In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, Vermont-based snowboard brand Goon Gear revealed it will not produce snowboards for the upcoming 2025–26 season. Citing “unpredictable tariffs and rising costs,” the company said the financial risks have simply become too great for a small operation. Despite the setback, Goon Gear emphasized that it’s not closing down—apparel drops and community events like Goonfest will continue as planned on June 26-29 at Snow Ridge Ski Resort, New York.
“After a lot of thought, we’ve made the tough call not to produce boards next season,” the brand posted on May 19. “With unpredictable tariffs and rising costs, it’s just too risky for a small business like ours. We’re still dropping gear next season—just not boards. We’ll get back to it in the future!”
Founded by Lucas and Tonya Magoon in 2018 with a DIY spirit and a deep-rooted passion for snowboarding culture, Goon Gear has carved out a loyal following in the Northeast and beyond. The brand is best known for its distinctive graphics, community-led events, and its annual Goonfest—a grassroots snowboarding gathering that celebrates individuality and style over competition. Lucas Goon is a former professional snowboarder.
While snowboard production is on pause, the company’s broader mission remains unchanged. Goon Gear used its announcement to call for stronger support of independent brands and small businesses in general. “If you want brands like ours to survive—support small. Skip the corporate machine,” the post read. “Go to your local farmers market, go to the mom-and-pop deli in your town, get a coffee from the local shop—just anything to keep small businesses rolling.”
Goon Gear also reaffirmed that its work has never been about profit. “Running Goon Gear has never been about money—it’s about passion for snowboarding and this community,” the brand stated. Over the years, Goon Gear has built a reputation not only through its products but through its dedication to the snowboarding scene, from organizing grassroots events to collaborating with up-and-coming riders.
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The team made clear they are not shutting down. Instead, they’re pivoting to focus on what’s sustainable and community-driven. “This could be another one of those posts about another business closing their doors, and we never will as long as you guys keep backing what we have going on,” the post concluded.
For now, fans can continue to support Goon Gear through its apparel line, gift cards, social shares, and by showing up to events—keeping the brand alive not just as a business, but as a cultural force in the snowboarding community.
