December 9th 2006

Holiday Greetings,

Damn, I can't believe it's almost been two months since my latest blog entry. I guess life has wrapped it's arms around me and tightened it's embrace to the point where I couldn't break free. Now that I have some noteable blogging to do, it's time I got back to putting the word out on the happenings here at the mission camp.

First off: The Northwest Report
Last month the Northwest got pounded with rain and snow. I am sure you all heard about the massive flooding by now. For like 16 days straight, the Northwest of Washington State experienced record rainfall and consequently record snowfall as well. Reports are coming in from Whistler, Blackcomb and Mt. Baker with jawdropping statistics-Whistler is claiming 14 foot snowpacks and Mt. Baker recieved a whopping 12 feet of snow during one wintery blast at the end of November. For all the latest, check out their websites...Whistler and Mt.Baker

Secondly: Utah Report
Utah is tagging along in the ranks with a fresh wintery start of a 40" base. Although it is dwarfed in comparison to the Northwest storm totals, we are enjoying the early start non the less.

Thirdly: Florida Report

This past weekend the Seacow Surf Series made it's first stop of the year at Sebastian Inlet State Park in the wonderful state of Florida. For the last couple of years this event has been growing and this year was by far the biggest Seacow event ever! Volcom set up the beach and got underway with 186 competitors fighting for invites to the $100,000.00 Dollar VQS Champs in May of 2007...More>>>

Our man with the plan, Rodrigo Miranda knocked out some serious talent and claimed 5th in the finals. With 2 more comps coming up in the months ahead, we feel Roder has a shot at the prize at the final in Cali...
Results:
Pro-Am
1. Eric Taylor $500.00
2. CT Taylor
3. David Bagley
4. Eddie Guilbeau
5. Rodrigo Miranda
6. Nick Guilarte

More to come...Stay tuned...

Max

October 24th 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 24TH 2006

The Morrill Film Group is proud to announce two new contributing sponsors to the '07 mission films projects...


Lara Bar
LÃRABAR is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices - energy in its purest form. Made from 100% whole food, each flavor contains no more than six ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.
and

SkullCandy headphones
SkullCandy in Park City, Utah is the manufacturer of headphones, packs, helmets, mp3wristwatches and more...

Check out their websites for a full overview of their products...

October 24th 2006

Hello everyone,

It has been just over a month since we last posted on our blog. In the month of October, we made a trip back to Florida to catch a tropical swell, film Eddie's First Coast Kiteboarding instructional video, party with the Florida rep of Astar and Xcel-Ben Ardis and finish up on our trailer for this year's installment of "the mission:surf.
photo-Danny Moody
Although this year only provided a few Cape Verde storms of the coast of Africa and not much formed along the 10/20 degree latitude during the later part of the season, we did manage to get some memorable days in this year. Some of us were hoping for a little more action than what we got but we made to best of this year's tropical season.
photo-Stephen Schafer
Eddie's kiteboarding video will be coming out in the months ahead. We are all anxiously anticipating the release.
Photo-Stephen Schafer / Kiter-Jonathan Marsh
Now that the tropical season is drawing to a close, we are focusing on the upcoming winter season here in Utah! To get us stoked on the winter ahead, last night the Burton movie tour of For Right or Wrong came through town. We had the chance to step away from the office and catch the showing. We were all stoked! The movie was a hit and the Utah snowboarders were in force.
To be even more stoked, The Morrill Film Group is in it's third year of production and we have a bunch new plans in the months ahead. Here is a glimpse of just one of our upcoming projects...

In addition to our monthly podcast, we will be working steadily to complete several other video projects, the '07 sizzle reel, working closely with Park City, Brigton and Snow Basin and to top it all off, a new design to our existing website. We will keep you informed as always. Gotta get back to work...

Until next time.

Maxwell

September 23rd 2006

On Wednesday night Rodrigo called on his way back to Florida with the ESA Eastern results. Tired from the long contest days and endless overhead surf, Rodder was stoked to deliver the good news...

CONGRATS JIMMY B!!!
Open shortboard - Mens
Jimmy Blumenfeld 2nd

Although Rodrigo didn't make it past the semis, he had an epic 3 days of surfing lighthouse jetty thanks to Hurricanes Gordon and Helene.

Here's are the Eastern write ups from surfline...Bank on it!
(Jimmy B on pic 9 of 14 in the slideshow)

Pictures will be posted soon...

Good work guys!!!

Max

September 19th 2006

Most of the reports are in from Hurricane Florence.

