Q1: What kind of team is the RD team?
Yunosuke: This team is made up of riders who are skilled in technical carving and tricks with a good tempo. This team is made up of members with the highest level of skill in both carving and tricks.
Q2: Please tell us how the band was formed.
Yunosuke: As the run-tri style, which combines turns and tricks, is becoming more well-known, we gathered riders with excellent skills that stand out from that style. Our style goes well with SP bindings, and by combining it with the RD SERIES snowboards that we develop, we have sublimated run-tri and completed the RD style. We formed a team to further develop this and spread it to many people.
Katsuro:When we formed this team, we met in Tokyo to discuss the matter. Unfortunately, we don't have many opportunities to meet up because our bases of operations are all over the place, but we do hold online meetings to discuss the matter in preparation for events.
Q3: What kind of activities do you actually do?
Konosuke:Our main activity is video production. When shooting, we discuss with the members how to convey the power of the video. We also think about and discuss board testing and the creation of new products as a team. You can watch the video from this link. https://youtu.be/R82WY5AcbeM?si=UIdt9Tn2finZKTJ0
Q4: Where do you publish the videos you filmed? What points do you want people to see? What were some of the difficulties you faced?
Katsuro:Mainly posts by members of the RD team that reflect their individual personalitiesPersonal InstagramAndRDseriesI try to share it on my account. I'm clearly the best at carving turns among the members, so I emphasize that, and Sugaya Yunosuke is really good at showing off light tricks from high-speed turns, and Sorato is good not only at RD style but also kickers and jibs, so I think that because we're a team we can convey the good points of things from various angles. The weather, snow quality, and run conditions have a big impact on filming, so it depends on how good the footage can be when all the conditions are met. So I feel the difficulty of making the riding I want to show every time.
Q5: Is there anything you would like to challenge with this team in the future?
Sekiya: I am currently working on producing promotional videos for various companies and manufacturers, and would like to collaborate with RD Style to get the videos seen by even more people.
Sohara: RD style, carving and other competitions and skating events,Social MediaWe would also like to actively hold offline events other than the ones mentioned above.
Q6: What is important to the RD team?
Yunosuke: While respecting each other's activities, we work together with the common theme of video.
Q7: You are all part of the SP team, what bindings do you use?
Yunosuke: sLAB PURE / sLAB ONE
Konosuke: sLAB PURE / sLAB ONE
Katsuro: CORE ME
Sekiya: sLAB PURE
Sohara: CORE
Q8: Do the bindings match your riding style?
Yunosuke: Although we all share the common theme of RD style, each member has a different style and chooses bindings accordingly. I want high response in both turns and tricks, so I prefer models with strong frames such as ONE and PURE. They move flexibly in the nose and tail directions, so they can handle a variety of tricks and match my style very well.
Konosuke: I use the PURE model because it is stable and lightweight. It features a flexible ankle and a frame that is strong enough to withstand any landing. In addition, the ONE provides instant explosive power, making it suitable for RD style with slow and fast movements and powerful tricks.
Katsuro: CORE is very flexible and does not restrict ankle movement. It is easy to move on the board and I don't feel any stress when turning or doing tricks. It's not only soft, but it responds well to the force you apply, so I like how it responds sensitively to movements like standing up the board while turning.
Sekiya: My style is all about high-response movement, so I really like the sLAB bass. The wide range of movement of the ankle from side to side is perfect. The ultra-light ankle strap fits perfectly around the ankle and is super lightweight, making it perfect for the RD style.
Sohara: I can perform at my best in my riding style, RD style, thanks to CORE. Its biggest feature is that the base plate is thin, so the response is quick and the sensation of the soles of your feet is transmitted directly. You can accurately understand where to step when switching turns or pressing, and it is easy to understand where you are currently loading and where the force is coming from.
Q9: It's the middle of summer now. How are you spending the summer season?
Yunosuke: I enjoy being outdoors at rivers and the sea. Also, summer is a time to prepare for the next winter, so I spend a lot of time editing music videos and developing gear products.
Konosuke: I train to maintain my performance. I also enjoy riding a SUP or other board every now and then.
Katsuro: I enjoy surfing, SUP, surf skating, and other sideboarding activities all year round.
Sekiya: I enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming in rivers, hiking, and camping. I also train to improve my performance.
Sohara: In the summer I work as a rafting guide and SUP guide, and also as a part-time coach at Saitama Quest.
Q10: It's difficult to find time for everyone to work together, but what goals or visions do you have as a team going forward?
Yunosuke: Our goal as the RD team is to continue exploring new possibilities in snowboarding by perfecting the fusion of technique and style. We don't just do tricks and turns, we pursue how to express them beautifully and powerfully. By combining these with video, we hope to give new stimulation and inspiration to many riders. In the future, we would like to have more people see our style through competitions and events both in Japan and overseas, and share the joy of snowboarding.
Q11: Are there any upcoming events or tournaments that have already been scheduled?
Konosuke: The exact dates have not yet been decided, but we are planning to hold an RD-style tournament with RD members in the future, so please follow and check our social media.
