Zen x Terje Haakonsen

Reto Neiger from Zen Snowboards somehow knew that my former employer would not renew my contract when he called me in May 2021.

Reto said: “I want to build you boards Terje! Let’s build outstanding snow-sliding devices together”.

I’ve known Reto close for 3-4 years now, having met at various Banked Slaloms across Europe. He’s always been a top contender, with a team sweeping the house clean across all categories, so I knew Zen snowboards well.

My mind was a bit all over the place at the time, so initially, I let the idea linger for a while. But last fall we started talking specifics and decided to shape two all-round boards that I use for resorts, pipe, park and banked slaloms.

I know what I like and Reto filled me in on his board construction process. A couple of prototypes later I had the 156cm and the 158cm under my feet. They were first ridden in Japanese powder in 2022 and won the Tenjing Banked Slalom last March. I think they came out great. Zen is a very small Swiss factory using only the finest materials, hence the relatively high price. But in return you get superior quality, first-rate wood and a P-Tex 40% graphite base.

Each board is made to order with a customized flex pattern, according to your preference. Reto is very hands on, so you can give him details and he can help out with flex choice.

– Terje Haakonsen (@chocorompe), February 2023

Your board’s flex and pop are defined by the sum of all used materials: wood core, epoxy, fiberglass, carbon stringers and flaxseed.

We offer every board in three main flex patterns:

Soft pattern
Progressive riding at its easiest.

Pros:
The pattern of choice for women who ride the full spectrum. It also works well for men who just want to play around and have an easy ride all day long. The edge still grips well for carving and in powder you get this super playful rocker-board feeling.

Cons:
When you carve at higher speeds, the edge hold can reach its limits. The nose might start to flutter and you need extra awareness and ability to catch it and put it back where it belongs.

Medium pattern
The most used, versatile and successful.

Pros:
For advanced to pro riders, this is the most versatile choice to combine powder, carving, speed jibbing, classic kicker lines and halfpipe riding. This is Terje Haakonsen’s pattern of choice for everyday cruising.

Cons:
If you are an advanced beginner, your learning progress will most likely be faster
when opting for the soft pattern.

Stiff pattern
Terje’s personal high performance pattern.

Pros:
This pattern is for extra strong and aggressive riders who have attained the highest fitness level.  This is what you reach for when you want to challenge yourself and the rest of the world. It enables you to become a fine-tuned carving machine.

Cons:
If you don’t rule it, it will rule you.

“I wanted to create a tribute to Terje’s style and impact on snowboarding combined with Zen Snowboards’ design influence.”
– Reto

“We have designed two all-round boards that I use for resorts, pipe, park and banked slaloms that also work very well in the deep stuff. ”
– Terje

We are currently producing 30 signature custom snowboards. The boards are available in two styles, numbered 1-15 for the 156 centimeters and 1-15 for the 158 centimeters. Each board is made to order according to your preference with superior quality and a customized flex pattern. Please contact us to register your interest and discuss your specific requirements.

Building now!