The first competition of the season is always a big deal and today at Coronet Peak, Queenstown, was no exception.The local crew was out in force led by the team at B.O.A, ready to impress. What more could you ask for, with the sun shining, a great 1/2 pipe, fun snow, and a huge supportive crowd all making for an excellent first event. Rocking to the tunes of DJ Downtown Brown competitors and spectators alike had a perfect afternoon in the mountains.

"Sunshine, a great 1/2 pipe, fun snow, and a huge supportive crowd all making for an excellent first event. Rocking to the tunes of DJ Downtown Brown...!"

For the competitiors the first event of the season is always a chance to catch up with old friends and arch rivals..to suss out the riders to watch, and to gauge themselves against the competition.For many of the top Kiwi riders it is the first chance to compare their performance, and show the results after many hard months training over in the Northern Hemisphere.

The standard of riding was extremely high over all the categories..with lots of tricks and huge amplitude out of the freshly cut pipe.. Highlights of the day had to be the performance of Deni Bevin and Aaron Jamieson. Ranked as two of N.Z's best Pipe riders they were throwing down huge Mc Twists on the first hit in the finals. Other standout riders included local Glenn Legget pulling off huge frontside 540's complete with his flaming red wig for the day. The judges call ended up with Aaron taking first place ahead of Deni, and Glen Leggett taking third place.

Jah Harris and Jacob Barrou proving that the gap between the younger riders and the older men is narrowing. Both riding extremey smooth. The women also proving themselves in the challenging pipe. Suzy Parker from Cardrona showing her form to take first place ahead of Karen Houson and Joanne Andress.

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