Blogs
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WETSUIT?
Summer is upon us and hurricane season often occurs in the fall and spring. What does that mean? It means good swell will hit the East Coast and opportunities to slam Chicoutimi-Maine will become frequent! Not a surf fan? Our lakes and rivers will be free of ice and you might want to bring forward your wake surfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing or other season to May and June? Same thing after summer for September and October when our water temperatures drop? Either way, you'll need a wetsuit, and we've got some at Homies! Here are some tips to help you choose. Why is it hot? A wetsuit isn't complicated; the suit lets a small amount of water in, and your body warms it up. The thicker and more airtight the wetsuit, the warmer it keeps you. What to know before buying? The right size Know that a wetsuit is categorically form-fitting and super tight. The layer of water that penetrates must be as thin as possible, so there's no question of being too comfortable in your wetsuit. Most companies will offer different sizes to help you: medium tall or medium small, large tall or large small, and so on. It's the balance between the tightest possible and agility that you must retain. At Homies, it's the Ripcurl brand, so you can rely on the size chart below to find the right size for you. Types of zip Front zip, back zip, and chest zip. Front zips are the easiest to put on and are ideal for a warm-water wetsuit. Back zips are just as easy to put on, even easier, but the long zip located in the back is less effective against cold water and less flexible. Chest zips are a little more difficult to put on, but offer plenty of warmth and flexibility. This is pretty much our favorite here! But again, it all depends on where and what activity you'll be doing with your wetsuit. The thicknesses This is measured in millimeters. A 5/4 means 5 mm of water thickness at the body and 4 mm of water thickness at the legs, arms, and other parts of the body that require more flexibility. Here is what is suggested depending on the season: Spring and summer (water at 19 to 23 degrees): 2mm Spring (water at 15 to 20 degrees): 2mm long sleeves or 3/2 Autumn (water at 12 to 17 degrees): 4/3 Autumn and winter (water between 9 and 13 degrees): 5/4 The seams Flat-locked and sealed seams. Flat-locked seams on so-called entry-level wetsuits are ideal for occasional use. Sealed or taped seams are used on high-end wetsuits. They keep water out really well and are often considered the best choice for a durable wetsuit. Gloves, balaclava and boots It's not complicated, it's quite rare for someone to buy a wetsuit below 3mm and not take gloves, a hood, and boots. Often offered in sizes from 3mm to 7mm, these accessories are essential. In order of importance? Definitely the feet, then the head and the hands. For more advice, the Homies Chicoutimi team is waiting for you!
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SAGUENAY SKATEPARKS - LAC-ST-JEAN
At Homies, we believe it's important to encourage skateboarding culture in our region. We're taking advantage of this article on the subject to introduce you to these SagLac towns that have also decided to encourage this sport by building skateparks, each one more beautiful than the last. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SKATEPARKS IN THE REGION THE BASIN SKATEPARK IN CHICOUTIMI You already know this one, I'm pretty sure. Our beautiful local park right next to the Petite Maison Blanche in Chicoutimi. We're pretty sure that you've spent a lot of time there too, whether in the bowl in the corner of the park or roaming it up and down, hitting your best lines. Anyway, keep enjoying our park, we'll probably see each other there for a long time to come! THE HÉBERTVILLE SKATEPARK Concrete conquered Hébertville a few years ago. Honestly, if you've never been skating there, it's worth the detour! It's a magnificent skatepark that you'll find once you arrive, with features for both beginners and advanced skaters. If you ask me, this is the best place to start your tour of Lac-Saint-Jean skateparks! SKATEPARK SAINT-BRUNO This one is brand new! Freshly built and ready for a few weeks, it's a great stop for some fun! In fact, the official opening day was Saturday, July 10th, so if you're looking for some new concrete to ride or want to try a new skatepark, this is the place for you, buddy! DORÉ SKATEPARK This skatepark might be a bit further from your house, but honestly, it's really cool. It's a tiny, long park where you can spend your afternoon doing lines and going back and forth from the skatepark. If you're passing by, it's worth the stop, and it's easy to spot with its rails and red ledge corners! ARVIDA SKATEPARK This one is a skatepark with big transitions. It might not be the best if you start touching features with your board, but what we find really cool about this spot is the pump track right next to the skatepark. A place to go fast, play in the bumps and manage your turns! A NEW PARK COMING SOON TO ALMA We'll admit it, we think what happened in Alma is