We just received a bunch of boardbags that will hold boards up to 166. We will be sending one to each person who signs up for Tailgate Alaska or Tailgate BC. You can sign up for the events at The World Freeride Festival Store.

From the Sugpiaq, "Ukut Ilanka" (Here, is my family), for Tailgaters
The native people of the Chugach (or Chugachmiut) call themselves Yupik or Sugpiaq (suk 'person' plus -piaq 'real' or 'genuine.') It means literally, "the real people." This exemplifies Flow Tailgate Alaska. Real people are those who become family, here. Family, or 'Ilanka,' is the most important thing to a Sugpiaq person, as an extended sense including blood-related, adoptive or intentional. Like the Hawaiian term for family, “Ohana,” the belief is that no one is left behind or forgotten...

The backcountry creates a strong connection within everyone, when scaling the heights of some of the biggest peaks any of us have ever seen and ridden. That's what makes Flow Tailgate Alaska the precious outlet for those who are venture-hungry to get into some of nature's best with some confidence. This peaceful camaraderie in the toughest situations, knowing that everyone you're with has some sense of survival tactics, is owed to the Alaskan Avalanche Information Center at base camp. They educate all participants with daily 2pm seminars, informing those of conditions and how to handle them.

"We have seen the event change lives and educate people on backcountry riding, which we hope will help save lives, said Anthony Scaturro, CEO Flow Snowboards.

The Ilanka philosophy that 'no one gets left behind' is evident—the generosity and guidance amongst one another is nothing less than exceptional. There are more than 40 volunteers making Tailgate and the Flow World Freeride Championships possible. With Flow Snowboarding stepping up as the title sponsor in 2012, the solidarity is growing vigorously.

"While the competition component is a great part of the event, we love the fact that it is more about community than competition. It is a composition of freeriding, backcountry freestyle infused with a whole lot of fun. At Tailgate, everyone is a winner," smiles Anthony.

written by Liz Sullivan