CROWDS FLOCK TO WATCH WORLD’S BEST

Over 600 spectators lined Cardrona’s Monster Superpipe today to witness the world’s top snowboarders exhibit the most spectacular display of halfpipe riding New Zealand has ever seen.

The first Burton NZ Open attracted riders from throughout the world with American Olympic gold medallist Ross Powers taking first place in the men’s.

“A combination of large and technical tricks such as 900 degree spins together with outstanding consistency and powerful smooth riding left us in no doubt why he is the best in the world,” said Graham Dunbar, executive director of New Zealand Snowboarding Association.

Crispin Lipscomb of Whistler, Canada took second place with a technical display of large spins while Tim Jackways of Wanaka was the highest place New Zealander in third. The jam format allowed Tim to produce two good runs that put him on the podium ahead of Marcus Wehrle, Australia’s leading half pipe rider.

Thirteen year old Kendal Brown stole the crowd’s hearts with her gutsy riding taking her into finals and eventually fourth place against gold Olympian Kelly Clark. Clark, from Vermont, USA, took first place in the women’s, followed by New Zealand national champion, Wanaka’s Juliane Bray.

Local Wanaka rider and younger brother of Tim, Will Jackways, took away the rider-voted ‘Superhit’ prize of the day. This is awarded to the rider who goes highest, biggest and hardest during an informal jam open to the finalists after the main event.

Ste’en Webster, head judge, said the day couldn’t have been better and it was encouraging to see such a high level of riding in New Zealand.

“I knew the top handful of competitors would be good but it was amazing to see such a high standard throughout the field. It seems that every year our riders step up a level. This is the first time we’ve seen them compete this winter after coming back from the northern hemisphere and it’s great to see the future of New Zealand snowboarding looking so positive.”


BURTON NZ OPEN RESULTS

Women’s Open
1 Kelly Clark (USA) 31.6
2 Juliane Bray (NZE) 26.5
3 Abby Lockhart (NZE) 19.3
4 Kendall Brown (NZE) 18.1


Men’s Open
1 Ross Powers (USA) 37.8
2 Crispin Lipscomb (CAN) 34.0
3 Tim Jackways (NZE) 30.8
4 Marcus Wehrle (AUS) 30.7

I was there on Saturday - watched about 20 mins of the qual. jam, then the last 10 of the final, and the one hit comp at then end.

It was fucken rad to watch. Ross Powers spun huge, Marcus Wherle boned hard, Quentin Robbins boosted large all day, Jackways brothers ripped - including Will Jackways massive method to take the one hit comp. Not to mention huge runs from Dylan Butt, AJ, Mitch Brown (that kid is going to be going massive in a few years - he is so smooth in the pipe)

Jam format makes the comp super fun to watch - as soon as a rider finishes their run, the next rider drops in.

It was great. Put the event on your calendar for next year and get there.

X-}