A Conversation With The Shaper of Deus Powder Tools

Jan 13, 2017

TAKUYA 'TAPPY' YOSHIKAWA

In my youth I frequented many board factories from the age of 15 and by 16, I shaped my first surfboard behind the back of the adults. I have been shaping for about 20 years in my 30-year surfing career. I’ve probably shaped over 5,000 boards in total.

How long have you been shaping Snowboards?

The official debut of my snowboard outline design was for the Deus fish board in 2014. Personally I have been snowboarding for 20 years and have done my initial outline shaping on an uncut blank that my good friend produced himself 2 years ago. Graphically I worked for Burton headquarters in April 2014 to design 9 board graphics for their Family Tree collection for W16.

What is the point of difference with the Deus boards?

First of all, these are all original outlines and rocker shapes. As a surfboard shaper I got the inspiration from the rockers of fish surfboards making the Deus boards unique and impressive. Recently notable surfboard shapers like Chris Christenson and Mayhem have also designed a number of snowboards.

What are the offered shapes and difference between each?

We are offering 3 shapes in the 1st collection. You can select one based on your style or snow conditions.

THE PIKE: inspired by Gentemstick boards, but focused more on freestyle than the Gentem fish. It is not only for powder snow as you can also enjoy Surf-like riding like switch stance or spins on banks.

THE MULE: New design focused on high-speed tricks on powder or groomed snow. It has an original outline and an original powder camber, which gives you an amazing flow-ride on powder.

DRIFTER: This is a collaboration with Japan’s Death Label boards. This is one of their best selling shapes, which I fell in love with and used myself for 2 seasons. The 3D nose and kicktail allows for easy maneuvering in deep powder and allows for some big sprays!

There seems to be an increase in retro styled boards. Where do you think the scene is headed? Do you think there will be a movement of homemade hand shaped boards and experimenting like surfing?

Yes, you see a lot of companies now putting out powder boards with different graphics and shapes (especially focusing more on shapes) since last year. Hand shaped snowboards have been a part of Japan’s snowboard style for a while now. Foreign companies have started taking interest in this trend lately and recently I see it incorporated into their own product line. It’s now a global movement!

However hand shaped boards have no steel edges and are typically limited to only powder or the soft snow in early spring. As a maker I think many use these boards to test shapes and rides before launching a new design or collection commercially. I like creating and producing a one of a kind in the world shape.

What are the future plans for the snowboards, will we see more designs and shapes?

I want to keep pursuing my original design to catch up with Gentem as much as possible but in a different way of course.

What is the cultural significance of snowboarding to Deus?

Japan is paradise for powder snow and often referred to as the Mentawais for snowboarding. There is no way we would miss that opportunity, right?

Do you see a similarity between surfing and snowboarding? (Culturally, Physically/Riding)

Snowboarding takes an approach very similar to surfing especially with snow-surf style boards. The only difference is the motion on the surface. A good surfer for sure can also be a good snowboarder.

What have been the biggest challenges with this project?

I had to use CAD for the factory to make my boards rather than drawing freehand as I usually do for hand shaping surfboards. That’s it.

Where are you drawing your inspiration from and who are your influences?

Mr. Taro Tamai from Gentemstick. If it weren’t for him the movement would probably never have happened. He will keep leading the scene and I want to follow him but with my own approach.

How is the scene different in Japan to the rest of the world?

Twin tip boards are still the mainstream in western countries but we don’t see as many twin tips in Japan especially in Hokkaido these days. But I believe Gentemstick is playing a role in spreading snow surf culture to the world.

Which is your favorite resort and why?

Hokkaido is the best by far. Why? Powder powder powder! Powder paradise! And hot springs!!

Any tips for riding backcountry in Japan?

There have been increasing mountaineering accidents among newcomers shifted from surfing in recent years. Don’t ever underestimate the mountain. The best way is to hire a guide who  is well aware of the terrain.

What items can you not go up the mountain without?

Several types of boards and an avalanche gear set. Like minded friends.

What music do you listen to when snowboarding?

My recent favorite is Royal Blood.

Stylish method grab or hucked 1080?

Method Grab of course. Old school! Yeah!

Deus Japan introducing: Deus Powder Tools from Deus Customs on Vimeo. DEUS EX MACHINA SNOWBOARDS POP-UP AT NISEKO 1/13 FRI- 2/5 SUN 住所北海道虻田郡倶知安町字山田188-9 ヒラフ188 5F Address: 188-9, Aza Yamada, Kutchan-chou Abutagun, Hokkaido, 5F 営業時間12:00-20:00 #DeusSnow DEUS POWDER TOOLS 2017-2018 デウスパウダーツールズ 2013年よりサーフボードビルダーのTAKUYA TAPPY YOSHIKAWA と共同開発を経て 2015年にデウスジャパンより３タイプのスノーボードがリリースされる事になった。サーフボードビルダーが作り上げたオリジナルなロッカーやキャンバー,サーフィンからのインスピレーションをデザインに落とし込んだのがデウスパウダーツールズである。そしてデウスが遊びのステージとして選んだのが《北海道ニセコ》世界に類をみないドライな雪質は海外からのリピーターも多く、今世界で最も注目されているスキーリゾートだ。ポップアップでは、パウダーツールズの試乗、写真家ウディグーチのアートフォトを始め、デウスムービーの上映会等々、盛りだくさんなイベント内容です。 2018NEW MODELもご覧頂けます。みなさんニセコで会いましょう！ Image by @woodygphoto

ENGLISH TEXT BELOW

Setiap tahun, teman-teman kita Tasix Adventure—penyelenggara petualangan ban berlumpur dan adrenalin berbahan bakar terbaik di Bali—mengadakan acara akhir pekan berkemah yang sangat dinanti-nantikan. Mereka menamakannya “ The Wild,” dan jujur saja, tidak ada kata yang lebih pas dari itu.