awesome. A bunch of crazy skaters saw lots of new concrete skateparks being built elsewhere and they decided to pitch the idea to the city. After a few Facebook posts and a few meetings with a guy from the city, the project was launched! So, if you're walking around the streets of Alma and you see a construction site on the side of the road, there's a good chance it's this famous new park under construction! Normally, you should be able to go and enjoy it by the end of August or September, and if you're like us, you must be looking forward to it! TEAM SKATE HOMIES SUMMER 2021 As you probably already know, at Homies we believe it is important to encourage local people who excel in board sports. Since its beginnings, Homies has been helping skaters from Saguenay and elsewhere to help them develop while being part of the large Homies family of riders. OLD FRIENDS Among our skate team, you probably already know our old friends, notably Simon Gagnon, who has been with us since our beginnings, Pascal Tremblay, Kevin Boily, and other long-time friends. NEW MEMBERS IN THE TEAM However, this year also marks the arrival of new members in the Homies team! Among others, Alexis Chagnon is joining the family, and I tell you, he is not a Sunday skater! In short, if you want to put faces to names, we have a section on our website dedicated to our beautiful family of skaters! Go check it out, it's right here . THE GIRLS TAKE THEIR PLACE Also, I don't know if you've noticed, but lately, we've been seeing more and more girls skateboarding in Saguenay. Since we were really excited to see that, we decided to encourage a few girls and introduce them to our skate team. That's why you can see videos of Mia Duchesne or Delphine Maltais on our networks from time to time. We're happy to see girls taking their place in the world of skateboarding and if we can contribute in one way or another, so much the better! THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM IS GROWING That's all well and good, but that's not all! Our development team is also growing with the arrival of four new young people from Saguenay, and we wanted to take the time to tell you about them. We therefore officially welcome Joey Boivin-Desmeules, Louis-Philippe Bédard, Olivier Thériault and Jacob Blackburn. We felt it was important to welcome them into our big family, because these young people, like so many others, embody the future of skateboarding in Saguenay. We also encourage you to watch their videos or follow them on Instagram to see them progress in their sport.
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HOMIES CAPSULES SUMMER 2021: 10TH ANNIVERSARY
TWO NEW 10TH ANNIVERSARY CAPSULES! If you didn't know, this year, Homies is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Unfortunately, with the current situation, we were unable to organize our annual party to celebrate the occasion with our friends and clients. So, we decided to release 10th anniversary capsules throughout the year. This time, two beautiful capsules are added to the collection! “BOARDCULTURE” WITH PHIL LUSINCHI For our tenth anniversary, we were looking for something that, like us, represents the art, passion, and history of skateboarding. There was no better person to achieve this than the Pope of skateboarding from Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Phil Lusinchi. Phil is passionate, he's a major figure in board sports in the region. He's an inspiring guy who single-handedly embodies what he calls "boardculture," the philosophy of life that is imbued with board sports, whether through music, clothing, sports, you name it. As this is our 10th anniversary year and we are lucky to have a guy like Phil Lusinchi in the area, talking about history and paying tribute to a true enthusiast was essential for us. So we decided to release a series of clothing that features Phil, a photo straight from his great skating years, and print that on clothing. Additionally, the hoodie is made with the hood from Russel Athletics, who make clothing used by big brands in the world of skateboarding, like Mehrathon for example. SEE THE CLOTHES DEATHWISH X HOMIES We have to admit, we're pretty proud of this awesome 10th anniversary capsule! Basically, we wanted to do a little thing with the guys from Bakerboys for our 10th anniversary. Thinking about it properly, we came to want to make a Homies skateboard, but by a big brand in the industry. From idea to idea, one thing led to another and thanks to a friend in a good position there, we threw a pole at Deathwish. The project was launched and we are more than grateful that they got on board with us! A DEATHWISH HOMIES BOARD! We had lots of ideas and Deathwish managed to make all our wishes come true: a Deathwish Homies board that glows in the dark! And the craziest thing about it all (because it doesn't stop there) is that Jamie Foy himself took a picture with our board! We wanted to make a big impact with a big project for a 10th anniversary capsule, and we think it's mission accomplished. The board is available in 8.125 and 8.5, and it's not a slouch because these are limited quantities!
