Some 25 of New Zealand's top boarders gathered in the Capital for the city's first snowboard handrail competition. Temporary trick handrails were erected in Civic Square and competitors performed under floodlights.

The Capital Snowboard Jib Jam also featured some of New Zealand's hottest live music - courtesy of P Money and Brubeck.

The event was organised by local snowboard enthusiasts James Jordan and Guy Coney with the support of Wellington City Council's events staff.

The Council's Civic Square Co-ordinator, Nicole Medcalf, says the Square has been the scene of an array of weird and wonderful events in the past decade. "You name it - we've seen it. So why not snowboarding?"

She says the architecture of the Square lends itself to a snowboarding event. The steps up to the City to Sea Bridge will be used as the base for a ski slope to give competitors the momentum needed for their tricks.

"This event was great - snowboarders can get in a few good runs and then get down to the Courtenay Place bars within a few minutes. There's no need for pesky chairlift passes - and, unlike the mountains, there certainly won't be any skiers on hand to ruin the vibe…"

AND THE SNOW?

Organisers delivered 10 tonnes of premium snow for the event (the source is being kept secret lest skifield operators discover the magic formula).

The event is sponsored by Channel Z, Surf 'n' Snow, Alcoholic Clothing and the City Council

bzone team