RIPPING | GABRIEL JACQUES

Interview by Max Trudel

Photos by Renrob

Gabriel Jacques

Age | 25

Place | L’Ange-Gardien, QC

Sponsors | Bataleon snowboards, Dragon, Vans, Dakine and Empire

Gab is the perfect example of the calm before the storm. He is not the type of person to brag about everything he’s done, he lets his riding do the talking: Stylish, energetic and creative sums up Gab’s riding. But let’s get more into details with this little Q & A.

How was your summer with the lockdown? I know you were supposed to build your house, did that happen?

Yeah, it was actually super busy. I was working full time in construction, got my house done and mountain biked when I had some free time. Let’s just say that I’m happy winter’s here and it’s time to ride.

Do you have any plans for this season?

Right now, I’m still trying to figure it out. I have a couple of ideas in the back of my head, but nothing official yet.

Are you the type of guy that has a special training of preparation before getting to it?

I’m more the guy that goes straight for it. I mean, I have a little backyard setup that will get me back in snowboard mode in no time. It helps take the rust off and get some new tricks dialed. I try to be on my board the most as I can.

So, we just released Short Notice and you had the opening part. Taking a step back, how was it, filming for this project?

It was my best film project. It was really cool, everybody was really involved in the process. We all had our little thing to say and make decisions together. I mean we were a bunch of friends sessioning spots motivating each other. Sign me up for a part two any day.

Can you tell us about your favourite moment’s filming last season?

I think it was the trip to Ottawa with you and Jed [Sky]. We were a small crew, the weather was good and we got three tricks each. It was really productive and fun. It’s like, everything was perfect.

You’re known as the man with all the spots, how do you manage to find them all?

I’m a big fan of Google Earth. Looking for spots, browsing different cities and locations. I also travel a lot with my summer job and whenever I see a cool spot, I take a photo and add it to my to-do list.

How big is that spot list?

It’s pretty big! [laughs] It’s more than three Notes pages on my phone. I even have an Instagram account just for that.

Really? Is it public?

No, it’s a private account.  

OK, I have a question for you. What do you bring, as essentials, if you can only bring your board bag on a street trip?

[Laughs] Not like our trip to Japan where we couldn’t fit it all in the car? So, of course, my snowboard and an extra, or two. Socks… definitely socks, my waxing gear, my shovel—always bring your shovel. Can’t leave home without it.

I have a lockdown/snowboarding question for you now. If you could choose any place on Earth to film, while in lockdown, where would it be and why?

It would definitely be home. I mean, I have my girlfriend, my family and friends here. And I have so many spots that I still need to hit. It would be the easiest choice and the most comfortable one at the same time.

What do you still want to accomplish in your snowboarding career?

X Games Real Snow. It’s always been a dream of mine to be part of that and I hope to make it at some point.

Let’s have your opinion on street snowboarding. Who, in your eyes, man or woman, is on top of the street game right now?

I really like Zak Hale’s style; he always makes it look good. Seb Toots—his attitude is probably the best I’ve been around. He’s always there for everyone in the crew and is always killing it.

Do you want to give some shout-outs to anyone?

I have a big thank you list actually. First I want to thank you Max [Trudel] and Seb Gagnon for making Short Notice possible and all the hard work behind it all. All the riders in the movie, my girlfriend, my friends and family. Can’t forget my sponsors: Bataleon, Dakine, Dragon, Vans and Empire. Thank you all.