zen and the art of powderboard making

'Signatures' is the latest film by Colorado-based director Nick Waggoner. It was released a few weeks ago to critical acclaim at North America film festivals. 'Signatures' was filmed in Niseko area backcountry (not a ski lift in sight), with American and Japanese skiers and boarders riding through awesome volumes of Hokkaido powder snow. It also shows the beauty of the Niseko area when there isn’t any snow; with its wild rivers, dense forest and lush cultivated fields.

Local Niseko boardsmith Taro Tamai showcases some of his unique gentemstick designs that are a hybrid between a surfboard and a snowboard, with a wide nose (great for Hokkaido powder) and a swallow-tail; he calls one of his designs the 'rocket fish'. 'Signatures' also features some 'noboard' riding (imagine a snowboard without bindings).



The 'Signatures' soundtrack is a very pleasant collection of country and bluegrass music, which seems to work beautifully with the backcountry theme. The film has an artistic ambience, rather than being one of the many ski films featuring extreme stunts. The DVD also has a nice collection of 'extras' including some rather cool beach scenes, with snow on the foreshore.

If you also want to get your hands on a copy of the 'Signatures' DVD, the best way is to order direct from Sweetgrass Productions. Good value for Australians at the current exchange rate.