Going with the Flo'Part 1 New England

Going with the Flo' Part 2 Florida

Going with the Flo'Part 3 Puerto Rico

Enjoy...

Max

September 17th 2006

The Eastern ESA Comp is on! Here's the latest on JimmyB and Rodrigo...

Sunday, September 17th 2006
Open Shrtbd. Round1
NSC-1 Shawn Clark
CNJ-1 Pat Emery
NFL-2 Wayne Thompson
VA-2 Philip Goold
CNJ-4 Brendan Buckley
SAFL-1 Rodrigo Miranda

Open Shrtbd.Rnd1
SAFL-4 Jimmy Blumenfeld
SNC-1 Ben Powell
SNJ-7 Colin Abel
SNC-2 Nick Rupp
CNC-10 Hunter Heverly
VA-1 Ricky Palluch

Monday, September 18th 2006
Open Shrtbd. Round 2
T.B.D

Sunday September 17th 2006
Masters Round 1
Heat line-up (not found)

Monday, September 18th 2006
Masters Round 2
SAFL-1 Jimmy Blumenfeld
2.24
3.25
1.26
2.27
3.28

Finals on Tuesday!

We'll keep you up to date as the contest results come in...

Go Jimmy and Rodrigo!!!

Maxwell

September 15th 2006

Greetings everyone,

What started off as a slower and thankfully less devistating tropical storm/hurricane season, now is providing epic surf up and down the East Coast. The shores of New York's Long Island, Rhode Island and the Carolinas were guarenteed larger than normal surf. Here is the what September has provided so far...Huricane Florence
Hurricane Gordan
and now
Hurricane Helene

Check out the National Hurricane Center's archive for all the current storm discussions and animated grapic loops.

Surfline reports the latest surf scores of Hurricane Florence from New York and the Outer Banks.

Rodrigo Miranda and Jimmy Blumenfeld compete at the ESA Nationals this week. Log on and keep in touch with them as Hurricane Helene provides some epic conditions for the comp. Good Luck Guys!

More to come! Stay tuned.

Max

August 29th 2006

Hello Everyone,

After TS Debbie fizzled out last week far off the coast off North America, we started to set our sights on the 20 degree latitude for more action. Low and behold, TS Ernesto pops up and is heading toward Florida on a slight NW orientation. Although the season has been much slower to develop strong storms compared to the record year of 2005, we are still anticipating a cat 3 or 4 for the middle of September during the ESA National off the Outer Banks of North Carolina...














Here is what the National Hurricane Center has to say about TS Ernesto.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A HURRICANE WATCH REMAIN IN EFFECT FROM
NEW SMYRNA BEACH SOUTHWARD ON THE FLORIDA EAST COAST...More

We wish safe harbor from the storm. Be safe our friends of Florida and Georgia!

Stay tuned,

Max

August 21st 2006

TROPICAL UPDATE















The Latest from the NHC --- 500 PM EDT MON AUG 21 2006

"THE AREA OF LOW PRESSURE SOUTHEAST OF THE CAPE VERDE ISLANDS HAS
BEEN MAINTAINING ENOUGH CONVECTIVE BANDING TODAY TO WARRANT DVORAK
CLASSIFICATIONS OF T1.5 FROM TAFB AND SAB AT 18Z."

"OUTER BANDING STRUCTURES ARE WELL DEFINED...BUT OVERALL THE
CONVECTIVE SIGNATURE IS STILL A LITTLE THIN. WATER TEMPERATURES
SHOULD BE WARM ENOUGH FOR THE NEXT DAY OR SO TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT
AND THE SHEAR IS LIGHT."

Eddie called to put the word out. We'll be keeping our eye on TD_4's status over the next couple of days...

Stay tuned
Maxwell

August 15th 2206

I'M BACK!

Back in SLC again. The roadtrip was great. Filming the just squeezed doc is a wrap. Time to get back in motion with the mission...

We are currently finalizing the team, working on updating the website, getting an RV prep'd, getting sponsors together and monitoring the tropical situation. Although we haven't had the banner year we had last year, we're still anticipating some action in September. We will keep you all updated. Stay tuned.

Maxwell

July 14th 2006

Hello Everyone,

I will be on the road for the next 3 weeks or so. I have created a blog for the Just Squeezed Juice documentary film I am currently working on. Log on here to stay current with the trip.

I will be periodically posting at this blog location when tropical activity develops...

Stay tuned.

