Stories
EMOTIONAL TIES TO THE BEAUTY OF THE AUSSIE BACKCOUNTRY
"So grateful for the opportunity to chase this dream!" Our team rider Coen Benni-Faull recently teamed up with We Are Explorers venturing deep into the Australian backcountry. These are the Aussie Alps like you've never seen before. "Losing my Dad at such a young age gave me the fire up the backside to get out and chase a lifestyle I want to live and inspiration to put my own happiness first over any pressure to follow a path paved by societal influences to earn money and chase a career. I couldn't be more privileged to have met so many amazing people along the way and traveled to so many amazing places along the way to help keep the fire burning. So grateful for the opportunity to chase this dream!" Coen Benni-Faull Filmed and edited by Hayden Griffith.
Read more
BIG MOUNTAIN SKIING IN AUSTRALIA... YOU BET
"So grateful for the opportunity to chase this dream!" le bent team rider Coen Bennie-Faull on his winning line at the Buller X. After a tantalizing wait all winter for snow and weather conditions to align the first “Buller X” extreme freeride competition got underway at Mt Buller yesterday afternoon in superb spring conditions. Australia’s freshest elite snowsports freeride event took place in the steep ‘double-black diamond’ rated terrain off Mt Buller’s summit with an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers taking up viewing points in resort and an international audience tuning in for the live webcast. An international panel of judges reviewed all the runs and settled on le bent team riders Coen Bennie-Faull and Nate Johnstone as the overall winners for ski and snowboard respectively. “It was an incredible display of Australia’s rich freeriding talent and I am blown away by the lines these athletes produced for the first ever Buller X presented by Rip Curl. They are all world-class,” said event founder and director Tony “Harro” Harrington. le bent team rider Nate Johnston on his winning line at the Buller X. BULLER X 2017 RESULTS Snowboarding Nate Johnstone (NSW) Ryan Tiene (NSW) Allie Coates (Vic) Nathan Louis (NSW) David Gill (SA) Tim Vlandis (NSW) Sabrina Fiebig (Vic) Skiing Coen Bennie-Faull (Vic) Edward Casey (NSW) Ryan Cooke (NSW) Danny Foster (Vic) Ben Murphy (NSW) James Mort (NSW) Katya Crema (Vic) Harrison McInnes (NSW) Tom Weber (Vic) Behind the Buller X presented by Ripcurl from HarroArt on Vimeo.
Read more
THE ROOF OF AUSTRALIA, RETRACING OUR ALPINE PAST.
We at Le Bent were humbled to take part in this amazing adventure with great mates, following in the footsteps of the early Australian alpine explorers. Over 3 weeks of camping, skiing and snowboarding on the main range with several different groups including our Line-Up members Chris Booth (expedition leader), Nate Johnston, Nic Harvey, Kieran McLaughlin, Watkin McLennan, Simon Dawes Blondel and Ryan Tiene, spirits were at an all time high with high fives pumping and endless BC lines. Check out the trailer here:http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/adventure/2015/04/roof-of-australia,-retracing-our-alpine-pastSign up to the Roof of OZ to be notified when the full length film will be released. http://roofofoz.com Thanks to everyone who made it as epic as it was, and mother nature for turning on the most perfect conditions to experience the Australian Main Range. For your enjoyment, the original Roof of Australia filmed in 1957.
