BeCore is all about doing things that have never been done before, and we like to show appreciation to those that are doing the same. That said, we’d like to introduce you to Marc Wierenga, co-founder of Signal Snowboards. They are creating an exceptional product all while pushing the limits of the industry with programs like Every Third Thursday, a monthly web show dedicated to building the most bizarre snowboards imaginable. Join us as we chat with Marc, and tune into ETT on YouTube to watch episode 1, season 3 premiering today!
So Marc, or shall I call you the board building guru?
Uh, Marc is fine. Board Building Orchestrator maybe, I couldn’t do it alone. Besides, Gurus can be assholes.
Where were you born and how did you get introduced into the world of snowboarding?
Born in Las Cruces, NM. My friends and I always skated, my first deck was made out of aluminum. When I was 12, my family lived in Switzerland, and I got my hands on a Snurfer and never looked back.
How and when did your relationship with Dave Lee and Signal blossom?
I had been manufacturing snowboards for almost 15 years when I met Dave. Doing OEM for Signal was different than any other brand I had worked with. Dave and his crew knew exactly what they wanted and how they were going to get it. Dave wanted a US factory, I wanted a brand, we went to Munich together early 2007 for ISPO and figured it all out in a schnitzel and beer haze. It hasn’t been easy, but I am grateful everyday for what we have created with Signal.
What’s the quick overview of Every Third Thursday?
ETT is a chance for us to get creative, work with materials, and people we wouldn’t be able to work with if we just pressed, shipped, and sold boards. We are just having fun, and sharing our shenanigans with the world. Actually, I can’t believe no other factories do what we do, it is one of the biggest perks of having your own factory, being able to do whatever you want to do. Ha, maybe that should be our new tagline, “we do what we want”.
The most memorable collaboration you’ve been a part of for Every Third Thursday?
“Fish out of Water”, the Surfboard/Snowboard episode. In southern California, where it is possible to Surf and Ride in the same day, it is always something I have thought about. I was able to work with my friend and shaper Doc Lausch. He hooked us up with Future Fins (also a US manufacturer, which we always try to support). Rob Machado was just in the right place at the wrong time so we got to work with him, not only is he a phenomenal surfer, but a rad guy to work with. To top it all off we got to go to Baldface Lodge, snowboarder’s Mecca. Oh so good, so good.
If you could pick one mountain to shred for the rest of your life which would it be?
Backcountry Jackson Hole, WY
What is your motto you live by?
Do what you love, love what you do (and Catch it on film)
What is the motto that Signal lives by?
Dream it, Build it, Ride it
(Question we like to ask everyone): What do you eat for breakfast?
Black Coffee, Bacon, Eggs
Follow BeCore, Signal Snowboards, and Marc on Instagram:
@signalsnowboards
@marcwierenga
@becore
Don’t forget to check out their season premiere of Every Third Thursday: Reek Shredding Fly Fishing Snowboard Rod & Reel HERE
(Source: signalsnowboards.com)