The aerobatic skills of a 100-strong field were severely tested in the conditions, but New Zealand Snowboarding Association president Graham Dunbar was still thrilled with how it went. "The half pipe was fantastic, just wicked, the best I've seen at the nationals," he said. "The riders rose to the occasion and for those who made it through to the finals, technical content was the key to winning the day."

"The half pipe was fantastic, just wicked, the best I've seen at the nationals," he said. "The riders rose to the occasion and for those who made it through to the finals, technical content was the key to winning the day."

In the senior men's division, Queenstowner Dylan Butt, aiming for a place on the New Zealand Olympic team in 2002, fought off a strong challenge from Canadian Crispin Lipscomb to win the national title with a best score of 36.6. Lipscomb's best run notched up 32.9 from the judges and Glen Howe, also from Queenstown, was third with 31.1.

In the senior womens event Japanese rider Chiyoko Iwabuchi's strong first run in the finals guaranteed her first place with 28.5, while Suzy Parker of Wanaka was second with 24.6 and Waipawa's Carla Simcox third with 24.0. First junior woman was Josie Wignal (Wan) with 21.7, second was Sita Wills (Wan) with 18.1 and third Paula Mitchell (Canterbury) with 17.3.

Wanaka 17-year-old Jah Harris posted consistent runs to win the junior mens division with a score of 27.1, with Queenstown's Rolcy Morley Brown (correct) second with 22.8 and Wanaka's Jacob Barrow third with 22.2. The 540's Boardercross will be held tomorrow (Sept 7) with another strong field of 100 men, women and juniors fighting it out for top placings.

Ohakune's Greg Prouse, last year's nationals boardercross champ, will be top Kiwi hope in the mens event, but will face strong competition from Japan's Kei Iida. Also battling it out will be top-ranked New Zealanders Rene Hollis and Jana Gibson from Queenstown in the womens event. New Zealand Snowboarding Association president Graham Dunbar, who is also technical director for the nationals, said the event was crucial for those with their sights set on the Olympics. "The points they gain now and before the cut off date of November 2001 will decide how many New Zealanders go to the Olympics," he said.

HALF PIPE RESULTS:
MEN
1 Dylan Butt Queenstown
2 Crispin Lipscomb Canada
3 Glen Howe Queenstown

WOMEN
1 Chiyoko Iwabuchi Japan
2 Suzy Parker Wanaka
3 Carla Simcox Whakapapa

— Chris V, BoarderZone.com Staff |HAVE YOUR SAY|