Words & photos by James North

Santa Cruz’s Rookie Rider Clash went off in style at the Tamworth Snowdome on December 5th, producing some memorable moments and some epic action shots. James North headed erm… North to capture all the action.

When someone lands a nollie front flip off the kicker on their first run, you know that the riding standard will be high for an event! It’s been a whole year since the last Santa Cruz Rookie Rider Clash and people rocked up to Tamworth Snowdome with full expectations of going home with some great memories, goodie bags and prizes – they were not dissapointed.

Leading the night and bussing out some tricks to inspire was Santa Cruz team rider Jo Howard. Top prize was a full setup from Santa Cruz including board, bindings and this season’s kickass outerwear. Vans, Dragon, Vestal, Skullcandy, Kickzoo and Avalaan all gave an amazing amount of stash from their ranges to be won by all so no-one left Tamworth Snowdome empty handed.

Judge and Santa Cruz pro-rider Jo Howard said: “It’s been a wicked night! The standard of riding was again really high and very difficult to judge. In the end we had to go for versatility with the winners both showing steez on a variety of the kickers, sliders and rails out on the night.” Event organiser and press lady for Santa Cruz, Cherry Martin also had a good time by all accounts. She added: “To watch people lend just that bit further to add style or push themselves to land a trick that’s been bugging them for a while to win on the spot prizes creates such a good buzz. We’ll definitely come back next year…”