By Phil McLachlan
Over 50 youth gathered on the Alpine Resort to compete for best trick, in the 2017 Kinky Rail Jam.
Fluorescent bodies flew threw the air, some jumping, some spinning, grinding and grabbing. Prizes were given for best ski and snowboard trick, age 15 and under, and best ski and snowboard trick for 15 and over, mens and womens categories.
Adam Laurin of Commit Snow and Skate was the MC at Saturday’s event, excitedly describing the tricks that each athlete would throw down. This year is his 20th anniversary in the sport of snowboarding.
“I love announcing up at the ski hill, for everything they do,” said Laurin. “It’s a chance to watch and hype up the future of tomorrow’s sport.”
Kodiak Lounge and the Raging Elk have been sponsoring events like this for years. Local gym, Vitality Body and Mind also supported the event, as well as some of RCR’s many sponsors such as Helly Hansen, Old Dutch and Jeep.
Edge Of The World and Commit donated prizes, which were given to the winners of each category.
The Competition was intense, yet playful. Encouraging hoots and hollers could be heard, whenever someone nailed a huge trick. Laurin believes competitions like this are what keep the sport going, and that they’re also good practice for anyone looking to excel and grow in the sport.
Laurin highlighted the best tricks he saw from his position as announcer. For skiing, a one-footer across the double barrel to a 270-spin out took top prize in his books. For snowboarding, Laurin’s favourite trick was thrown down by John Graham, and featured a half-cab to backside 360-out on the flatbar rail.
“It was one heck of a trick... A wild manoeuvre to say the least,” said Laurin.
Graham went on to win best trick for the men over 15 snowboard category.
The rail park used to reside on the falling star run, before it was moved to the bear chair. It stayed there for three years until moving to its current destination right beside the deer chair. Laurin sees a huge potential in the rail park’s current location to potentially serve as a night-riding destination.
“I’m sure they’d get a fantastic turnout,” said Laurin.
RCR hosted a night time rail jam around Christmas, which was spontaneous and well-received. Last weekends Kinky Rail Jam attracted even more participants, seeing 46 kids below the age of 15 compete.
The Junior Free Ski is the next big event coming up for snow-enthusiasts, and takes place February 10-12 on the hill.