GOLDEN, CO — Aerospace technology, bulletproof materials, patented construction processes... airwalk(R) is on a journey to a new dimension of snowboarding technology this season on par with NASA standards. airwalk brings over thirteen years of industry experience into the development of the 2001-2002 airwalk snowboarding line, capturing the essence of snowboarding through innovative design. Geared up with the authentic airwalk products available this season, riders will be unstoppable and can concentrate on going bigger, perfecting technique, and landing tougher tricks. From top-of-the-line snowboards, boots and bindings, to an expansive line of the industry's most stylish and functional outerwear and accessories, airwalk has got the finest equipment available to dial-in riders head-to-toe.

"airwalk is the authentic brand in the industry, having introduced a number of firsts to the industry in equipment technology," said Joe Babcock, category manager for airwalk snowboarding. "We've been working outside the norm to create the most forward-thinking, solid product available in 2001-2002, our tightest equipment offering to date. We aim to keep everyone in our gear riding away smiling."

airwalk's snow products are designed to suit the demands of the industry's top professionals, attracting a team of world-class athletes on its pro team roster including Fredrik Sarvell, Roger Hjelmstadstuen, Tina Basich and Tero Ainonen, to name a few. airwalk's athletes are seen in the industry's toughest competitions including the U.S. Open, X Games, Air & Style, The Nippon Open and The Arctic Challenge. The airwalk team of athletes plays an integral role working hand-in-hand with airwalk designers to produce an ever-evolving, state-of-the-art product line to maximize the riding experience.

WHAT'S AFOOT IN SNOWBOARDING
airwalk is the original innovator of snowboarding boots, offering snowboarders an alternative to sliding down hill in the ancient after-snow boot by setting the industry standard in 1988 with the release of the Advantage and Freeride styles. airwalk is still working ahead of the game, offering a high performance boot line this season, which incorporates the latest technology for maximum support, comfort and durability. Throughout the 2001-2002 boot line, airwalk has reduced the volume in the shell and toe, bringing the liner closer to the boot and enhancing board feel. Riders can expect more forward lean in the new airwalk 2001-2002 boot models, and an overall solid foot foundation to float, hike or stomp big tricks with ease.

VERSION
New for the 2001-2002 season is the high performance Version. With a super sleek asymmetrical design, the Version is the premiere style in the 2001'2002 line, available in both men's and women's appropriate sizes and colors. The Version also comes in a custom colorway for airwalk pro rider Tina Basich. The Version is built with a two-piece backstay to enhance a rider's lateral mobility and deflect pressure for those who use high-back bindings. airwalk's Focus Fit liner provides maximum ankle support, while a unique wrap heel hold design keeps the riders foot in place and prevents the foot from traveling. A shank is added to the midsole of the Version to support and stabilize the foot during hikes in the park, up the pipe or in the backcountry, while dual density foams are placed inside the liner, as well as used in the midsole for added cushioning and comfort. Packed with clean details, the Version is offered in two stellar colors for men and one for women, retailing at a suggested price of $200.00.

FREERIDE
With a thirteen-year history in snowboarding, airwalk's Freeride is arguably the consummate snowboarding boot on the market. The Freeride has grown with the technology of the sport, and has been on the hill longer than most riders out there! With its distinct look, outstanding support, and a competitive price point, this season's Freeride is sure to make its mark on the shelf. The Freeride features "bulletproof" construction, and is built with high abrasion, waterproof materials and a smooth, aesthetic look to accentuate the boot's flex capacity. Freeride affords a customized lining for optimum fit and comfort, combining a direct stitch ankle harness, and heat moldable Thermold Plus foam lining with a Strobal Board platform attached to the bottom for better comfort and board feel. The quick-speed lacing system provides maximum support with a faster method of entry and exit from the boot. Available in two colors for both men and women, the Freeride retails at $175.00.

Rounding out the 2001-2002 boot line are four key styles, the C4, Advantage, Sonar and airwalk's pricepoint style, the Midas, an incredible value at $109.00 suggested retail for men and $85.00 for kids.

AIRWALK BOARD TECHNOLOGY
airwalk is bringing the future of board construction into the production of its latest collection of high-performance boards in the 2001-2002 ACM Series. airwalk has stepped up the level of technical detail in the ACM Series, adjusting flex and incorporating the most advanced, lightweight core materials available to satisfy riders across the globe. Key to the durable design is the AIREX(R) core, a linear sandwich s-structured core which offers high temperature resistance, and is unaffected by water, leaving no opportunity for delaminating. A multiple torsion box construction acts as the backbone for strength and durability throughout the board, which, coupled with the seamless, 360-degree stainless steel edge, adds to the board's momentum, energy and acceleration. airwalk uses aerospace engineered epoxy resins to pre-impregnate fiberglass to guarantee consistent bonding throughout the board, tip-to-toe. The result...A fleet of boards with perfect geometry, aggressive dimensions and solid performance.