Read more
SEE THE LATEST MADNESS FROM THE SEEKING NIRVANA CREW
By now, those of you who've been following along at home would know that the Seeking Nirvana crew – comprised of Mike Henitiuk, Joe Schuster, Matt Margetts, Riley Leboe and Mason Mashon – are sure to impress with their left-of-centre cinematography and story telling, and this latest episode does not disappoint. These are some of the finest mountains, that you could ever lay your eyes on. Loaded with giant cedars and fir trees down low and piled up with deep snow as you climb higher up their slopes. It really is a magical place. Lots of inspiration here.. As the sun creeps behind the towering peaks, the moon takes its place under a dark and starry sky and the guys experience a similar world beneath a new light. About Seeking NirvanaBack for a second season, Seeking Nirvana tells the story of a group of skiers who came together in search of Nirvana. Featuring:Mike Henitiuk ~ @mikeheniJoe Schuster ~ @joe_schusterMatt Margetts ~ @mattmargettsRiley Leboe ~ @rileyleboeMason Mashon ~ @mason_mashon Locations:British Columbia, Canada
Read more
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS ON A SKI TRIP LIKE NOTHING YOU'VE SEEN BEFORE
Back for a second season, Seeking Nirvana tells the story of a group of skiers who came together in search of Nirvana. Episode two takes us on an unusual journey on snow and sea, aboard sailing vessel Vienna, 36 feet in length, a beam 11.5 ft wide, mast 52 ft tall. This journey takes place mere miles from the harbor of Vancouver, where Vienna was built in 1982. Comfortably sleeping 5, the vessel is outfitted with the simplest comforts of home. The inlets of the British Columbian coast are especially prone to winter storms, gale force winds and relentless precipitation. These five men embark on a journey in search of rough seas and secluded mountainous areas. Tacking their way up the coast, they are in for more than sailing and skiing. A fictional story based on true events. Featuring:Mike Henitiuk ~ @mikeheniJoe Schuster ~ @joe_schusterMatt Margetts ~ @mattmargettsRiley Leboe ~ @rileyleboeJosh Bibby ~ @realjoshbibby Locations:British Columbia, Canada
Read more
WATCH COEN BENNIE-FAULL RIPPING JACKSON HOLE – FAIR DINKUM
Coen just sent us this season edit from his 15/16 winter spent up at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. After a few views, we can't decide which is better: the snow, the skiing or the tunes? Either way, this kid rips and this vid serves up four minutes of viewing pleasure you won't regret. Head over to our FIND A STORE page for your nearest stockist in North America and Europe.
Read more
WAY EAST // A DOCUMENTARY OF TWO WOMEN WHO LEFT THEIR COMFORT ZONES.
Freeriders are travelers, always seeking for more. More options, more adventure, more freedom, more truth. In April 2016, snowboarder Aline Bock and freeskier Lena Stoffel followed another call of wanderlust to explore the unique culture and wonder of Japan, a fascinating enigma hurtling towards the future while still staying rooted in the past. In Japan the sun rises every day again, always and after all, WAY EAST! Freeriders are travelers, always seeking for more. More options, more adventure, more freedom, more truth. In April 2016, snowboarder Aline Bock and freeskier Lena Stoffel followed another call of wanderlust to explore the unique culture and wonder of Japan, a fascinating enigma hurtling towards the future while still staying rooted in the past. In Japan the sun rises every day again, always and after all, WAY EAST! Breathtaking views, untouched landscapes, fresh powder lines and perfect waves were the reward for these two sportswomen, who carved their own path through this beautiful country, which had unfortunately turned into a white mark on the map after the disaster of Fukushima. The 20-minute WAY EAST documentary of two women, who left their comfort zones one more time to find happiness WAY EAST produced by: ALINE BOCK & LENA STOFFELdirected - filmed - edited by: MATHIAS KÖGELdrone footage by: AARON JAMIESONadditional footage by: AARON JAMIESONstill photography by: AARON JAMIESON Athletes: Lena Stoffel and Aline Bock
Read more
IMPORTANCE OF A CORRECT FITTING SOCK
You’ll often hear skiers and snowboarders complaining about their boots – pain, discomfort, cramps, the list goes on. Leading Aussie boot fitter Andy Burford from The Bootfitter says “having cold, painful feet is the number one problem complained of in boot fitting shops around the world. I see it all the time in my shop, people present with all sorts of problems but I always start by asking them what socks they are wearing.” While there’s lots to be said for a proper boot-fit, quality liners and the rest of it, many skiers and snowboarders neglect the important interface between foot and boot; their socks. At the end of the day, your boot can only perform as well as the sock you wear inside it. WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT SOCK?There are a number of important functions that a good ski-sock should provide.1. Form fit.The most important consideration is a proper form fit, a sock with specific close ratio sizing where each sock only covers a small size range to give a closer fit specific to each size. Look for elasticated support in all the right areas to keep the sock firmly in place all day long, notably over the instep of your foot, around your ankle and along the top of the leg. This avoids slipping, bunching and wrinkling which lead to blisters and pressure points that can end your day. The vertical and cross-stretch of