"What's The Word" with Zac Marben

Personality. It’s something Zac Marben is not lacking. Perhaps once dubbed snowboarding’s favorite gypsy/hipster due to his folksy nature, hemmed pants, various trinkets and guitar strumming ways, all of the nicknames and stereotypes are out the window once Zac steps on his snowboard. Mastering the streets and throwback tweaks are his specialty, and he’s just as comfortable with crazy combos on handrails as he is hitting big booters in the park. His handplants are always fan favorites, and his (recently shaved) handlebar mustache was something Wyatt Earp would envy. This year Zac spent his time filming with his Volcom teammates alongside legends like The Guch and Jamie Lynn. Be ready for a good blend of urban shredding and probable pow lines from the mysterious man of Marben.



First things first: Where are you from, where did you learn to snowboard, and where are you living now?

I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I grew up snowboarding at the local hill by my house Hyland Hills. I just recently moved back to Minneapolis from Portland, Oregon.



How did your winter go last season?

This past season was a rough one for everyone, being a bad snow year and all. I went to Japan twice, that was fun. Once was for a Burton rail contest in downtown Tokyo, and the other was to film rails and street stuff in Sapporo, Japan. I had some fun filming with the Volcom guys in Jackson as well. Bryan Iguchi showing us the ropes and cruising with Curtis Ciszek, Seth Huot and Jaime Lynn was cool.



Did you film for any videos this year?

I filmed with Volcom for their IP2 internet project.



What's it like riding for Volcom snowboards? Do they sell the snowboards or are they just for the team?

I love riding the Volcom boards. It's a good feeling having a board you're psyched on under your feet. They don't really sell them... it's just for the team.



Tell us about your interest in motorcycles.

I've always been into motorcycles. I would go ride motorcross with my brother when I was a kid. as the years went on I've gotten into choppers a little bit more. It's an expensive hobby, but I am having a good time building bikes lately. I got into riding Enduros on trails a little bit with some guys in Oregon, but I haven't found anybody to ride with yet in Minnesota. So many hobbies so little time.

Photos via @zacmarben on Instagram.