UPDATED w/photos – BIG AIR RAIL JAM 2011

Written by admin on 15 March 2011

Cody Osiecki on the Rail Jam portion of the course.

MANITOUWADGE, ON – Saturday, March 12, 2011 Devan Pelletier held his first Big Air Rail Jam at Kiwissa Ski Centre. Twenty participants from 9 yrs of age to adult registered in the Big Air and Rail Jam events, judged by Static Boardshop (Thunder Bay) Manager Blain Rutter. Rutter was impressed with the event and the level of enthusiasm shown by participants “My favourite trick was Devan’s [Pelletier] front-side-270 on to the bike rack” said Rutter who had given Pelletier “Best Trick” for the aforementioned technique.

Big Air was the perfect name for the first event of the afternoon which kept people cheering and gasping from beginning to end. Locals Cody Oseicki and Devan Pelletier performed full back flips to keep their competitors attention, the later adding a back 180 to trick. Organizer Devan Pelletier also took home the prize for best bail on the big air jumps though this was won by a technicality; White River’s skateboarding legend Steve Vandervecht would have won the title but could not compete after breaking his wrist during practice.

Participants travelled from Thunder Bay to compete; snowboarders Adrew Reid and Tyler McKay along with lone adult skier in the competition, Travis McMillan did not dissapoint, their attendance inspiring local competitors to take their skills to the next level. McMillan took home all the prizes for the adult ski category though 360’s, plenty of big air and many incredible tricks during the rail jam showed spectators he was glad to earn every title received.

The Rail Jam was 30 minutes of lay-it-all-out tricks for the boarders and skiers on rails, boards and a half pipe which also served as a launch pad for some of the brave competitors. Prizes were distributed in the chalet once Rutter had completed review of his notes, plenty of great prizes from sponsors Static Boardshop and Ski Exchange from Thunder Bay kept everyone happy (Pelletier distributed hundreds of branded decals and stickers to all of the under 14 participants to ensure no one left empty-handed).