Skier: Cassie Sharpe
We spoke to ZUMA SKIS, a Japanese brand born from the high technical skills cultivated through tradition, about the new models and hot topics that are attracting attention for the 2023-24 season at SNOW EXPO JAPAN 2023 YOKOHAMA (held from February 15th at Pacifico Yokohama)
Product development continues to reflect the opinions of the world's top riders
Since its release as the freeski brand "ZUMA SKIS" in 2015, Canadian team members Cassie Sharpe and Rachael Karker, who ride ZUMA SKIS in the FIS W-Cup, have won numerous titles in the halfpipe. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Cassie Sharpe and Rachael Karker will also reach the podium in the women's halfpipe, winning a silver medal and a bronze medal, respectively, promoting the name and quality of ZUMA SKIS to the world
ZUMA SKIS develops skis by actively incorporating the opinions of riders active in the international competition scene and domestically. Pipe skis are developed with feedback from riders on the Canadian national team, versatile slopestyle models from Chinese teams, and domestic models from Japanese riders, and the company is constantly working to develop products that deliver the next level of performance
The graphics have been completely renewed for the '23-24 season!
The biggest change from the 2022-2023 season is the complete redesign of the graphics. Graphic design is generally done in Japan, but the PRO PIPE logo is designed by Canadian designers, primarily Rachel Kirker and Cathy Sharp
The lineup has been refined to include ZUMA SKIS's mainstays
For the 2023-2024 season, ZUMA SKIS will focus more on park riding as its main focus, with seven models being released
The PROPIPE is a high-end model favored by most of the Canadian halfpipe team members. This board is specifically designed for pipe, with strong rebound and a solid build for flying in the pipe
The "PRO GENE" inherits the outline of the PROPIPE and adds soft flex and lighter weight, making it a model aimed at Japanese users
The best-selling products in the lineup are "Kru:Z" and "MIY."
The Kru:z is a highly versatile model with a supple flex and a center 87mm twin tip. It's versatile and easy to handle in any freeride situation, making it perfect for skiers who want to ride a twin tip for the first time. It's also good value for money, making it a great choice for your first ski
The MIY is a popular all-mountain model. The release of a softer MIY model for the 2023-2024 season is definitely worth checking out. The 98mm center is perfect for powder and backcountry skiing, as well as for sharp carving on the slopes
For skiers who want to tackle deep powder, the VIABOOM is the perfect choice. With a 109mm center and flex point tuned for deep snow, it features rocker in the tail for a slightly surfy feel that makes powder skiing a breeze. This is the perfect board for powder and backcountry skiers
"FUTCO" is a freeride model for youth, junior and ladies skiers starting from 125cm. There are few brands that offer freeride models for juniors, so the brand says it is important to convey its message that they want as many people as possible to enjoy skiing
▼Explanatory video by SKI SHOP VAIL staff member (Mr. Umino), the organizer of the test ride event
Official website: https://swallow-ski.com/brand/
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