New Zealand Snowboard Masters

New Zealand Snowboard Masters

Spring seemed a distant memory today at Cardrona Alpine Resort today as over 50 snowboarders took part in the Drambuie New Zealand Snowboard Masters, enjoying fresh dry snow but having to contend with variable visibility in the dual slalom.

Ranging in age from 30 to 58, competitors raced two at a time down the course, aided by liberal helpings of Drambuie at the starting gate. There were no surprises in the women’s race with ex-Olympian, Pam Bell, winning the overall title with a combined time of 54.58. In her first run she clocked the fastest time of the day

It was a case of the oldies showing the youngsters how it’s done in the men’s race with the second eldest competitor of the day, Graeme Burgess (57) of Invercargill, taking the overall title with a time of 51.54.

In the individual age groups, Cardrona’s terrain park manager, Jon Malcolm-Smith won the 30-34 years; NZ Snowboarder Magazine editor, Ste’en Webster (Auckland), won the 35-39 years; Martin White of Wanaka took out the 40-44 years while Peter Finnigan, another Cardrona employee, won the 45-45 years. The over 50’s from Invercargill were on a winning streak with Steven Olde Olthof and overall champion Graeme Burgess taking the 50-54’s and 55-59’s respectively.

Chris Vile.

Ste’en Webster.

Pam Bell.

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