NZSnowboard.com - The home of New Zealand Snowboarding

2nd October 2009

The Salomon Freeski Slopestyle, Smith Snowboard Halfpipe and Smith Freeski Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) got underway today for day three of the 2009 Freeski and Snowboard Junior Nationals.

U19 Male Snowboarders take to the podium. Credit Libby Blackley

International competitors pushed the kiwis to the limits including Winter X Games competitor Taylor Seaton from the USA, who took no prisoners, winning the U19s Male Salomon Freeski Halfpipe. Matt Soundy, of Queenstown, who placed third, became the 2009 U19s National Champion. 

Italian skier Ariana Tricomi dominated the Female U19 Salomon Freeski Halfpipe placing first in great pipe conditions for late spring, while runner up Mikey Austin, of Wanaka, became the 2009 U19s National Champion as the top placing Kiwi.
Benjamin Comber, of Christchurch, proved to be the strongest rider of the day in the U19 Smith Snowboard Slopestyle against a tough field of junior professional and amateur snowboarders.

Matt Johnston, of Queenstown, made the right choice trading his twin-tip park skis and baggy pants for a sharp pair of race skis and a racing suit to win the U19 Smith Freeski PGS, while Taylor Smith, who skis for Cardrona High Performance Centre (HPC) finished first in the U19 females.

With the sport growing every year, the level of skiing is getting higher and the title even harder to obtain.

Having the best international kids like Taylor Seaton amongst the competitors really gives our Kiwi kids a world perspective in competition, said Event Organiser Peter Legnavsky.

Fridays event will feature the Salomon Freeski Slopestyle, the Salomon Snowboard Halfpipe and Sessions PGS.

Junior Nationals have gained a reputation as a traditional end-of-season event that brings out the countrys top junior riders. Competitors must have been born in 1990 or later to enter.

Snow Sports New Zealand is the official governing body and National Sports Organisation representing all snow sports in New Zealand. The NZ Freeski Association and NZ Snowboard Union New Zealand are members of Snow Sports New Zealand.

For full results go to www.snowsports.co.nz









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Media contact:
Kristy Quin - Snow Sports New Zealand
Ph:   +64 3 443 4085 ext. 3