the sock are important to provide some flexibility in the fit of the sock while maintaining a nice firm finish, moving with your body as the foot moves around in the boot. And critically, there should be no loose material or threads around your toes.2. Sock weight.The next consideration is the sock’s weight, providing the right amount of insulation and cushioning for your needs. With great advancements in boot liner technologies, insulation is no longer the core responsibility of socks - gone are the days where thicker was better. Generally, the sock will have extra cushioning under your foot and on the front of your shin for comfort, and is thinner over the instep to minimize bulk. Ultra-light weight is for a close boot fit often preferred by racers and high end skiers. Light-weight is the most common cushioning providing some additional comfort and keeping you warm in most conditions. Medium and heavy weights are used in more extreme conditions for extra warmth. The key is finding the weight that keeps you warm but doesn’t make you sweat.3. Breathability and ventilation.Your foot is trapped for hours on end in a large boot making breathability and ventilation critical to keep your feet dry and warm. If your feet don’t breathe, you start to sweat a lot. The combination of cold air and wet feet combine for discomfort quickly. Socks with a good, breathable material and strategically placed mesh ventilation will help moisture evaporate away from your skin leaving you dry and warm all day long. 4. Durability.You’d be amazed at the forces that are placed through your socks and into your boots, particularly when skiing off-piste or in a race environment. For this reason, the use of quality materials and stitching will help to make sure you get the most from your equipment. A lot of socks now use nylon or another synthetic fibre as a strong skeleton for the sock providing additional durability. 5. Material.There are a bunch of different options on the market. Synthetics, such as polyester and acrylic, are very common providing good softness and thermal properties along with mixed wicking and moisture management. On the natural end, merino wool the most common and well known for its excellent comfort, thermal regulation and moisture wicking properties. Rayon from bamboo is also becoming more widely used providing all the same benefits plus a super soft finish for those who suffer irritations to wool. In addition to these main materials, almost all socks will have a combination of secondary fibres added, elastic for stretch and nylon/polyester for durability. THE SOCKS OF LE BENT The Le Bent story was born from a boot fitting and professional skiing background. Our team spent years fitting boots in ski resorts across the globe, which led to an in-depth understanding of how feet and boots interact, and the importance of quality socks. If there’s one area that can benefit from all-day comfort, odour control and a hypoallergenic fabric it’s your feet, right? Our socks are designed, with the needs of performance skiers and snowboarders at the front of mind.The Le Definitive range has been designed from the ground up to incorporate anatomically correct designs that enable proper articulation of the foot and ankle while still providing support where it’s needed. The Definitive Fit System supports your foot where it needs to most - around the achilles, upper and lower instep and around the ankle’s malleolus. This supportive design allows the natural fibres to breathe, while providing adequate insulation from the elements and fostering proper circulation through the ankle and into the forefoot.Impact cushioning has been built into the shin and under the foot, providing an extra layer of padding in high-stress zones for added comfort without adding bulk all over the sock. We also have Le Definitive ultra-light with no cushioning under the foot, a sock that’s designed to offer a true performance fit for those who are looking for a closer boot-sock fit.Strategically placed mesh ventilation zones on the foot promote breathability, helping to evaporate moisture during heavy use. This is especially noticeable during times of high activity such as ski touring and hiking. Dry and warm feet all day long.Our signature Platinum Blend of bamboo rayon and merino provides a soft, warm, dry and stink free layer on the skin.The elastic cuff is designed to stay where you want it to sit, without being uncomfortably tight, the top of the sock will hold tension across your leg with all-day comfort. The toe of the sock is stitched with a flat seam, meaning you’ll never experience bunching or twisting in the toe box of your boot. The benefit of all of these design features creates a sock that is able to provide comfort during periods of extended use, from chairlift loops to long days on the skin track and multi-day touring. As always, our gear is tested extensively by our Line-Up of athletes who’ve put these socks through their paces in some of the most demanding conditions. The feedback is always the same, the Le Definitive sock offers the highest levels of performance and comfort available for your feet. Most skiers and snowboarders place little importance on the sock they wear, but as anyone who has tried our Le Definitive range will tell you, once you’ve worn a sock like ours you’ll never go back to anything else. With a perfect fit, odour and super soft feel, the Le Bent sock is the perfect interface between your foot and boot. Freeskier Magazine certainly think so, including our Definitive Light sock in their Top 5 picks for 2017.
