Blogs
VANS CLASSIC AND VANS SKATE COLLECTIONS
It's well known that Vans and Homies have always been important allies. A few years after the opening of our Chicoutimi store, Vans began filling our shelves and slowly demonstrating the importance the brand holds for skaters in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. However, did you know that Homies offers two very distinct Vans collections? In both our Chicoutimi and Alma stores, we stock classic Vans and, of course, Vans Skate. Now, you're probably wondering what the difference is between the two? Read on and everything will become clear! The main difference between the Vans Classic collection and the Skate models is their design and function. Vans Classic The Classic Collection, which includes models such as the Authentic, Old Skool, and Slip-On, is designed for everyday wear and is appreciated for its comfort and durability. These models are known for their classic, legendary, and timeless style. Vans Skate The Skate collection models are specially designed to meet the needs of both amateur and professional skateboarders. These models are equipped with advanced technologies and features to offer superior performance on the board. The shoes are generally reinforced for better durability, with abrasion-resistant materials and reinforced stitching to resist wear and tear from grip tape on the shoe. In addition, they also have a padded insole to provide additional support and comfort. The Vans Skate collection therefore offers more durable and comfortable models so skaters can get more for their money! Pro Model Additionally, Vans Skate shoes are sometimes designed in collaboration with professional skateboarders to meet their specific needs and preferences. Skate collection models often come in unique colors and designs that reflect the style and personality of the skaters who wear them. For example, we can see the latest Pro Skate model released this month and available now in our Alma and Chicoutimi stores: the Vans Zahba. Inspired by Vans team rider Zion Wright, the Zahba is a brand-new silhouette that offers one of the best ratios of impact protection and board feel! This model, like many others, was designed and developed in collaboration with the professional skateboarder. These shoes from the Skate collection are the ideal tools for all skaters in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. With Vans shoes, you'll be ready to take your skating to the next level!
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BETTER UNDERSTANDING SNOWBOARD SHAPES
If you've ever shopped for a snowboard without the help of one of our consultants, you know how easy it is to get lost once you start looking at all the different types of shapes out there. Today, we want to shed some light on the different snowboard shapes, and we want you to be able to understand what rocker, camber, taper, directional boards, and everything else are used for. TRUE TWIN A twin board is a board that's 100% identical on each side. If you find the center of the board and measure each end, they'll have the same length, width, and curvature. This is often the type of board given to beginners because it's easier to start snowboarding with two equal ends. This is also the ideal type of board for park rats. A true twin board is perfect for people who do a lot of jibs or street riding. You can ride on your natural side or even switch, the board is the same! So, if you always play on the metal when you snowboard, a true twin is probably what you want! DIRECTIONAL Here, it says it in the name, the board is made to be ridden in a single direction. A directional board always has a longer front than a longer tail, and the shape is often different on the nose and tail. Sometimes the front of the board, in addition to being longer, is also wider than the tail. The idea behind this is to make the front of your board float on the snow and thus allow you to float more easily on big powder days. Why choose a directional board? Because it's the type of snowboard that's made to be ridden all over the mountain: it lets you float in soft snow, but also allows you to carve beautifully on the standard slope. DIRECTIONAL TWIN This is where it starts to get complicated. A directional twin board is really a mix between the other two types. The goal of this board is to allow you to have the feeling of a twin board, but still have a slightly longer nose. The difference in length between the nose and the tail is much less significant than with a directional board: it's often less than an inch of difference. The board, when riding inside the contact points, therefore gives a twin feeling, but outside the contact points, the nose is a little longer! It also happens that the tail is made stiffer than the front, allowing the board to have pop and help with landing. Since the difference between the nose and the tail is minimal, it is possible to ride switch with this type of snowboard. The directional twin board is made this way in order to offer a balance between steering and switch riding, and this is what has made this type of board so popular with all-mountain freestyle riders! CAMBER A camber board is a board that has 4 contact points near the tips. The center, between the bindings, arches upward. This principle allows you to put more pressure on the board's natural contact points, and thus have a better grip when turning on snow. The camber also gives your board more pop, since the board is, in a way, already in tension against the pop. This is the ideal type for going fast and doing big carving! ROCKER Rocker is the opposite. The center of the board touches the ground, and the two ends rise upward. Rocker boards are often thought of as bananas. This type of board provides