When Vans released their Credits video, featuring the talented crew of Skate Witches and their associates, it was a significant moment in skateboarding. The video showcased impressive skating, but felt somewhat polished, like a sanitized version of a homie video. It lacked the raw, uninhibited energy that often defines timeless skate videos. Think of the difference between Johnny Wilson’s independent Vimeo edits and his later work for Nike SB; same crew, different vibes. This is where Maximum Flow comes in. This raw edit is a collection of footage that could’ve been in Credits, but for various reasons, ended up on the cutting room floor.
To capture the spirit of Maximum Flow and the community surrounding it, photographer Norma Ibarra created a zine. This zine offers an intimate look into their trips, their skate house, and the everyday lives of these close friends. We reached out to Shari White and Norma Ibarra to learn more about these projects and their experiences in Vancouver’s vibrant skate scene.
Q&A with Shari White and Norma Ibarra
Norma, I saw you’ve been gardening lately. Have you ever considered growing weed?
N: It seems you’re reading our minds! We even have a song about it: ♪ “Let’s get high – on our supply… we’re growing weed…” ♪
Do you think you could handle a real slap from Fabiana, like the one in the video?
N: Hypothetically, yes. Sometimes, in critical situations, a slap from a friend is what you need to wake up. I would take it if necessary, though I’m obviously against violence.
What’s the atmosphere like in your skate house? Did the quarantine cause any friction?
N: Things are going great. I love our morning coffee and chats. As for quarantine, I’d definitely take the “Drama Queen” title. I was a bit crazy at first, but I’m grateful for everyone’s patience.
The stereotype for skaters is messy rooms with mattresses on the floor and broken boards on the walls. Is that true for your place?
S: [Laughs] I think we’re pretty civilized. We do have a flat bar in the living room though.
Who’s the biggest drinker in the house?
N: We’re generally not big drinkers, but Shari & Romy are known to crawl home from Antisocial sometimes.
Who brings home the most people to sleep with?
Both: Our one male roommate definitely takes that title.
What’s the skate scene like in Vancouver right now? There seems to be a lot of young, talented skaters.
N: Vancouver has a lot of amazing and inspiring skaters. I’m incredibly grateful for community groups like Take Over Skateboarding, Nations, Late Bloomers, Chickflip, Friendly Skates, and Michelle at Antisocial. They’re all working hard to make real change. These organizations are vital to the skateboarding community, fostering inclusivity and supporting young talent.
How can we put more cameras in the hands of women and other underrepresented voices in skateboarding?
S: By offering more inspiration and mentorship. People in positions of power need to give opportunities to those who are often overlooked.
Shari, which filmers or films inspire your editing and filming style?
S: Jacob Harris, Daniel Dent, Logan Lara, Pontus Alv, Shane Auckland, James Cruickshank… there are many, but these are the names that come to mind.
Norma, what photographers, skaters, or other artists inspire your photography?
N: Kristin, Shari, and Michelle Pezel are my favorite skaters and mentors.
In terms of photography, I’m a big fan of Fred Mortagne (French Fred) for skateboarding, mountain bike photographer Margus Riga, Inge Morath from the old days, and Oli Gagnon, who’s an amazing snowboard photographer and one of my mentors.
Do you ever argue about filming angles?
N: We’ve developed a good system based on communication. It’s been pretty relaxed and effective!
Do you plan to create more collaborative zines and videos?
S: I think this marks the end of this particular chapter, but we’re still filming and developing new projects.
Video by: Shari White
Q+A by: Larry Lanza
Photo: Tristan Henry
