SUPERPASS - DAY ONE

Despite having an abridged field, due to treacherous road conditions, the first annual SNOWBOARDER Magazine Superpass at Bear Mountain got off to an encouraging start. The Superpass was created to provide up-and-coming So Cal standouts a chance to earn one of two free trips being provided by Red Bull to enter SNOWBOARDER Magazine's Superpark 9 at Lake Louise, Canada. As the largest park-riding event of its kind in the world, the Superpark has become an unparalleled showcase of cutting edge freestyle terrain and riding.

The first day's goal was to see which ten riders would advance to the larger terrain lined up for day two. In keeping with the actual Superpark's session- based format, the Superpass field was split into two heats. Each heat was then given a chance to lap the park for two hours. Day 1's featured obstacles began with a flat rail and a down-flat-down. From there riders were given the choice of hitting an up-flat-down box or a set of tabletops that could be gap transferred. The middle of the park featured an up-box set against Big Bear's signature pyramid tree jib or a step up table that proved to be a separator between the have speeds and the have nots. Closing out the course were the six foot high freedom rail on the rider's left and the 75 degree ten foot high wall ride on the rider's right. Joining SNOWBOARDER Magazines own Pat "the eYe" Bridges under the judges tent were Big Bear's Brad Farmer and Clayton Schumaker. According to Bridges the judges were looking for " riders who can hold their own at the actual Superpark. We're not looking for people who see this event as a short cut to fame and fortune. Those riders usually only find the short cut to the first aid. What it is though is a great opportunity to see the best riding in the world firsthand and be a part of it at your own level."

At a little past ten the first heat's hopefuls took to the snow and it quickly became apparent that a few ringers had registered looking to alleviate the burden an international flight might place on the sponsors' wallets. Most notable were Chris Bradshaw and Greg Hahn whose solid spins and tight jib tricks had been a part of past Superparks. Early in the running Jeff Groff stalled the often-overlooked tree jib, which assured him of an advancing spot. Joining Chris, Greg and Jeff out of the first heat would be Scott Vine, Jason Hindman, Chad Tarbell, Neil Maher, and Matt Moriarty. Moriarty also put down what was arguably the best trick of the day with a 270 board 270 out on the freedom rail. Though he didn't advance to day 2, Rodney Moon hung tough through the first heat and steadily progressed throughout the two hours. With his late execution of a solid cork spin and several ambitious gap attempts, Rodney earned the "Most Improved Award" for the event. Look for Rodney to return in '06 with a vengeance and a Passport.

While many anticipated late arrivals turned into no shows the second heat proved a bit more anemic than the first yet the riding was just as impressive. Local hot shoe Mike Burton went for broke time and time again with each of his runs being highlighted by a backside wallride to boardslide to hip transfer on the closing feature. Unfortunately the tree jib would get the best of Burton and deal him a vicious scorpion to ostrich in. Even with some minor damage to his dome Burton should be considered a favorite in Day two. Joining Burton as the other advancing rider from Heat two is Bryan Tokunaga who put his time in on the gap transfer and came up with several stomped and stylish backside 180's before the time ran out.

With the ten advancing riders chosen, the stage is set for the Day 2 showdown. The Gambler park is the arena for the final tests. Stay tuned to find out which two So Cal riders will win the Superpass and the opportunity to be a part of the Superpark.