The event which combines the two board sports of surfing and snowboarding has been growing steadily as the similarities between the two sports has become more is recognised in New Zealand. Starting with surfing at St Clair beach in Dunedin. The South Coast Boarderiderz club hosts the event. Then it is up to Cardrona alpine resort, Wanaka, for a boardercross event. "Certainly it is a very entertaining format for both riders and spectators" according to Cardrona marketing manager Nigel Kerr. "The event is very fortunate in that it already has a great history and even more potential. This was recognised by our new naming sponsor Pulsate and it is excellent to have a major New Zealand sponsor on board this year. From the riders perspective it means they are competing for a share of close to a $10 000 prize pool" he added.

Pulsate has become involved as the major sponsor for this event because it is recognising the popularity of boardsports, surf, snow and skate. According to Arthur Klap of Sports Impact "The Boardriderz event is a perfect match with young peoples sporting aspirations. Additionally it is an excellent opportunity for some of the young surfers and snowboarders that are sponsored by Pulsate to get involved with a great event."

The size of the Australian contingent, 30 riders in 1998, and the fact that they have always won to date, has made this the Bledisloe Cup of snow sports. The event has always received very good media exposure in Australia due to the involvement of surfing legends such as ex world champions Tom Carrolland Martin Potter. Ricci Jansen of Quiksilver Australia assigns it's popularity to the surf culture which so dominates Australia. "The Boardriderz events have been running world-wide for eight years now. They have been very successful in taking surfers to the mountains and introducing to them a new sport with a very similar style to surfing which they know and love."

Nigel Kerr is looking for a Kiwi to come through and take the title from the Australians this year. "I have to first look to the Taranaki brothers, Motu and Dwayne Mataa From their results last year both have the skills to place well in surf and snow. I would also look to Chris Blain and Stephen Scott if they can improve their surf scores. They are both very competitive in boardercross. "

That might be a difficult ask. Current reigning champion Luke Fitcher and Jason Haynes were the first two entries to be received. Both Australians are currently riding in New Zealand. For Luke the surf and snow events are the only ones he currently enters. No surprise when you look back at his streak of 8 world-wide wins including all three New Zealand events. "I see myself as a snowboarder first. However I'll be heading back to Australia shortly and getting in at least two weeks surfing prior to the event here. You have to be competitive at both to succeed " said Luke.