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TSL TOURING SNOWSHOES - HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SNOWSHOE MODEL
TSL SNOWSHOES AVAILABLE AT HOMIES For snowshoes that aren't afraid to bite into the snow, we have the TSL Snowshoes. Forget the old image of snowshoes made of deer hide; now you're next level with these ultra-light and comfortable snowshoes. TSL RACKETS FEATURES We're not going to hide it from you, we've had a huge crush on the TSL snowshoes. Designed in France, and in the Alps to boot, they have all the ultra-tech features to make your life easier on your next hike. 3D design Hourglass shape Lateral adjustment Lock adjustment Sound and shock absorption system Easy ascent SEVERAL MODELS ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS TSL has several models: HIGHLANDER, SYMBIOZ HYPERFLEX, and COMPOSITE. To make sure you don't miss out, Homies has our two favorites in stock. Are you an expert hiker? The HIGHLANDER ORIGINAL is what you need. This model offers improved grip, load capacity, and safety from the very first steps, with a thin, precise binding helping you stay steady on your feet. Perfect for exploring wild slopes! The SYMBIOZ HYPERFLEX ORIGINAL combines precision innovations, wraparound bindings and the Hyperflex concept to make walking safer, more comfortable, and more natural. With this model, uneven terrain is a thing of the past. Taming the mountains will become child's play! HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RACKETS Several factors influence your choice of snowshoes, but what you need to consider most is the type of terrain and your intended use. Do you want snowshoes for walking on well-trodden trails? For your off-piste mountain expeditions? TRAILS AND FLAT AREAS For a flat trail, you have the perfect playground for running snowshoes. Make sure your model is flexible and has a slightly curved shape to allow you to move around easily. MOUNTAIN In the mountains, you'll need snowshoes with good crampons. Little-used trails and off-piste terrain won't be a match for your snowshoes. COMPACT SNOW AND GROOMING TRAILS If the snow is extremely compact, you might also opt to climb with your snowboards or add crampons to your boots. Otherwise, a pair of all-purpose snowshoes will do the job perfectly. YOUR WEIGHT WILL INFLUENCE YOUR CHOICE No need for super complicated calculations to find the right fit for you. Leave the Pythagorean theorem in your old school books and read our "Detailed Specifications" section to choose the right racket size between S/M/L. We cover pretty much all weights from 65lbs to 300lbs. MAN, WOMAN OR CHILD? At this point, it's a question of color because snowshoes are chosen based on weight, not gender. So go wild, get them yellow, red, blue, or white. Men or women, no difference. However, for children who are significantly lighter, you'll need children's snowshoes specifically. SNOWSHOES OR SPLITBOARD? Are you hesitating between snowshoes or a splitboard? It all depends on what you want to do. Splitboarding is the choice for you if you're tired of dragging your snowboard on your back when you go off-piste. You can go straight up with your splitboard in ski version and then hit the slopes with the board. Snowshoes will be the option for you if you're a hiking enthusiast. You'll be able to go anywhere and climb steep slopes. However, if you want to ride once you reach the summit, you must consider that you'll have a snowboard to drag as well. If we've piqued your interest in splitboarding, click here to rent and try it out! (splitboard link homies) DO YOU NEED ACCESSORIES? You've thought about getting some snowshoes, but now what's missing? Here are some ideas that will surely help you remember nothing. HIKING POLES Hiking poles aren't just for your golden years. You'll especially appreciate them if you're heading into the mountains. They'll help you climb, stabilize you on slippery terrain, and save your knees...in short, nothing but benefits! GAITERS Did an avalanche happen the day before your expedition? It might not be a bad idea to wear gaiters to keep snow from getting into your boots. HEADLAMP You don't have to be a genius to bring a headlamp with you when you go on an expedition. With winter's shorter days, sometimes icy trails, and the weather doing whatever it wants, we strongly recommend taking a headlamp with you before you head out. You never know, it might be more practical than you think. THE IDEAL CLOTHING FOR SNOWSHOEING MULTILAYER We can't say it enough, but winter is all about layering. And since we love you, we're sharing our must-have list with you: · Synthetic or merino sweater (avoid cotton at all costs which retains moisture) · Small insulated coat to protect you from the wind and snow · Tuque or hat · Neck warmer or balaclava if it is very cold · Mittens or gloves (tip: put little magic gloves inside your mittens if they are big enough to leave space) · Lined leggings · Snow pants (must cut through wind and snow) · Merino wool socks · Waterproof boots that are lined (we talked about snowshoes above, they're a good option) · Glasses (to protect your eyes from extreme cold or strong wind, you could take your ski goggles) CONCLUSION You've really chosen a great sport, now make sure you're well equipped and let the fun begin!
