” The youngest competitor on the day was Kirra Kostenburg, just 13 years of age and tearing the bag!!

Following on from the day's contest, everyone got loose at the Canyon Inn. A whole bunch of dancing and drinking took place in true Nikita fashion. A bunch of prizes were given away in a dance-off which led to some pretty impressive moves on the floor!

Hope to see you all again next year!!

Source: www.nikitaclothing.com

With just over a month to go, we're already looking forward to Nikita Chickita Europe 2010. The date was set a while back now and lest you forget, make sure the 10th April 2010 is fully penned in your diaries! Last year's event was rocking thanks to an assortment of characters and nationalities who made the trip to compete, judge, ride and made it what it was.

Nikita Chickita is a chilled out and friendly all-girls slopestyle snowboard contest. An open invitation allowing both unknown and established riders of all ages to bust out their moves on the mountain during the day and party like there's no tomorrow at night!

The contest is split into womens and juniors who compete in qualifying rounds before the best are chosen to battle it out in the finals. Juniors placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd will be awarded with a full to the brim goodie bag, whilst in the womens contest, the winner rides away with a one-year Nikita sponsorship. Stuffed goodie bags along with €1000 for 1st, €500 for 2nd and €250 for 3rd also await the top three women. Last year Sweden's Cecilia Larsen had a triumphant win at the first Nikita Chickita Norway event, which meant as part of her prize she got to compete at Nikita Chickita Europe – she succeeded there too and victory was hers along with a one-year sponsorship with Nikita.

Pre-registration for Nikita Chickita Europe 2010 can be made by e-mailing michelle@nikitaclothing.com – please supply your full name, age and date of birth, contact telephone number, address and e-mail. Any riders with sponsors please state who they are. You will also need to confirm your registration on-site at the Serfaus ticket office with the Nikita ladies either Friday 9th from 15:00 – 17:00pm or on Saturday 10th April from 08:00 – 09:00am where you will collect your lift pass and participant goodie bag. Event schedule

08:00 – 09:00 – Registration at Serfaus Ticket Office
09:00 – 10:30 – Open practice on the slopestyle course
10:30 – Riders meeting on the mountain at the Chill Out area next to the course
11:00 – Qualifying Heats (Womens and Juniors)
12:30 – 13:00 – Lunch break and course re-shape
13:00 – 13:50 – Juniors Finals
13:50 – 14:00 – Course re-shape
14:00 – 15:30 – Womens Final
21:00 – Prize Giving and party begins!! The Patschi Bar

Source: www.nikitaclothing.com

Whether women are ice skating, skiing, playing ice hockey, snowboarding, or simply running on the treadmill at home, the right support is important to fully enjoy all winter activities. Simply walking on ice and through snow can be stressful for women's limbs and requires the right support to help prevent injury and fractures, such as the specially-designed braces crafted by Wellgate for Women.

"From cross-country skiing to speed skating, active women should have the best support possible in order to perform at their best,” said NYC Physical Therapist, Megan Barclay. "Winter sports can be utterly brutal, and Wellgate's braces and supports can give women the edge they need to win, or just have a good time, on the slopes and in the rink.”

Braces and supports made for men simply don't do the job, as women's bodies respond to stresses and pressures differently as a result of different body structures. For instance, women are more susceptible to ankle injuries since they have narrower feet than men, and their heels – in particular – are narrower compared to the front of the foot.

"Winter sports such as skating and skiing are all about having the right equipment,” said April Elsinger, Brand Manager for Wellgate. "Our Ultra-Light Knee Support fits comfortably under clothes, is specifically contoured to fit women's bodies and is available in various sizes, included Queen size. We want to see women do their very best and not have to worry about the fit of their equipment.”

"Women need support for their wrists, ankles, and knees and we provide special braces and supports for all three,” said Elsinger. "From snowboarding to curling to simply surfing the internet, we've got women covered where they need it most.”

Source: www.businesswire.com

World-renowned singer/songwriter/author and pilot Jimmy Buffett, has teamed up with Orange21 to produce a signature line of eyewear for his Margaritaville brand. Launching in key retailers this summer, the premium eyewear line joins the Margaritaville products that include all of the essentials for the tropical escape lifestyle.

The collaboration with Orange21 was a natural choice for Margaritaville, "America's leading lifestyle brand.” Jimmy Buffett has personified the aviator/adventurer for three decades and his evocative lyrics and lifestyle have inspired a cross-generational following. The Margaritaville concept translates vividly into attire, foods, spirits, and party/tailgate essentials; attracting a diverse customer base that enjoys bringing Margaritaville with them wherever they go.

Orange21 is a premium producer of eyewear. Based in Carlsbad, California, the Orange21 brands – SPY Optic and O'NEILL Eyewear - have become market leaders in both style and quality. The addition of the Margaritaville Eyewear line to its growing stable of brands is another great story from the people who invite everyone to "Live Through Our Lens.”