Ini bukan sekadar acara; ini adalah petualangan wajib bagi siapa saja yang mencintai tanah, tantangan, dan persahabatan yang hanya bisa terjalin saat tertawa melihat teman lain terjatuh.

Hal tentang The Wild adalah misterinya. Kamu tidak tahu ke mana akan pergi, bagaimana sampai di sana, atau apa yang akan kamu temui—seperti hidup, tapi dengan lebih banyak asap knalpot.

Tahun ini, The Wild yang berlangsung pada 7 Desember 2024, mengumpulkan 135 pecinta motor enduro, trail, dan cross di Desa Kopi, Tabanan. Tepat pukul 9 pagi, kami berangkat menuju Desa Gesing, Singaraja. Rute tetap dirahasiakan hingga hari acara, meningkatkan sensasi penasaran dan antusiasme. Dengan dibagi menjadi beberapa kelompok kecil, kami melengkapi diri dengan perlengkapan motocross lengkap untuk menghadapi tantangan musim hujan.

Perjalanan? Murni magis. Jalur berkelok melalui permata tersembunyi Bali, di mana setiap tikungan menawarkan pemandangan yang memukau atau hampir membuat jantung berhenti. Rute tahun ini menghadirkan medan tanah liat merah—dijuluki tanah "keramik" karena teksturnya yang licin dan keras saat basah. Untuk melintasinya, diperlukan teknik khusus yang disebut “paddling the throttle,” sebuah manuver yang mendebarkan dengan motor yang sering bergoyang liar. Dari kejauhan, mungkin terlihat lucu, tetapi saat di atas motor? Ceritanya berbeda.

Setelah menempuh 68 kilometer petualangan liar, kami tiba di perkemahan di puncak bukit yang sudah dipenuhi tenda-tenda peserta lain dan deru knalpot. Destinasi selalu mencuri perhatian, dan yang satu ini tidak terkecuali—tempat tinggi dengan pemandangan 360 derajat yang menakjubkan dari laut, gunung, hingga kota.

Saat hujan turun, tenda-tenda didirikan, dan malam itu diisi dengan berbagi cerita tentang penyelamatan heroik dan kecelakaan yang menggelikan. Dan tentu saja, ada balapan. Bayangkan sekelompok pengendara penuh semangat meluncur di perbukitan dalam kekacauan yang terkontrol. Balapan tahun ini termasuk duel 1 lawan 1 yang seru di sekitar puncak bukit, dengan peserta menyelesaikan dua putaran penuh adrenalin.

Bukan soal menang; ini tentang hadir, tertawa, dan menikmati momen. Para pemenang dan peserta tercepat yang mencapai puncak bukit dirayakan dengan hadiah, tetapi senyuman, persahabatan, dan kebersamaan membuat semua orang merasa seperti juara.

The Wild tahun ini benar-benar sesuai namanya, bahkan lebih. Petualangan, tawa, dan cukup banyak tanah di gigi untuk menyebutnya otentik—kami tidak akan menginginkannya dengan cara lain. Terima kasih yang sebesar-besarnya kepada semua peserta yang menjadikannya pengalaman tak terlupakan. Sampai jumpa di petualangan berikutnya!

Every year, our mates over at Tasix Adventure—Bali’s finest purveyors of muddy tyres and fuel-driven adrenaline—host their much-anticipated camp-out weekend. They’ve named it “Wild,” and honestly, there’s no better word for it.

It’s not just an event; it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who loves dirt, daring, and the kind of camaraderie you can only forge while laughing at someone else’s wipeout.

The thing about Wild is that it’s shrouded in mystery. You don’t know where you’re going, how you’ll get there, or what you’ll find—kind of like life, but with more exhaust fumes.

This year’s Wild, held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, brought together 135 enthusiasts of enduro, trail, and cross motorcycles at Desa Kopi, Tabanan. The route was kept a secret until the event day, heightening the thrill of the unknown. At exactly 9 am, they shared the destination, Desa Gesing, Singaraja, Divided into small groups, we geared up with full motocross kits to tackle the rainy season’s challenges.

The ride? Pure magic. Twisting trails through Bali’s hidden gems, where every turn promised either breathtaking views or breathtaking near-misses. This year’s route featured red clay terrain—nicknamed "ceramic" soil for its slick, hard texture when wet. Navigating it required a special technique called “paddling the throttle,” a nerve-wracking maneuver that had bikes swaying wildly. From a distance, it might have looked hilarious, but on the bike? It was a whole other story.

After 68 kilometres of this wild adventure, we arrived at the hilltop campsite already alive with the buzz of activity and the roar of exhausts. The destination always steals the spotlight, and this one was no exception—a high-altitude perch offering stunning 360-degree views of the sea, mountains, and city.

As the rain came down, tents went up, and the evening was all about swapping stories of heroic saves and laughable crashes. And then there were the races. Picture a pack of overexcited riders tearing up the hillside in what can only be described as controlled chaos. This year’s races included thrilling 1-on-1 duels around the hilltop, with participants pushing through two laps of sheer adrenaline.

It wasn’t just about winning; it was about showing up, laughing, and embracing the moment. The race winners and the fastest hilltop arrivals were celebrated with prizes, but the smiles, the camaraderie, and the shared triumphs made everyone feel like champions.

This year’s Wild lived up to its name and then some. Adventure, laughter, and just enough dirt in your teeth to call it authentic—we wouldn’t have it any other way. A massive thank you to all the participants who made it unforgettable. See you on the next adventure!