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NEW SALOMON DANCEHAUL BOARD
Snowboard enthusiasts won't be disappointed with the new addition: the Dancehaul from Salomon. NEW BOARD AVAILABLE IN STORE AND ONLINE The Salomon Dancehaul Snowboard is now available at Homies. This brand new unisex board is designed to suit riders of all genders. KEY FEATURES The board's width and tapered directional shape are ideal for riders looking for powder and thrills. The Salomon Dancehaull Snowboard also features a centered stance and Rock Out Camber profile, making this board ideal for having fun in the snowpark. Stable, fast, and agile, you'll love it even more this spring, in slushy snow. TECHNOLOGY Hold on to your hat, you're going to be impressed. The Dancehaul features an Aspen Select Core. Each strip of wood is FSC-certified and hand-selected to ensure unmatched core quality and lightness. This snowboard was designed with layers of medium-density fiberglass made in Europe to make it light and lively. It's made with ABS sidewalls—the thermoplastic polymer that provides impact resistance, not brakes—(LOL) THE DANCEHAUL BOARD IS PERFECT FOR QUEBEC'S POWDER SLOPES! We've said it before, but we'll say it again: the Dancehaul is made specifically for fun in powder. Its fine stone finish will help you accelerate in the loose snow. We guarantee hours and hours of fun. No joke! SNOWBOARDING DURING COVID-19! Good news: ski resorts are open for all skill levels. We found a website that did an incredible job of compiling all the information you need to snowboard safely this winter. Now we're gearing up, getting dressed, and getting back on the slopes! FROM GREEN TO ORANGE Training, sports studies, and free practice are permitted. Site managers determine capacity, so don't be fooled and check before you travel to ensure you have a spot. RED ZONE: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Only free practice is allowed. You will be limited to taking the chairlift only with members of the same family bubble or in pairs if you can respect physical distancing. Neck warmers or balaclavas will be mandatory outside in the ski lifts and in the lines for all snowboarders aged 3 and over. Obviously, face coverings will be mandatory to enter the chalet. Also, the changing rooms will be closed, so we can't stress this enough, but plan ahead. We're going to ride and we're going to have fun just the same, but we're going to have to plan our days a little more. OFF-PISTE We found this blog post super cute, bombarding you with an avalanche of off-piste mountains to try. For an ultra-affordable daily rate, you'll have access to a huge, ungroomed and much less marked playground. You'll find what you're looking for at Mont des Allemands or Petit-Saguenay. Are you good enough here? HAVE FUN BUT BE CAREFUL Don't forget that despite the feeling of pure freedom, you have to be careful in the off-piste and traditional resorts. Be respectful; it's not just you who wants to enjoy our winter landscapes. Who knows, maybe you'll be the one who comes back tomorrow... Is your board still in good condition? Have you checked the condition of your board recently? To avoid a lot of bad luck, make sure it's still in top shape. Take a look at the wear on the bindings, the edge (the sharp part of the snowboard), and the surface. MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT You love your board and you want to keep it for a long time. We understand that 100% and that's why we have maintenance kits in stock at Homies . NEW COLLECTIONS If you don't want to miss any upcoming launches, we have a tip: keep watching our pages and social media because the new collections keep coming in. On that note, we wish you a great snow season!
