Words and photos by Paul Heran
The Under Dawgs only knew Drake for less than a year, but he changed their lives with his selflessness, love for friendship, and passion for boarding. While working as a counselor at High Cascade Snowboard camp, Drake was committed to improving each and every camper’s life by sharing his excitement for snowboarding. Before the filming season started, Drakes friends and family were distraught when they heard of his death. Hearing this news fueled the Under Dawgs crew to make the best possible snowboard video they could in his honor; D.A.E.
Although Drake was not present at the premiere in Salt Lake City on Saturday, the room was filled with the same energy and excitement he enjoyed in life. Every person in the theater, whether or not they knew Drake, could feel his spirit right there in the theater with them.
“D.A.E.” is dedicated, to the memory of Drake Aaron Edwards, and a clip of him shown before the video started brought roaring cheers from the audience and kicked the video off with electricity you could feel. The soundtrack was masterful and editing masterful. The raw snowboarding of the Under Dawgs crew; Durell Williams, Shane Wright, Jordan Morse, Max Tokunaga, Colton Morgan, Max and Gus Warbington, Sammy Spiteri, Andrew Aldridge, and Jesse Gouveia kept the energy flowing through the whole video. Chants and cheers of each rider’s name echoed in the Post Theater when each new rider appeared on the screen. Heavy tricks prompted “OMGs” and shouts of expletives from the crowd as they feasted their eyes on new tricks and new spots for the first time. Colton Morgan, the principal filmer and editor of “D.A.E.” was especially excited to see enthusiastic new faces in the crowd along with well-established industry pros from Think Thank, Videograss and more.
Everyone in attendance walked away with smiles on their faces, having just witnessed not only amazing snowboarding, but an expression of genuine friendship. It’s impossible to put into words the feelings of those who were close to Drake, but “D.A.E.” speaks volumes by itself. Check it out if you get the chance.