A Conversation With The Shaper of Deus Powder Tools

Jan 13, 2017

TAKUYA 'TAPPY' YOSHIKAWA

In my youth I frequented many board factories from the age of 15 and by 16, I shaped my first surfboard behind the back of the adults. I have been shaping for about 20 years in my 30-year surfing career. I’ve probably shaped over 5,000 boards in total.

How long have you been shaping Snowboards?

The official debut of my snowboard outline design was for the Deus fish board in 2014. Personally I have been snowboarding for 20 years and have done my initial outline shaping on an uncut blank that my good friend produced himself 2 years ago. Graphically I worked for Burton headquarters in April 2014 to design 9 board graphics for their Family Tree collection for W16.

What is the point of difference with the Deus boards?

First of all, these are all original outlines and rocker shapes. As a surfboard shaper I got the inspiration from the rockers of fish surfboards making the Deus boards unique and impressive. Recently notable surfboard shapers like Chris Christenson and Mayhem have also designed a number of snowboards.

What are the offered shapes and difference between each?

We are offering 3 shapes in the 1st collection. You can select one based on your style or snow conditions.

THE PIKE: inspired by Gentemstick boards, but focused more on freestyle than the Gentem fish. It is not only for powder snow as you can also enjoy Surf-like riding like switch stance or spins on banks.

THE MULE: New design focused on high-speed tricks on powder or groomed snow. It has an original outline and an original powder camber, which gives you an amazing flow-ride on powder.

DRIFTER: This is a collaboration with Japan’s Death Label boards. This is one of their best selling shapes, which I fell in love with and used myself for 2 seasons. The 3D nose and kicktail allows for easy maneuvering in deep powder and allows for some big sprays!

There seems to be an increase in retro styled boards. Where do you think the scene is headed? Do you think there will be a movement of homemade hand shaped boards and experimenting like surfing?

Yes, you see a lot of companies now putting out powder boards with different graphics and shapes (especially focusing more on shapes) since last year. Hand shaped snowboards have been a part of Japan’s snowboard style for a while now. Foreign companies have started taking interest in this trend lately and recently I see it incorporated into their own product line. It’s now a global movement!

However hand shaped boards have no steel edges and are typically limited to only powder or the soft snow in early spring. As a maker I think many use these boards to test shapes and rides before launching a new design or collection commercially. I like creating and producing a one of a kind in the world shape.

What are the future plans for the snowboards, will we see more designs and shapes?

I want to keep pursuing my original design to catch up with Gentem as much as possible but in a different way of course.

What is the cultural significance of snowboarding to Deus?

Japan is paradise for powder snow and often referred to as the Mentawais for snowboarding. There is no way we would miss that opportunity, right?

Do you see a similarity between surfing and snowboarding? (Culturally, Physically/Riding)

Snowboarding takes an approach very similar to surfing especially with snow-surf style boards. The only difference is the motion on the surface. A good surfer for sure can also be a good snowboarder.

What have been the biggest challenges with this project?

I had to use CAD for the factory to make my boards rather than drawing freehand as I usually do for hand shaping surfboards. That’s it.

Where are you drawing your inspiration from and who are your influences?

Mr. Taro Tamai from Gentemstick. If it weren’t for him the movement would probably never have happened. He will keep leading the scene and I want to follow him but with my own approach.

How is the scene different in Japan to the rest of the world?

Twin tip boards are still the mainstream in western countries but we don’t see as many twin tips in Japan especially in Hokkaido these days. But I believe Gentemstick is playing a role in spreading snow surf culture to the world.

Which is your favorite resort and why?

Hokkaido is the best by far. Why? Powder powder powder! Powder paradise! And hot springs!!

Any tips for riding backcountry in Japan?

There have been increasing mountaineering accidents among newcomers shifted from surfing in recent years. Don’t ever underestimate the mountain. The best way is to hire a guide who  is well aware of the terrain.

What items can you not go up the mountain without?

Several types of boards and an avalanche gear set. Like minded friends.

What music do you listen to when snowboarding?

