Snowboards and Snowboarding

Pole Is a LifeStyle

Pole is a Lifestyle !

Part 1 of a 3 part series

I am constantly asked questions about our business and what Bad Kitty is, what we do, how we are different etc.  I found that it was next to impossible to explain our company without first explaining what Pole is.  My common answer these days is that Bad Kitty is a next generation lifestyle brand built around Pole with Apparel at our core.  Sounds good right    However, about a month ago when posing this answer to an inquisitive mind, I was told that “pole is not a lifestyle, skateboarding or surfing are lifestyles”, I carefully explained how similar Pole is to these 2 sports, gained a new pole fan, and then decided to write down and share my thoughts on the topic. 

Lifestyle: (n) A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group (www.thefreedictionary.com). 

First it is important to note that an individual can be a part of multiple lifestyles. For example, being married and living in the suburbs is a broad cultural lifestyle as is being single and living in the city.  Hip Hop, Skateboarding, Surfing, Snowboarding are subcultural lifestyles as examples.

Pole is similar in some fashion to each of the above, and Pole enthusiasts can learn alot from each of these sub-cultural lifestyles and how they grew.  Lets start with Rap Music and the Hip Hop lifestyle.  I was in High School between 1983-1987, what I like to call the dawn of Hip Hop, it had been around a while, but was just starting to move from underground to mainstream.  I lived in the City of Boston and we had access to all the New York Rap music via our proximity, local shows, college radio and friends/family. We were very much into Hip Hop and we started emulating and dressing like hip hop artists with adidas shell toe sneakers (which I still wear to this day), running suits, kangol hats etc.  We stood out in a crowd, used to break dance in the street and loved everything about it.  But we were the “early adopters”, we “got it” it was different than anything we had ever seen or heard and it was ours.  However, that wasn’t the case with record companies, radio stations, labels, businesses, night clubs, record stores and especially parents.  In fact, when reading about the pioneers of Hip Hop you read stories about how everyone told them to tone it down, lose the gold chains, lighten up the language etc.  But people like Russell Simmons (founder of Def Jam & Phat Farm) knew that would kill it, that the “powers that be” were telling them to be R&B artists not Rap artists, pioneers like Simmons let the artists define what Hip Hop was and refused to change, instead they did it themselves by creating fans and staying true to who they were.

It is important to understand that at time, the concept of a DJ and 2 guys “talking” into a microphone was first laughed at and ridiculed by about anyone with an opinion.  But from this, new brands were built around Hip Hop, other brands discovered the lifestyle and created products for it, Rap got better, went mainstream and today it influences almost everything we see or do in some way or another.  Before Rap fought its acceptance battle Rock & Roll had its days of denial and before them was Jazz.

Watch the documentary “Dog Town & Z boys” and you can see what skateboarding was and  how it got to where it is today.  Skateboarders, after all, where just a bunch of “stoners destroying public property”  their events had 100‘s of attendees, the thought of being a “Professional Skateboarder” was comical at best…It was a 2×4 with wheels screwed on  it…Today…not so funny anymore…Skateboarders have pushed the envelope and advanced the sport to a level of jaw dropping entertainment and competition with celebrities from the “Skater World” now everywhere.  The tricks, the skill and performances are amazing and are now regularly factored into concerts, live events, music videos, etc etc.  Tony Hawk is a household name and became a gajillionaire in the process while every kid was out buying a skateboard.

When the press didn’t cover skateboarding, skateboarding created its own magazines and newsletters, promoted its own talent to others who “got it”.  Next came bigger events supported by the companies that made products for them like Vans and the different board and wheel companies and the rest is history.  Skateboarding is now a lifestyle, a multi billion dollar industry with major influence in fashion, music and technology. Lifestyles come from people doing what they LOVE and finding each other over and over.

Snowboarding was once NOT allowed on ski mountains.  Ski resorts HATED snow boarders as did many traditional Skiers.  But after a ton of determined boarders, passionate fans and innovative companies kept at it, we have Gold Medalist and American Superstar/Hero Shaun White!  Shaun has long red hair, wears baggy pants, and defies gravity but he is also as good, if not better on a Skateboard than he is on a snow board; thus making him a Dual (sub-genre) Sport Athlete and one of the most famous people on the planet.  Shaun White is the result of a lifestyle, he was introduced to both sports at a young age by others who were either pioneers or early adopters, he emulated those that came before him, understood the essence of the sports and advanced it to never before seen levels.

You have to be a certain type of person to skate, surf or snow board, you need to have guts, determination and a huge desire to learn with alot of bumps and bruises along the way.