"Orange21 is honored to be producing this line of eyewear for Jimmy and for Margaritaville. Jimmy's life work continues to touch so many people and has basically defined the notion of FUN for all the right reasons. That's the kind of friends we like to hang with!” says Stone Douglass, CEO of Orange21. "Adding Margaritaville Eyewear to our lineup is a continuation of our multi-branded strategy at Orange21 and we look forward to continued success as an expanding and authentic leader in the lifestyle eyewear market.”

Look for this premium line of eyewear to be a featured player this summer at Margaritaville and with Jimmy on his 2010 "Under The Big Top Tour.”

Source: www.orangetwentyone.com

The color orange is symbolic of much of life itself; bold, fiery, unique and sometimes blinding, a color that ignited a group of active friends in Southern California to re-invent eyewear. Their vision was orange and a single thought rang true: "it's not seeing different things; it's seeing the same things differently.”

Spy Optic was created by a group of action sports and motorsports enthusiasts who immersed themselves in the culture they knew best. Key founders Mark Simo, Brian Simo and Beaver Theodosakis saw what was on the market for eyewear in 1994 and wanted to make sunglasses better. As authentic, well-connected action sports entrepreneurs, their unbridled enthusiasm for reinventing modern eyewear attracted the world's best athletes from motorsports, surfing and snowboarding. Spy's athletes became a huge and influential part of the Spy family and the team's mojo combined with Jerome Mage's innovative design sense helped fuel the brand's rapid growth.

A world-class roster of athletes helped shape, build and lay a foundation for the Spy brand. Snowboarders Shaun Palmer, Victoria Jelouse, Marc Frank Montoya, David Carrier-Porcheron, surfers Sunny Garcia and Malloy brothers, BMX rider Jamie Bestwick, motocross sensation Jeremy McGrath, skateboarder Danny Way, NASCAR drivers Richard "The King” and son Kyle Petty, Indy Car superstars Christian Fittipaldi and Paul Tracy. Spy team riders are not only elite athletes, fun personalities, but also key influencers in the development and design of its technical products for sunglasses, motocross and snow goggles.

Spy's design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but continues to push the technological limits in eyewear. Spy's innovative patented Scoop® technology revolutionized its sport sunglass frames. The Spy Scoop® venting system combats lens fogging by promoting airflow between the lens and the wearer's face. This system was such a success; its technology was seamlessly integrated and applied to its snow and motocross goggles. Spy's polarization treatments superseded existing eyewear standards with its premium injected Trident polarized lenses. The lenses effectively eliminate more than 99% of blinding glare for precise, unobstructed vision. Spy's ground-breaking technological advancement of the all new patent-pending dual Mosaic® lens in the Apollo snow goggle uses a proprietary anti-fog and anti-scratch lens that offers brilliant and maximum peripheral vision with nominal profile. Its one-of-a-kind lens technology is the most advanced on the market today.

To continue to push the envelope for exceptional excellence and standards, in 2005, Spy acquired LEM S.r.l., a high quality sunglass and goggle manufacturer in Varese, Italy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orange 21 Inc., the parent company of Spy Optic. A majority of Spy's sunglasses are hand fabricated at LEM S.r.l., which has crafted premium eyewear for Spy and other superior eyewear brands for over 15 years. Spy Optic's products are unique and the development is original. Each sunglass and goggle's roots can be traced from original sketch to finished product.

Live through our lens…

Source:www.spyoptic.com

Carlsbad, California based Orange21 has embarked on a mission that mixes passion, fashion and pride with innovative survival instincts and it's beginning to pay off…

With a 15 year pedigree in action sports related eyewear with its SPY Optic brand, Orange21 has defined itself as a top-selling leader in both design and quality of product while establishing a position as an authentic participant in the culture of Action Sports.

Like the culture of athletes and competition that spawned the SPY brand, it's never enough to just be on top. The need to grow and evolve is more than a bottom line for Orange21. The viral urge to push the limits is now taking shape on a massive scale, positioning Orange21 as global leader in lifestyle eyewear.

"Our strategy is very simple,” says Stone Douglass, CEO of Orange21, "We have a platform of authenticity in both eyewear production and brand image – Now we're sharing! And everyone likes a friend who shares.”

Simply put, Orange21's strategy for growth relies on its superior, market leading design and manufacturing ability balanced with an evenly calculated approach to markets. "We are choosing partners with supplementary market share and consumer values,” says Brand Manager, Matthew Harkins. "Our goals for growth as a company mandate both sustainability when entering new markets and the sensitivity to further the partnerships we've already established. Orange21 is taking a very conscious approach to new brands, ensuring lateral expansion in eyewear markets to avoid oversaturation. The resonant message in all our expansion is Authenticity.”

