11 Developing Moonwalkers: From Idea to Product

Since the introduction, the excitement around Moonwalkers and [BLVCKBIRD] has been incredible. But like most innovations, these products didn’t come easy—or happen overnight. Here’s the story behind the traction pads that transform into snowshoes—and why they almost didn’t happen.

The Problem: Powsurfing challenges on varied terrain

Riding a powsurf in tracked-up snow, hardpack, or ski lifts has always been tricky. Another challenge for powsurfing is also how to efficiently hike in deep snow.

These problems sparked the journey to create Moonwalkers—a solution designed to make hiking and riding smoother and more enjoyable.

Prototyping in the wild: Trial, error, and learning

The journey didn’t start with a perfect design. Back in 2016, we experimented with traction pads mounted on experimental reverse sidecut board. These early pads combined layers of wood veneer, carbon fiber, and EVA traction foam for grip.

By 2017, deeply hooked on powsurfing, we began focusing on traction pads that could screw into Voile quiver connectors. The initial version was heavy, clunky, and not very functional, so we set that idea aside for a while.

Reigniting the vision: 3D printing and persistent prototyping

In 2023, we restarted the design process for splitboard traction pads, this time leveraging 3D printing technology. Working with various 3D printing facilities, we encountered challenges like incorrect print orientations, cracking, and fitting problems with Voile and Spark pucks.

Though many prototypes didn’t succeed, and the pads were far from market-ready, we kept pushing forward when most would have quit.

Video: Raptor pads failures

Finding production partners and launching Raptor Pads

Networking on LinkedIn led us to companies capable of manufacturing traction pads. We selected technology vacuum casting for initial production—a great choice for small batches despite higher costs compared to injection molding.

After numerous prototypes and adjustments, Raptor Pads were born. Their debut season brought positive customer feedback and recognition, including being named one of the best products for winter 2024/25 by Whitelines Magazine, alongside the Atlas Hybris splitboard.

Lessons learned and future improvements

While most feedback was overwhelmingly positive, one rider lost a pad in deep snow due to relying solely on a tight fit to the pucks. To address this, the 2025/26 Raptor Pads will feature a simple but effective locking mechanism for extra security. 

The birth of Moonwalkers: From fixed pads to snowshoes

As mentioned earlier, the idea for fixed traction pads came before Raptor Pads—in 2016. Back then, we didn’t see much potential for solid boards.

Last summer, during a casual conversation, a friend asked:
“Why don’t you make traction pads for solid boards? They’re much more common.”

Though we had experimented with pads for solid boards before, the question stuck with me and inspired a new vision:
What if the pads could transform into snowshoes?

Prototyping Moonwalkers: The first models

Picture above: simple test of the idea before staring designing work.

Picture below: the very first 3d model of Moonwalkers.

Before winter, we built the first Moonwalkers prototype. We were excited, but the design had issues:

• Ratchet straps slipping out

• Ankle and toe straps detaching while walking

• Insufficient support for hiking in powder

• Complicated, slow transitions between powsurfing and snowboarding

• Traction wasn’t quite right

• Pads didn’t stand out aesthetically in snow

Despite these flaws, I spent almost the entire season powsurfing with them—and learned a lot.

The refined Moonwalkers: Simpler, lighter, and more functional

Using that feedback, we developed a bolder, simpler version:

• Removed one strap to reduce complexity and speed up transitions

• Replaced traction cones with pyramids for better grip

• Shaped center traction elements to keep boots secure with just one strap

• Increased surface area for improved float in powder

• Added mounting channels compatible with Spark solid pucks (kept standard 4-hole pattern)

• Fixed ratchet strap slippage

Picture: prototypes (black), improved version (orange)

With the design refined and the prototypes performing exactly as we envisioned, Moonwalkers are ready to take on the backcountry and help riders tackle powder with greater ease.

Video: the evolution of Moonwalkers

What’s Next?

Like every innovative product, Moonwalkers will continue to evolve over the coming years. For now, they deliver exactly what they were designed for: fast, seamless transitions between powsurfing and snowboarding, plus reliable support during powder approaches.

As a small company, we’re currently collecting last inquiries through a waiting list to help us plan production quantities for winter 2025/26. Production begins early October.

If you’re seriously interested, please join—we’d truly appreciate it!

Jure