"Aaron Jamieson of Queenstown was pulling off flat spin, cab, 540's with a double grab. Basically a super technical trick requring taking off backwards and spinning 540 front side...!"

As one of N.Z's 2 major Air events the talent was everywhere with representation from Australia, Canada, the US and Japan all footing it with N.Z's best. The 45ft long 20ft high jump was described by competitors as perfect, especially given the lack of snow in these parts. The event format was elimination style with riders getting 2 shots at the jump in each round with the highest scoring run counting. The field was quickly whittled down to the semi-finals of 4 women, 4 juniors and ten men. As always a big feature of the early round was Japanese Kamikaze riders hurling themselves into oblivion. Thankfully there was only one serious injury..amazing given the slamming of some riders.

Highlights of the night were the super impressive arials performed by the finalists. The judging team had their work cut out for them and the scoring reflected just how close these top riders are. Eventual winner Aaron Jamieson of Queenstown was pulling off flat spin, cab, 540's with a double grab. Basically a super technical trick requring taking off backwards and spinning 540 front side..Awesome! 2nd place getter Deni Bevin also from Queenstown was easily the smoothest rider of the night fully stomping 2 perfect inverted, cab 540's..a tough call for the judges who ultimately awarded more for technical difficulty than for clean jumps.

In the women s section Local Rachael Newton stormed back from last seasons injury to claim first place with huge clean airs. The prizes at this event have to be some of the best around with both first place getters winning return airfares for two to L.A..with runners up in the cash.

In all a great night and a taste of things to come at the Wanaka Big Air coming up next month.

— Chris V, BoarderZone.com Staff |PIPELINE BUNGY|