28 July 2003

Hundreds lined Cardrona's Monster Superpipe on Saturday to witness the world's top snowboarders exhibit the most spectacular display of halfpipe riding New Zealand has ever seen.

World class action
Olympic Gold medalist Ross Powers was the crowd puller at the Burton Halfpipe Open at Cardrona Resort near Wanaka last weekend. Over 600 supporters rocked up to witness his and various other international and local rider's skill in the super pipe. The comp was an amazing event to watch with riders managing to reach up to 12 - 14 feet out of the pipe pulling inverts, 900's, 1080's, McTwists and cripplers keeping us spectators buzzing and fully inspired.

The comp was a single day halfpipe event with only the top 30 male and top 10 female riders invited to compete. Fifty percent of the entries were reserved for New Zealand competitors who were able to join world-class athletes from Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK and USA.

Powers takes first place
Ross Powers took first place in the men's finals. "A combination of large and technical tricks 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 the NZ 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 Jackways to produce two good runs that put him on the podium ahead of Marcus Wehrle, Australia's leading half pipe rider.

Young riders to watch for
The women’s again saw local riders competing against another Olympic gold medalist. Kelly Clark (USA) took first place displaying 900 spins, hand-plants and inverts. Following her in 2nd and 3rd place were local girls Julianne Bray and Abi Lockhart with tiny 13 year old Kendall Brown from Mt Maunganui coming 4th.

Local Wanaka rider, 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, “I knew the top handful of competitors would be good but it was amazing to see such a high 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 NZ snowboarding looking so positive.”

Report by Zoe Watson, Resort Reporter, Wanaka, NZ

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