The K2 Powderhorn Snowboard Challenge
With South Island resorts closing their lifts for the 99 season..K2 importer Martin Jones decided to create a season grand finale event that would attract all the top names for a fun filled weekend at Turoa. In conjunction with Ohakune's Powderhorn they have managed to come up with the biggest haul of cash and prizes at any N.Z event this year.
Saturday was hectic with both a Big Air and Boarder X crammed in...a first for N.Z with more girls entering the B-X than guys. Jana Gibson proving her form to take first place on the tough spring track, pleased with her win as she heads off to Europe for the summer. Rene Hollis was a close second..again off to compete on the world B-X tour this summer.
With many South Island riders taking advantage of the Spring session it was Wanaka Local Reon Morland taking out the mens, followed by local Stephen Edgecombe.
The afternoon will go down as one of the craziest big air events ever..torential rain and bad vis turning it into a survival session for those brave enough to hurl themselves into the abyss. Not enough to dampen the enthusiasm of most riders.. K2 rider Jamie Basset impressing the judges to take first place. In the girls Wanaka rider Pip Grant proving how solid her riding has become to take 1st place ahead of a strong field including snowboarder of the year Julianne Bray.
An event enjoyed by everyone..the after match probably one of the biggest and leading nicely into a week of Spring events over at Whakapapa..
We will keep ya posted!
The K2 Powderhorn Snowboard Challenge