Where style is everything.
words: Tyler Orton
By the look of the forecast ahead, everyone was anxiously waiting for the weekend to bring the 7th Annual Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge to the snows of Mt. Bachelor.
With a few inches of new snow and the sun following through, what transpired could not have been more perfect. Beginning from the top of the Pine Marten chairlift, riders navigated windlip rhythm sections down to the surf inspired course, which was as great as I have ever seen. This year’s setup was built by the Mt. Bachelor park staff and was a course that “Got your heart going,” said Scotty James. Ranging from tight berms and multiple hips at the top, opening up to higher speeds and a spine as the last feature, the Big Wave Challenge created opportunities for carving, slashes, big airs and everything in between.
Just like any other event at Mt. Bachelor, this was a catalyst that brought all of my favorite people together in one place, with nothing short of big smiles, catching up with friends, great parties and even better boarding. Another one for the books thanks to Gerry Lopez, all of the sponsors and the Mt. Bachelor staff. Congrats to Max Warbington and Colleen Quigley for taking home 1st in Mens and Womens, enjoy your week long stay in Hawaii at the Volcom Pipe house.
Results:
Men:
1. Max Warbington
2. Phil Hansen
3. Scotty James
Women:
1. Colleen Quigley
2. Marie-France Roy
3. Erika Vikander
Watch also: Bachelor Party 2017 Chapter 2: Dendrite Delight
Follow Big Wave Challenge on Instagram
Big Wave lifeguard Austin Smith made sure the kids weren’t running around the pool.
Typical visibility for a day mid mountain at Mt. Bachelor.
The Mayor, Chris Luzier, getting his daily dose of SPAM.
MiG 28 going into a 4g negative dive. Dru Brownrigg.
Family pic. Left to right: Gabe Ferguson, Brock Crouch, Jared Elston, Scotty James and Dru Brownrigg.
Word has it that Sharkboy (right) went on a trip with Orange Man (left) this winter and came back orange. Two Gentemstick gurus in their element.
Gabe Ferguson went moto on every lap down to the course.
Yo Amagai earning his 2nd place “Gerry” Surfstyle Award with a proper layback.
Lifeguard, Austin Smith caught Jared Elston running around the pool. Consequences were minimal.
Marie-France Roy getting in one of many laps in on the course.
Not sure if Matteo Soltane got the memo? Left to right: Matteo, Lucas Wachs, Tucker Andrews, Gus Warbington
Big wave freak, Max Warbington, in the process of taking home the title.
Hometown kid. Max Warbington, full smile.
“I thought it was a 162 until I set it up, then realized it was 168. It’s dope.” – Nick Russell, with Alex Lopez, son of Gerry Lopez, in the background.
Phil Hansen, always ripping, never not ripping.
Tucker Andrews plays a mean game of pool, I kid you not.
The ladies podium, left to right: 3rd – Erika Vikander, 1st – Colleen Quigley, 2nd – Marie-France Roy
The men’s podium, left to right: 1st – Max Warbington, 2nd – Phil Hansen, 3rd – Scotty James
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