In case you’ve never been to an evo company picnic, it’s a lot like a third grade end of the school year party: more chips than anyone can eat, lawn games, skateboards, brownies, and cool prizes. Except no chaperones! And we brought a boat. And beer. Also, people were making bets, making out and making jokes at Shilo’s expense. There was almost a dog fight. At least one person got sort of drunk, and I don’t mean that in a metaphorical way. After Bryce and Shilo kept losing warshers repeatedly, the last game got a little bit heated, but when it was all over everyone chipped in to clean up and we all gave each other hugs goodbye. Family parties are always the best - can’t wait ’til next year!
August 16th and 17th marked the second annual Malibu Pro Team Challenge. The scene at the campground was great - family and friends setting up camp for the weekend, watching in anticipation as teams Liquid Force, Ronix, Gator Boards, and defending champs, team Hyperlite battled it out for a grand prize of $25,000. The beautiful Silverlake Resort in Eatonville, Washington served as this year’s venue. The players included some of the top riders in the sport: Adam Errington, four time X-Game gold medalist Danny Harf, Mikey Ennen, Jimmy Lariche, AJ Racinelli, Bob Soven, and many more. These athletes teamed up to compete in three events: boat-pass, rail jam, and a double up contest - the perfect set up for the crowd’s viewing pleasure. The riding was incredible. Bill Geiger, creator of the event, remarked, “All these guys out here are killin’ it”.
The Malibu Pro Team Challenge is the only pro wakeboard event held in Washington, and, aside from being in evo’s backyard, it was super fitting as most of the board companies call the Northwest home. The audience and the participants seemed to think the venue ideal as well. Erick Ruch, a Hyperlite rider told evo, “It’s cool getting to see Mt. Rainer and everyone just hanging out by the campfire enjoying themselves. I think the whole idea for it [Malibu Pro Team Challenge] was to keep it intimate, a little more relaxed than normal events.”
Besides the wakeboarding competition, the weekend was packed with amazing weather, after-hours shindigs hosted by local sponsors, ride with the pros, and hob-knobbing with legends like Parks Bonifay and Gator. Spectators not only left with great stories, but also great swag. Raffles and giveaways included wakeboards from Hyperlite, a wakeskate by Ronix, vests from both O’Neill and Liquid Force, Ronix rope and wake handle, Malibu beach blankets, a signed board by Gator, and not to mention a ton of hats, t-shirts, coozies, and stickers.
Before the beginning of competition on Saturday, Malibu hosted a “ride with the pros” event., where, Mikey Ennen divulged some of his wake skill secrets. Later at the evo tent, Mikey Ennen was visibly stoked, “Yeah I took a little kid out riding, and taught him some basic skills: how to jump the wake, and he was going big,” pausing to laugh a little, “It was pretty awesome seeing a little grommet just charging.” Danny Harf of team Ronix also dropped by the evo tent to sign a Ronix board and chat with some fans. evo was interested in his thoughts on his first Malibu Pro Team Challenge, “We [normally] ride against these guys individually, so its kinda fun to cheer for your teammates while they’re going, and it’s a little less stressful out here, a relaxed environment, makes for a good time. The conditions are perfect, I can’t really ask for more.” But what about vendor sponsored parties?
Reps from Skull Candy, Monster Energy Drink, Reef, Ronix, Hyperlite, NW Riders Clothing Co, Bake’s, Von Zipper, and Liquid Force chilled, chatted and enjoyed cold Pyramid Brewery beer at Friday night’s festivities hosted by evo. Bake’s Saturday night VIP party included ample food, more Pyramid brew, and some impromptu Indo board demonstrations by riders and patrons.
Sunday morning brought the last day of competition, with the finals in the rail jam and double-up events. At the end of the day Jimmy Lariche was awarded overall best rider—a prize of $1,000, and team Hyperlite was crowned champions for the second year running winning the $25,000 purse. Participants, vendors and patrons a like left the lake asking what is in store for next year? Bill Geiger answered this question best, “Well I think the goal for everyone, evo, Alliance, and Malibu… is to absolutely keeping it in the Northwest, making it bigger, better, and more fun for everyone, every year as we go.” -Rhesa
Check back soon for video from this weekend’s comp. These guys go big. Like opening ceremony fireworks in Beijing big.
Results:
Boat Comp - 1st Place - Aaron Rathy - Hyperlite
2nd Place - JD Webb - Hyperlite
3rd Place - Bob Soven - LF
Double-Up - 1st Place - Danny Harf - Ronix
2nd Place - Jimmy Lariche -Hyperlite
3rd Place - Kevin Henshaw - LF
Rail Jam - 1st Place - Jimmy Larich - Hyperlite
2nd Place - Bob Soven - LF
3rd Place - AJ Racinelli - Gator
Overall Winner - Team Hyperlite (defending champions) with 240 points earning $24,000 and hanging on to the “Malibu Cup” for another year!
Hello Nimbus fans and supporters. This is Chris here reporting in from my endless summer of Hunting Yeti’s…
It all started with a crew discussion of taking a road trip down to Mexico for a month. It was the plan all season, until we unfortunately lost the keys to Pollard’s shackles, which had him locked to his 22-hour days of editing. Andy got up close and personal with a softball, leaving him a new grill and a large dental bill. And the news channel’s left us skeptical of traveling as clueless Gringos all the way through Mexico for an entire month.
With that in mind, when Eric found a free moment, the crew (sans Andy) booked a 10-day flight to Cabo, Mexico. As a whole (of passionate not so great surfers), we wanted to document a trip away from the snow, while at the same time capture some third-world traveling..
As anticipated, it was more then just surfing good waves.. There was rattlesnakes, feeding donkeys, surfing, rallying rental cars, attempting to speak spanish, snorkeling, and much much more.