Max

July 12th 2006

Hello everyone,

Well, I am off again. Tomorrow I embark on a month long shoot that will take me halfway across the country and back. I will be working as D.P.(director of photography) for Just Squeezed Juice. I will be documenting their travels through 15 states, 3 music festivals from tomorrow until August 9th. I am excited for the trip. I will be setting up a seperate blog for pictures and comments about the project. Stay tuned here for the web address and links. I will continue to update the mission:blog as well during the trip. Talk to you soon...

Maxwell

July 5th 2006

This just in...

Rodrigo Miranda takes 1st in Open and switches spots with Jimmy Blumenfeld, standing to his left, who stole the spotlight last week by claiming a first place victory at St. Augustine. These guys constantly push each other to the next level. They both competed on Tuesday, July 4th at the E.S.A 40th ANNUAL SUN N'SURF CONTEST. We will keep you up to date with more contest results as they come in...

Great job guys!

Max

July 1st 2006

Hello everyone,

Well it's July 1st and the editing process of The Mission:Surf - Costa Rica has begun. The footage looks amazing this year! I just completed capturing and batching the scenics and interviews for the segment-funny stuff. I will start the action clips next. With all the different locations from Northern Santa Rosa National Park, to the barrel factory of Playa Hermosa and everything in between, every spot has a unique look and different conditions. I will try to get a teaser up by mid month...

In other related news, the east coast is in a stall pattern with tropical development. July is usually a slow month compared to August and September. We will keep our eyes focused on the tropical latitudes of the east coast and keep you posted.

Next update, July 7th, unless something arises...

Max

June 26th 2006

Welcome back!

All the photos from The Mission:Surf - Costa Rica are loaded up in the gallery. Click the slide show and kick back and enjoy. I am currently capturing and batching the video, I should have it done by the end of the month. Stay tuned for video updates and teasers...

Also, I have added a couple of "Photographer's Albums" to the gallery. Check out some of Scott Serfas's photos of "big Monday" at Playa Negra and some of Shifi's surf shots of Playa Hermosa. You can also log onto their sites to see some more of their work. Click their names to be directed to their sites.

Talk to you soon...

Max

June 25th 2006

Home again.

Well, I am back in sunny, hot Salt Lake City. I miss the Costa Rican ocean tremendiously. I miss a lot of things about that country during my 2 weeks. I'm having a difficult time adjusting back to the routine here in Salt Lake but the great memories of the trip are getting me through.

The last day in Costa Rica was wonderful. The day started out at 7am, sunny and then went slightly overcast. We got off a morning session with Raphael and Rodrigo with the swell still holding at 6-8' range with an occasional 10' set. The morning started out a little slower than the previous mornings due to the late night in Jaco the evening before. Jaco is nuts! If ever in Jaco, go to the monkey bar around 11:30pm, I am sure you'll find whatever you need to complete a night of partying. And with Thursday being the 13th day of straight shooting, the combination of the lack of sleep, the late night in Jaco and the grooling shooting schedule made it little difficult to focus. Knowing it would be my last full day in C.R., I just wanted to pack up my gear and take a walk, jump in the ocean or just log some hamock time-I ended up walking back to the hamock and crashing out until the guys arrived.Breakfast was enjoyed at the Las Olas restaurant overlooking the beach at Playa Hermosa. We waited for our meal while observing several tourist deciding it was a good idea to go play in the shore pound. Watching them get thrown onto the beach time and time again was quite enjoyable. After breakfast we retired to John O'Toole's beautiful villa not far from the beach. In the air conditioned house we caught up on some much needed rest. Lunch was served by John's caretaker Jose. He makes deliciously authentic Costa Rican cuisine. I miss those meals. The evening was spent hanging out with the guys at the villa. We took it easy, watched the world cup highlights, finished up several shoots around the house, Rodrigo's interview and packed for an early departure.

All in all, the trip to Costa Rica was a memorable one. The footage we obtained couldn't have been better. I will definately be back next year. To all my new friends I met along the 2 week trip, thank you for a great experience!

Pura Vida! (I truely know what this means now.)

Maxwell

June 21st 2006

Greetings from Playa Hermosa,

Happy summer solstice everyone. I am so glad to be starting off my summer here in Costa Rica. It feels like summer here- the air is moist, the waves are crashing on the shore a 100 yards from where I am writting my blog and all the shooting these past two weeks has given me the opportunity to get a jump start on my tan. Life is good!

This morning we began our 12th day of shooting with sunny skies and glassy 8-12' waves at 6:30am. Rodrigo, myself and couple of friends met up at Terrazas for the morning session. The waves, light and offshore winds were perfect. As the sets rolled in, the line up comprised of a mixture of body boarders and local Playa Hermosa rippers. This morning will make the cut for sure. I am very stoked with what we have so far from this southern hemi swell. The mission to Costa Rica has been a success so far and we have one more session in the morning.

