We all met people who exude stoke and tangible love for what they do. It’s contagious, this force compels you to get out there and get after it. Chad Chomlack is one of them. His passion for snowboarding and photography spans over 30 years. Chad became King of the Storm in the 10th anniversary of Deep Winter photo competition. Add in his love for his family and community, and you’ve got a rad dad and a true Whistler legend.
- Tell us about yourself. What are some of the highlights in your snowboarding and photography work?
My name is Chad Chomlack, I live in Whistler BC and have been involved with the snowboarding world for over 30 years. My highlights are too many to count but any day with my boys and a couple of friends on a pow day is always “the best day ever”. Photography work for me is such a privilege, and same goes for those highlights - so many to count. I would say one big one would be the first time I shot in AK - jaw-dropping. Japan, deep pow like that… Wow! First legit pow day with my boys. Any day in a Heli… Too many to count!
Did becoming a dad make you lose the edge in your pursuits?
NO WAY! It just added a couple more people to bring along and different energy towards it all, more present and with a childlike wonder.
How did becoming a father affect the way you approach snowboarding and life in general?
Becoming a father was and continues to be the greatest privilege ever - it only deepened life and snowboarding. I always enjoyed being in the mountains, but it got better since being able to share that with my boys. And I am so stoked they have grown also into a deep passion of being outside and in the mountains. I am grateful for that, as now they share that with me… full circle.
How did your experience in snowboarding affect the way you parent?
Snowboarding to me has always been about the community and the good times, to be free and enjoy that simplicity of it all with friends. So how that has reflected in my parenting has been keeping stuff simple, fun, and full of love.
What do you love most about snowboarding and photography?
The freedom. For both.
What is the best thing about being a father?
Holy! Hard one to put into a sentence. The best thing about being a father is a joy shared and to witness so intimately a couple of humans grow right in front of your eyes - completely terrifying and the greatest privilege.
Any tips for future rad dads?
Relax. Laugh. Enjoy. And really you just need to keep them alive! Also, remember at all times they just want YOU, your presence, not your performance. They just want you, so show up, learn and listen - they have so much to teach you. Also, don’t put your own story into their lives. Let their own unique story unfold, whether they are into snowboarding or not, it doesn’t matter. To me, that is a rad dad, not you with your DAD CAM.
Above is one of the photos taken by Chad. If you love this silent, powerful moment so skillfully captured, head out to www.chadchomlack.com for more.