After a successful and funny trip, Pollard went directly back to his computer and finished up the movie. Pep went to his sisters wedding. Andy was still dealing with dental issues. And I booked a quick flight to Whistler to get a day in with DaKine at COC.
Sure enough, we had Whistler fog both days we tried to shoot, which left us with little to no skiing footage. Directly after Whistler, Pep and I had agreed to coach at Windells for a session. So, that’s exactly what we did. We originally planned to get some more footage there, but an Oregon bug unfortunately hit me hard, giving me bronchitis and an ear infection.
Needless to say, we had another amazing couple months together, and were able to document something new, that we all truly love… With that said and webisode 4 all wrapped up, I am here in Mammoth packing for Australia and Chile to give you the seasons last webisode of shredding powder.To make my packing more enjoyable, I put my Hunting Yeti DVD on loop.Yep, that’s right, Hunting Yeti DVD’s are shipping out all over the world as we are proud to announce the film is done.I got a box full of Yeti’s just a couple days ago.Go to your local shop and ask for a copy.
Mt. Hood, Oregon is one of the most unique places America has to offer. An endless winter is made possible for riders all over the planet by providing a special retreat for summer jibbing, pipe riding, and jumping. One rider in particular, who calls Mt. Hood her summer home, is Randa Shahin. Randa, an evo team rider, has been a part of the Mt. Hood community for the past 5 years. She is recognized by many as not only a driven and talented snowboarder, but as a caring and loving friend. However, her boarding skills have recently been put on hold. While taking her first lap through the Timberline Park this year Randa overshot a jump, which resulted in a horrific accident. Randa suffered a double fracture in her neck, which is clearly evident by the halo she currently wears. Randa is presently at home in Virginia recuperating, and learning that the road to recovery is not an easy one. However, the community of Mt. Hood, after becoming instantly aware and distraught regarding Randa’s injury, has been proactive in providing the support she needs.
Mt. Hood and the good people of Timberline Lodge are a close community of skiers and snowboarders who dedicate their summers to playing in the snow. When one of their own is in need of assistance, they join together to show their full support. An example of this camaraderie is apparent in the circumstances surrounding Randa’s accident and subsequent healing. To help Randa, the Timberline Lodge, and the society of riders from Mt. Hood quickly came together to host a fundraising event for their fallen friend. The “Rail Rendezvous,” a rail-jam competition, was put together by Randa’s close friend Megan Ginter and Timberline Lodge Event and Promotional Manager Jenny Johnson to raise money for Randa during her recovery period. The funds will help Randa financially, allowing her to make payments on her Mt. Hood home, which she is currently struggling to keep up with, among other expenses.
This event took place on July 12th at the base of Timberline Ski Area’s Magic Mile Ski Lift and registered just over 60 participants. The competition was in jam format and was called by rider’s choice judges. Based on participation there were three categories: 1st-5th male snowboard, 1st-5th female snowboard, and 1st-5th male ski. The judges helped draw attention to those riders who threw down on the three obstacles, a down rail with a donkey kick, a flat bar to step-down rail, and a wall ride. Towards the end of the comp the judges called out a handful of noteworthy riders to stand in front of the crowd, where the riders themselves voted (by shouting) who they thought should place.
Lake Tahoe resident and snowboarder Andrew Brewer took first for the men, and earned his spot rightly by throwing down back lips, back side 180’s to pretzel out - all around nasty moves. Everyone else who placed received a hefty supply of prizes including snowboards, complete setups of outerwear, gloves, boots, shoes, and certificates such as Burton’s “free wax for life”. There was also a sizeable swag toss, which gave everyone a little something to go home with.
The Rail Rendezvous brought in a total amount of $3,340 which is going directly to Ronda to help out with her current situation. Randa’s sponsor Betty Rides donated $2,500 while $840 was accumulated through entry fees. The event couldn’t have been done without the great people of this unique Mt. Hood community. Randa will soon be back shredding with the best of them, and her friends at Timberline have clearly shown that they are looking forward to that day.
Evo would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful people at Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, along with friends of their community, for allowing us to take part in the event, and experience a weekend to remember and share. Tre Dauenhauer (evo Photographer), Matt Holihan (evo Intern Creative Writer), and Chris Shalbot (evo Team/Shop Manager) covered The Rail Rendezvous, inherited their own experiences while traveling down to Mt. Hood, and were welcomed into this unique and supportive community formed by those sharing a similar passion for snow sports.
Evo also thanks: The 7-11 guy for turning down Matt, Tre, and Chris’ request for free slurpees on 7/11, Graham Hiemstra for letting the trio crash at your house for the weekend, evo team rider, Austen Sweetin, for letting us bring down your abundance of camping stuff in a tightly packed Honda Civic to end up not even using it, Seth Kitzke for falling in the tree-trunk hole, Timberline Lodge and Ski Area Promotional manager, Jenny Johnson, and Megan Ginter for keeping The Rail Rendezvous organized and successful, and thank you to Marketing Manager, Brian Reed.
Timberline Ski Area is still covered with tons of snow left over from last winter’s record breaking season. The conditions are amazing, and without the people of Timberline Lodge and Ski Area we wouldn’t have been able to cover the event or enjoy the excellent conditions. Thank You Everyone!
It all started with a crew discussion of taking a road trip down to Mexico for a month. It was the plan all season, until we unfortunately lost the keys to Pollard’s shackles, which had him locked to his 22-hour days of editing. Andy got up close and personal with a softball, leaving him a new grill and a large dental bill. And the news channel’s left us skeptical of traveling as clueless Gringos all the way through Mexico for an entire month.
