For a tree to grow tall and healthy it is essential for it to have strong roots. The same is true for a snowboard brand. Today we would like to celebrate a brand that was not born yesterday and will not be gone tomorrow: Westbeach! They have put 30 years in the can and would like to present the special edition Chip Heritage jacket with beanie combo, sporting the original logo. Still not satisfied? Well, along with your jacket/beanie combo you also get a copy of "Out West", the book the gives you the whole the story behind Westbeach.
The seed was first planted in 1979 by Chip Wilson. Westbeach grew out of Canada’s fascination with California, the land of skateboarding and surfing and everything those cultures represented. The original Westbeach name reflects this completely, Cal BC. After 8 years under the Cal BC name it officially became the Westbeach Surf Company. The original surf shop / skate lounge was a little pink house, but at about the same time the brand name changed, the shop also moved location to what would become the epicenter of the Westbeach brand for more than 20 years: 1723 West 4th Ave in Vancouver. The new shop continued to act as a major crossroads for shred heads from near and far.
Westbeach was more than just an outerwear company. It acted as a catalyst for the Canadian scene, fueling the fire with stoke and sweet products. A major event that helped snowball the scene was the Westbeach Classic, originally held at Cypress Mountain. Many big-name riders were first spotted there. The Westbeach Classic became a meeting point for American and Canadian riders to rock the U-tube, snatch some sweet air, exchange ideas with like-minded people and, of course, party.
Westbeach also helped crystalize the Canadian Dream into a real organized scene; their events, promotions and even their newsletters helped carry the word and spread the fever. In a time without any real snowboard publications in Canada, theirs was the official word on the scene.
That said, the Chip Heritage is the evolution of Westbeach's long running striped jacket. Classic color blocking becomes asymmetrical and mixed with prints to stay original yet traditional. The Chip Heritage Jacket features a baggy cut and longer fit to match well with any of the Classic Series Westbeach pants. Comparable to mountaineering brands in fabric and features, this jacket is designed to meet the highest performance demands of any snowboarder.
* 6,000mm Waterproofing
* 6,000g Breathability
* Westbeach Basecamp Series
* Critically Seam Sealed
* 20/80 DWR Coating
* Music Pouch
* Underarm Mesh-Lined Venting w/ Zip
* Attached Powder Skirt
* GCS Gaiter Connection System
* Fixed Hood w/ Hidden Hood Adjusters
* Inner Hem Pass Holder
* Concealed Waist Hem Adjusters
* Mesh Goggle Pocket
* Handwarmer Pockets
* Waterproof Zips
The book that comes with the pack is entitled “Out West: Snowboarding, Westbeach, and a New Canadian Dream”. It is the fully story of how the Canadian snowboard fever first spread in the early 80's and eventually grew to pandemic levels in the 90's. Take a look at the book here in digital form.
Another great thing to throw an eyeball at is the Westbeach Heritage Project "Summer Camps" video, which tells the tale of the first Whistler summer camps. Click here to watch it on Method.TV
Buy the Chip Heritage Pack online here