Snowboarding Hats

When looking for a hat sometimes things can get a little difficult, mixing looks with comfort and function may leave you not even wanting to get one.   You find the perfect hat, then you realize that your ears are completely frozen, or you find the most wonderful warmest hat, then you realize you look like a woolly mammoth.

Finding your perfect hat might be a big project but don't give up yet.   Here at Bettersnowboarding.com, we have been looking all over trying to bring you the coolest, warmest gear, something you can be proud of... something that will give you street cred!... something that will make you a better snowboarder!!!

And guess what? We found it!!!    We have come across one of the coolest companies out there right now, real snowboarders, making snowboard gear. GG Hats Co.

Out of Leadville, CO, they have amazing hats, anything you want, any color , any style, warm and functional. You can actually order a specific hat, with your colors of choice!!! We have had the opportunity to talk to the owner and here is what he had to say!!! Check out this small interview with Russel Gibson from GG Hats!!! and make sure you visit their web site to find your newest snowboard hat.

Who is behind GG Hats?

Myself, a production team set up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 2 silent investors whom helped finance set up. Currently production is myself here in Leadville.

I started making hats in Dec. 04, I believe.

I went home for x-mas with the family and I had my grandmother teach me how to crochet. She always made us hats as kids and I think thats what started my hat fetish.

Every season of riding I would buy at least 3-5 new beanies. I wanted to start making my own, because I could never find a hat warm enough. After a couple years of just producing for myself and friends I decided to start up my own small business.

There was a lot of excitement from my friends about the quality and style of my hats which helped push me to start selling my product.

How long have you been snowboarding?

How many years riding would that be for the people that can't count?

18 years, man I'm old.

I just loved the snow and skateboarding as a child. My brother purchased the first issue of TWSnow and that really caught my attention. My mom bought me some plastic snowboard for an early birthday and it was on from there.

We had picnic tables setup, irrigation pipes to slide and mini gaps. Going backcountry (as backcountry as W. NY can get) with snowmobiles, all this in the early 90's on plastic no edged boards.

I grew up riding Swain, Bristol, and Hunt Hollow in Western NY. Rode Mt. Ashland in S. Oregon for 6 seasons and currently call Copper Mt. home even though Ski Cooper is closer.

How can someone get sponsored by your Co.?

I'm trying to keep it more local, here in Summit, Lake, Eagle Counties. But if you can ride just send us some footage.

Our production is super earth friendly. The only bi-product is left over yarn and that is recycled into Poms or made into blankets, socks etc. We reuse our shipping materials and recycle everything we can. We use hand spun/died organic wools for our higher end headwear.

Haiti is one of the poorest nations of the world. With this poverty comes the lack of employment. I'm helping bring jobs to Haitians that otherwise would not have that opportunity for income. Each Haitian that brings home any income is helping on average 5-7 others with food, clothing, and shelter.

I provide these Haitians with an above average wage and bonuses upon meeting production deadlines. Portions of the company's profits will go to educational and recycling programs in Port-Au-Prince.

If the company really begins to profit I would like to take my production team somewhere out of Haiti since they don't have that opportunity currently.

What do you considered to be your favorite thing about snowboarding?

I love powder days, but a sunny spring park day is so much fun.

If you can only pick one thing, open untouched powder field or untouched tree run?

Untouched tree run for sure.

What about your jib park, did you build it, what do you have and who jibs it?

I built my little playground. There's a box, wall ride, tree jib, mini qtr., up-down rail. My friends and I ride it mostly.

Where do you see GG Hats in 5 years?

I would like to see the business grow into an international company but still remain small.

Anybody you would like to thank?

My Family, my beautiful pregnant wife, Vad, & mother nature for providing all this great powder.

Any last words?

Be yourself, do what you enjoy, and I know what side of the toast to butter, do you?

How rad is bettersnowboarding.com??!!

BetterSnowboarding.com is Super Rad

Thanks for the interview Russel and for everyone out there, what are you waiting for go get a hat!! http://www.gghatco.com