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HOW TO SHOP YOUR SKATE SET-UP
We decided to help you out a little here because let's face it, when you're not a great connoisseur, it can quickly become complicated to shop for a skateboard! So we want to try to enlighten you as much as possible to make your task easier, or at least give you the necessary basis to fully understand your purchase! FIRST OF ALL, WHAT MAKES UP A SKATEBOARD? To make sure your skateboarding gear is complete, you need to be aware of all the elements that make up a skateboard deck: the skateboard (you probably saw this one coming); a pair of trucks; the bearings (this is what allows the wheel to roll); the wheels; the screws; HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOARD? To get a board that fits you perfectly, you need to take a few things into consideration. The first thing is the size of the skateboard. When we talk about skateboard size, we're talking about the width of the board. This is what will allow you to be comfortable or not. There are different sizes of skateboards, but the important thing is to choose the one that will be ideal for you and, above all, that will correspond to what you want to do. In theory, we wouldn't recommend the same size board for going mega-amping as we would for becoming a technical skater, you understand? Here are the sizes we recommend for skaters depending on whether they are using it for a skatepark or street: Technical Skater: 7.75 to 8.25 Aggressive Skater: 8.25 to 9 Ramp Skater: 8.5 to 9 Cruiser: 8.25 to 9 Of course, these recommendations are theoretical, because when skateboarding, no one is better placed than ourselves to choose the right skate width for us. It's often a matter of preference. HOW TO CHOOSE TRUCKS? You've got a board. That's all well and good, but you need something underneath. Trucks are the two T-shaped pieces of steel that connect your skateboard to the wheels. To make everything work perfectly, we recommend choosing trucks based on the width of your skateboard. The width of the trucks should be as close as possible to the width of your board. Things get a little more complicated here, as skateboard truck manufacturers all have different measurements. Feel free to ask us questions if you want to be sure of the width of your trucks! HIGH OR LOW? : truck high: Ideal for a skater who skates loose, so the wheels are less likely to bite into the board; Low truck: ideal for technical skaters, as it offers the most stability (beware of wheel bites). HOW TO CHOOSE BEARINGS? Bearings are the mechanical system made of balls that allows for rapid rotation with minimal friction. They are inserted into the skateboard wheels, and the truck axle fits right in the middle. There are two per wheel. Generally, skateboard bearing sizes are universal. What will affect the quality of the bearings is the quality of the steel used during manufacturing. Otherwise, the highest-end bearings are made of ceramic. This material doesn't heat up when rolling and doesn't swell. A good bearing is therefore guaranteed, even if you ride fast and for a long time. HOW TO CHOOSE SKATE WHEELS? Skateboard wheels range in size from 50 to 58 millimeters. Again, your choice will be guided by what you want to do. For example, for street skating, you'll want smaller wheels because you'll want to pick up speed quickly. If you want to skate in the skatepark, prioritize slightly larger wheels: they'll allow you to maintain your speed longer and roll more smoothly. Wheel hardness is also a factor. It is represented by a number and a letter. The higher the number, the harder your wheel. Softer wheels will offer a softer, smoother ride, while harder wheels will be stiffer on the ground but will also slide more. You can read our article on How to Choose Your Skateboard Wheels to learn more. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT To perform your future feats, you're going to have to protect yourself. Because let's be honest with you: there's a good chance that before you pull off a trick, there will be a few falls (read between the lines here and understand "a shitload of falls")... THE HELMET You need to protect your head! When choosing your helmet , there are a few points to consider: the size; the design: it must completely cover the forehead, temples and the entire back of the skater's head; Fit: It should be easy to adjust and comfortable. Safety is the main point, but don't forget that you have to be comfortable! ALL OTHER PROTECTIONS Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are all highly recommended protective gear for all skaters, especially beginners! You have to keep in mind that you are practicing a "concrete" sport and that, in general, a fall on concrete is never a gentle one. Be prepared to absorb the shock! WHERE TO SKATE? Now that you're equipped from head to toe, you're ready to go! But you're still asking yourself THE question: where can you skateboard? Skateboarding is easy to do anywhere. You set off with your board and see where the wind takes you: PUBLIC ROAD In general, public roads are very unwelcoming for us, dear skaters. The rules vary depending on the municipality, however. We can't explicitly tell you that some spots in the city are very attractive and the possibilities are endless, but... SKATEPARK The best place to skate is the skatepark! We're lucky in Chicoutimi. For a few years now, we've had the Bassin Skatepark, near the Petite Maison Blanche, a beautiful, brand new concrete skatepark! If you have your own car and like to go for a bit of a walk, you can visit the other parks in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, like the one in Hébertville, for example.