I have posted today's pictures in the gallery. I have also added the descriptions to the past days photos on pages 3-6. Check out the week we've had.

I hope everyone is enjoying the first day of summer as much as I. I look forward to seeing all my Salt Lake friends soon, especially you T! Check in tomorrow around 4pm for the Thursday score. Talk at you then...

Pura Vida!

Max

June 20th 2006

Hello everyone,

Wow! It has been an amazing couple of days! The southern hemi swell erupted on the shores of Central America over the last couple of days.The swell we were looking forward to last week started really showing itself on Sunday. By Sunday night the swell grew to 12'+. By Monday the swell produced one of the biggest, cleanest days I've seen this year. Rodrigo got the wave of the day when he dropped a solid 15' bomb on his 7'6" Maddog and got slotted halfway down the line. The crowd at Playa Negra went nuts! The footage is sick!

The Costa Rican coast has continued to hold the swell at many of the big breaks from southern Pavones to northern Santa Rosa National Park.

We are now back at Playa Hermosa to finish out the week. I have begun to update the photos of the last couple of days, check them out in the gallery. I will update the blog everyday here at the backyard while the surf crashes on the shore and the imperials stack up.

Pura Vida!

Maxwell

June 17th 2006

Hello everyone,

Greetings again from the beautiful country of Costa Rica...

The last two days since my last blog entry have been epic! Yesterday, June 16th, we awoke to blue bird tropical skies for our 4am departure to Playa de Coco. From the sheltered harbor of Playa de Coco we took a 25' skiff out to sea for an hour boat ride to Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point. Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point are two of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Google the two locations, or check out Bruce Brown's Endless Summer movies-either option will give you a little view into what we experienced. Yesterday's trip was a dream come true for me! From the boat trip, being in a remote Costa Rican park to catching the best wave of my life-the day was a memory that will live in my mind and heart for a long time. I am adding the pictures to the gallery while we eat at a modest cafe outside of Playa Negra.

Today, Saturday June 17th blessed me with more pictures, video and memories. The days keep getting better here! And with each passing day it is getting harder to leave this beautiful tropical country. This morning we awoke at 5am to get a jump on the early light conditions with the sun rising into a near cloudless sky. Our destination was a bit south of where we're staying at Iguanazul and has to remain secret. With the Southern Hemisphere swell lapping at the Costa Rican shores, we had an epic day of consistent 10' wave sets, windless conditions and plenty of sunshine for shooting. I am looking forward to the week ahead...

Tomorrow has the swell in full effect. We are anticipating another day of sunny skies, big waves and plenty of video opportunities. I will post more pictures in the afternoon...

Pura Vida!

Max

June 15th 2006

Hello everyone,

We got a good am session in this morning with great light. The windless conditions and head high surf provided the conditions we were looking for all week. With days like today, my video will have plenty of great Costa Rican footage. With the upcoming storm next week, the video should be complete. I will be in Junquillal through the weekend, then we go south again for next week.

The anticipations is building for us as the storm moves through the Southern Pacific. The swell is making it's way toward Central America in the days ahead. We are looking forward to very huge surf Sunday through Tuesday. Here is what Eddie in Florida has to say about the storm...

"The long term looks impressive. A very powerful SE Pacific storm took aim at Central America with 50kt+ winds over the past few days. This swell will hit Sunday with double overhead plus surf likely by Mon. Top deep water breaks push 18 to 20ft, perhaps larger."

More pictures and video to take after breakfast....

Keep tuned!

Max

June 14th 2006

Hello everyone,

I took advantage of the cloudy skies and rain showers this morning to update the gallery and do some much needed e-mail catch up at Pablo's at Playa Negra. Check out all the photos of days 1-6 in the gallery. For another perspective, check out Ripzone team manager Peter Andersen's updates on the Ripzone site. The link is posted below the surfline report.

I just got the report from Eddie in Florida about the incoming swell off the coast of Argentina. Looks like we are in for a solid swell starting Saturday. Rodrigo and I are preparing for several days of classic Costa Rica surf. I am stoked! I will be updating the blog daily once in Playa Hermosa this weekend.

Stay tuned!

Max

--SURFLINE REPORT--

This is a Surfline Travel Alert for Central America effective Tuesday, June 13, 2006.

A very strong low in the eastern half of the South Pacific is spinning up 50-knot+ winds and 40-foot+ seas this afternoon, aimed well at Central America and Mainland Mexico. The result is a macking, long period SW to SSW groundswell that will slam Latin America in the near future.

