East coasters aren’t known to be nice, but kind. A Sour Patch Kid type beat—first we’re sour, then we’re sweet. Homegrown in upstate New York myself, I can attest to the overall validity of this generalization. I’m reminded of this as I look around the crowd of 100 or so people who have shown out for the annual Mash and Bash at Windham Mountain Resort, NY. From the outside looking in, it’s just a bunch of badass boarders willing to brave the cold to slide steel, seemingly rough and tumble as they come. But beyond the blunt exteriors and aggressive rail riding, truthfully, this place is packed with hearts of gold.
Certified rad-dad Matty Bueche hitting a backside boardslide on the flat-down-flat-down-flat rail during the 2026 Mash and Bash at Windham Mountain Resort, NY. Photo: Ben Shanks Kindlon
Vermont legend Timmy Sullivan made the drive over to New York's Catskills Mountains to get down at the 2026 Mash and Bash. Photos: Ben Shanks Kindlon
Noah Rubertone on the wallride. Photo: Ezra Anderson
Take for instance the host of the event, Johnny O’Connor, who utilizes his influence and this event to raise funds for SHRED Foundation and Onboard Initiative. He’s Windham’s hometown hero, a positive influence for the town’s youth and a beacon of his community in more ways than one. Or SHRED Foundation’s founder, Danny Hairston, who for over 10 years has been working tirelessly to give kids living around the cities of Albany and Newburgh, respectively, opportunities to experience the joys of snowboarding. Several of those SHRED participants, who Danny often refers to as “my kids,” have even gone on to get jobs in the snowboard industry. The list of amazing individuals in attendance at Mash and Bash goes on—a lot of folks who deserve a lot of flowers for their contributions to the scene here.
Kevin Hummel pressing through the C-rail. Photo: Ezra Anderson
SHRED Foundation affiliate Tommy Boshea (left) and TowPro Lifts founder Will Mayo (right). This was the first year that the Mash and Bash setup was serviced by a portable towrope that Will hauled out to New York from his shop in New Hampshire for the event. Photos: Ben Shanks Kindlon
Ya tu sabes. LJ Henriquez grabbing melon over an on-course tree. These trees are a staple of Mash and Bash. Photo: Ben Shanks Kindlon
Temps are lingering in the mid-30s. It’s not exactly providing the slushy shenanigans some of us had hoped for. Aside from a few justifiable moans and groans about wishing the ground were slightly softer (which I absolutely participated in), no one lets the hardpack ruin their day. If anything, we are all just grateful it isn’t raining. Weather-wise, March in New York is always a tossup. But for whatever the climate lacks, the crowd more than makes up with in atmosphere. Because here on the East Coast, even when it isn’t warm, it’s welcoming.
A shining example of a badass with a heart of gold, Justin Kipilla has the skills to spin onto and off of rails but notably never shies away from more lighthearted mini-shred. Here he hits a ho-ho at the top of the course to start his line. Photo: Ben Shanks Kindlon
Kier Goeke helped spark the session, throwing down well before the snow even had the chance to soften up a little. Photo: Ezra Anderson
No gloves, no problem. Loc Dawg, frontside grab. Photo: Ezra Anderson
Young Gun going the distance with a 5050 through the kinks. Photo: Ezra Anderson
By the end of the 2026 Mash and Bash, SHRED Foundation raised $7,000 for their programming. Mash and Bash continues to be a hit in large part due to the efforts of its enthusiastic host, Johnny O'Connor. Johnny hurt his shoulder a couple weeks prior to this year's Mash and Bash, so he couldn't throw down during the event. Nevertheless, he spent the whole day riding, filming clips and giving tips to up-and-coming boarders. He's the people's champ, through and through. Photo: Ben Shanks Kindlon