Boot Size: 10.5 | Height: 5'11 | Weight: 175 lbs
Mikey has entirely transformed the way I look and imagine snow surf by shaping snowboards that flow naturally with the grain of terrain. This instinctive “ebb and flow” relationship between the rider and the mountain truly resonates a thing of beauty that can only be expressed by a turn. For decades, swallowtails have been misunderstood, often mis-conceptualized and subconsciously labelled as “expert” “powder only boards”. Mikey’s shapes have proved this old wive’s tale wrong, by truly knowing no bounds as far as who should ride them and in what snow conditions they shall excel in.
The allure of Franco Snowshapes is their adaptability and design for FUN. The 156cm swallowtail, nicknamed “The Slushmonkey” that I have the honor to ride on snow, is no different. This shortboard is quick and agile which makes tight pines and couloirs the size of a sliver an absolute blast! Don’t be fooled by her short length though, this fishtail’s setback stance and generous taper afford easy float on the deepest powder days. Mikey’s “Surf Rocker” profile provides the ultimate sweet spot for pop, float and comfortable landings. The 7.5mm sidecut make turns effortless in ALL conditions, which sets this shape apart from any other “powder board”. Mikey’s tried and tested maple/ash cores are the bee’s knees… stiff and responsive yet dampening. The sintered bases found on Franco Snowshapes are faster than a bat out of hell when well taken care of.
I could go on and on about this righteous fishtail but instead I’d recommend you jump on a Franco yourself and feel what sets these boards apart from basically every other shape in my quiver. Three decades of riding, coaching, guiding and listening in the mountains have lifted Mikey into a realm of snow surf brilliance where one single shape can paint your personal masterpiece, no matter the format. So drop your misconceptions and subconscious labels about swallowtails and find out what all the fuss is about!
Topsheet Species: Beetle-killed Whitebark Pine
Sourced: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Casper Bowl
Tree Coordinates: 43° 36' 13" N, 110° 50' 47" W