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As Queenstown's first official off-mountain Big Air comp this event
promised to be one of the biggest events of the Winter season. However
after paying $20 to enter the event at the gate (the exact same
event in Methven earlier this month was free) and being charged
an extra $5 to be shuttled out to the site which turned out to be
a short 1.5k bus ride I entered the venue feeling ripped off and
stung.
 The
comp setting however was spectacular, dwarfed by the Kawarau Gorge
and a clear, moonlit night. The events competitors were as impressive
as ever with skier Nick Draxl pulling off huge switch spins and
rider Heath Patterson getting inverted with Rodeo flips and twists.
South Island local Jake Koia kicked ass and ripped his way through
to first place however, taking home $2000 cash and product from
Quest, Gifted and STS.
As well as awesome riding the nights entertainments also comprised
of host MC P-Digs, and local legend Downtown Brown whose beats kept
the crowd tapping their toes. Highlight of the evening for most
though was the finale performance provided by Wellington Dub dance
act Rhombus. The crowd went nuts, the atmosphere electric and every
face with a smile. Although their set was short (blame Queenstown's
draconian noise laws) MC Mana and Imon Starr knew what was up and
pleased the crowd with an awesome performance before blessing the
event for next year.
Men's Finals
1st- Jake Koia
2nd- Anthony Leffelaar
3rd- Aaron Jamieson
Women's Finals
1st Nabilia Piper
2nd Haidee Meyen
3rd Christa Woerlee
Best Skier
Nick Draxl
Best Overall Rider
Heath Patterson
Report by Zoe Watson, Resort
Reporter, Wanaka,
NZ
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