Snowboarders battle in the half-pipe

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 508, 19 October 1993, Page 4 (Supplement)

Snowboarders battle in the half-pipe

by

Brenda

Crook

Snow-boarders from all over the country were drawn to Ruapehu 9 and 10 October for a two-day snowboard competition that featured a dual slalom and halfpipe event. After a late start the event finally got under-way with the help of perfect weather conditions, firm-packed snow and with well over 50 entrants. For the slalom event entrants were chosen in a mixed race order and run consistently with each rider

having two runs with times added together. Men and women raced together but race times were kept separate. With firm snow conditions the course was very hard and icy in places leading to a lot of hard falls, slides and spectacular crashes. The best crash of the day would surely have to go to oiir local hero Nick from Bootworks who took out the fence in a particularly stylish bungy move. Day two of the competition was again welcomed

by a clear blue sky , although a little chilly. Pumping music accompanied the half-pipe event with 'Deano' from the Powderhorn and fellow mate 'Brendo' assisting with commentary on the microphone. The half-pipe was particularly hard on Sunday with some very hard-falls resulting, although there were no injuries. Progression of the sport could be seen with huge 'airs' demonstrated with style and new tricks attempted and landed,

showing the skill that is needed in the pipe. Both events were well supported throughout the day, both by entrants and spectators with the half-pipe being the most popular. Prize-giving was held at the 'Coyote Bar and Grill' on the Sunday night with a

good turn-out and some greatprizes. Three F2snowboards were handed out, one to each of the winners of the slalom event and the other as a spot prize; pairs of Northwave soft boots, Blackfly sun-glasses and other items including TTurn to Page Five

Snoboarders

From Page 4 shirts, caps, wax and sticker packs etc. Major sponsors of the event wereF2 snow-boards, Northwave, Blackfly, Nidecker and our local boy s from Board of Authority (BOA). Prizes were taken largely by South Island snowboarders with one to an American girl and local Turoa lad. The event was well organized and fun was had by all Results: Day 1 Men's slalom - 1st Chris Vile 45 .90sec, South Island; 2nd Donald S 46.73, South Island; 3rd John MalcolmSmith 47.32, South Island; Day 2 Women' s slalom - lst Pam Bell 53.73, South Island; 2nd JulieZell 54. 16, USA;3rdCharlotteW lmin .023sec, South Island; Day 2 - Men' s half-pipe 1 st John Malcolm-Smith; 2nd Quentin Robbins; 3rd Alex McDonald; Women' s halfpipe lst Victoria Newman; 2nd JulieZell; 3rd PamBell.