ABOUT TIME — WAYNE WONG, CRAIG KELLY IN THE SKI HALL OF FAME

You might be too young to know Wayne Wong, but you better know Craig Kelly. All the radness that broke with previously stuffy Eurocentric tight-assed ski tradition started with freestylers like Wong, who showed that air, bumps, and ridiculous coolness mattered on the slopes. The inventor of the famous “Wong Banger” and a star of countless skiing movies, Wong packaged his fame into being a true ambassador for skiing and continues to this day to convey his passion and enjoyment for the benefit of ski sports across the country. As for Kelly, the stylish smooth snowboarding legend who died in an avalanche in 2003, his impact on the sport was every bit as big as Wong’s, and his inclusion is way overdue — but awesome to see. Via Snow Pros.

SHAUN WHITE COPS PLEA DEAL OVER DISORDERLY BEHAVIOR

A Nashville judge signed off Wednesday on a deal between two-time Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Shaun White and prosecutors to settle public intoxication and vandalism charges. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss charges if White completed alcohol treatment, performed 24 hours of community service, and paid restitution. White’s vandalism charge was dismissed because he paid the Nashville hotel where police say he drunkenly destroyed a telephone. According to police and witness accounts, White pulled a fire alarm at about two in the morning on September 16, forcing all guests to evacuate. He then tried to flee but ended up in the hospital after he hit his head while trying to fight another guest who had called the cops on him. Via Boston Herald.

KIT SURFING KITES THE NEXT THING IN RENEWABLE ENERGY?

The same gear that boosts kitesurfers ridiculously high may soon be used as a less pricey, more versatile, and way cooler method of harnessing wind energy than traditional turbines. A German-based company is sussing out the feasibility of converting a kite’s kinetic energy into electricity via a generator. The idea is that remote-controlled kites capable of climbing up to 1,600 feet — an altitude with consistently strong gusts — would make it possible to poach a charge even at locations that aren’t particularly windy at ground level. Engineers say the kites have the potential to harvest eight times more power than wind turbines. So far, they’ve tested a kite at 1,300 feet; the next step is to experiment with computer-automated kite control. Via Mother Nature Network.

OUTLAW GUIDES FLEECING NAIVE CLIMBERS

Portions of Mount Banahaw, a popular hiking and mountaineering destination on the Philippine island of Luzon, have been off-limits to visitors since 2004, when the government ruled that slash-and-burn farming had left the peak too susceptible to erosion, landslides, and flashfloods. But crafty dirtbag outfitters are sneaking clients onto the 7,119-foot volcano illegally under the guise of park clean-up trips. “[The] pseudo-mountaineer groups charge [$37] per person in exchange for unhampered access and camping inside the area of Banahaw de Dolores,” park superintendent Sally Pangan said. The way these outfitters are luring perspective clients? Facebook posts promising a day or two of camping for those willing to help spruce up the park. Officials have launched an investigation. “We will arrest any intruders,” Pangan warned. Okay then. Via Inquirer News.