A1
Heading up the airwalk ACM series is the A1, the heavy hitting, bona fide weapon of choice for speed. The A1 has a new directional shape for 2001-2002, in combination with the AP-Tex 4000 graphite sintered base, the A1 is stone ground, fast and flawless. The A1's base is structured to provide water with a place to exit for better slide and friction resistance while sliding down the hill. The A1 is the premier board in the ACM series, featuring the highest standards in core materials and construction, with seamless edging. The A1 sports an elite and confident look, with a streamlined, silver high-tech graphic, which is consistent throughout the series. Available in five lengths, ranging from 149 to this years newest 161 length, the A1 retails at $450.00.

BLUE
airwalk is proud to introduce the BLUE for 2001-2002. Constructed in the A1's popular directional shape from the 2000-2001 season, the BLUE is the SUV of choice for riding with solid performance. The BLUE affords the high standards of the ACM series, including AIREX(R) core construction, and seamless 360- degree stainless steel edges, with a P-Tex base construction. A computerized graphic gives the BLUE a sleek automotive feel in all of its five lengths, ranging from 143-163. Retailing at $390, the BLUE is a great value for its level of technical detail.

ELEMENT
Whether hitting kickers or riding through buttery powder, airwalk's new Element is the vehicle for all-terrain, recreational riding. With a directional shape and progressive construction, the Element is built to endure the odyssey. The Element upholds ACM standards with a P-Tex extruded base construction and a polytech 200+ topsheet. Available in five lengths from 143-163, the Element's translucent, high-tech graphics have a clean, futuristic feel. The Element will retail at a highly competitive suggested price of $340.00.

WOOD CORE BOARDS GO HARD CORE
Everyone knows a snowboarder's opus comes in one form . . .heavy metal. That's why the Champ, a metal-inspired board, chimes in as the ride of choice for the hard-core rider. With a unique directional shape and an aggressive side-cut, the Champ is ideal for all-mountain riding. The Champ is made of white aspen with carbon fiber reinforcements with a P-Tex base for maximum durability. The Champ maintains the 360-degree stainless steel edge with a high gloss, co-extruded PBT topsheet. The Champ's gnarly graphics, designed by San Francisco-based artist Jon Wayshack, are team-inspired and mother approved. Available in four sizes for adults ranging from 153-165, retailing at $320.00 and Champ Mini sizes for the aspiring shredder from 110-140, retailing at $184.00. Also available in the wood core offering are the Fury, and Fury Wide models, solid, recreational boards featuring the same core materials as its brother the Champ in four sizes from 145-160, and three wide models ranging from 155-165. With its futuristic mosaic graphics in flashy colors, the Fury makes a special effect at $275.00 retail.

BINDINGS - ALL-NEW FOR 2001-2002
airwalk is introducing a signature series of bindings for the 2001-2002 season, the Dialback and Equip. The Dialback sports a strong, confident look with aluminum pump ratchets and streamlined, highback design. The Dialback offers torsion flex adjustment, with a super-tech, tool-free forward lean dial, which afford maximum forward lean capability, and flex in the binding. A deep heel pocket and molded pads offer comfort and lend to the boot grip, while the unibody constructed base plate have molded channels for multi-position strap attachment. Special cable-flex straps are built to contour the binding to any boot and allow ease of on hill entry. Available in two sizes and two essential colors, the Dialback retails at an incredible value of $159.00.

The Equip offers many of the same standard features in a highback design including the tool-free forward lean and unibody baseplate construction. The Equip has a sculpted, rotatable highback design which is its differentiating factor. Nylon pump ratchets and contoured straps lend to the powerful look and support of this binding. Available at a mere $130.00 suggested retail, the Equip comes in two hot colors and two sizes to suit men and women across the board.

TARE7, the company previously doing business as Airwalk International LLC, has a vision to lead, inspire and define the action sports industry through its airwalk(R), genetic(TM) and RipZone(TM)USA brands. Founded in 1986 as the leader in marketing, sales and manufacturing of action sports and youth lifestyle products, the company's airwalk brand remains recognized as the industry original. The TARE7 brands are recognized globally by the 12- to-24-year-old active consumer through a host of premiere products including snowboarding, skate and BMX shoes, apparel and accessories as well as lifestyle shoes and accessories. The new performance-driven, skate-specific genetic brand was launched with an unprecedented response in September 2000. RipZone is well-known in the Canadian and Japanese snowboard and action sports markets as an outstanding apparel brand capturing the essence of important lifestyle directions. TARE7 sponsors a high profile team of some of the world's top professional riders in snow, skate and BMX categories. The company was acquired by New York-based Sunrise Capital Partners in 1999. TARE7's worldwide headquarters are at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado, a hub for action sports enthusiasts and the gateway to the nation's premiere snowboarding community. airwalk(R) and genetic(TM) are registered marks of TARE7. RipZone(TM) is the registered mark of RMP International. All endorsements of airwalk and genetic products by pro team athletes are compensated by TARE7. All rights reserved ©2001.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff