Main Image by Ben Shanks Kindlon

Amidst the blustering winds and torrential downpour we stand, trying at all costs to keep the E-Z Up tent above our heads from blowing away. “It’s like a freakin’ tsunami out here!” someone screamed. The weather we’re enduring is reminiscent to that surrounding the Andrea Gail in Sebastian Junger’s “The Perfect Storm.” But instead of being stuck at sea with galoshes and fishing rods, those subjected to these harsh conditions are here by choice, equipped with lace-up boots and snowboards. Through the ghastly weather the dauntless riders charged. High-fives were exchanged and there were smiles abound. Welcome to the 2015 Peanut Butter and Rail Jam at Stevens Pass.

If a literalist had his say, the competition would have been renamed to the Peanut Butter and Rain Jam. Contestants, judges, filmers and photographers alike were all soaked from head to toe. In a futile attempt to stay dry, spectators and those waiting to ride seek refuge under stand-up tents, which proved to be rather unsuccessful. Trash bag ponchos were no match for the heavy downpour, as even Gore-Tex was given a run for its money. Despite the harsh conditions, these snowboarders are a hardy bunch. The riders embraced the situation and battled a multi-rail setup through the cold, wet precipitation – a testament to their dedication to shred above all else.

Fourth-place Women’s Division rider Sabrina Patton, soaked. Photo by Ben Shanks Kindlon

Contestants were encouraged to touch on all of the course’s features, meaning that variety in approach to led to higher scores. Out-of-state winners proved itself as a consistent theme, with Salt Lake City, UT’s Dillon Boeshan, Bend, OR’s Demetri Bales and Truckee, CA’s Andrey Trofimov coming in first, second and third, respectively, in the Open/AM division. To no one’s surprise, Stevens Pass local Keala Cole, a familiar name in the Pacific Northwest contest scene, clenched the top spot for the 15 & under division. Washington-native Austin Busa won the 16 – 21 (years-of-age) division, and Oregon’s 15-year-old Livia Molodyh claimed first in the Women’s division.

The top five contestants from each division of each stop of the Peanut Butter and Rail Jam (PBRJ) circuit receive an invitation to compete in the PBRJ Championships at Mammoth Mountain, CA on April 18, 2015.

Shout outs to Volcom, Julian Tracy, Stevens Pass and the park crew. Although the rain put a slight damper on things, everyone still gave it their all.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=fxWB4U7C2H4

Results:

15 & Under:

1) Keala Cole

2) Matteo Soltane

3) Milo Malkoski

4) Beck Otteson

5) Noah Siems

16 – 21:

1) Austin Busa

2) Daniel Iverson

3) Zack Playfair

4) Matt Fitzgibbon

5) Thomas Dale

Women’s:

1) Livia Molodyh

2) Jackie Flanagan

3) Cali Carlson

4) Sabrina Patton

5) Nina Zyryanova

Open/AM:

1) Dillon Boeshans

2) Demetri Bales

3) Andrey Trofimov

4) Justus Hines

5) Kody Yorosloski