My recent favorite is Royal Blood.

Stylish method grab or hucked 1080?

Method Grab of course. Old school! Yeah!

Deus Japan introducing: Deus Powder Tools from Deus Customs on Vimeo. DEUS EX MACHINA SNOWBOARDS POP-UP AT NISEKO 1/13 FRI- 2/5 SUN 住所北海道虻田郡倶知安町字山田188-9 ヒラフ188 5F Address: 188-9, Aza Yamada, Kutchan-chou Abutagun, Hokkaido, 5F 営業時間12:00-20:00 #DeusSnow DEUS POWDER TOOLS 2017-2018 デウスパウダーツールズ 2013年よりサーフボードビルダーのTAKUYA TAPPY YOSHIKAWA と共同開発を経て 2015年にデウスジャパンより３タイプのスノーボードがリリースされる事になった。サーフボードビルダーが作り上げたオリジナルなロッカーやキャンバー,サーフィンからのインスピレーションをデザインに落とし込んだのがデウスパウダーツールズである。そしてデウスが遊びのステージとして選んだのが《北海道ニセコ》世界に類をみないドライな雪質は海外からのリピーターも多く、今世界で最も注目されているスキーリゾートだ。ポップアップでは、パウダーツールズの試乗、写真家ウディグーチのアートフォトを始め、デウスムービーの上映会等々、盛りだくさんなイベント内容です。 2018NEW MODELもご覧頂けます。みなさんニセコで会いましょう！ Image by @woodygphoto

ENGLISH TEXT BELOW

Sabtu pagi, 17 Juni 2023, menjadi hari yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh 250 peserta reli sepeda motor dan 80 kontestan flat track race di Bali. Itu merupakan acara Rally & Camp Tasik Adventure keempat yang diselenggarakan oleh komunitas pecinta motor trail vintage yang lebih dari sekadar menggemari motor dual purpose era 80-90-an. Dikenal sebagai Trail Asik Adventurer, AKA… Tasik Adventure yang telah menunggu setahun untuk merencanakan dan mengerjakan nya demi tidak mengecewakan siapapun yang ikut berpartisipasi.

Coba kamu bayangkan , ada dua sisi koin berbeda pada event kali ini. Yang pertama adalah Reli. Mereka memberi nama Challenge "Tantangan", menjadikan setiap peserta sebagai "Penantang" Challenger. Jadi, di tempat parkir Sangeh Monkey Forest, sambil menikmati keteduhan pohon jati raksasa yang awet muda, 250 Penantang parkir untuk menerima kode QR untuk etape pertama rute reli. Seluruh perjalanan adalah 3 etape dengan 3 titik pemberhentian. 4 jika Anda menghitung tujuan.

Ada beberapa motor keren di sana, Honda XR, Yamaha DT, Suzuki TS, Suzuki DR, dan beberapa custom modern, motocross dan scrambler. Sekitar sepuluh atau lebih, mereka berbaris di titik start dan memulai rally dari sana. Misi setiap orang adalah menyelesaikan setiap tahap dan berhenti di 3 titik pemberhentian untuk mendapatkan kode QR untuk bagian berikutnya. Keindahan Bali selalu menjadi pendamping, saat kami terbang di sepanjang kombinasi jalan aspal, jalan pedesaan, dan jalan tanah di daerah Tabanan. Kami perlahan-lahan terbang tinggi dan semakin tinggi ke perbukitan dan pemandangan sawah dan hutan akhirnya habis, sebenarnya lebih seperti perlahan menjadi satu ketika kami sampai di tujuan. Bali Outbound Farmstay (BOF) yang juga menjadi tempat berkemah semalam. Jika Anda mengumpulkan semua kode QR Anda, Anda mendapat medali Rally sebagai bentuk penghargaan.