--RIPZONE INTERNATIONAL--

http://www.ripzoneinternational.com/spring06/files/home/pete_costa.htm

June 13th 2006

Hello everyone,

It's day 5 here in Costa Rica. I am loving it! The weather has definitely improved over the last couple of days. The tropical weather has let up a bit and we are getting more sun during the days and breif rain showers at night. With more sun during the day, we are getting a lot more shooting in.

Our shooting schedule has us up early and taking full advantage of the early morning light. The shooting for Ripzone has been going well. They shot a bit of the lifestyle pictures around the beautiful Iquanazul last night. Today, we are at Playa Negra shooting surf photos and video. The morning session provided 4-6' waves and windless conditions. I am stoked on the video I've captured so far. I have been capturing a lot of the scenics over the past couple days. Today, I got in the water and shot some of the much needed water footage. I will be on land for the second session this afternoon shooting the team.

The upcoming South swell from the Southern Hemi is going to be all time on Sunday - Tuesday. And with that news, I will be extending my trip through the 24th. The ticket availability will be the ultimate decision maker but the possibilities look good...

Pictures will be updated either tonight or tomorrow, I promise...

Pura Vida!

Max

T, I miss you! XOXO

June 11th 2006

Hello everyone,

Finally after 3 days in Costa Rica, I have a chance to update the blog. The trip to Costa Rica has been amazing so far! The weather has improved from deluges of rain to partly cloudy skies. Having the sun shine for lengthy periods today was a welcomed experience. We have traveled from San Jose to Playa Hermosa, Jaco, Liberia and now we´re in a little restaurant in Playa Negra. The surf has been 6-8´ with light winds. I will create a more indepth blog posting when we head up to Tamirindo on Monday-the internet cafes will have wireless. I will upload pictures and more thoughts about this beautiful country. Until then...

Pura Vida!
Max

May 31st 2006

Here we go. The 2006 tropical season is off to a great start. The Pacific is crankin' up with Tropical Depression Aletta off the coast of Baja. Central America is anticipating solid ground swell through the week. The Mission Films trip to Costa Rica is on! Here are some quickie forecasts from the National Huricane Center on Tropical Depression Aletta and the Central America hightlights by Surfline, and Wavewatch to catch you up.

Next update June 7th

Stay tuned,

Max

May 15th 2006

Here we go again...The Pacific hurricane season has begun! I wonder what kind of season will be in store for us this year? Kevin Wallis of Surfline.com narrates the "LOOKING SOUTH" pacific season report. Check it out on surfline.com. And in addition to Kevin's reports, Eddie Toy in Florida says Central America will receive it's first good swell of the season around June 1st. "Once we get locked into a storm cycle pattern down there, we should receive storm after storm," Eddie says. This is great news for our June 8th trip to Costa Rica! The Mission Films will be heading to Costa Rica from June 8th to the 15th. Rodrigo Miranda will be guiding us through some of the best surfspots, jungles and Costa Rica hotspots from the 8th to the 10th. From the 11th to the 21st we will be documenting the Ripzone International catalogue shoot. Check out their 2006 surfwear, casuals and footwear for summer. Get it while it's hot!

Keep tuned for pictures, video and additional details...

Max

May 7th 2006

Salt Lake is beautiful. Costa Rica is on. Life is good.

Last week, Florida gets it's share. Rodrigo shows you the way...
























photos courtesy of piermonkey.com


Gas prices are on the climb and so is the cost of airfare. Hurricane season is approaching...

Keep tuned.
Max

May 1st 2006

With the warm temps moving in Spring has definitely arrived in Salt Lake City. Although there's still plenty of snow in the mountains and Snowbird is open on weekends-I have officially retired my boards for the season. Time to switch it up and start thinking about hurricane season and surfing again.

On the surfing tip, Rodrigo and Jimmy are killing it again in the comps. The Southeast Regionals are finishing up finals as I write this. Jimmy is in the finals heat today. Rodrigo and Jimmy have secured their spots at OBX in September. This is going to be a great hurricane episode this year... Congratulations guys!!!

2006 Southeast Regional Surfing Championships

SAFL Team

rev'd

2006-03-30

9:30

Division

Invitations

Ranking

Contestant Names

Notes

Masters	1	SAFL-1	Jimmy Blumenfeld
Masters	2	SAFL-2	Rodrigo Miranda

April 26th 2006

Eastern Surfing Magazine - Rodrigo Miranda

Our Mission:Surf ripper, Rodrigo Miranda!!!