Orange21's authentic approach can be seen in its global success with the SPY brand. Recognized globally as a market leader, SPY stands to benefit from this new expansion in numerous ways. "Our multi-brand approach gives us new and deeper stories to take to retail,” says Erik Darby, VP of Sales. "Our strategy for growth allows us to mean more to our existing customers, and provides multiple platforms to sell into new types of retail. Whichever of our brands opens the door to new growth, the others have a chance to follow.”

This strategy of growth began to play out with the addition of the O'NEILL Eyewear license in September 2009. When the Company who has defined so many core traditions in surfing for the past 58+ years chooses a partner in eyewear, you can bet they wanted the best. Following that came the release of the Jimmy Buffett/Margaritaville Eyewear line announced just this week. Jimmy Buffett, world-renowned singer/songwriter/author and pilot continues to touch people's lives across all cultures and generations. Look for more "Icons” to join the growing list of Orange21 brands shortly.

As a balancing act to the fragile retail economy, brands are looking for the right ways to grow without alienating their retailers or consumers. By branching into markets and distribution channels that have little conflict, Orange21 has laid down a platform for growth that is symbiotic and pro-business. Best of all it's a platform that has room to grow as the heavy door of this recent economy prepares to swing towards opportunity.

Source: www.orangetwentyone.com

SteelSeries, a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, today announced sponsorship of the 28th Annual U.S. Burton Open Snowboarding Championship at Stratton Mountain, Vermont, March 16-21, 2010. To kick-off the excitement for this year's event, SteelSeries is teaming up with Volvo to offer snowboarding fans a chance to Win a Trip to the 28th Annual U.S. Burton Open.

"We're excited to sponsor the U.S. Burton Open again this year and for the first time, offer an opportunity for fans to win a trip and experience the excitement of the championship event”, said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. "We believe in supporting events and professionals with the best quality products that gives players an edge and helps them to win. Just like the professionals and even the amateurs competing at the U.S. Burton Open, SteelSeries believes that Winning is Everything”.

"Snowboarders and gamers really have the same competitive mentality, to have fun, play hard and win. We're thrilled to work with our sponsors, SteelSeries and Volvo, to bring a lucky fan to this year's U.S. Burton Open. They'll get a chance to see firsthand that for these boarders, winning is everything,” said Nick Sargent, Director of Alliances at Burton Snowboards.

SteelSeries will be showing off the newest gaming gear including headsets, mice, keyboards and mousepads as well as hosting professional vs. amateur head-to-head video game tournaments throughout the weekend inside the SteelSeries Sponsor Village tent.

Enter to win an all access trip to the U.S. Burton Open Snowboarding Championship at http://www.steelseries.com/2010burtonopen! One lucky winner will win a trip for two to Stratton Mountain, Vermont and VIP treatment including roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, all-access VIP Tickets to the tournament and events, cash to spend, and ground transportation in brand new Volvo vehicles throughout the weekend!

Source: www.businesswire.com

The $25,000 Cholula Triple Air returned to Mountain High for its 12th straight year and Trevor Jacob put on a "saucy” display, impressing the judges with his 900s and switch variations. Competitors included names like Ian Thorley and Tyler Flanagan, and the start list was filled with riders from as far away as Colorado, Vermont, and even Norway.

The event took place at Mountain High's East Resort with a modified set up that consisted of two launch jibs, a 50 foot step down, and a ginormous hip that was throwing riders 20 feet in the air. This was a change from the traditional "three-jump” set up but competitors found the course challenging and fun. Riders were easily sticking one or two of the features but only the top competitors were able to nail all three cleanly. In the end it became a battle for first between Trevor Jacob and, last year's winner, Daniel Toumarkine, with Jacob coming out on top. Trevor received $10,000 in cash, a giant bottle of Cholula, and enough Monster to keep him riding until next year's event.

In the Women's division, Stacie Anderson from Lake Tahoe successfully defended her 2009 Triple Air title, edging out Mountain High team rider, Nirvana Ortanez. And Lars Ellington from Mt Baldy took top billing in the skiers division by wowing the judges with his huge 1080s and enormous airs over the bottom hip.

Says John McColly, Director of Marketing, "This is actually the 2nd time we've held the Triple Air at East. The last time was maybe 10 years ago when Neal Drake from Big Bear won. We all agree the East Resort is the better venue from both the competitor and spectator aspect, but it took a snow year like this one to make it a reality.”

The Triple Air has become a staple at Mountain High with its amazing aerial displays and this year was no different. Special thanks goes to Cholula who is already talking about increasing next year's prize purse, and presenting sponsors, Monster Energy and Powder & Sun Ride Shops.

Source: www.mthigh.com

World Champion Snowboarder Axel Pauporté has embarked on a new venture, using his inspiring story and experience to help executives in a new business and personal development training program launched in Australia this week called The Nature of Success.

