The 2026 shred season was unpredictable and poignant. Change in climate has altered what we can expect from snow conditions and made the experience more variable with only the shifting of a few degrees in temperature. My obsession with first chair continued despite the types of days that saw me hopefully expecting snow and finding light mist or rain at the base. There were plenty of deep moments to be had, but only a couple days over 20cm. Seasons change. Still, every moment I am allowed at Whitewater is a gift.
I ride alone a lot, and spend hours up there by myself to assure my first chairs. As a result I found myself making little videos of that world and experience. A toe dipping into the idea of vlogs or podcasting. Snow culture has its pockets of fascination and intricacy. First chair people are a unique crew. Everyone on the hill is experiencing some kind of connection with nature, even if it’s simply learning to huck a cab 5 off that rock feature and land perfectly in the transition below. For some it’s the grueling uphill climb of a bluebird day tour, where the vista is so huge the heart can hardly contain it. Snowboarding / Skiing is so many things to so many people. I love being part of the stoke for it. IYKYK as they say. Once the winter grabs you, it’s pretty difficult to ever let go of.
I feel the experience itself is one of the most incredible things you can do with a body. The connection to flow and the timeless moment. Be the board. In a world of continuous distraction, nothing keeps you focussed quite like the descent of one’s favourite line.
I appreciate the privelege it is to ride. Thanks be to the water beneath our boards.
I took a few photos along the way to act as evidence of my passage through the snowy landcscapes. Season 2025/26 is in the books. Thanks to Whitewater. Big ups to @craigmullin for being a willing companion on a few of those days. Shout out into the cosmos to Jason Whyte, who loved to shred. Respect to the first chair massive. Extra shout out to Louis, the true first chair king. See you next year
The top skies of 2025. Not going to lie, this year was a wild one. Lots of transformation and change all coming suddenly and demanding action. I have always loved watching the skies, their ability to always be in a constant state of flux. Here's a view into my view of the worlds i traverse between. Coast and mountains. My truest happy places. Wishing all of you the best as we roll onward into 2026. I know it's a contrived moment of significance but I wanted to come here and acknowledge all of you out there who might be watching. Thank you for all you do in the spiralling life of ever changing sky.
It was a rocky mountain Christmas in Canmore. I had 2 truly epic days at Lake Louise with my Dad in conditions that were unmatched in 40 plus years of riding Lake Louise. 17+cm each day. I practically grew up on that mountain and the new terrain blew me away. This journey was a lot about the road. The road and the rails. Highway 93 is masjestic. Lots of time to drive, and watch the skies. Hope all of you had time to get out in it over the holiday vortex.
Tales from the first chair: There's something wrong with me. I arrived WAY too early this time in my curiously obsessive quest to be on the first chair of Whitewater's Season opening. I listened to two lengthy complex podcasts in the light snow as the 4 snowcats circled around each other up on the hill. There was no one there but me and the cats until 6am. By 7am all the usual suspects had arrived. Shout out to the first chair massive. Also, big respect to Katie and crew who did 3rd chair, but with serious style. I think this was year 10 in a row. The snow was so-so. It's a strange start to a snow season but I'll take it. Game on 2025/2026. See you somewhere out there in the white room.
Yikes Panda Presents: MOGUL STOKER❄️🔥/naturalist-at-finleys-mogul-stoker/ A Winter Kick-Off Party ft. Naturalist + Fluxo
Winter’s about to drop, and so are the beats. Join us Saturday, Nov. 22 at Finley’s for MOGUL STOKER — a full-tilt dancefloor ignition celebrating the start of the snow season.
Headlining is Naturalist, spinning his deep-soul, genre-bending mastery to the bass bins — hypnotic textures, and lush dance grooves
Warming up the floor is local legend Fluxo, spinning through electronica, and some unexpected gems that hit you right in the bedunkadunk.
And when they join forces for F2F (Fluxo b2b Naturalist), expect lift-off — two minds, one pulse, and pure dancefloor alchemy.
Come ready to move, connect, and play. The Yikes Panda crew is transforming Finley’s into a mountain-vibe dreamscape — a place where snow junkies and groove seekers collide. Special thanks to: @onbeyond for graphic design. @wizzaroo72@olivethesunshine@mistermoffat@ryanfluxo@naturalist.music
It’s hard to come up with words to express the gratitude that I have for the family community that came out last night to celebrate the libra. It was one of those nights where I left my phone in the other room . I was present. Everything was topshelf.A weekend to truly remember. Thankyou. All the love.
Peak moments with the size of the sky. The hourglass of summer is run through. You gotta stay up all night to catch a sunrise like this but it is worth it. Guaranteed. All love. Falling back to earth by degrees. Onward!
