Anyone who was around this weekend probably took a lap past those perfect Superpass jumps. Jib Lab, Park Crew, grooming, and snow making really pulled it together for this one. We're going to have some of the biggest jumps in the series because they kept on it, didn't give up, and didn't check Facebook comments. In an unprecedented move, the jumps were in reverse order, being largest to smallest. Jump lines don't usually begin with the money booter, but winters don't usually involve weeks of 50 - 60 degree weather. The first jump was the showtime hit, and local heros like Scotty and Brian Hopper, Timmy Kempson, Chad Strothers, Brett Stewart, Richie Verost, and Eric Ryan were all floating lofty 5's and 7's. Next generation ripper Sean Neary was hitting all three hits like a grown man. There was even some corkage occurring off the first hit, laying waste to lift line claims. Mark McMorris would be proud.
Eric Ryan - Grabbing Tail
It was good to see the snow feature crowd be able to get off of the rail jam circuit and showcase some old school boarding. Jump contests remind us of when the days of jibbing were still infantile. With every snow feature comp comes the discussion of defining "real" snowboarding, and I think the general consensus is that every snowboarder loves "catching air," "getting tubular" or "bagging oxygen." These terms, which are now all so irrelevant that our moms use them to describe a day on the hill, somehow begin to trickle back into our vernacular during jump contests. It's good to remember the roots, and why a little bit of camber under your feet can't hurt. Every year it becomes more impressive that a group of riders who have a three month season, and jumps that are rarely bigger than "medium," can come through and put down some of the nicest spins and methods imaginable. Don't get us wrong, there was plenty of no-grabbing and hand dragging to go around, but every once and a while, through the darkness of sketch, came the beam of light that was a perfectly executed Indy 540 or frontside 7 melon. Jumps are a beautiful thing.
Brett Stewart - Grabbing Method
One more point of note before we leave you with the photos, which is the only reason to check the internet anyway, always remember to use a hip to its full potential. Matt Behre and Brett Stewart were doing proper Northwest methods. The hipped method should have been a first run requirement. Other items of note: Chad Strothers gapped the entire hip to the other side, which was incredible, loose, and would have made Mr. Pat Bridges smile, and Brett Stewart found some nice deep transition with a frontside 3. Seek out these gentleman, and inquire on their hip knowledge. They will be more than willing to educate.
Drew from Snowboarder Mag hooked everyone up with some great prizes, all while being one of the friendliest people, ever. Drew, you're the man. CAPiTA Super Corporation gave away a "NAS" deck. "NAS" is an acronym for Normal Ass Snowboard, and that's exactly what it is. It's a cambered charger with that nice OG stiffness. Eric Ryan took first and walked away with the shred stick as well as some goods from HCSC, Spy, and Union. Brian Hopper took second and also got a table full of goodies that he seemed more than stoked on. Sean Neary walked away with 3rd. He's a young kid, and its good to see 'em get out there and hit some jumps. He's being raised well by some of the best legends of Mountain Creek, look out for this homie in the future.
Winner's Circle
Timmy Kempson - Stoking Juice Out
Brett Stewart - Corking
Throwing food trick trends to the wind
Chad Strothers getting some
Matt Behre pleasing the crowd
Check up on snowboardermag.com for more updates, which you should be doing already. If you're not, you have to reassess you're internet time allocation.
