One year after placing second in the World Ski and Snowboard Festival's (WSSF) beloved Intersection film contest, Shmobb has won it all.
The local riders were named Best in Show on April 9 at the Whistler Conference Centre (WCC), scoring a $10,000 prize after an energetic night of action sports movies. Judges weren't the only ones who loved Shmobb's content, for viewers also granted them the People's Choice Award.
A press release reads: "Known for their raw love of snowboarding, this tight-knit crew can be found chasing each other down the slopes, fuelled by friendship, loud music, cold beer, and pure rock and roll. When your first crew doesn’t answer? Call Shmobb."
2024's champ, The Reserves, finished this time in runner-up position. These Whistlerites earned a $5,000 payout with their quality riding and palpable on-screen chemistry.
Friendly Fire, a gang of newcomers from Revelstoke, completed the top three and are going home with $2,500.
"Feels pretty insane," said Caleb Chomlack, the driving force behind his brethren. "Can't make that s— up. We knew we had it, and we made it happen. Thanks to all the boys. We're so lucky to be here. For us to make something out of this opportunity was all we were trying to do."
Zack Murray helped Chomlack film and edit their project, "The Shmobb Show": a compilation of eyebrow-raising snowboard maneuvers, random pranks and generalized irreverence. Other riders include Truth Smith, newly-minted winner of The Grind, as well as Finn Finestone, Lane Weaver, Sven Sandhal, Dash Klebe-McCulloch, Garret Baker, Stephen Linsey-Ross and Caleb Golls.
"Caleb told us he wanted to do a show of pranks and I was kind of like: 'I don't know how that's gonna work, man. I don't know if this is it, but I trust you.' And then f—ing creative mastermind Caleb Chomlack pulled through," remarked Smith.
'Every single moment'
The members of Shmobb were obviously having fun on camera, but don't discount their hard work. There were plenty of early mornings and long days to go around.
Murray had a trip to Japan on his schedule, but the filming window was established at four weeks instead of the anticipated 12 days. Shmobb filmed for more than two weeks straight upon his return, only missing a day because of a highway closure.
"We filmed every single moment we could and Caleb filmed every day before that [when I was gone], and then we got together and edited 34 hours over three nights—filming during the day, editing all night, sleeping an hour and working some nights as well," Murray recalled.
To a man, they all felt their labour was worthwhile because they all grew up watching Intersection. Snowboarding legends such as the Manboys have both won and judged this particular contest, and it's no small feat to be mentioned in the same breath as that kind of outfit.
Shmobb also bears a lot of respect for their contemporaries and opponents.
"I mean, we know the struggles it takes to go through [Intersection]. Even having a month, it's still not a lot of time," said Chomlack. "[The other crews] all killed it too. Buck Hunters, f—ing love those guys, all of them. "
"The Reserves, they know how to make a video," added Murray. "It's so fun to compete against Joey Kraft, that guy's a talented filmmaker."
Going forward, Shmobb has a simple goal: continue to make more memories as friends, and inspire kids to try out what they feel is "the best sport in the world by far, and the best hobby in the world by far." It's a discipline that has given them fellowship and hardship in equal measure, but they wouldn't have it any other way.
"We're so lucky to have this life," Chomlack remarked.
For more Shmobb content, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLJ2cIP5C40ShZs9Tl_OfYA.
