Yuji Usui x SP Bindings Special Interview

Rider Yuji Usui Photo by SHU-5

The talented rider "Yuji Usui" who has been a JSBA official demonstrator for 5 consecutive terms has joined the SP Bindings JAPAN team from the 16-17 season.Riding specialists join the team to embody new possibilities for SP Bindings.Appeared in the popular DVD production "JOINT", played an active part in media and magazines, and served as the principal of Fukushima Prefecture's ski resort.SP Bindings has released an interview focusing on Yuji Usui, who is active in many fields.
Q1 First of all, please introduce yourself!
Usui I'm Yuji "Usui".Currently 36 years old, from Yokohama. When I was 22, I had an indoor ski resort near my house and skied every day for XNUMX years.Fuyuyama also started to work as an instructor around that time.Now I am working as a principal at a ski resort in Fukushima prefecture.
Q2 Please enjoy your snowboarding career and pride!
It has been 18 years since I started snowboarding, and I have been a JSBA official demonstrator for 5 consecutive terms.It's easy to think of it as a sensory group, but it's a theoretical group.I like to know the technology widely and study the advantages and disadvantages.
It's pretty amazing for 5 consecutive terms, isn't it?When I was talking to Mr. Usui, I thought he was a very theoretical person with a deep language and a strong inquisitive mind!Lol You're a maniac!
Q3 What are your current main activities?
Mainly demonstrator activities, tournament participation, photography, and school work.While helping the pension, I also focus on events such as skating, biking, and mountain climbing.
I'm busy improving my skills on a daily basis, working as a principal of a school, appearing on a popular DVD, and appearing in the magazine HOW TO this year.Even in the summer, we help with events such as skating and even pensions! ??I respect you!
Q4 What is your snowboarding style?
Free riding and carving.I like powder because the ski resort is a powder slope.I try to create a style that is loose and supple and in sync with nature.
"A style that harmonizes loosely and supplely with nature" It is wonderful to link with Mr. Usui's personality.
Q5 Why did you decide to use SP-UNITED?
I was fascinated by the fact that I felt that my intentions were not conveyed quickly and accurately.Still, I can move freely.At first glance, the contradictory elements are one binding, and I thought, "This is the only one!"
You were fascinated by the performance.Let's get everyone to know that feeling little by little.
Q6 What kind of skiing can you show the potential of SP-united?
My style is to stand on the board while stepping on the surface.Move the center of gravity away from the board.It should not be unstable near the limit of movement.In other words, I think that the potential of this binding can be brought out when trying to create "depth of movement and a sense of stability". It's a "harmonious binding".
I found out that it is a binding that can be linked to Mr. Usui's style.You can draw each other out.
Q7 Which model are you choosing?
It is sLAB one.
Q8 What are your features and why you like it?

There is no heel cup and the base plate is thin.It dispels the fear of dragging (the binding hits the snow surface), and the beginning of the edge is firmly on the ground, so there is no anxiety factor in the initial stage of operation.The base plate, which does not cause extra twisting, gives an accurate reaction and enables fine "face operation" on the sole of the foot.Actually, I'm doing quite complicated finger operations in my boots.The highback fits your body like a "third strap", so you can rest assured that you can take the board away from your body, which makes it easier to operate in a variety of situations, not just carving.As a result, I think it's simply "fun".
The features of a base plate that does not drag, no extra twist, and a high back like the third strap lead Mr. Usui to a fun world.I would like users to use this feeling and integrate it with Mr. Usui's words.
Q9 I am particular about the settings, and is the SP in good condition for me?
I'm particular about high-back rotation.The reaction changes considerably depending on the angle.I also pay attention to forward lean.Since it can be changed steplessly, it can be changed finely depending on the snow quality and usage.Sometimes it changes for each lift.Since the centering can be done quite finely, I mark the plate with magic and enjoy XNUMX patterns of centering.The loose setting when using half-sided powder is also in good condition.
I think that there are few users who adjust the high back rotation.I want people who read this to give it a try!
Q10 A word to those who saw this, and the enthusiasm of this season!
The "easiness of movement" and "free control" of this binding are big weapons, and I think that snowboarding will become even more fun if you widen the range of board operations.I would like you to experience it.This season, at the end of last year's season, I want to delve into the special horning sensations I got on the glacier course at swiss and have fun skiing.And aim for "Japan XNUMX".
Thank you for the interview.I would like to convey Mr. Usui's feelings and words to deep snowboard fans.
Next, I will publish an interview with sLAB.one.looking forward to!