Stevie D. came into my print shop shopping for a catalog sheet in 1983(?) with a prototype Rocket 140 w/ metal edges, swallow tail, P-Tex, 2 side fins, and a skeg. Seeing that board was an epiphany for me, who dreamed of slalom water-skiing on snow. My life changed that day. I was 25 then and I ride 20+ days today. Love it now as much as I did then.
We traded printing for boards, became friendly and I hung around his factory, getting every model he made. Rocket, Predator, Wave Hog, UFO, Weapon, Doris Asym, more I think. Alpine? I was 5'5" /130 lbs and rode a 180 UFO with minimal side cut. Not because I was crazy but because we didn't know any better. The Doris Asym was the greatest board I ever rode and at the peak of my strength and ability. It took me heli-boarding heaven in the 90's. In the late 80's I met Jeff Grell and rode together a couple days at Aspen Highlands. Growing up w/ the sport was a privilege. Stevie was a genius shaper, never got the recognition he deserved, and should have been an industry leader. It there's ever a Snowboarding HOF, he should be on the 1st ballot.
