All Set for the K2 - QRC North Island Secondary Schools Snowboard Competition

Two hundred and twenty five competitors representing forty six secondary schools from throughout the North Island have descended on Turoa Ski Field for the next three days. It is still snowing on Mount Ruapehu so today's training day has been cancelled.

Organisers hope to start tomorrow with a Dual Giant Slalom and Slopestyle, followed by a Boardercross the next day. After nineteen years the weather can throw many surprises at event organisers. In 2014 the terrain park and boardercross courses had to be completely dug out and rebuilt after a massive snowfall.

None of last year's champions have returned, so Holly Curran from St Mary's College will be looking to step up the podium in the Dual Giant Slalom. Likewise, Olivia Stewart from Mt Albert Grammar and Aleisha Bain from Elim Christian School will want to improve in the Slopestyle.

In the Boys' competition, Vincent Masse-Denicourt from Trident will be trying to improve on his third place in the Slopestyle. Jack Parsons has switched schools to Spotswood College and will be hoping to gain the Boardercross top prize as will Josh Harden from Rangitoto College.

Top juniors, Sam Hunter from Takapuna Grammar and Ashley Turnbull from Trident will be returning to push the seniors. Watch out for New Zealand Junior Development rider, Fletcher Craig from Hamilton Boys High, who is only in his first year at High School.

Trident College Boys and St Peters School Cambridge Girls are both back to defend their Top School titles!

For further information and photos go to facebook.com/k2nisssc or please contact the organiser, Malcolm Haig,[email protected] or Cell 021 475 445.

Photo: Fletcher Craig

Credit: Liz Brooker