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VANS SKATE SHOES: REFRESHED COLLECTION
VANS SHOES: A TRUSTED VALUE FOR OVER 50 YEARS Since 1966, Vans has been firmly established in the skateboarding world. By the early 1970s, the company was already beloved by American skateboarders. Finally, 50 years later, the brand has become the one we know today, a brand that is a hit with skateboarding fans. At Homies, we love this brand, which has been on our shelves for a while now. Our store is one of the lucky ones to have access to the VANS SKATE CLASSIC collection. Although Vans shoes have already proven themselves in the skateboarding world, they're not stopping there! In 2021, they decided to revamp their entire skate shoe line. BUT FIRST OF ALL, WHAT EXACTLY IS THE VANS SKATE CLASSIC RANGE? Basically, this collection includes all Vans shoe models designed for skating. These include gel insoles and more durable materials. COMPLETELY REFABRICATED That's all well and good, but for Vans, it wasn't enough: the shoes were redesigned in every way, from aesthetics to comfort and durability. Everything was created with skateboarders in mind. This new "program" was launched on March 4, 2021. So it's quite new and we're sure it won't be long before everyone appreciates this initiative from Vans. SUSTAINABILITY VANS has innovated again with its new SICKSTICK™ sole, which is more durable while still offering incredible grip. Every skater knows there's nothing better than a skateboard that sticks to the bottom of your feet (and a sole that won't break through in two sessions...)! In addition, there is always DURACAPTM, this membrane present inside the shoe and which offers unmatched resistance which increases its lifespan. In short, we could still talk for a long time about the durability of Vans, but we'll leave you with an overview of Vans' other technologies right here! CONSTRUCTION No matter how you skate, you'll find the best shoe for you thanks to their multiple constructions available. UltimateWaffleTM is a sole that combines grip, impact absorption, support, and flexibility. It's a sole that offers just about everything you could want from such a thing. WaffleControl is the thinner sole that allows you to really feel your board under your feet while providing good support and maximizing grip: smaller doesn't mean worse! Pro Vulc Lite is a lighter version of classic constructions. It's a unique coating on the sole that allows for unparalleled board feel while remaining flexible, in addition to providing the grip you need to really flip your tricks. COMFORT We must not forget the insoles that have been all the rage at Vans for several years. The UltraCushTM soles, which have a more than moderate weight, offer good impact protection while redistributing energy and allowing for an excellent board feel. The UltraCushTM 3D shares all of these qualities, plus it offers even more pronounced foot support. As a finishing touch, Vans has sprinkled the new Skate Classic line with small details that aim to elevate this already iconic skate shoe collection. For example, they've replaced the red Vans label on the side of the shoe. Now, instead of the red, we'll see a new checkerboard label. The inner heel has also been covered in checks. No need to look inside the shoe if you can see the word "pro" on the sole, you can now know at first glance if it's a Skate Classic model!
