Local Profile: Science Apparel

Known by many as Mountain Rider coaches at Stratton Mountain, Vermont, Joseph Masters and Kyle Kolbig are making a name for themselves as something a bit different. Masters and Kolbig put in the work and are literally elevating apparel through Science, their apparel company bonded to the ideology of supreme functionality.

The company, Science, began as a simple idea tossed around by the two during their first season at Stratton while working in Junior Ski School in 2010. It wasn't until the summer of 2012 that the two made their dream a reality when Science was officially launched. They now sell Science shirts, sweatshirts, beanies, stickers and handmade neck warmers at Syd and Dusty's in Stratton Village, Vermont, Boardshire in Adams, Massachusetts and online through their website.

Armed with degrees in Criminology and Sociology, Kolbig and Masters bring logic and reasoning to the brand. "'Science, logic, reason, math…think for yourself!' It's our response to almost everything lacking elements of logic and reason," says co-creator Kolbig.

Throughout the interview, a recurring theme seemed to stand out. Masters and Kolbig share a love for teaching their Mtn. Rider students. "We would like to share our knowledge of life and riding with the next generation," expressed Masters.

Their attitude toward educating the youth and instilling good habits in them is refreshing and infectious. When explaining the ideals behind Science and what it means to be a Science kid, Masters and Kolbig brought an energy that filled the space and ignited excitement. "It's all about thinking for yourself and using your best judgment. We always remind our Mtn. Riders to use logic and think critically," said Kolbig.

Hughes and Katko at a Stratton rail jam.

Jobe Hughes and Grey Katko are two Mtn. Riders that represent Science as sponsored riders. When asked what it was like to be a part of Science they responded, "It's nice because it lets me be me. It feels like a family, a riding family."

 These two aren't the only riders sponsored by Science. Leon Townsend, Andre Genest, Alex Larson, Nils Heidenreich and Lawrence Penna are all a part of the Science team as well. Throughout the year, members of Science will travel the East Coast competing in boarding competitions.

 When asked what the next ten years looks like for these young, focused boarders, Kolbig and Masters said, "We hope to expand our product to all things standing sideways: longboarding, skate, surf etc. We'd also love to be co-sponsoring wake boarding events and have maybe a traveling camp for kids." It's no small task, the goals Kolbig and Masters have set for themselves, but there's no doubt that they can reach them. 

To find out more about Science Apparel and its founders, search them out on the slopes of Stratton Mountain. Or choose the easy way, and visit their website at www.board-science.com.