CAT FIGHT! Space Metal Fantasy vs. Spinster An inside look at the best-looking and most smile-inducing rides of the season for women By Trish Wilkinson Do you have a cuddly fur ball in your life? How about a feral feline ready to scratch and hiss at a moment’s notice? Maybe a wild cat? In either case, the available catnip is in stock this season at BC Surf and Sport. The pedigree for progression, thanks to Capita and Forum, are the Space Metal Fantasy and Spinster. Two very freestyle boards to open the door for girls who are just plain old tired of making turns, and proof that we aren’t into taking ourselves too seriously, while doing some serious shredding. Two dope rides for almost any caliber snowboarder: Capita’s Space Metal Fantasy FK for the beginner/ intermediate looking to take it to the park or, dare I say, ride switch? FK also works for the aggressive freerider and/or park rat keeping up with her homies who wants a super-fun board for everyday regardless of snow conditions. Succinctly stated on the website: “do you want to purr or do you want to growl?”; this board can do both. For those unawares, FK refers to the flat “stable zone” between your feet, and the kick up from the rocker nose and tail. Using the technology from the men’s Horrorscope FK, there is no reason to fear those boxes and rails with the jib-core, 360-degree steel edges (there when you need ‘em), and ABS bomb-proof sidewalls. If you have seen Jess Kimura in Capita’s “Defender’s of Awesome” this season, then you have seen this board in action and watched Jess close the gap between the genders in freestyle snowboarding. She definitely isn’t a kitten, but her snowboard has one on the top sheet. Check it out for some incredible feats from the whole team, one-footed fast-plant flips and an all-around good time. Forum, on the other hand, is keeping the women’s line in sync with the freestyle formula used on the men’s side. The Doubledog technology in the Spinster blends the hook-free pressability of the chillydog with the pop and predictability we remember from the camber days (minus the slamming). With a rocker panel between your feet, camber bubbles underfoot, and rocker nose and tail, this is no beginner ride. Spinster is best suited to the woman who does hot laps all day, venturing into the trees as well as the park, or just has a spirit of adventure to try something new. Never boring, the Spinster is rocket-fast and flexy fun! Both these boards have received Good Wood from Transworld Snow and rate a 3 on the flex rating. Though Capita’s S.M.F. is appropriate for an entry-level rider, either board is suitable for the girl who dreams of getting jibby and jumpy, and is ready to take it to the next level. In either case, the amazing top sheet graphics will have the big dogs barking and the other girls drooling. Back that up with the powerful performance these boards deliver, and you can be seen shredding like Jess before you know it. This season there is no excuse not to have “cat power”!