This weekend saw a zany collection of the who's who of New Zealand snowboarding converge upon the Ohau Lodge and Ski Area. The annual two day event sponsored by Burton has become known as one of the wackiest and most fun boarding competitions on the planet.
Saturday's sheduled event was the Boarder-X, but as a keen crew gathered for the compulsory Ohau Lodge breakfast it was obvious that the weather was going to cause problems. Extremely high winds closed the field for the day but saw many settle in to a day of socialising over a few drinks and plotting for the nights famous cake bake off.
Four time winner Michelle Freeman stood down to be a judge this year and opened up the way for a new breed of baker to take the challenge. Deano Johson was the man for the job and proved that he is more than just a hot snowboarder...
Sunday was a perfect blue sky day with 10cm of new snow on the field..perfect for a powder eights contest. Competitiors hiked the 15min path to the ridge high above the field and were traeted to both some great snow and entertainment as the teams of two attempted to ride their way to glory..
The last run of the comp by Geoff Perry and Chris McKenzie with an awesome fluid line..proved their class and took them to first spot.
With hardly time to catch their breath competitors were then thrown straight into the superbly prepared Boarder-X course. Conditions were perfect and in a sudden death format it made for some great viewing and very tight racing..
Cheers to Burton and the Ohau team for putting on another wicked event..
Boarder Zone Correspondent - Chris Vile
