For all Slopestyle photos hereUp for grabs were three prizes for the top positions judged by a select panel of guests, $2000 for top dog, $1000 for second best and $500 third. Oakley later coughed up a $1200 watch that was to be presented to the rider who gave it the most, the “Loose Cannon Award” to be decided by his peers.
As the contest progressed through the rounds the airborne madness spread like an unchecked case of SARS. The air got bigger and tricks got super ballsy, the most notable was an amazing attempt by Gareth Dyer at a back flip over a gap that he launched between the spine and a tranny 35 feet away. He looked comfortable in the air as the crowd held their breath, unfortunately though he couldn’t quite pin the landing and crashed hard, sending him off the course on the spine board. Later he was reported to be doing well and should fully recover in short order.
As the evening drew on and the event was done the crowd on the hill retired to the Village for the awards and some entertainment. Darren Berrecloth was in his element and it showed, he was deservingly awarded first (9.375 points), followed by Eric Porter (8.25 points) and Richie Schley (8.025 points).
The “Loose Cannon Award” went to Darren Berrecloth, the crowd however chanted Dyer’s name while the podium made their decision, I tend to agree.
For all Slopestyle photos here