Mike Olson & The Lib Tech Waterboard Story

Mike Olson has been weird sciencing the snowboard world for over two decades. Some would argue (us included) that Olson (along with partner Pete Saari and Steven Cobb) is responsible for more design advancements in snowboard and ski technology than anyone else alive. Beginning with the carving snowboard, parabolic sidecut, cap construction, and continuing on with reverse camber, and augmented snowboard edge shape Olson has been going against conventional wisdom for his entire career. For the past two years Olson has been working exclusively on a new project and it involves what he calls "waterboards."

We've been hearing about these new surfboards for a while now and then, getting into a late-night elevator at the Hyatt in Long Beach during the Agenda Trade show (January 4, 2012) we ran into a crew from Mervin manufacturing. They had four of the new surfboards and were taking them up to their room. We were so blown away by the boards and so interested in feeling, squeezing, and holding them that we forgot to even take a picture. We didn't know it at the time, but in typical Mervin Manufacturing strategy they decided to present the surfboards to the world at the Snow Industries of America Show in Denver, Colorado last week where very few of the attendees would even know enough to be impressed by what they were seeing.

We couldn't believe what we were seeing, but we can say it is impressive. As much as we can say from only holding them, the boards live up to the hype. They are light, well-shaped, and unbelievable durable. We had some questions, and luckily Mike Olson was there to answer them in excruciating detail.

Halfway through our interview PR maven Lora Bodmer cut in to make sure Olson wasn't giving away any trade secrets, but other than that we got 28 minutes of the straight scoop.

Here it is, uncut. . .

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• surfing
• surfboards

[nickodemo1]

for god sake cameraman get a clue....shoot de freaking board!!!!!!!!

[SustainableSurf]

Bring it on LIB :) Boards look pretty sick, and can't wait to see more info on the technology and environmental footprint.

[AxisBasL]

i don't know how to surf, but this really makes me want to learn

[13mmbore]

A board is only good as its shape... wonder what theyll be like in the water. Heard these guys were doing this for a few years. Love that Mike is doing this time to rattle the cage a bit. Good on Mervin

[LineSkisYo]

no THAT'S some credibility...props to Olson and Lib..can't wait to get out on one.