In The Nature of Success program, Axel Pauporté uses the tools he has learned and developed through international sporting success to work with participants and show how to achieve success in both professional and personal lives.

The program takes 12 executives for five-day intensive retreats on either a snow-covered mountain or beside the ocean. The retreats are designed to introduce executives to a seven-step executive development program that will help them refresh their own sense of purpose and direction, foster balance between their professional and personal lives, and achieve success they can enjoy - both at work and at home.

The Nature of Success seven-step 'whole-of-life' program is delivered by a team of experienced business mentors, together with world champion athletes. The program combines business mentoring with sports coaching and meditation techniques that have helped create world champions.

Snow Retreats will be held in Japan at Hakuba from 1-5 March and at Niseko from 8 -12 March. Ocean Retreats will be held on the NSW North Coast from 22 - 26 March and a Women's retreat at Noosa in May. Subsequent 2010 retreats will be held at selected locations in Australia, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and the USA (Alaska and Hawaii).

The five-day structured program includes presentations, workshops and individual coaching. This learning environment is combined with a daily routine that includes; outdoor exercise, personal reflection and planning in a distraction free environment.

Retreats will also address the work life balance issues of health and fitness (nutrition and exercise) and their role in helping participants achieve personal success. At the conclusion of the Retreat participants will have developed a plan for success and the daily/weekly routines necessary to achieve this change. They will also have access to a mentor to coach/guide through implementation of the plan.

The Nature of Success team includes:

Axel Pauporté (snow retreats) is a former World Snowboarding Champion who pioneered high-mountain extreme snowboarding in Alaska. Axel gave up his studies in law to establish a successful pro career in snowboarding. From understanding who he wasn't, he set about defining who he was. Axel applies the Nature of Success methodology to inspire others to heightened self-awareness to follow their dreams and achieve success.

Taylor Knox (surf retreats) has been a world class big wave surfer for many years and at 38 he is still in the top ten of World Tour Surfing (WCT). 20 years on, Taylor still holds the world record for the biggest wave (16 metres) ever ridden successfully 'off-the-beach'. At 15 Taylor had a paralysing back injury in a car accident and was told he would never surf again. But he fought his way back to fitness to spend 17 years at the top of the ASP World Tour. He shares the wisdom he has gained from his own experiences of continuing on, no matter how many times he was knocked down. Taylor speaks of hardship as 'strength being earned'.

Jeff Sheard & Ed Riley (Business Mentors) are experienced businessmen who have achieved success in sales and marketing, and in leading sales and marketing teams in Australia and overseas. Before starting their own respective businesses they worked together at Rogen International - a training and consulting company that specialises in high stakes executive communication. Rogen is well-known for its key role in promoting Australia's successful bid for the 2000 Olympics. They also share a life-long love of surfing, and recognise the fresh, practical value of applying elite Athlete Coaching to the learning challenges for individuals in the business world.

Axel Pauporté is in Australia and available for interview on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 February 2010. To arrange an interview or for more media information, contact Erin King on 02 9247 2493 or erin@andersonknight.com.au.

Source: Erin King

Accelar announced today the addition of Northstar-at-Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resorts as ski area and lodging partners for its Reno-Tahoe Ski Vacation package offering, and the launch of 3-day/2-night ski vacation packages. The ski vacation package includes Northstar® or Sierra™ Resort lift tickets, on-site lodging at Northstar Resort or accommodations in South Lake Tahoe,, and transportation to and from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Reno-Tahoe area.

"Northstar and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resorts are popular Lake Tahoe area resorts for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. The varied terrain at both resorts caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and with top notch learning programs, both areas offer a variety of opportunities for winter sport enthusiasts to improve their skills,” said Accelar Marketing Manager Vikrant Pathania. "We are delighted to have Northstar-at-Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resorts as our ski resort and lodging partners.”

Prices for 3-day/2-night Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort vacation packages start at $668 for one person, $880 for a couple, and $1180 for a family of four. Prices include occupancy tax, resort fees, baggage handling and all other charges.

Prices for 3-day/2-night Sierra-at-Tahoe vacation packages start at $720 for a couple, and $1,096 for a family of four. The Prices include occupancy tax, resort fees, baggage handling and all other charges.

"Through our partnership with Accelar and RenoTahoeSkiVacations.com, we are delighted to offer the San Francisco Bay Area community a package that now includes transportation to and from the Bay Area,” said Jake Christoferson, Northstar and Sierra Resort Destination Sales Manager. "This offering has made the Reno-Tahoe destination in general, and Northstar and Sierra Resorts in particular, more accessible to Bay Area residents. Their ski vacation begins when they board the RenoTahoeSkiVacations Motor Coach, and doesn't end until they are returned to the Bay Area.”

Source: www.pr.com