This is not just a pro-model, this is a statement. Snowboarding is where it is today due to keepers of the real and Russ @misterwinfield is one of these keepers. I view the history behind this useable art piece as a mix of props due for being a game changing snowboarder, the support of snowboarding’s history, and the telling of snowboarding’s black history. Russ was the first pro Black Snowboarder. Russ and his crew ushered in the modern age of snowboarding’s style on and off mountain. There were people before, and people after, but this extended crew was strongly disruptive in a mainstream way during snowboardings massive expansion (300 plus board brands) They made their own brands, made their own media, drove street style snowboarding to the forefront, and set the tone for what still exists today. This battle continues to be fought for style (art) over skills alone, and that’s done with passion, using one’s position and opportunity, restraint, and personal fashion. Russell’s stayed true to the passion for decades. It’s about that time in snowboarding we start to incorporate our history, and honor the people that gave it all to keep it real. This is almost non-existent in snowboarding to date, and our fellow sideways sports like surfing and skateboarding have done a far better job of protecting and telling their history. So props to @ridesnowboards and to the powers that be for stepping up and repping history. A while ago a friendship between Russ and Virgil developed that turned into this project which is about first and foremost their mutual love for snowboarding. Virgil’s understanding and connection to so many subcultures was amazing. I also love how he used his position to rep and bring up so many people, that is one the most amazing things someone can do in life. Proceeds from this board are being donated to two organizations whose mission align with Virgil and Russ’ vision. Hoods To Woods @hoodstowoods , a mentoring nonprofit in Brooklyn introducing teens to the outdoors through snowboarding, and Virgil’s Postmodern Scholarship Fund. #virgilwashere #russellwinfield #hoodstowoods #ridesnowboards #snowboarding