new local surf movie "where paths collide" by Maze is a banger
7/14/26
By: Jake Schoonover
Photos: Dfernando Zaremba
How the "Where Paths Collide" film got started is an interesting story. I (Jake Schoonover) was on a film session with Dane Matson and Albert Conone. We weren't working on a film yet at that point in time. I unfortunately fractured my ankle (unknowingly) during the session. It only took me a couple of days to realize it's the perfect time to start a "full length film." Up until that point, the team wasn't even fully developed yet. I was just trying to gather clips and content of the team riders I did have at that moment. Outside of Droid, Blaze was the first official team rider. HB ripper and all-around rad dude. Then came Jack Hopkins, who I'd met through the Timmy Patterson store. He's a ripper, and one of the most genuine people you'll ever meet. Then came the powerhouse/style master Dane Matson! Which catches up to where I was currently at when the "movie idea" got started.
Shortly after that, Luky Marin/Zion Knowles from Puerto Rico had reached out on Instagram. They were rippers that filmed each other. I admire the DIY aspect of these dudes filming each other. They are a goofy-footed duo from Puerto Rico!
Dane was bringing Henry Rothey & Tyrone Fomenko (both insane styles, and raw talents) to some of his sessions. Organically, from hanging out, the boys joined the team. Oddly enough, I knew I needed another regular-footer in the crew. I had seen Dylan Young surfing around town, and knew he had a really rare talent. Dane knew Dylan, and asked if he'd want to join the team. From that point, it was on! Also, from surfing around town I had seen Jack Beaugureau in the water. His unique physique and style made him very recognizable. I reached out to him, and he brought a rad/unique aspect to the crew!
Now onto the OGs. I had met Josh Sleigh from doing the Blast Off Airs shows he was hosting with MotoWinch. Alby pulled some strings to get me into the second event they hosted. Organically, I knew Josh needed to be a part of the team! He's a genuine guy, with rare skills. Next came Scott Pritchett, better known as HOMEYDONTPLAY. I had met him around town surfing state park. Even though he was most likely surfing slab waves in Indo, we've been in constant contact! He's got the talent, and legendary style to back it! We are stoked to have him in the crew!
The film ended up being a collective of surf clips from various filmers and team riders. Albert Conone filmed some of the team riders' clips, as well as many other filmers involved in each individual team rider's part. Alby put his creative spin on things and added his girlfriend, Alexis Verruto, for the in-between portions and voiceovers between the boys' parts. I myself (Jake Schoonover) was involved in choices of clips/layouts of the film. It really was a collective of artistic individuals. Tyrone Fomenko edited his own part, and put together Henry Rothey's rough draft. Albert/myself chose the layouts and formats for the flow of the film.
Which brings us to the last point. My good friend Tyler Killingsworth (TK) designed our logo/traction pads/t-shirt designs. One of my childhood best friends, Dane Apathy, was involved with MAZE from the beginning as well. This brought the idea of having a (friends/family) section of the movie. This included Big 20, Jacob Hernandez, Blake Hirst, Jude Sager, and Dane Apathy. It brought a special touch to the movie to include rippers/friends of the company. Overall, this project was bred with a passion for being creative, and for sharing the love of surfing together!
"WHERE PATHS COLLIDE" to us means when the stars align. Everything coming together in its authentic timing!
