What an awesome day!! The Sub20 Freestyle Battle at the Snow Park, just outside Wanaka yesterday saw New Zealand’s best riders and skiers (as well as a few international riders) ripping in the country’s most sophisticated freestyle facility. The day saw 150 competitors and 200 spectators enjoying the non-stop action provided by riders, skiers, graffiti artists and DJ scratch off.

This is the second year the comp has been held at the Snow Park with action centred around the forty foot long decline rail, the 25 foot ¼ pipe and the 32 foot high wall ride. There were no first, second or third places, the comp took the format of an open jam with prizes being awarded for tricks, style, balls, pain and comedy value. Over $ 10,000 in prizes and $1100 cash were handed out.

Of the several tricks thrown out by the judges the most difficult and impressive to watch was the full transition of the huge wall.

A bunch of riders all got very close to succeeding, with the heat ending in a showdown between Jah Harris and Logan Holt. Holt pulled it off walking away with a stylee Phillips boom box.

The quarter pipe was pounded as riders aimed to get more and more air over the lip. Tom Wilmot managed to gain the most height reaching a good 12 feet above the top, with Dylan Butt winning a new board for the biggest invert (he later gave the board away as a prize for the most ruling grommet – good on ya!!).

Chix were respectably represented. Japanese local Yukiko pulled off some impressive backflips in the ¼ pipe, Julliane Bray stomping smooth spins and Hayley Holt caning it higher than most of the guys up the wall. Go girl!

Skier Dave Biggins (the Biginator) from Scotland repeatedly attempted to pull of some tricky rodeos coming close to decapitating photographers on the top of the pipe more than once. The crowds loved it. He went away winning cash prizes for his iron cross grab.

The day was a success in every way. Riders enjoyed a comp with the kind of friendly competitiveness that is rare. It’s the first time many of the spectators (including myself) have been up to the Park to check it out and the feedback is purely very positive. The Snow Park is going to be HUGE. Snow Park director Sam Lee says “The STS Freestyle Battle at the Snow Park has not only provided living proof that you really can turn a dream into reality but has also showcased the potential of the park as an International standard facility for skiers and boarders alike.”

Report by Zoe Watson, Resort Reporter, Wanaka, NZ [Pictures by Richard Davies]

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