Sisi lain dari koin yang disebutkan sebelumnya, atau event kedua, adalah balap jalur datar (flat track). Atau dalam hal ini jalur dengan landasan yang tidak rata karena tempat mereka membangun jalur itu berada di atas tempat yang dulunya terdapat dua sawah terasering. Jadi titik start finish lebih tinggi dari jalur lurus pertama dengan penurunan pada tikungan pertama dan sedikit menanjak pada tikungan kedua. Saat kami masuk ke BOF, kami sudah bisa mendengar suara motor flat track dan sorakan penonton yang berkumpul. Kami parkir dan membuat jalur jalur seperti lebah.

Keseruan seutuhnya pada acara, disaat tingkat kesulitan tambahan dimasukkan ke dalam jadwal sore hari menarik perhatian yang sangat luar biasa. Mereka berhasil menarik sekitar delapan puluh peserta, terbagi dalam 4 kelas: Kelas Mesin Horizontal, Kelas FFA 4T Max 250cc, Kelas FFA 2T Max 250cc Flat Track, dan Kelas FFA Big Bore.

Antusiasme untuk balapan flat track sangat terasa. Kegembiraan tumbuh saat kami melewati babak penyisihan dan membangun sesuatu yang luar biasa untuk final setiap kelas. Tidak ada kata menahan, mereka hadir untuk memenangkannya. Pembalap dari setiap komunitas bersaing sengit di setiap kelas. Nama-nama seperti Maulana Sandi, Dewa Dimas, Harris Manasi Ride, Nova Rider Sing Mebekel, Ferry Rider Sing Mebekel, Bontok Giga MX, dan lain-lain tak main-main, sebagian besar dari memamerkan skill mereka tanpa mengesampingkan sportifitas dan keselamatan.

Trek dengan permukaan tanah liat merah keras yang kering memberikan tantangan. Di awal, para pembalap disuguhkan dengan bagian menurun pada tikungan pertama, setelah itu mereka memeras gas di bagian trek lurus sebelum berputar ke kiri lagi tapi kali ini menjadi bagian menanjak pada tikungan kedua. Itu memaksa mereka untuk menggabungkan keterampilan balap trek datar mereka dengan banyak teknik motocross. Pada akhirnya, semua pembalap bersenang-senang dengan debu tanah liat merah yang menutupi segalanya dan semua orang.

Saat matahari terbenam ke arah cakrawala, saudara dan sahabat motoran kami meraih pecahan cahaya terakhir untuk mendirikan tenda mereka dan dalam persiapan untuk berkemah malam. Matahari menghilang di balik Gunung Batukaru memberi semua orang pemandangan yang menakjubkan, tetapi segera menyelimuti kami dengan udara yang jauh lebih sejuk dari dataran tinggi di Baturiti Tabanan ini.

Percakapan tentang rute reli dan balapan flat track mengalir dari pintu tenda semua orang yang berkemah, yang lain membaringkan tubuh mereka yang lelah untuk mengantisipasi perjalanan keesokan harinya, perjalanan yang relatif santai ke Pantai Pasut.

Dengan begitu, acara Rally & Camp Tasik Adventure 2023 pun berakhir. Sampai bertemu lagi tahun depan, salam untuk semua penantang, pengalaman yang luar biasa.

Berikut daftar pemenang Kelas Flat Track:

Flat Rack Horizontal Engine Class Winners:
1. Chiko GTT Bali
2. Panduk Pisaga Delodan
3. Andika Monkey Brothers

Flat Rack FFA 4T Max 250cc Class Winners:
1. Nova Rider Sing Mebekel
2. Ferry Rider Sing Mebekel
3. Bontok Giga MX

Flat Rack FFA 2T Max 250cc Class Winners:
1. Sandi Maulana
2. Dewa Dita
3. Eponk Road Country

Flat Rack FFA Big Bore Class Winners:
1. Dewa Dimas
2. Haris Manasi Ride
3. Sandi Maulana

Saturday morning, June 17, 2023, was a highly anticipated day for 250 motorcycle rally participants and 80 flat track race contestants in Bali. It was the Fourth Rally & Camp Tasik Adventure event organized by a community of vintage trail motorcycle enthusiasts who love more than fanging about on their dual-purpose motorcycles from the 80s and 90s. Known as the Trail Asik Adventure Community, AKA… Tasik Adventure people had waited a year for the follow up and none were disappointed.