April 21st 2006

Greetings everyone,

The cold Low that swept across the upper intermountain west, the same storm that delivered 32" in South Dakota on April 18th, gave us 18-22" of light, cold snow on Saturday and Sunday of last weekend. On Monday through Wednesday the cold temps lingered and created a couple days of classic Utah riding. And this is the last week of the season, it seems like it just got started...












Tuesday, April 18th 2006, Brighton Backcountry

The picture above is Tuesday, April 18th. I put in 5 runs on stupid chute, 1000 turns gully, figure-8 hill and the lower wolverine bowl headwall. I couldn't stop the snow was so good. I mean, take the best snowboarding you've ever done and times it by 5, that is how good the snow was. By the 5th line, about 2000+ vert of riding, in a couple of hours, I was ready to head back to the resort and call it a day.

Wednesday, April 19th 2006, Wolverine Cirque

The next day, Wednesday, I was getting over the head pow shots on Wolverine Cirque. You can see the remnants of the turns on the lower apron, but the best turns were in the trees above. Every turn, faceshot, turn, faceshot-I had to wear my neck gator the whole run. I couldn't believe how good the show was...

Wednesday, April 18th 2006, Wolverine Cirque

Here's a picture of Paul Sherman pointing to the chute he just skied. If you look close enough, you can see the turns coming out-the chute is the widest one in the picture. Epic!

Wednesday, April 18th 2006, Figure-8 hill

Last runs of the day-Paul's turns on the left, mine on the right. You can see the powder spray on the visible 2nd-4th turns coming down off my line...

As the temps begin to rise, and the valley warms-the eminent melting of the cold snow is a sign of the advancement of spring. For these days, we claimed the best spring season snow of the month, and for the winter for that matter. And with our changing weather patterns, the threats of global warming and other factors that produce anomalies in storm patterns, you never can tell what the future holds for the next snow fall. We could get another week like this one starting on Sunday-that is the glory of living in Salt Lake with the Wasatch out my back door. There are so many mountains to climb and lines to snowboard-I hope the week we just had stretches into June. Time will tell...

Live passionately,

Max

April 16th 2006

Greetings everyone,

Today is my Mom's birthday!!! Look at her shread. She has amazing style and grace, doesn't she? What mom do you know shreads barrels like Slater? For all of my friends that have met her, you know what a special woman she is. This picture reflects her zest for living life to the fullest. Happy Birthday Mom!!!

On a mission films note, it has been a while since my last blog. There hasn't been much to report on recently. We have been working steadily collecting as much video, interviews and gear reviews before the end of the season, which is moving up on us fast. Brighton and many of the resorts in the cottonwoods will be closing in another week or so, Snowbird will be staying open through May. The conditions have been rapidly changing from pow conditions to corn. This is a difficult transition for most, I am looking forward to the warmer temps and smooth, buttery corn snow conditions...We will have more pics, video and details up soon...

Happy Easter everyone,

Max

April 5th 2006 - Avalanche Death @ Pioneer Ridge

A snowboarder was killed yesterday on Pioneer Ridge located outside the Brighton Ski Area boundary. The cause of the accident was from a cornice collapse. The snowboarder, Atilio Giorgio Cremaschi Yazar, 27, was on the ridge and got close to the very steep slope while standing on a very large cornice. The large swing of temperatures from Sunday to Monday, almost 20+ degrees and the late hour sun-baking weakened the cornice to unstable conditions.

It is very unfortunate and a sobering reality of how quick conditions can change in the backcountry in the spring time. Even if the backcountry has been skied and is only a short 20 minute walk outside of the ski area boundary, you still have to treat it like a serious backcountry trek. It is imperative to educate yourself with the knowledge of avalanches, mountain weather, wilderness survival and first aid. It is important not only for yourself but for the other around you. This death could have been easily avoided. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Yazar family.

For additional info about the event, click the links below...

Deseret News

Salt Lake Tribune

Utah Avalanche Center

KSL News

Maxwell

April 3rd 2006

As part of Nissan's X= campaign, we have decided to show the rest of the ski/snowboard community what Utah in March looks like...March has been epic, beyond epic. This picture was taken at a Utah resort and as you can see, I had a fresh dump of new snow and no one on the chair ahead of me. X= no people in chair + new snow = fresh tracks all day for me...Right after this run I ran to the car to get out my Winterstick Swallowtail, it was too deep for my 164 Wasatch... The day was all time Utah!