Read more
LE BENT WELCOMES ALINE BOCK TO THE FAMILY
ALINE BOCK – WELCOME INTERVIEW Aline Bock's introduction to the world of snowboarding began, like most, in the pipe and park before switching focus to more natural terrain and spending three years sending lines on some of the worlds gnarliest peaks on the Freeride World Tour circuit. But these days, the 34-year-old German is much more likely to be spotted in some far-slung destination bagging peaks and powder in front of a camera. Naturally, it was on an isolated beach on Ireland's rugged coastline that we found Aline and pinned her down to discuss her latest adventures and welcome her as the newest member of the Le Bent family. LB: ALINE, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK WITH US. WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU RIGHT NOW? HAVE YOU MANAGED TO SCORE SOME EARLY SEASON TURNS? I am currently in Ireland, shooting bike and surf for an outerwear brand, a bike company and also for Ireland tourism. This place is so beautiful and magical with stunning views. There is so much to see at the coastline and the waves are actually amazing over here. No crowds! The water is quite freezing, but if you wear a decent wetsuit, it's actually fine. I love being involved in media opportunities where several sports are combined. It´s a bit of a challenge and long days and with more options, you always have choices to make, but it's totally worth it and the fact that you can chose between more than one sport is just great. If there is no surf, you can always bike somewhere.I haven't had the chance to get some turns in yet, but I have heard that it already snowed quite a bit back home. So hopefully in the next few weeks, I might put a snowboard under my feet to get my legs strong. WILL YOU BASE YOURSELF IN INNSBRUCK AGAIN THIS SEASON? Yeah, Innsbruck has been my base for over 14 years now. I have studied there and I don't think I could find a nicer place to live. I would like to live near the beach one day, but until then, I actually love Innsbruck and its surroundings. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS? WILL YOUR FOCUS BE MORE TOWARD FILM PROJECTS, OR COMPETING THIS YEAR? I will definitely be focussing on another film project. After Way North and Way East, we are already thinking of where to go next. Nothing is planed yet, but we did some brainstorming already. Also I will still run my split boarding camps in the alps as well as a new project called SAFE ON SNOW www.safeonsnow.org - it's a female-specific avalanche clinic that offers a supportive, fun and educational day in the mountains. At SAFE ON SNOW we create a comfortable environment for women to refresh or start their path to becoming educated in how to travel in avalanche terrain. YOU’VE RECEIVED A LOT OF PRAISE FROM BOTH AUDIENCES AND INDUSTRY FOR THE WAY NORTH PROJECT IN NORWAY LAST YEAR. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO TRAVEL SO FAR TO CHASE BOTH WAVES AND SNOW? Yeah, the project was shot very far north in the arctic circle at the Lofoten Islands, in Norway. There are a lot of fjords and really steep alpine terrain falls directly into the ocean. The weather changes super fast and this is also what's so special about that place. We took all our equipment in our Sunlight camper van with us, so we knew we had the option to either go surfing or to hike up some mountains. We only had 11 days up in the Lofoten islands to shoot, so it was hard to plan with changing weather, snow and surf conditions. To make the best out of every day was a challenge, but I think we were pretty lucky with the conditions we had to deal with. The other challenge was living in a camper van for two weeks with five people. But it worked out pretty well and I think everybody had a great time. DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE MORE MOTIVATED TO PUSH YOUR OWN LIMITS BY BEING INVOLVED IN PROJECTS LIKE THIS? