"DON'T FEAR THE BEARD" - Matt Boudreaux exclusive interview

In an era defined by social media, Matthew Boudreaux or “Boody” as he’s better known, stands out from the crowd. A core rider to the American Midwest scene, still reppin' a flip phone in 2019 and his friends know exactly where to find him. If he’s not lapping the rope tow at Hyland, or on the road filming a new full part, then he’s out shaping the next Snowboy event. From what I’ve heard about Boody, he’s clearly someone who is immensely respected, not only for his riding but for his genuine personality and staying true to his values. 

Interview by Tom Shapiro.

Even without an Instagram handle, the hashtag “#wheresboody” currently appears 759 times on the platform. So 'where is Boody’ and how do you feel about the social media vortex?

I’m on a road trip and I bet you didn't know that. See, I answered both questions right there. I'm where I’m supposed to be, and I know that.

When did the nickname “Boody” first catch on?

I honestly can’t even put a time to when "Boody" became the thing. But, it’s easier than trying to say Boudreaux. The "X" at the end really throws people for a loop.

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© Peter Limberg Shifty Fieldgoal in Minneapolis

You have a very recognisable and original style when it comes to buttering on rails. Is there anyone else’s style out there you appreciate or aspire to?

I guess I would aspire to make snowboarding look as fun as Jake OE, Jonas Michilot, and the rest of the guys at Hyland made it out to be for me.

Walk us through a day in the life of Boody.

Wake up and whip up a cup of joe. Laugh at my own joke. Walk the dog. Snowboard wherever people are boarding. Walk dog. Play some guitar or doodle. Laugh at my own joke. Make some dinner. Watch some New Girl with the lady. Laugh at my own joke. Then power down. But you know how it is, everyday is different. This winter is different because its the first winter in seven years I'm not working at a resort for the whole winter. So, I have a pretty loose schedule.

For anyone who might not already be aware, could you tell us what the Interior Plain Project is all about?

The brand at its core is The Interior Plain Project. Every year our face changes with the collections. Which is cool and gives the brand a uniform for the season. One of the great things about the brand is that the art may change but the inners stays the same. People always ask, "How do you like the board?” "Same as the first time I strapped in", is usually what I answer. The great thing about having all the collections is just because you’re not on the newest one doesn't matter. They are collections not years of the boards. Pete Harvieux, the Captian of the brand, has been a part of Midwest boarding for a minute.  He has rep'd for many companies for many years and knows what people want before they know they want it. Or, I think that's how it works.

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© Jordan Enger Smoke break in Japan 

We’ve heard you guys are in the process of filming another team movie for the 19/20 Collection, “Retrograde”.  What trips have you been on already and what can we expect following “SHAPESHFTR”?

Yeah we are buddy! People out there be ready. I haven’t been on too many trips yet but, we have been farming parking lots and fields for every last snowflake to make it happen. I’m on the road for a month and hopefully there will be more snow when we get home. Because so far MN [Minnesota] has been garbage for natural schnee. As for what you are to expect from the movie. Color. (The last one was B&W). I'm personally hoping for a Jeffy backcountry part. But, who knows with the squad that Pete has assembled. The sky is the limit ladies and gentlemen. Be ready.

It’s often said that we are living in an age of shrinking attention spans, with a growing appetite for bite-sized content. Do you believe the art of the full-length is truly in decline?

Do you know what is in decline? S H O P S! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOARD SHOP! BUY BOARDS LOCAL. That is all.

What is it about the Midwest rope tow scene that allows it to continuously produce some of the world’s most captivating snowboarders?

Time on board. Simple as that. In one hour at Hyland Hills you can get 60 laps in. That's more laps than your first chair last call chasers out there. So yeah, that’s pretty much it, I think.

Favourite rider to lap Hyland with?

Jack Thonvold.

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© Stephan Jende The Bush Project

So, you and Jake Durham go back a long way right? Jake has arguably, one of the most unique and aesthetically pleasing perspectives in snowboarding. Could you tell us a bit more about your friendship and what you think of his films?

Jake and I became friends when we were 10 or 11 I think. We haven’t looked back since. When we were younger we would MAKE things. Stencils, tee shirts, and videos and such. "MAKE" itself is made up from the first two letters of my name and the last two of his. As we grew up MAKE grew too. Make Movement, Make Friends, Make Friends Or Die, Busted, and Make is Dead. But, now that Make is dead (it will never die) we are still friends. 

You are correct, everything Jake puts out is easy on the eyes and ears. I think it really comes second nature to him. If the song is right, he can whip that shit up so fast. I've watched it happen. Basically hire Jake if you want something that you can watch over and over again. If Jake can stand to watch it over and over and over again, I think we are gonna like it. Long story short he's good.

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© Jordan Enger Whippin' that natural schnee

Who were your biggest inspirations coming up in the snowboard scene?

I grew up at Hyland Hills and guess who else did? Jonas Michilot, Jake Olson-Elm, Zac Marben, Jordan Michilot, Joe Sexton, and Ricky Tucker. Ever heard of them?

I was fortunate enough to attend last years Holy Bowly at Hood and was truly blown away by the creativity of the event and the strong sense of community from everyone there. Tell us about your involvement with Krush and Snowboy Productions and what we can expect to see in the future?

My involvement with Snowboy started at a Downtown Throwdown in Minneapolis. From way back when till now, I would respond to those e-mails from Krush with a "Yes, I will be there" or "No, sorry I can’t make it". Going to as many as I could because they are so darn unique. Last Year I made it to The Bogus Project, ButterBall at Boreal, and Holy Bowly. At each of those I showed up and helped out before ever strapping in and I think that’s why I'm a part of Snowboy now. It happened at Bogus and Boreal, I could have been riding epic powder, but instead I helped move snow. I like to help when help is needed, it's just the way I'm wired. 

I hope you don't think I’m going to spill the beans on upcoming Snowboy events. That would defeat the whole mystique of what we do. But, you can stay tuned. Things will happen and if you get invited make sure you lock in your spot, show up and enjoy. 

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© Evan Pierce

How do you see the importance of these community events compared to the competition circuit of the Dew Tour, X-Games, Olympics etc?

One big difference between the Dew Tour and Holy Bowly is that I'm dropping in with the guys from the Dew Tour, just not at Dew Tour. So, yeah it might be an invite event but, that's just for safety measures. It can't be a free-for-all through those set-ups. It took me a couple days to wrap my head around where things were when I was riding through it and I helped build it.  

Another thing amongst the hundreds of others is that if you watch the faces of all the riders, there’s something you’ll see on all of them. A smile, because how could you not? I've tried frowning. Didn't work.

If it wasn’t for snowboarding what do you think you’d be doing now?

Olympic Rower.

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© Jordan Enger The beard. 

Back Lips or Backflips?

Back Lips. For sure never been upside down on purpose.

Any last pearls of wisdom for the shrimps out there coming up in the scene?

Thanks to all my friends out there for the good times. If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right. Jonas once said, "Never lose you. And don't be a dick". For all of you out there, If you find me in real life I'm pretty friendly, don't fear the beard.