Just to give you an idea of how much snow Utah is getting, this is the sign at the Brighton Lodge that stands about 25' above the parking lot. We broke the 500" mark in the 3rd week of March with it snowing about every day for the last 2 weeks. The backcountry has been amazing, even the in bounds resort skiing has been good. Now that April is upon us and spring has sprung, the days are getting longer so we are able to stay out more hours and get that wonderful evening light-in between all the storm cycles of course...

For all those not getting it, eat your hearts out...

More pictures of the first week of April to come...

Max

March 19th 2006

MOUNTAIN LIFE
MARCH 2006


The pre-spring weather has been providing a myriad of weather activity for us here in Salt Lake City. We've been experiencing a diverse mix of rain in the valley and snow in the mountains. It has been snowing off and on for the last 3 days... Unfortunately, I have been working in the valley over the weekend and not able to play in the mountains. Although, I did manage to get a line on Kessler Peak, with Pauly and Michael on Thursday. The snow was epic then and I bet it's even better now...

With March fleeting with each passing day, we're busy getting the first episode of our "Moutain Life" podcast shot, edited and uploaded for you to see. As we venture into the world of podcasting, our new addition to the Morrill Film Group has us very excited. With each episode of "Mountain Life" this is what you can expect: athlete profiles & adventures, industry profiles & product and snow sports product overviews. You will be able to download each episode to your computer or ipod from our website or itunes and take it with you wherever you go. If there's specific content you would like to see, fill out our comment box on our contact page.

stay tuned,
Maxwell

March 5th 2006

After a week of up and down temps, in and out of windy cycles and passing storms delivering low accumulation averages-we are setting up for the next rounds of storms...

Current conditions: windy in the valley and beginning to snow in the high elevations again...

The last week had us treasure hunting for stashes in the upper Brighton area while out with Paul Sherman filming his pod cast episode. A storm on Tuesday delivered 4-6" with grauple in the back bowls of Brighton which made for decent conditions. With the storm moving in with warmer than average temps and departing cold, the upper elevations got the snow and the lower elevation line got a mixed bag with rain. This being the case, we stayed on the high elevations and searched for sheltered lines to film. As the days went by early in the week, periods of wind came and went. Those days made me wish I had given Ozone a call. Another storm came in on Friday and laid down a nice addition of 6-8" of light density snow to around 6000'. We picked our lines carefully on Saturday and scored big. The Northwest-North aspects around Kestler Peak were sublime. On Sunday, we ventured into Mineral Fork and enjoyed a leisurely pace. We scored there as well. Although not as good as Saturday, the views made up for the snow difference...

This week should be interesting to say the least...

Stay tuned,
Maxwell

February 26th 2006

It started with an idea. The idea was to go for the gem of all gems on Mt. Timpanogus. Our plan, to go for the Cold Fusion couloir. Just thinking about it is a daunting task-9 miles in, 9 miles out, a huge vertical gain, a steep climb up an avalanche chute to an exposed northwest face of the north peak and to be completely exposed to bad weather, if it decides to be so. During the week before, Paul and I checked the weather, discussed the plan over phone calls, read books, checked the maps and loaded our packs. Everything was looking good and we were ready.
On the morning of Sunday, February 26th I drove to meet Paul at his house at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon. I was excited with the thoughts of getting one of the lines I have always wanted to snowboard. My excitement and a 48oz rockstar energy drink were allowing me to do the opposite of what my body was feeling I should do. See, I hadn't slept since 9am on Saturday and now it is 4am in morning of Sunday. The night before, on Friday, I had gone against better judgment and partied until 5am-good times, bad choice. Then on Saturday, waking up a little hung over, I got breakfast with a friend, worked a full day until 11pm, deejayed a party until 3am and then loaded up the car for the trip. By the time I was pulling into Paul's driveway, my body wanted bed and my mind wanted the cold fusion.
The drive to the trailhead was quicker than I remembered. As we drove through the darkness and into the mountains, Paul and I were definitely stoked for what laid ahead. Once at the trailhead parking area, we loaded up under the starry night and proceeded as our headlamps lit the way... More to come...
For now, check out our pictures of the trip under "the mission:snow" sub-album "mt. timpanogus" Enjoy!

Max

February 22nd 2006

Yeah! The last two days have been epic in the Wasatch...
Monday I took the solo route and headed into the cirque to hit up four separate lines: wolverine westside (tips&tails), eastside (ragtime), PatsyMarley (twin lakes route) and fantasy ridge (north face). Consult The Chuting Gallery by Andrew McLean for pictures and details. A spectacular day with wispy rolling cloud cover, stable snow and clean lines.