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM YOUR YEARS ON THE FREERIDE WORLD TOUR? Competing at the Freeride World Tour was great and I had a lot of fun those years. I also learned a lot and I definitely don't want to miss that time. I sometimes watch the live broadcast and when I see all my friends and the whole FWT family, I really wish I could be there with them at the time. But after three years and one major injury I really wanted to do something else and be able to travel to different places. When I had the chance to go to Alaska to film some big mountain riding, I did not hesitate to skip the last events. When you compete, you definitely push yourself more and you might risk a bit more, but producing and organising my own projects is what I always really wanted to do and dreamed of. CAN YOU DRAW PARALLELS BETWEEN THE PRESSURES TO ENTERTAIN YOUR AUDIENCE AND THE SAME PRESSURE OF COMPETITION? I think it is a different feeling, but there is still pressure on your back when you show your film to the people at home. It´s exciting and you cannot wait for the feedback, but it is not the same feeling when I stand on the start gate. I GUESS WITH A NEW FOCUS ON ADVENTURE AND DISCOVERY A BRAND LIKE LE BENT IS THE PERFECT FIT FOR YOU. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAME TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE BRAND? I got in touch with Le Bent the first time when we were planning our new project, Way East in Japan last year. Aaron Jamieson who was helping us a lot with the project proposed to organise some nice thermal layers that would keep us warm and comfortable during our snow camping mission or along the whole trip. I was really happy with the material and liked the products a lot. WHAT IS IT ABOUT LE BENT YOU FIND MOST APPEALING? I love that Le Bent is not using any toxic material but rather working with fabrics like Merino & Bamboo.They use their knowledge along with renewable, natural and sustainable materials in all their products to provide our feet and body with good comfort. YOU SPENT SOME TIME IN JAPAN THIS PAST WINTER FILMING FOR YOUR LATEST PROJECT WAY EAST. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT THAT CONTINUATION OF THE WAY NORTH CONCEPT? After our exciting trip to Norway last winter, this winter’s adventure meant turning WAY NORTH into WAY EAST and looking to more distant horizons for another exciting project. Fully equipped with skis and boards for all kind of waves and snow, we set off in search of the famous Japanese powder snow and perfect waves, but also to discover the reality of a post-Fukushima life in Japan. Our adventure took us several thousand kilometres around Hokkaido on a surf, snow, and camping adventure through the mountains to the ocean and covering some of the least-visited and undiscovered corners of the island. With tents and camping equipment on our backs, we hit the trail on our skis and split boards to reach the Sea of Japan. Wind, 20kg+ of gear, fog, and freezing nights in the snow pushed us to our limits. With our journey through a remote wilderness of untouched landscapes, riding perfect lines and surfing unnamed waves, we carved our own path.Vimeo Link Trailer: https://vimeo.com/173923430 WE HAVE TO MENTION IT, WAY SOUTH? AUSTRALIA? SEEMS LIKE A PERFECT FIT? That would be awesome. I would love to… maybe we could plan something together then. ABOUT ALINE BOCK Age: 34 Hometown: Innsbruck/Austria Home Resort: Arlberg / Nordkette Nationality: German Sponsors: THULE, Ortovox, ABS, Deeluxe, Sunlight, HAD, Le Bent, Moken Vision, Bleed Clothing Favourite Le Bent gear: Women's Le Base 200 Lightweight Baselayer
Read more
