Vand Cup Tahoe: Slopestyle 2008

Last night the wind howled to the east and dark, patchy clouds threatened to dump snow. As morning rolled around and the riders began to wake, the weather decided to change. The Vans Cup Slopestyle was meant to happen.

With a light breeze, a slight chill and mostly sunshine, it was prime snowboarding conditions. “It was good man, nice and fast. Everything was groomed well.” said competitor and North Lake Tahoe local Chas Guldemond. “My favorite [feature] was the wallride into the quarterpipe.” The Park Crew’s attention to detail and persistent upkeep definitely showed.

As the afternoon warmed up, the competition got hotter. Women riders took to the course first. The entry jib, an up-flat-down box got worked with smooth front boardslides and eye-catching combos. The 40-foot first jump saw some nice spins, in particular, Kjersti Buaas’ frontside 540, a trick that clearly contributed to her second place finish. The women’s competition really came down to the 60-foot third jump. And Cheryl Maas took it by storm. Her huge backside 7 off the larger lip rocketed her to first place and placed the $2,000 ‘Best Trick’ award in her hands.

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The men attacked the course with a savageness only rivaled in rabid dogs. Riders racked up rotations on the three jump line that numbered higher than casino jackpots. But not because the course was easy. “It was kind of hard to judge the speed,” said rider Heikki Sorsa.

After styling over the first jib, Robbie Walker cruised through the jump line with two 900s and a frontside 10 on the bottom booter, a run good enough for 3rd place. Mason Aguirre, who placed 2nd, lifted off with a cab 900, a backside 720 and the ‘Best Trick’, a frontside Truck Driver 1080. The number one run belonged to Vans rider Andreas Wiig for the second year in a row. He spun a switch backside 900, into a huge fronside 1080, which set him up for his signature backside rodeo 900.

Awards were given. Hands were shaken. The clouds rolled over and the sun set on the ripped and torn course. But nobody will soon forget the big-time shredding that occurred this Saturday in 2008. There’s something about memories of clean grabs and corked spins that just makes a rider want to ride.

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Women's Podium

1. Cheryl Maas
2. Kjersti Buaas
3. Channelle Sladics

Men's Podium

1. Andreas Wiig
2. Mason Aguirre
3. Robbie Walker

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