Words by: Taylor Murray
Photos: Darcy Bacha

For the full photo gallery click HERE!







For some odd reason, the boys of the Campus Rail Jam Tour stick out like a sore thumb in the city of San Diego. Maybe it's their stark white bodies, their incredible consumption of cheap Mexican food, or the fact that their 50-foot bus keeps getting complaints from the local residents. Whatever the case, it's pretty clear that San Diego and snow shredding don't really go hand in hand, that is unless the CRJT boys have anything to do with it. 80-degree weather, bluebird skies, and 40-tons of fresh were delivered to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego for the eighth stop of the Campus Rail Jam Tour mobilized by Cricket and Ford. Forget shoveling snow, the crew hired a local ice company to crush 300-pound ice blocks in a giant wood-chipper to spray a giant margarita mountain on the setup. Within an hour, 50,000 pounds of fluff covered the rails and riders drooled at the snowy oasis situated in the middle of a blazing parking lot. With the snow melting faster than anticipated, all 60 local shreds were chomping at the bit to throw down for their shot at some skrill and assorted products from all the fine sponsors. While the crew prepped the setup, riders and gapers waited in line at the Cricket Wireless booth to make their custom t-shirt and take shelter from the sun.









The San Diego skiers are some burly dudes, they simply don't give up. Last year was the same case. These guys take slam after slam on the wet concrete and get back up for another go at it. The crew gives serious props to all the two-plankers who came out, threw down, and walked away with battle wounds and big smiles. Adrian Pougiales stole the judges' hearts and scooped up some cash, Coreupt skis, and a first place spot on the podium. Chapman Geer came in a close second and took home some killer collabo product and cash money after getting wild on the DFD. Randy Ewing rounded out the pack in third and was rewarded with a CRJT x Neff collabo hat and an invite to the Portland finals on May 28th!












(L-R) 3rd place - Randy Ewing, 1st place - Adrian Pougiales, 2nd place - Chapman Geer



With most of the local shreds calling Bear Mtn their home, it was pretty obvious that there was going to be some heavy hitters at this event. Sure enough, some of SoCal's finest made the trek down from Bear and Mammoth to play in the snow one last time. Newcomer to the Tour, Nick Guin landed in the top spot after his uber smooth 360s onto the gap box. Nick was awarded a new Salomon snowboard, some Celsius boots, and a big wad of cash. Taking home the second spot along with a new Ford custom snowboard and Bonfire outerwear was Eric Brokeoff, followed by Jordan Basurto in third. See you boys in Portland!












(L-R) 3rd place - Jordan Basurto, 1st place - Nick Guin, 2nd place - Eric Brokeoff



Now with 5 consecutive wins, Ms. Erika Vikander made the trip to San Diego to claim yet another "W" for the season. Watch out at finals ladies, Erika is on a mean streak and she doesn't plan on being overthrown anytime soon. Erika packed up her car with a banana traction board from Roxy, some Celsius boots, and some gas/snack money for the road. Nipping at Erika's heels was Kim Kirch in second, taking home a custom Ford snowboard and some extra loot. Placing number three was Raelynd Tarnove with a big smile and a new pair of Roxy bindings.









(L-R) 3rd place - Raelynd Tarnove, 1st place - Erika Vikander, 2nd place - Kim Kirch


When the sun had set and the winners had been crowned, the crew got their hands dirty and tore down the setup in record time to make it back to Portland to gear up for the last two events on Oregon soil. The Oregon State event is taking place this Friday, so get stoked for the last chance to qualify for the Portland finals on May 28th. Keep your eyes peeled!