November has been crazy for the Alliance crew out in Orlando. For the past two months we've been busy putting together the 2008 Gear Guide, which is set to hit stands in early January. Obviously, the Gear Guide will feature all of next year's equipment, but the Alliance Gear Guide has also become famous for a couple of other things: the riders' setup photos and the contest.

Last year's contest was a board swap between the riders. Guys would draw names out of a hat and that's who they had to swap boards with. It actually gave a really cool perspective on how different riders actually ride and what kinds of board design characteristics they prefer. This year, though, we wanted to take the board swapping to a new level: wakeBOARDERS would switch with wakeSKATERS. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say that this little contest was totally awesome and it might have been the spark to ignite a riding revolution.

As for the riders' setup photos, last year's Gear Guide party was the Alliance Prom and let's just say it had some awesome punch and incredible slow dancing parties. This year, though, we wanted to rock a little harder. Okay, a lot harder. Like 80's big hair bands harder. Think Motley Crue, Poison, Whitesnake and Bon Jovi. To put it simply, this party lived up to the billing and it rocked. Big hair, tight denim, leather jackets, and gut busting guitar solos were the norm for the night. The photos are gonna keep you entertained for a while.

So there's a lot more to look forward to in the 2008 Gear Guide than just the new products. Hopefully you can withstand the wait until January to see it all. Until then, rock on…