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SKATE HELMETS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MAKING YOUR CHOICE
When skateboarding, falls are a given, which is why you might want to consider wearing protective gear. We'd like to talk to you about new technologies and give you some tips on how to choose the right helmet. This way, you can rest easy knowing that everyone is riding their skateboard with their head well protected. Photo: Max Lampron HOW TO CHOOSE A HELMET? When it comes to choosing your helmet, there are several factors to consider. Size, certification, comfort, and technology are all aspects you should consider to ensure your safety. THE SIZE The size of your helmet is the most important factor. For optimal protection, your helmet should be neither too small nor too large. A helmet that's too small will automatically be uncomfortable. Conversely, if it's too big, it will shift on your head during an impact. In either case, it's useless. A properly sized helmet covers the top of your forehead and the back of your head. Before coming to see us, you can also measure the circumference of your head in centimeters. Place your measuring tape about 2.5 centimeters above your eyebrows and on the most rounded part of the back of your head for the most accurate measurement. SIZES IN CENTIMETERS To give you an idea of the sizes, here is a table that will tell you, to within a few centimeters, the size of helmet you will need: XS- S: 51-54 cm SM: 53-57 cm L-XL: 57-60 cm XL - XXL: 60-63 cm CERTIFIED OR NOT CERTIFIED? A safe helmet is a certified helmet. You should look for the following information: SO ASTM CAN/CSA CPSC Snell B90/B95 If these certifications are present, it means that the helmet meets the safety standards of a recognized organization and you can wear it with peace of mind. NEW TECHNOLOGIES In almost every sphere of our favorite sports, things are moving fast: new stuff, innovations, new technologies... With that in mind, we wanted to introduce you to two new helmet technologies that make a HUGE difference. Because protecting your head while you're playing your sport is important, here's MIPS technology! MIPS TECHNOLOGY Developed by Swedish scientists, MIPS technology is a true revolution in safety. You can start to find it everywhere with the most popular brands. Shop your MIPS helmet CONCRETE IMPACTS MIPS technology is the result of 20 years of study and research: no need to tell you it's ultra-safe. The principle is simple: mimic and play the role of the cerebrospinal fluid in which your brain "floats." When you suffer an impact, the technology absorbs the impact energy by sliding the skull along the crown. The force is therefore better distributed and the brain will not hit against the cranium. In this way, your brain is protected against oblique impacts. WHY CHOOSE A MIPS HELMET? The developers of this technology, originally designed for high-performance cyclists, ensured that the safety system would be reliable and would not compromise the helmet's comfort. Moreover, the technology is virtually invisible, adding only 25 to 45 grams to the helmet. SWEATSAVER TECHNOLOGY SWEATSAVER technology doesn't add anything to the safety of your helmet, but it does change everything in terms of comfort! This innovation, from Triple Eight, will ensure that not a single drop of sweat beads on your forehead. Check out our skate helmet section HOW DOES IT WORK? Triple Eight helmets are the first and only to feature this technology. The SWEATSAVER is a foam liner that traps your sweat. The absorbent plush fabric gives you maximum comfort and certified double protection. DOES IT WASH? Don't panic! You don't have to put your sweaty helmet back on every time! The foam liner is removable and machine washable. You practice your sport, remove the liner, throw everything in the washing machine, and start again. If you don't want to wash every time, you can buy another set of liners to swap them out when one gets dirty. Don't hesitate to come see us for more advice when it comes time to choose your helmet! You can also check out our entire section on protection online right here.
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ALL ABOUT SKATEBOARD SHOES
Your skate shoes may seem simple, and choosing them even simpler. But think again! Our blog explains the construction of a skateboard shoe from A to Z, so you can make the right choice with our team. There are a multitude of possibilities between the types of outsole, insole, and cover materials, not to mention the different fits and heights. In this blog, we will focus on outsoles, insoles, and lining materials/construction. For a good pair of skate shoes, you will need these things: 1. A suede covering 2. Multiple seams on the nose and even near the laces 3. An undercoat on the nose to help the coating combat griptape Skate outsoles There are two main types of outsoles on the market and in our Homies Shop: VULCANIZED soles and COP soles for comfortable skate shoes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, here they are: Vulcanized soles for skateboarding Vulcanized soles offer a better board feel, are quickly comfortable, and are less expensive. However, they offer less support, less protection, and also wear out more quickly. VULC soles are glued to the upper of the shoe, and then one or two strips of rubber are added, heated, and glued in place. 1. Better board feel 2. Quickly comfortable 3. Less expensive CUP soles for skateboarding Cup soles were designed specifically for skateboarding. Skaters complained of pain and a lack of support with their vulcanized soles. Cup Soles are sewn to the upper of the shoe. By removing the heating and gluing step, companies can then inject different technologies like EVA. Cup Soles are stronger, more comfortable, and last longer. However, they are more expensive and offer less board feel initially. 1. Stronger 2. More comfortable 3. Last longer Skate insoles Most Homies skate shoes feature an EVA foam insole that prevents impacts. Some models/companies offer PU soles for added durability. Others have a reinforced heel counter for added stability.
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