Want to board on the slopes all day to the soundtrack of some of North America's best hip-hop music? That's what was offered at the World Snowboard Championship in Whistler, Canada. It was a week-long celebration of big air and big music - featuring the world's top snowboarders and
The big riders who brought their boards to this year's event included Tara Dakides, Todd Richards and Danny Kass. They were all trying to push their limits at the best winter sport around and, of course, trying to get a cut of the $250,000 in prize money that was up for grabs. Because the event was held late in the season, many top boarders like Shannon Dunn never came out for the World Championship - but those who did show up certainly gave the crowds something to cheer about.
The men's Big Air final was won by Finland's Jussi Okanen who took home $30,000 for pulling off a backside 900. Dresden Howell of the United States was the chick's Big Air winner for landing a clean backside 360.
As usual, the Superpipe competition had some of the biggest tricks, biggest air and biggest faceplants. American Ross Powers took the top prize by nailing a big switch mctwist on his first run. X-Games gold medalist Danny Kass placed second while Todd Richards was third. The top Superpipe chick was Dorianne Vidal of France.
The slopestyle competition took place on one of the best and most challenging courses in the world. Tara Dakides took first place for the women with a run featuring several backside rodeos and solid rail slides. Todd Richards made his second trip to the podium by having the best slopestyle run in the guy's contest.
While the big air and tricks on the slopes all pushed the limits, the music brought in for the event was equally kick-butt. The artists mixing beats at the base of the mountain included the Beat Junkies, Choclair, MC Supernatural and Dilated Peoples. You can find out more on this year's festival of boards, big air and beats at www.wssf.com.