a smoother, less aggressive ride. Rocker also floats more easily in the snow, since the tips of the board are oriented upwards. Again, this is the ideal choice for those who are just starting out in snowboarding and for those who mostly jib! ROCKER/CAMBER MIX Many snowboard models also opt for a mix between rocker and camber. For example, you often see a classic camber between the bindings, then the nose and tail oriented upwards like a rocker. This mixture provides grip and bite in turns, just like classic camber, but with its tips rising upwards, the board will float better in powder. It's the same for directional boards that have a camber from the tail to the front binding, then a rocker for the nose which is longer. The same idea is behind this mixture: grip and aggressiveness in turns, but increased flotation in powder! SOME INTERESTING TECHNOLOGIES Uprise fenders Arbor offers this technology, which involves raising the edges of the board at the contact points by a few degrees. These fenders allow two things: Raise the edge at the contact points and give the board a smoother feel, while removing the bite from the edges when you go straight down (flat-based) For wider boards, Uprise fenders make edge-to-edge transitions easier. Grip tech Still at Arbor, grip tech is contact points that are added along the board. For a rocker board that tends to be smoother, grip tech therefore allows for added road holding and therefore offers better adhesion to the track despite the board's rocker. 3D Contour Bases Jones Snowboards offers 3D contour. This technology involves curving the tips of their snowboards, thereby raising the contact points on each side. Imagine a spoon; this is the kind of shape that 3D contour gives to the noses and tails of boards. All of this makes for a smoother and more dynamic ride. In addition, 3D contour allows you to float better in powder because the snow is naturally evacuated thanks to the curvature of the tips. So you can ride faster and float better!
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HOW TO DRESS IN THE MOUNTAINS: THE THREE-LAYER SYSTEM
When practicing a winter sport like snowboarding, you need to know how to dress properly to protect yourself from the elements like snow and wind. You also need to be able to manage the perspiration caused by the physical exertion of practicing your sport. The three-layer system is the best method for staying dry and warm: A layer to manage and wick away perspiration, an insulating layer to provide warmth, and finally, an outer layer to protect against the elements. 1st breathable layer to manage perspiration When we exercise, our body temperature rises and we sweat. If your shirt gets wet from this sweat, you'll feel cold as soon as you stop exercising because the water stays in contact with your skin. The first step is to avoid wearing a shirt that absorbs sweat. For example, you should avoid wearing a cotton sweater at all costs, because this fabric is very absorbent and takes a long time to dry. Your choice of sweater should therefore lean towards synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or polyamide. These fabrics do not absorb water. Therefore, when sweating, moisture is expelled outside the garment and is no longer in contact with the skin. Wearing a technical fabric made of synthetic material therefore helps eliminate water and moisture, and you will no longer feel cold when you stop exercising. Another interesting choice for the first layer: merino wool. This wool, even when wet, retains warmth and limits odors. It is a wool that can absorb a lot of water and thus remove sweat from your skin, again with the aim of not creating a cold. You don't even have to wash merino wool after each use, so it's perfect if you want to ride all weekend without having to worry about washing! By the way, if you want an interesting first layer and have some extra style, think about the famous Ninja Suits from AirBlaster! Shop Ninja Suits! 2nd insulating layer for extra warmth The second layer is to protect you from the cold and retain the heat produced by the body. The quality of a garment's insulation is measured by its ability to trap air within its fibers. There are several types of insulation, so you can adapt your second layer according to the temperature: Hot outside temperature or sustained activity: In this case, the second layer can be left aside. However, you can carry an insulating layer in your bag to withstand the cold when you stop exercising, such as when climbing a splitboard, for example. Cold temperature: In colder conditions, a fleece jacket is ideal for providing the necessary warmth. Alternatively, synthetic down jackets are a good choice, as they are warm, compressible, and easily washable. Synthetic insulation is often preferred because it manages moisture better. Natural down, while warmer, tends to absorb water and thus loses its insulating power. 3rd waterproof and windproof layer The third layer is the famous shell. This is the layer you put on top of everything else to protect yourself from snow, wind, or water. Most of the time, all the seams of this type of layer are waterproof and taped. This prevents water from penetrating the jacket. Some coats also have ventilation, in the form of a zip, to allow perspiration to escape. When we think of the third layer, we quickly think of Gore-Tex, which offers very good waterproofing. However, this final layer can be chosen according to your own needs, and many different options exist. Finally, some snowboard jackets sometimes combine insulation and protection from the elements ( 2nd and 3rd layer). So, if you think you don't need to manage all the different layers because you're more of a mountain rider, these jackets are for you!
