Quiksnow 2012 – Results, Photo Gallery and Video’s

We’re back from another successful Quiksnow SA Snowboarding Champs that took place at the Afriski Resort in the heart of Lesotho’s Maluti mountain range. Resort staff worked tirelessly preparing a course that meets international standards, resulting in several pro’s from Europe and the US attending the event, including 2011 Quiksnow champion Jojo Krivec from Slovenia. He was in fine form despite only recently resuming riding after a 5 month layoff to recuperate from surgery on his shoulder and successfully defended his title.
Photo Caption: The Quiksnow 2012 Slopestyle Park

Competition got underway on Friday 3rd August with the qualifications runs. With near perfect conditions the whole weekend riders took to the new and awesomely built Snowpark to lay down their runs. Each rider being judged on their runs, and the top of each division being put through to the finals which ran on Saturday 4th August.

Day 1 Highlights Video:

The battle for the South African championship was a fierce one between multiple SA champion Marcin Jekot (34) from Umdloti, defending SA champ Luke Dutton (16) from Durban and young dark horse Dean Van Greunen (16) from Johannesburg. The format in the finals uses only the best run out of 3 attempts, allowing riders to put their limits to the test. Despite excellent efforts from the young competitors it was Marcin’s smooth technical ability on the rails and impressive versatility on the kickers that saw him re-claim the title he lost to Luke last year.
Photo Caption: Luke Dutton over the Big Kicker

Photo Caption: Dean Van Greunen hitting the Flat to Down Rail

“I was very nervous coming into the contest. I don’t get to ride nearly as often as I’d like, but after qualifiers I relaxed and felt more confident. I focused on enjoying my run instead of worrying about the scores. I guess that paid off,” said a clearly elated champion after hearing the results.
Photo Caption: Marcin Jekot styling over the final kicker

Sibling Marta Jekot (29) from Cape Town took no prisoners in the Women’s division. Brigitte Heeb (30) from Johannesburg looked threatening in her final run, but a fall late in the course prevented her from posting a score high enough to unseat the defending champion.
“The guys who build and maintain the course need to be acknowledged,” Marta commented. “They put so much effort in and their commitment gives the rest of us so much enjoyment. The sponsors and organisers need to be thanked too. They run such a great contest, everyone always has a good time.”

Photo Caption: Marta Jekot Nose Grab

The newly added Amateur division saw the biggest entry of riders and gave these guys a chance at the podium. The very closely contested and fun division had the riders cheering with support for each other. Davo Philips came out with the win over Michael Rassmann who laid down some impressive runs which saw him edge out Alessio Lacovig for 2nd place.
Photo Caption: Peter Brookstein, one of the Amateur rider having some fun

Now in its 8th year, Quiksnow is the highlight of the season for South African snowboarders. “There aren’t a lot of them, but the guys in the local scene are an inspiration and we’re proud to support them,” said Quiksilver’s Marketing Manager Dane Patterson.

Considering the Slopestyle contest format has been included in the 2014 Olympics, it’s feasible that the continued growth of snowboarding in South Africa could result in a competitor one day representing South Africa at the Winter games.

“As the size and scope of the park increases and more snowmaking facilities lengthen our season, it’s not impossible to imagine one of these younger guys competing at that level,” said contest director Oliver Schwankhart. “What an honour that would be, to see someone who learned to ride at Afriski wearing the green and gold.”

Day 2 Highlights Video:

The Quiksnow after party lived up to its usual expectation at the Gondola Cafe on Saturday night and we’re pretty sure a lot of the riders and people that partied the night away are still recovering. We sure know we are!
With the snow season coming to a close we bid farewell to what was an unbelievably awesome weekend on the mountain with one great event, Quiksnow 2012, and top class snowboarding action. We can’t wait to see what next year will hold!

Final Results:
Quiksnow Championships
1. Jojo Krivec
2. Marcin Jekot
3. Luke Dutton
4. Dean Van Greunen
5. Brad Richards
6. Dale Andrews
7. Neil Freemantle
8. Alex Heath
9. Ryde Jones
10. Waynand Weyers
11. TJ Alty
12. Kat Maponyane

South African Men’s Pro Division
1. Marcin Jekot
2. Luke Dutton
3. Dean Van Greunen

South African Women Division
1. Marta Jekot
2. Brigitte Heeb
3. Vanessa Jackson
4. Natalie Scott
5. Carmen Van Heerden
6. Zoe Goodbrand

South African Junior Men’s Division
1. Luke Dutton
2. Dean Van Greunen
3. Ross Bailey
4. Graham Sepatia
5. Chad Laybourne
6. Bradley Kerrigan

South African Amateur Men’s Division
1. Davo Phillips
2. Michael Rassmann
3. Alessio Lacovig
4. Brecht Hufner
5. Shaun Brassell
6. Kuba Granicki