Our friend Katrina at Burton sent me through this… Apparently Shaun White has signed a decade long deal with Burton to continue riding with the brand and to further develop The White Collection. This is the longest deal ever signed by a snowboarder. You can read the full Burton release below the cut but here’s what Shaun had to say of the deal “I started riding for Burton when I was seven years old and Jake’s support has always been there. We have some big plans for The White Collection and I can’t think of a better home for me for the future. Thanks again, Jake!” That’s almost what I would have said if I was Shaun White, except it would have been a little more eloquent… something like “I’m rich bitch!“.

So this deal basically means Shaun White just completed his life ambition of one-upping everybody on the planet. What’s the deal guy? X-Games Skate and Snow gold medals not enough for you? Olympic gold not doing it? How about TV commercials? No? You need 10 years worth of job security and a new clothing line! For a guy with red hair, he has done very well for himself. When you think about it, he is probably the most famous ginger in the world… great, that’s another thing to add to the list of achievements Shaun! I hope it’s okay with him that I keep my girlfriend…

SHAUN WHITE AND BURTON SNOWBOARDS SIGN
TEN YEAR ENDORSEMENT DEAL

Includes Expansion of The White Collection Product Line

Burlington, VT (January 24, 2008)—Shaun White and Burton Snowboards today announced that they have signed a ten year partnership deal, the longest in the sport of snowboarding, whereby Shaun will continue to ride for Burton’s Global Team, in addition to working with the company on expanding The White Collection, his signature line of hardgoods and outerwear that has been highly successful since it launched four years ago.

The White Collection, which includes a signature board and boot, a snowboarding outerwear line and R.E.D. helmet, will expand to include additional items for men and boys, including: snowboarding-related bags, luggage and clothing accessories and lifestyle products such as beanies, hoodies and tees. In addition, the collection will also now offer a new line of snowboarding outerwear for women beginning with the 2009 collection, which will be unveiled at the SIA snow industry trade show on January 29. The partnership also includes plans to further develop the youth offerings for snowboarding in The White Collection. Together, Shaun and Burton will build a dedicated product staff in its Irvine, California office, headed up by Jesse White, Shaun’s brother and long-time collaborator on this collection.

Shaun White had this to say about the deal, “I started riding for Burton when I was seven years old and Jake’s support has always been there. We have some big plans for The White Collection and I can’t think of a better home for me for the future. Thanks again, Jake!”

Jake Burton, Founder and Chairman of Burton Snowboards, had this to say, “Where do I even begin to comment on Shaun? Of course, I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him for another decade. I’ve watched Shaun grow up from a little grom who wasn’t afraid to push himself in the halfpipe to one of the most recognized athletes in all of action sports. I mean, to be such a talented rider and skateboarder and to contend in every competition you enter is pretty insane. But, if you think Shaun’s riding is impressive, you should check out his design skills. His products are fresh, functional and loaded with style, just like his riding.”

About Burton Snowboards
In 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards out of his Vermont barn. Since then, Burton has fueled the growth of snowboarding worldwide through its groundbreaking product lines, its team of top snowboarders and its grassroots efforts to get the sport accepted at resorts. In 1996, Burton began growing its family of brands to include boardsports and apparel brands. Privately held and owned by Jake, Burton’s headquarters are in Burlington, Vermont with offices in California, Austria, Japan and Australia. For more information, visit www.burton.com.