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WHAT IS A SPLITBOARD
Homies shops equip you for the backcountry and allow you to try out splitboard -style snowboards for your next adventures! WHAT IS A SPLITBOARD? Basically, the principle of a splitboard is to divide your board in two for the ascent and remake it into a single piece for the descent. It perfectly meets the needs of all-terrain enthusiasts, and it's the perfect tool for exploring Quebec's mountains and off-resort glades. A splitboard often sports an ideal shape for off-piste riding, with a longer nose and camber underfoot. Its dynamism will definitely make you happy in the glades. The box construction with a wood core and fiberglass layers ensures lightness and durability. A splitboard is the ideal tool for exploring the unmarked slopes that Quebec is full of. HOW DOES SPLITBOARD RENTAL WORK? First of all, whether you're from anywhere in Saguenay, our splitboard equipment rentals are available in our Chicoutimi and Alma stores. Each store has its own rental lot, and a simple phone call will let you learn everything about our equipment. BOARDS AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL CHICOUTIMI: Salomon Highpath Splitboard 156 cm - Ideal board for the average man. Salomon Highpath Splitboard 159 cm - Ideal board for taller or heavier men. Salomon Pillow Talk Splitboard 151 cm – Ideal board for women. Salomon Bellevue Splitboard 152 cm – Ideal board for women. ALMA: Salomon Highpath Splitboard 159 cm – for men. Salomon Bellevue Splitboard 148 cm – for women. RENTAL INCLUDES: The fixings: Of course, all our rental boards come with bindings. The majority of our splitboards are equipped with Union Explorer bindings. These bindings offer a very snowboard-like feel and allow the two tips to be firmly glued together when it comes time to join your board for the descent. A simple twist, then we lock everything together and it's done! We also have a board equipped with Burton Hitchhicker bindings. Equipped with the Burton Spark base and straps, you have everything you need for quick assembly and optimal comfort once attached. Backpack: Homies has you covered with the explorer's kit! Hiking poles, a binding adjustment kit, and a screwdriver. You've got everything you need once you're out and about! All this in backpacks designed for splitboarding and carrying gear in the backcountry . They'll allow you to carry safety gear, water, a few accessories, and a change of clothes. Perfect for long days outdoors and unpredictable weather! Who knows, maybe you'll even head out overnight ! That's why we're offering two 30-liter bags; for those who are going on big trips! Ascension Skins: This is what you put under your splitboard to make your ascent. It grips when you go up and slides when you go down! It's simple as that! Once at the top of the mountain, or the Côte du Parasol (we don't judge you), you put them in your backpack and you're ready for a well-deserved splitboarding ride ! There are several types of skins, some more flexible and lightweight, perfect for days in the refuge and others more robust for hardened snow and climbing trails. Don't worry about that: if you have any questions, our team will be happy to give you a little 101 course on skins before your departure. To quickly summarize, if you want to rent a splitboard set, all you need is your outerwear and your snow boots. We'll take care of the rest! TERMS We should also warn you about the small conditions for renting a splitboard. : The rental amount is $64.95 per day. You will pick up the split equipment the day before your first rental day and must return everything before the store closes on your last rental day. For example, if you rent equipment for a Saturday outing, you can pick it up at the store on Friday evening and return it on Saturday before closing. A $500 deposit must be taken on a credit card. This amount serves as security in case of theft, and this amount will be returned to you upon return of the board. You need to make sure you already have snowboard boots and goggles, a helmet, and adequate outerwear to keep you warm. For everything else, the Homies technician will give you a short course and some tips on how to use it before you leave!
