The Five-meter high tabletop jump was built entirely of scaffolding with the essential white stuff made from water and liquid nitrogen (costing 10-15,000 a truckload!). That has to make it the most expensive snow any of us have ever ridden on that's for sure!

"Notable tricks in the finals were Front side rodeo 720 and 540s and Quentin Robbins silky smooth backside 180s which earned him second place.!"

The event kicked off at 3pm with riders warming up and dialing in the jump. There were around 45 Snowboarders and 20 skiers registered in the event. Each rider had two jumps with the best score taken. The field was quickly narrowed down to two junior men, four women and twelve senior men. There was a small delay due to lighting problems, which were soon resolved, and the jumping was able to continue.

The main event started at 7:30 pm with an estimated crowd of 8 thousand. The same format was used, two jumps with the best score taken. The junior men impressed with rodeo 540s and big backside 180s. Ladies where jumping clean, focusing on good landings to secure a good placing. Sadly there where very few southern lakes women entered, as they would have easily taken it out.

The senior men where last to jump and entertain the frenzied crowd. Local Cantabury riders were riding extra smooth but in the end couldn't hold off the new imports from Canada. Notable tricks in the finals were Front side rodeo 720 and 540s and Quentin Robbins silky smooth backside 180s which earned him second place.

All in all a great event which will next become even bigger, so look out for the Big Air circus in the Christchurch square next winter.

— Deni B, BoarderZone.com Staff |HAVE YOUR SAY|