An enormous crowd of eager spectators lined the slope throughout the day and into the darkness to watch the big air comp at Coronet peak on Wednesday July 18th . Some of New Zealand's best skiers and boarders and several international competitors turned out to display a banquet of tricks and talent.

The conditions were clear and cold but after several weeks with no snow the jump was extremely icy and challenging. But despite the not so perfect conditions there were some outstanding performances and some great aggressive riding to be seen.

In the open men's boarding, Aaron Jamieson took the first place with a switch rodeo and switch corkscrew, Anthony Lefflar at an astonishing age 17 came in second with two huge rodeo's, and Logan Holt came third with two smooth backside rodeo's. It was not surprising to learn that both Aaron and Anthony had only just returned from four weeks intense half pipe training at Whistler Blackcomb, all their practise was obviously paying off.