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WINTER 2022/2023 EVENTS
Here's a summary of our 2022/2023 events calendar. Here's everything you need to know about the key winter dates so you don't miss out on the chance to have fun with us!
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WORKING AT HOMIES
As you already know, we celebrated our 10th anniversary at Homies this year (we promise we'll stop talking about it soon). Ten years ago, we opened Homies with our heads full of ideas and dreams. A lot of changes have happened in the last few months, and it made us realize that we've never really told you what it's like for us to work at Homies. SPIRIT AND CULTURE ARE THE BASIS AT HOMIES Since the beginning of Homies, we have worked extremely hard for the soul of the company. For us, the soul of our company can be summed up in a few key factors: the spirit of the company and the team, the culture we represent and in which we live, an ideal balance between fun and good work, and, finally, impeccable customer relations. It was with this in mind that the company was founded ten years ago. The company's management, founders, and owners embarked on the project while being active in the world of skateboarding and snowboarding, whether practicing the sport or encouraging others to do so. NEW ARRIVAL IN THE OFFICES We spent ten wonderful years enjoying our customers, and we wanted to make sure we could continue to do so for a long time to come. However, over the years, we felt we were going to lose some feathers in terms of presence. With management aging and less present, we found that it was the soul of the company, the one we were proud of at the beginning of Homies, that was gradually being affected. NEW BRAND MANAGER So this is where we introduce you to our new Brand Manager, our friend who is back among us, a former employee whom we are very happy to see again, Philippe Couture. A brand manager is someone who represents the company, organizes events, and manages our social media. In short, someone who ensures that the company is as present in the region as we have been for ten years. Phil's arrival is a boost to snowboard culture, a breath of fresh air entering Homies. He's been on the job since the beginning of August, and a trip to Montreal with the skate team has already been organized to shoot the next Homies skate video. Stay tuned, because the video will be released very soon! WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK AT HOMIES? Before getting to the heart of the matter, I would like to point out here that this blog is not written by management, but by a good old staff member who has been working at the shop for five years now. So, don't be fooled by what you're about to read and don't think that these are just nice words to give the impression that working at Homies is cool, because what you're about to read is the testimony of an employee who has a thousand and one anecdotes to tell about these wonderful years at Homies! SICK ENVIRONMENT AND NICE WORLD Working at Homies means working in a sick environment with such nice people! Basically, it's working with people who are like you, friends, people you're happy to spend 35 hours a week with! WORK-STUDY BALANCE Working at Homies also means having bosses who know that studying is important, who go the extra mile to give you a schedule that fits with your school hours, and they are also bosses with whom you can have a lot of fun over dinner or during an afternoon of hard work. STAFF MEETINGS OR FAMILY PARTIES? We also have at least two staff meetings during the year, and during my five years at Homies, I've seen all kinds: a chalet in the Monts-Valin for backcountry, a homemade snowpark in a camp in the middle of the woods, BBQ dinners at the shop, dinners at the restaurant, big bowling games or, even more recently, a karting grand prix. In short, these parties are like family parties! WE DON'T FORGET OUR SPORT You think all this is cool, huh? Well, imagine that I'm not even done yet! Working at Homies also means having the right to a day off on the weekends to go skateboarding or snowboarding. Plus, we're extremely lucky as employees because we have access to the famous Toujours à la montagne program, where all our snowboard tickets are reimbursed 50% by the company, all of this to encourage us to practice our sport and be present in the community. In short, if all this isn't spirit, I don't know what is!
