Meet Alec and Chris! They are passionate guys who have developed the company Bull Mountain Pow Thrashers, surfboards created for snow!
Photo Credit: Alec Campbell
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
We’re both originally from Ontario but have called Kelowna home for the past 10+ years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
We’ve been riding snow together since day 1 for the last 10 years. Our friends and family are our number one people to spend time with. They motivate us everyday to continue pushing our sport forward!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
One Boardshop is hands down our favourite local shop. When you walk through the door you’re greeted like family. They’re very helpful, knowledgeable and always have the best selection for what’s good and new in the Skate/Snow/Surf industry… including a selection of Bull Mountain Pow Thrashers – Handcrafted Powder Surfboards!
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Japan! It’s always been a childhood dream to ride Japan's deep dry powder. And now that we’ve embarked on this Binding-Free journey, the motivation to one day ride our boards there has become the ultimate dream!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Powder Surfing! Kelowna and West Kelowna are home to some of the easiest Boot-pack and Snowshoe accessible snow riding. Sometimes as close as your own backyard. You’d be surprised what you will find if you go looking for it. With a little imagination and exercise, you may even discover a line that no one has ever ridden before!
Photo Credit: Alec Campbell
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I’ve driven 4 hours to Nelson, BC for a day of Snowmobiling and Powder Surfing with friends, only to have forgotten my jacket and goggles at home… does that count!? Haha.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Prototype #1. The day that we put a concept and a dream into action. Then shaped and rode our first board down a mountain completely Binding Free! It’s wasn't much more than a couple of pieces of plywood glued together, but it changed our view of the mountain and the possibilities of snow riding forever. “Game changer!”
Photo Credit: Alec Campbell
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
As you can imagine, growing up in Ontario, there wasn’t much for hills to slide down, let alone a mountain. So when it snowed, I would shovel every last bit of snow from my driveway into one pile in the backyard, then climb to the top and ride down. I had a plastic snowboard that was called Black Snow – Snow Thrasher. You would stand on top of it (no bindings) and hold onto a string that was attached to the nose for balance. This memory and concept became the building blocks of our Powder Surf Brand today.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We sponsor several events and host Demo days during each snow season! Slackcountry Cup (Oliver), Rattlecat Cup (Rossland), Neil Edgeworth Bank Slalom ( Kelowna), as well as our own event at Bull Mountain called the Bull Mountain Open. Lots of giveaways and prizes so make sure to stay tuned as we hope to all your faces this season!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Climate Change is right up there. As you may already know, pollution plays a massive factor in our environment and the quality of our snow seasons. As lovers of winter, the awareness of climate change couldn’t be more important. Please visit: www.protectourwinters.ca today for more information as to how you can be part of the solution!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The Mountains! There are so many to choose from. You don’t have to go very far to find yourself some peace and quiet. Another reason why we love Kelowna and West Kelowna!
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
We’re very involved in the reconstruction and reopening of the old Crystal Mountain Ski Resort! This place brought so many memories to families in the area and would love to see more awareness and volunteers to help make this place a family resort again! Follow @bullmountainbc on Instagram and Bull Mountain Adventure Park on Facebook for all your information and updates! Let’s come together to make this mountain great again! We need your help in any way possible!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The People! We love meeting new people. Kelowna is home to some of the nicest people and after several years living in this community, we’ve realized how greatly supporting everyone is of one another. Support those who support you!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Heli – Powder Surfing
2. Snow Cat-Surfing
3. Continue to Inspire and spread the word of Canadian Powder Surfing for as long as possible.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Favourite Movie: Wayne's World. “Party Time, Excellent!!!”
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @Bullmtnpowthrashers
E mail: aleccampbell@powthrashers.com
Facebook: Bull Mountain Pow Thrashers
www.PowThrashers.com
Photo Credit: Alec Campbell
What is the name of your business/organization?
Bull Mountain Pow Thrashers – Handcrafted Powder Surfboards.
Why did you get into this business?
We started this business for the love of riding powder. To continue making boards that give us and everyone the same feeling we had when we were 7 years old learning to slide sideways for the first time. The feeling of being free!
What is the goal of your business?
We would love to grow our brand worldwide! As of now, we believe ourselves to be Canada’s very first Powder Surf brand and aim to continue growing our brand in the Snow/Skate/Surf industry for many years to come!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
As a small self-sustained business, growing our brand from our own pockets has been a tough yet very rewarding journey. Every day we are faced with different struggles and obstacles to overcome, but always find a way to push forward. It’s a long rough road, but it’s truly the greatest gift and greatest feeling in the world overcoming everything that stands in the way.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
We wouldn't change a thing!
Photo Credit: Alec Campbell
What do you always find yourself saying?
“SO SICK!” or “ Bull Mountain! Don’t go Changing!”
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
If you have a dream, don’t sit on your butt. Dreams come true… so go get after them!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Ben Gravy – For the Dream!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When you shop and support local, you’re helping a family, a kid learn to snowboard, food on the table and gas in the car. By shopping and supporting local you’re supporting the community you live in. It’s a no brainer! SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES!!!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Creating something from nothing.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Big shout out to Mr. Don Journeay. Without him, Bull Mountain Pow Thrashers wouldn't be where it is today. He gave us our R&D testing space and all the support in the world to continue doing what we are doing. He believes in us and we believe in him. Follow Bull Mountain Adventure Park on Facebook and say what’s up!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Bull Mountain Adventure Park.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