Just so you can get it straight in your head, there’s two very different sides to this coin. The first one was the Rally. They hung it under the banner of “Challenge”, making each partaker a “Challenger”. So, in the carpark of Sangeh Monkey Forest, which enjoys the shade of giant ageless teak trees, 250 Challengers parked up to receive the QR code for the first leg of the rally route. The entire ride was 3 stages with 3 stop points. 4 if you count the destination.

There were some amazing bikes there, Honda XR’s, Yamaha DT’s, Suzuki TS’s, Suzuki DR’s, and some custom modern motocross and scrambler bikes. In lots of ten or so, they lined up at the starting point then let them out for the event. Everyone’s mission was to complete each stage and stop at the 3 stop points to get the QR code for the next bit. Bali’s beauty was the constant companion, as we flew along a combination of asphalt roads, rural roads and dirt tracks in the Tabanan area. We slowly winded up high and higher into the hills and the views of rice fields and forests finally ran out, actually, it was more like blurred into one when we reached our destination. Bali Outbound Farmstay (BOF), which was also to be the overnight camping spot. If you collected all your QR codes you got a Rally medal as a form of appreciation.

The other side of the aforementioned coin, or second event, was the flat track. Or in this case staggered track because where they had built the track it was over a spot that had once held two rice terraces. So the Start finish straight sat higher than the return straight with a drop on the first turn and an uphill bit on the second. As we were pulling into BOF we could already hear the flat track bikes and the assembled crowd cheering. We parked up and made a bee line track side.

What an absolute corker of an event, the added degree of difficulty jammed into the afternoons schedule made for the most marvelous distraction. They’d managed to attract around eighty participants, split over 4 classes: Horizontal Engine Class, FFA 4T Max 250cc Class, Flat Track FFA 2T Max 250cc Class, and FFA Big Bore Class.

The enthusiasm for the flat track races was palpable. The excitement growing as we whittled down through the heats and building to something of a crescendo for the finals of each class. There was no holding back, they were in it to win it. Racers from each community fiercely competed in each class. Names like Maulana Sandi, Dewa Dimas, Harris Manasi Ride, Nova Rider Sing Mebekel, Ferry Rider Sing Mebekel, Bontok Giga MX, and others were letting nothing slip, flaunting their skills without compromising sportsmanship and safety. Mostly.

The track, with its dry hard red clay surface, presented challenges. Off the start, the racers were presented with a downhill section on the first turn, they hit the gas on the bottom straight before spinning left again but this time into an uphill section on the second turn. It forced them to combine their flat track racing skills with a slew of motocross techniques. In the end, all the racers had fun with the red clay dust lay across everything and everyone.

As the sun dipped towards the horizon, our compadres and accomplices grabbed the last shards of light to set up their tents in readiness for a night of camping. The sun disappeared behind Mount Batukaru affording everyone a magnificent view, but immediately enveloping us in the much cooler air of these high grounds here in Baturiti Tabanan.

Conversations about the rally route and the flat track race flowed out of the tent flaps of all those who camped others bedded their weary bodies down in anticipation for the next day's ride, a comparatively leisurely meander down to Pasut Beach.

With that, the Rally & Camp Tasik Adventure 2023 event came to an end. Until we meet again next year, greetings to all challengers, what an amazing time.

Here is the list of the days winners:

Flat Rack Horizontal Engine Class Winners:
1. Chiko GTT Bali
2. Panduk Pisaga Delodan
3. Andika Monkey Brothers

Flat Rack FFA 4T Max 250cc Class Winners:
1. Nova Rider Sing Mebekel
2. Ferry Rider Sing Mebekel
3. Bontok Giga MX

Flat Rack FFA 2T Max 250cc Class Winners:
1. Sandi Maulana
2. Dewa Dita
3. Eponk Road Country

Flat Rack FFA Big Bore Class Winners:
1. Dewa Dimas
2. Haris Manasi Ride
3. Sandi Maulana