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THE PERFECT CAMPING GEAR FOR SUMMER 2021
It seems like we're in for another great summer this year in Quebec, and that's why Homies is equipping you for the camping adventure you've been meaning to do for the holidays. Several new arrivals are hitting our shelves, and new companies are making their way into our stores! HOMIES HAS THE PERFECT CAMPING GEAR FOR SUMMER 2021 THE NORTH FACE The North Face is already a well-known company in our country, and their camping gear is of the same excellent quality as the other products they've made their name in. You can shop for The North Face tents, among other things, in the style you're looking for. We have weekender style tents for those who go camping once in a while or would like to camp for 2 or 3 days with friends. We also have expedition-style tents for those who want better quality equipment, are serious about their expeditions, and don't want to worry when the night comes! Additionally, The North Face offers a wide selection of sleeping bags at Homies, ranging from the not-too-insulated ones perfect for hot summer days to the warmer ones that can extend your camping season. Since we don't do anything by halves, we even have a few winter models! Finally, we also have hiking backpacks in stock, for those looking for a more technical trail bag. KLYMIT CAMPING MATTRESSES If you didn't already know, Klymit is a company renowned for its sleeping pads. So, we've decided to fill our shelves with all kinds of mattresses to satisfy all your needs: single and double-sized air mattresses, half-foam and half-inflatable mattresses, insulated mattresses for sleeping in your tent despite the cold weather, and even mattresses for hammocks. A cool thing about Klymit is its small rechargeable pump that you can use to inflate and even deflate your mattress. The pump is small and recharges via a USB cable. You no longer have to empty your lungs, mate! ESSENTIAL BIOLITE ACCESSORIES Biolite makes a lot of very useful accessories for camping. We have headlamps and light sets, USB-connected lamps, solar panels, and batteries. What can be really nice is to have, for example, a light set, a battery, and the solar panel to recharge everything, and you have your lighting set for your evenings near the tent. Biolite also has the essentials for cooking meals outdoors. The company offers beautiful little fire pits and griddles so you can cook your food directly over the fire! CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FIREPIT+ INFORMATION SHEET UCO GEAR AND ITS PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS Uco Gear is all about small accessories that can make your camping trip so much better! If you don't like eating with your hands, we have camping tableware sets, urethane plates and utensils, and even aluminum glass and utensil sets. Other must-haves are survival matches and fire starters that are water and moisture resistant to ensure you can light your fire anytime. Above all, you must have their famous candle that helps manage the humidity in your tent. When burning, the Uco Gear candle releases BTUs, and with its 9 hours of autonomy, it helps reduce the humidity level in the tent and that, my friend, I tell you, is a game changer! ESBIT AND SOLID FUEL If we had to describe Esbit, we would use the terms practical and compact. The best example: their famous stove that burns gasoline pellets, a solid fuel. There are also different sizes of pellets to offer different burn times! Let's face it, a gas tablet is much easier to carry around than a propane tank when you go on an expedition! TRANSPORT YOUR CAMPING EQUIPMENT WITH YAKIMA Yakima is a roof rack brand that also makes everything you need to transform your vehicle into a real shed on wheels! Yakima is a company that offers roof racks for virtually every make and model of vehicle. In addition to these bars, it is also possible to place tombs on your roof, tombs which are available in different formats. Yakima is also very innovative in bike racks, as the company offers one of the best racks on the market, which allows you to hang your bikes vertically, and therefore, carry more. Finally, if you're the kind of person who loves van life, but you love your pickup truck and don't want to change it, Yakima also offers rooftop tents. Now you have no reason not to go on a trip! If you're interested in Yakima roof racks, these marvels will be sold by appointment only! Go on an adventure in 2021 with camping equipment available in your Homies stores!
