Snowboards evolved in much the same way that Westbeach did – By trial and error and the pioneer spirit….
A Quebec legend of notable mention was Louis “LOFO” Fournier. Emmanuel Krebs told us about him being the first to make highbacks and we learn a great deal more from LOFO. Frustrated with his inability to fit his board into his Renault, he cut his custom made highbacks in two. Check out this pick of him taken from our book (look to reserve your copy online soon) at an event in the early 80’s. Note that the competitors behind him don’t even have highbacks!
Check LOFO’s workshop crafted boards below. Nice SNOWBOARD SHOP sticker on the W-1! Lastly, check out LOFO in his workshop below in 1985. This was where the magic happened. And of course, a pic of LOFO in his WESTBEACH PANTS circa 87-88.
Innovation started in the workshop as seen in the below image of Lofo in his dad’s shop.
I have been a reader for a long while, but this is my first time as a commenter. I just wanted to let you know that this has been / is my favorite entry of yours! Keep up the great work and I’ll keep on coming back.