On Tuesday, Mikey, Paul and I went to Mt. Raymond for the peak couloirs. The low density snow made for a tricky skin track; slipping and sliding every other step on the steep sections made for slow progress. The sun broke free of the cloud cover for most of the day. By the time we summited, 3.5 hours after we started, the foggy valley cloud bank made it up and over the mountains making the light go flat. We made the best of the definitionless conditions in the couloir. Once in, the turns were effortless on the stable chute. The morning sun affected the lower slope enough to make you concentrate a bit more. The glades out to the canyon road ranged from fast and epic to slight zipper crust the lower elevations. All in all, a great day for us...

Our eyes are on the current weather pattern...Pray for snow...

Max

February 20th 2005

After ten days of a slowly shifting high pressure system, Utah is again getting small rounds of storms from the Northwest and Southwest...

On Tuesday of last week a strong dipping Low swept across Northern Utah and delivered 9-11" in upper cottonwoods. The low also brought cold temps and blustery winds with it. On Saturday night a small Southwesterly storm brought another 12" to the cottonwoods. With an additional 2-4" falling through Sunday. The cold temps and 15-20mph winds have moved snow around but the avy danger is only moderate on many of the aspects.

The calls are out. The boards are by the door. Monday - Wednesday should be beautiful weather...

Operation Delta is on for Monday night...

Max out!

February 5th 2006

Whew, I can't believe its February already. Where did January go? Between my arrival at the beginning of the month, settling into the new house, the Sundance Film Festival 06 and the amazing 2 weeks of snowy conditions in Big Cottonwood-I have a blurry recollection...

Now that it's February, if the start of the month is any indication of what's in store, we are looking good for shooting what we need this month. The team is a bit scattered though, between Ben competing in the Subaru Freeride Nationals, Sarah and her many different obligations with filming this year, James in and out of tree wells between dumps, Rob being M.I.A., Justin getting back into Utah from Central America and Dan working out his schedule between ski instructing-we should have the team together again soon...

As I write this, we are in a solid high pressure system over the state of Utah. This has given us ample time to get out and hit up the big stuff. From fantasy ridge at solitude to mill B in lower little cottonwood, the snow, turns and sunshine has been a welcomed relief from the snowy days and nights...

With work there must be equal amounts of play. Here are some people and place we have experienced in the month past enjoy...
Closing weekend at Sundance 06 with The Brazilian Girls
LastNightsParty @ Sundance 06
The Depot SLC
Subaru Freeride Nationals and Results

More to come, stay tuned...

Max

January 17th 2005

Greetings from Outpost Alpha, otherwise known as the snowcovered Wasatch Mtns. I have been in Salty Lake City for about 2 weeks now. The mountains, sometimes the valley, have received snow 8 out of the 14 days. The mountains are quickly surpassing last years totals. At this time last year, as of Alta's totals, we had 262.5" of total snowfall and a base hovered around 95". To date we currently have a 118" base and a series of storms have dropped 282.5" of snow in upper Little Cottonwood...




With the Sundance Film Festival coming fast, we are getting ready do mix and mingle. Here are some up coming events, movies and parties you'll not want to miss.
January 19th Sundance Film Festival Opening party - Park City
January 20-24th X-Dance Film Festival
January 20th X-Dance Opening party - The Mission Films crew - Park City
January 21st DJ Andy Caldwell @ Ouida Lounge - Salt Lake City
January 26th DJ AM / JLuvv @ Suede - Kimball Junction
More T.B.A

Now you know. Go get some or dream about it.

Peace out,
Max

January 5th 2006

When will the tropical storm season end?! The forecasters keep repeating, "one for the record books." As the seasons continue to change into winter, the months pass since the November tropical season deadline and tropical storms are still forming... What does this all mean? Will they extend the tropical season into January? Is this a natural occurrence in the cycle of tropical storms and their delicate balance among our planet? One fact is clear, this currently ties the record set way back in 1887 for the most continuous tropical storms in consecutive months-June through January...The previous record was set in 2003, the year we decided to set our course and capture the mission films...

This is what the NHC has to say about the latest storm that is defying all and has the forecasters scratching their heads in disbelief...

Here are some other fun facts...
Has there ever been a Tropical Storm so late in the year before?

• in 1954, Hurricane Alice2 developed on Dec 30th and lasted until Jan 6, 1955. Alice2 reached Category 1 hurricane intensity.
• In 1978, Sub-Tropical Storm 1 developed Jan 18 and lasted until Jan 23. This system reached Tropical Storm intensity.