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GREEN GLASSES TO SAVE OUR PLAYGROUND
WHAT IF WE TOLD YOU THAT A PAIR OF PLANT-BASED SUNGLASSES IS POSSIBLE? Dragon did it, and we're completely crazy about this product. Starting this summer, you can proudly wear your eco-friendly sunglasses. The key phrase in this project: let's protect the oceans we love to surf, the mountains we love to climb, and the land we love to explore. MOUNT MATERIAL The look of the frame is usually what will determine your choice of glasses. Let us surprise you with some information that will make you say "wow, that one is beautiful inside and out." THE CASTOR PLANT What exactly is a plant-based resin? In the case of Dragon frames, the frames are made from castor resin. Castor is a common plant that grows almost everywhere and resembles a small shrub. Around the world, approximately 700,000 farmers cultivate it. To this end, the company has partnered with the Global Network of Suppliers and trained and certified by Pragati, an organization that aims to reduce environmental impacts through education and the establishment of more sustainable supply chains. This association and the use of plants in the production of their frames reduces the company's ecological footprint and environmental impact, and who doesn't love a company that takes care of our planet? Especially now. CASTOR RESIN What does castor resin ultimately offer? Essentially, it's a renewable material (yay) and creates a stronger plastic that's both lightweight and durable. ACETATE Acetate is one of the most popular materials used in frame creation. At Dragon, they chose to use a plant-based thermoplastic for a more durable product and a more aesthetically pleasing look. The company certainly has an eye for detail; some of their frames are even hand-finished to offer you the highest level of quality! THE GRILAMID This material makes their frames SUPER sturdy. Plus, the company made them with nylon, making them even lighter and more eco-friendly, as they'll last a long time. Dragon didn't just think about making sturdy frames. They also took care to make lenses that are as sturdy. So you have twice as much reason to make a responsible choice by choosing one of their products. LENS MATERIAL Sun protection is key. But when the protection is effective, green, and clear, it's literally the ultimate in comfort for your eyes. POLYCARBON Polycarbonate is one of the components of Dragon's lens. You can find it in several of their models, including the Monarch, Monarch XL, and Compass. This component makes your lenses both featherlight and durable. THE CR39 You'll find this type of lens on acetate frames. This component will give you crystal-clear vision! When shopping for frames, look for styles like the Hype or Jake. NYLON You'll definitely find this component in Dragon's famous floating goggles. A little tip from a friend: with summer coming up and all the water sports you plan to do, wakeboarding, fishing, or even the beach, you definitely want these kinds of goggles to avoid disaster! You'll have the advantage of clear vision and lightweight as a bonus! The Jam H20 and Vantage are made of nylon. DRAGON, THE INFORMED CHOICE FOR THIS SUMMER We're all making an effort when it comes to making eco-friendly choices. You carry your reusable bags, you always have your little metal straw, and you try to do zero-waste grocery shopping as much as possible. We're doing our best to save our beautiful playground, and the good news is that now you can give Mother Nature a helping hand when you buy your sunglasses!
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CHOOSING YOUR MID-SEASON SHOES AND BOOTS
Here's a guide to help you choose the right mid-season shoes and boots for all temperatures and conditions! Designed to thrive in the harshest conditions, these shoes combine water-resistant fabric with synthetic insulation for protection against seasonal temperatures. 1. Cleated sole For maximum grip in both the rain in autumn and on ice in winter, look for shoes with a durable rubber sole and studs for improved traction. 2. Water-repellent protective gaiter A tongue is added to the shoe to keep snow and water out. A waterproof membrane for dry feet at all times! 3. Complete insulation W arm linings to face the elements! Choose shoes with advanced materials to improve heat retention and wick moisture away from the toe area. High-performance management that preserves the breathability of fabrics. 4. Cold cut between the soles To ensure heat retention and maximize your comfort, choose shoes and boots with a cold seal between the outer and inner soles. Shop Men's Shoes Shop Women's Shoes This fall, with the purchase of shoes worth $100 or more, we are offering Granger's waterproofing treatment for free. A water-repellent finish for complete, premium insulation! Protect your footwear from moisture and dust with this easy-to-apply spray treatment. A coating that seals seams and prevents stains. Designed for use on all types of boot and outdoor shoe fabrics, whether leather, suede, nubuck, etc. We did the test, the water flows in the form of droplets and cannot soak into the fabric.
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