I see the all same things in Pole ! I see Passionate participants, determined competitors,  Innovation in the sport, Mind Blowing Tricks, amazing entertainment, growth in studios, Innovative products, bigger events…the list goes on and on.  Bad Kitty now has 20,000 fans on our facebook page, I am too busy to count, but would estimate that 80% of them have a pole or something pole related in their profile picture.  That says something about their love of Pole.  I have met 1000’s of new people through Pole, hundreds of Business owners and hundreds of athletes.  We all come from different backgrounds, we are old and young, male and female, single and married, with children and without, we come together from all over the globe and gather around a pole and we have a blast ! We entertain each other, we gasp in awe and in suspense, we emulate and admire, we learn and share.  If that’s not a lifestyle I don’t know what is.

So the next time you think of Pole think of it as a lifestyle and not a workout, Think about  how you got involved and how it has changed you, perhaps you are in better shape, maybe more confident, less bored, more entertained or maybe it’s that you have met a bunch of people that seem to “get you” better than others and that anomaly seems to be becoming more normal.  You discovered something that you enjoy and in doing so have met a bunch of people with a similar passion and in most cases the similarities don’t end there.

Pole is still in its infancy and is still being defined, let it define itself, it is not ONE thing to one group but rather many things to many people.

Consider for a moment what a bicycle is ?  A bike can be a means of transportation, it can be exercise, you can race bikes like Lance Armstrong or do incredible tricks like Mike Miller (watch here) it can be a hobby, a business, a passion or all of the above. In many ways Pole is similar, You can use it as exercise, it can be a hobby, a release, a performance, a competition, a career or a toy.

Don’t worry that Pole is new and misunderstood, has negative associations with it or is not mainstream. Just ignore the critics and do what makes you happy… embrace the lifestyle…WE GET YOU as do many others around the globe.

About the Author

Bad Kitty is the premier designer, manufacturer and retailer of cutting edge, fashion forward designs specializing in Clubwear, Pole Fitness Apparel, Exotic, and Sexy Swim Wear.

Winter X Games 15 – Shaun White McTwist SuperPipe

Burton Men’s White Collection Indecent Exposure Snowboard Pants – Keef L $169.95 No matter what your riding style, we all watch in amazement when Shaun White drops into a run, and wearing the Burton White Collection Indecent Exposure Snowboard Pants for men you might turn a few heads yourself. Now you just have to develop the bottomless bag of tricks and impeccable style. With fully taped seams and fantastic waterproof and breathability ratings this snow pant is ready to tackl…

(24×36) Snowboarder Jumping Yellow Pants Sports Poster Print $1.63 (24×36) Snowboarder Jumping Yellow Pants Sports Poster Print…

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SB MAG Snowboard Magazine Pat Moore 3D Cover February 2010 – 3D glasses still attached inside! Shaun White Fram Goggles cut-out AD on back cover! Sketchy D, Travis Rice, Jack Johnson + (3-D) SB MAG Snowboard Magazine Pat Moore 3D Cover February 2010 – 3D glasses still attached inside! Shaun White Fram Goggles cut-out AD on back cover! Sketchy D, Travis Rice, Jack Johnson +…

Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots White $149.95 Triple-overhead spins in the superpipe? Switch-backside 1080's in the park? They may not be in your bag of tricks, but that doesn't mean you can't use the added performance. A 30% lighter NOTRUB outsole helps Shaun fly higher, with the Power Spine 1.0 Backstay supporting him when it's time to throw down the landing gear. The Golden One demands a lot from his boots, and they're built to his demands. We doubt yours are much different.Key Features of The Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots: 30% Lighter NOTRUB Outsole Aegis Antimicrobial Coating B3 Gel Cushioning ESS Support Shank Imprint 3 Liner J-Bar Adjustable Heel Hold System Medium Flex Thin Profile 3D Molded Tongue Molded EVA Footbed OUTLAST Adaptive Comfort Technology Power Panel 2.0 Power Spine 1.0 Backstay Supercuff Traditional Lacing with Super Slide Injected Speed Hooks

Burton Shaun White Collection Snowboard Boots Khaki $149.95 Shaun was literally born with his boots on, so it's no surprise that he knows exactly what he wants with his kicks bringing the best of his skate shoes to snow, Shaun boot features a forgiving, yet reactive flex, B3 gel shock aborbers and a style that is only his. While we can't guarantee theses boots will give you Shaun's natural talent, it's guarantee they will make you a better shredderKey Features of The Burton Shaun White Collection Snowboard Boots: New Imprint 3 Liner with Power Panel 2.0 Technology, J Bar Adjustable Heel Hold System and Aegis Antimicrobial Coating Super Slide Injected Speed Hook Lacing New Lightweight 3-Part "Not Rub" Outsole with B3 Gel Cushioning Flex and Response: Power Spine 1.0 Backstay Molded EVA Footbed with ESS Support Shank, Outlast Adaptive Comfort Technology and Aegis

Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots Black $149.95 Triple-overhead spins in the superpipe? Switch-backside 1080's in the park? They may not be in your bag of tricks, but that doesn't mean you can't use the added performance. A 30% lighter NOTRUB outsole helps Shaun fly higher, with the Power Spine 1.0 Backstay supporting him when it's time to throw down the landing gear. The Golden One demands a lot from his boots, and they're built to his demands. We doubt yours are much different.Key Features of The Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots: 30% Lighter NOTRUB Outsole Aegis Antimicrobial Coating B3 Gel Cushioning ESS Support Shank Imprint 3 Liner J-Bar Adjustable Heel Hold System Medium Flex Thin Profile 3D Molded Tongue Molded EVA Footbed OUTLAST Adaptive Comfort Technology Power Panel 2.0 Power Spine 1.0 Backstay Supercuff Traditional Lacing with Super Slide Injected Speed Hooks

Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots Gold $149.95 Triple-overhead spins in the superpipe? Switch-backside 1080's in the park? They may not be in your bag of tricks, but that doesn't mean you can't use the added performance. A 30% lighter NOTRUB outsole helps Shaun fly higher, with the Power Spine 1.0 Backstay supporting him when it's time to throw down the landing gear. The Golden One demands a lot from his boots, and they're built to his demands. We doubt yours are much different.Key Features of The Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots: 30% Lighter NOTRUB Outsole Aegis Antimicrobial Coating B3 Gel Cushioning ESS Support Shank Imprint 3 Liner J-Bar Adjustable Heel Hold System Medium Flex Thin Profile 3D Molded Tongue Molded EVA Footbed OUTLAST Adaptive Comfort Technology Power Panel 2.0 Power Spine 1.0 Backstay Supercuff Traditional Lacing with Super Slide Injected Speed Hooks

Burton RED HI-FI II Helmet Shaun White XS $99.95 The Team’s helmet of choice, the RED Hi-Fi snow helmet delivers pro-class projection driven by first-rate technologies. Customize your fit with RED’s new Air Band 180 Fit System. Adjust the soft, fleece-wrapped Air Band with the pump-button to fine-tune your fit. The RED Hi-Fi helmet offers ultimate personalization. Remove the ear pads and interior padding for a lighter, more low-profile fit that creates room for your favorite beanie, if you want. Feature: New Air Band 180 Fit System: Air-fueled comfort in a low-profile headband. Adjust the soft, fleece-wrapped Air Band with the pump-button on right webbing strap to fine-tune your fit. GlovesOn Buckle: combination of the tri-slide buckle and away-from-collar positioning makes it easy to adjust with gloves on. Quick Clip II Ear Pads: Simply snap in place and you’re ready to ride. Improved locking pads add warmth to enhance comfort and easily convert for multi-season use. FineTuning: Customize the level of warmth, padding and protection desired with a modular padding system. Goggle Gasket: fully removable shield. Eliminates the gap between goggle and helmet while remaining windproof and breathable. Unison Technology: Form, fit and function combine to reduce bulk and weight, and create a superior fit REDPhone Audio Accessory compatible ASTM 204 and CE 1077B Certified Removable goggle clip Ultra lightweight in-molded polycarbonate shell Vent Mesh Product code: 229718 If you need help on RED sizes, please see the RED Sizing Chart. View our full line of RED Helmets.

Burton RED HI-FI II Helmet Shaun White XXS $99.95 The Team’s helmet of choice, the RED Hi-Fi snow helmet delivers pro-class projection driven by first-rate technologies. Customize your fit with RED’s new Air Band 180 Fit System. Adjust the soft, fleece-wrapped Air Band with the pump-button to fine-tune your fit. The RED Hi-Fi helmet offers ultimate personalization. Remove the ear pads and interior padding for a lighter, more low-profile fit that creates room for your favorite beanie, if you want. Feature: New Air Band 180 Fit System: Air-fueled comfort in a low-profile headband. Adjust the soft, fleece-wrapped Air Band with the pump-button on right webbing strap to fine-tune your fit. GlovesOn Buckle: combination of the tri-slide buckle and away-from-collar positioning makes it easy to adjust with gloves on. Quick Clip II Ear Pads: Simply snap in place and you’re ready to ride. Improved locking pads add warmth to enhance comfort and easily convert for multi-season use. FineTuning: Customize the level of warmth, padding and protection desired with a modular padding system. Goggle Gasket: fully removable shield. Eliminates the gap between goggle and helmet while remaining windproof and breathable. Unison Technology: Form, fit and function combine to reduce bulk and weight, and create a superior fit REDPhone Audio Accessory compatible ASTM 204 and CE 1077B Certified Removable goggle clip Ultra lightweight in-molded polycarbonate shell Vent Mesh Product code: 229718 If you need help on RED sizes, please see the RED Sizing Chart. View our full line of RED Helmets.

Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots White/Black $188.95 From the mind of the master. Loaded with Shaun's favorite new features, this year's boot is all-new and entirely upgraded. Shrinkage removes bulk (and weight) to eliminate excess toe and heel drag while the NEW articulating cuff allows for a smoother forward flex. The NEW hybrid cushioning system blends monster truck-caliber shock absorption with go-kart style response. Even the smell is fresh thanks to the stench sucking power of the Aegis antimicrobial coating. Key Features of The Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots: NEW Shrinkage Footprint Reduction Technology LACING: Traditional Lacing with NEW Speed Hooks LINER: Imprint 3 Liner CUSHIONING: NEW Air/B3 Gel Hybrid Cushioning System FLEX AND RESPONSE: NEW Articulating Cuff, Power Spine Backstay, and Medium Flex Thin Profile 3D Molded Tongue COMFORT: NEW Level 2 Molded EVA Footbed with ESS Support Shank and Aegis Antimicrobial Coating Support:6

Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots Black/Silver $188.95 Loaded with Shaun's favorite features, this year's boot is all-new and entirely upgraded. Shrinkage removes bulk (and weight) to eliminate excess toe and heel drag while the NEW articulating cuff allows for a smoother forward flex. The NEW hybrid cushioning systems blends monster truck-caliber shock absorption with go-kart style response. Even the smell is fresh thanks to the stench sucking power of Aegis antimicrobial.Key Features of The Burton Shaun White Snowboard Boots: Aegis Antimicrobial Coating Shrinkage Footprint Reduction Technology Articulating Cuff Medium Flex Thin Profile 3D Molded Tongue Power Spine Backstay New Hybrid Cushioning Imprint 3 Support: 6 Level 2 Molded EVA Footbed with ESS Support Shank Traditional Lacing with NEW Speed Hooks

Video Action Sports (VAS) The White Album DVD $19.95 Shaun White – The White Album, DVD steps into the world of Shaun White. He travels the globe; he wins contests. Hes both a professional snowboarder and skateboarder. Hes the only athlete in history to qualify for the summer and winter X-Games in two sports…and hes only 18 years old. Join Shaun and his friends for an up-close, in-depth look at his life. Shaun White – Snowboarder extraordinaire. Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Tony Hawk, Shaun White. Every decade produces great athletes. Every decade produces a super-natural. This decade, his name is Shaun White. He was showcased more by the age of 15 than most people are in a lifetime. Shaun took the snowboard world by storm. From placing 1st at the Sims World Championship in Vail, Colorado to the new car he won in the Toyota Big Air in Japan (he didn’t even have a driver’s license yet), to winning the prestigious “Artic Challenge” in Norway, Shaun is becoming a household name. Now at the age of 17, and after 12 podium spots last season, Shaun has grown into the big boy style and has the veterans a little concerned with the “Flying Tomato”. Athletes include: Shaun White, Travis Rice, Danny Kass, Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek and Bob Burnquist.

Burton Noble Gentleman Snowboard Pants Mocha $125.95 The Burton Noble Gentleman Snowboard Pant: "I say good sir, those leggings are lustrous."Key Features of the Burton Noble Gentleman Snowboard Pants: 10,000mm Waterproof 5,000g Breathability SIG FIT: Our classic fit,baggy, but not gigantic. Shaun asked for his Sig Fit jackets and pants to fit about a half size smaller, with jackets featuring a slightly more tailored look. Mesh Lining with Fleece Butt and Knees Mesh-Lined Inner Thigh Vents Dual Cargo Pockets Butt Pockets Custom Shaun White Belt Dump Truck Belt Cover Drops Built-Up Snow DRYRIDE Durashell 2-Layer Coated Fabric [10,000MM, 5,000G]: Technical weatherproofing and breathable properties in a buttery soft, bomber package for the rider on a budget.

Burton SW Heavens Reward Snowboard Pants Rock Salt $119.95 The Burton Shaun White Heavens Reward Snowboard Pant. Sound your trumpet: it's here!Key Features of the Burton Shaun White Heavens Reward Snowboard Pants: 10,000mm Waterproof 10,000g Breathability Storm-lite 3.0-C Fabric [10,000MM, 10,000G] Fully Taped Seams Mesh Lining with Fleece Butt and Knees Mesh-Lined Inner Thigh Vents Dual Cargo Pockets Butt Pockets Custom Shaun White Belt Dump Truck Belt Cover,Drops Built-Up Snow LIFETIME WARRANTY DWR Coated Fabric Fully Taped Seams Zippered, Microfleece-Lined Handwarmer Pockets Stretch Boot Gaiter with Cuff-to-Boot Interface Articulated Knees Integrated Waist Adjustment Microfleece Fly and Waistband Double-Headed Fly Pocket Key Clip Ghetto Slits NEW Snap-Up Leg Lifts,Protect Pants from Parking Lot Carnage