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Westbeach Freezer Jam >>

Last weekend saw some of the country’s finest snowboard talent descend on Manchester for the Westbeach Freezer Jam.

Colum Mytton, en route to first.

Held at Chill Factore, the local snow community saw a fair few thrown down in their own back yard. There were some familiar faces dotted around the crowd which was great to see, including UK pro Danny Wheeler and legendary Scandi rider Joni Makinnen (here to rep Union bindings). Suffice to say Joni was pretty much gobsmacked by the whole indoor shred experience! Endeavour/Zimtstern rider Mike Austin was judging but as ever, he couldn’t keep away from a board so he managed to wow the crowds with a few tricks. Meanwhile, after a low profile year spent running the family pet shop in sunny Scunthorpe, Stu Edwards continued his snowboarding comeback. He didn’t win the competition but still impressed both crowd and the judges – it was like he’d never been away. And speaking of comebacks, MC James Thorne donned a board for the first time since recovering from knee surgery and busted out a backflip on the kicker. Fair play!

So, after a gruelling event, local ripper Colum Mytton came out as the overall winner thanks to some sick corked spins over the kicker and a smooth and consistent run through the rails and wallride. Andy Nudds, who was impressing everyone all night with his tech tricks, came in second (keep an eye out for this kid, he’s f***ng rad) while Laura Berry won the over 16 girls and claimed third overall after her great performance throughout the event. The ‘Overall Style of the Day’ award (in keeping with the relaxed jam format) went to Matt Mcwhirter. Props also go out to Jonny Russell, John Weatherly, Will Smith, Laura Hill and wee Sophie Nicholls – all of whom were throwing down some wicked tricks all day.

Colum wins himself a four day stay at Red Mountain in Canada and a Westbeach leather jacket – whilst also stuffing his wallet with a tasty chunk of cash. Not bad for a relaxed day’s riding at the Chill Factore.

With the formalities over Dom Harington spun some tunes up at the bar before everyone piled back to Col’s place for a victory house party. I don’t know who the girl on the decks in his living room was but she was bloody amazing. All in all, a cracking weekend oop north.

“His only chance to relax” – Andy Nudds on the drag lift

Nuddsy showing us how it’s done

Tom Percival (Judge), Danny Wheeler (UK Rider sponsored by Westbeach) and Sue Garlick (UK Sales & Marketing for Westbeach). Send us your captions and we’ll give a prize to the best.

Don’t know who this guy is but he’s wearing a Whitelines hat. He’s obviously got his head screwed on!

Mike Austin showing us he’s not just any old judge

Tappin’ the barrel…

Stu Edwards makes his return