Vernon, BC - Downhill Longboarding Event

Location | Race Details | Results | Media | Resources

Watch the exclusive LBD Video! (16.2 MB)

Racers carve hard to make the first turn of the technical course (above).

Location Details:

Vernon is located at the North Shore of the Okanagan Lake, in British Columbia. A semi-desert region, the climate and terrain of the Okanagan Valley is very similar to Central California. And despite Canada's reputation as a barren winter-land, the Okanagan usually only gets about a month of snow each year, at the most.

Click here to see Vernon on Google™ Maps

The climate allows for almost year-round longboarding - which explains why many of the international guests to register at Vernon DH 2005 were quick to find out that their local competition was a formidable threat.

The Race:

Being that the Vernon DH Event was right in our backyard, we were excited to be on-location for the this scene report. We were also blown away by the turnout - 41 racers registered, and over a hundred spectators showed up to watch. Riders from Vancouver (mostly part of the CoastLongboard.com/Landyachtz crew), California (Jimmy Flindt), Washington, Quebec (Kebbek riders), Alberta, Ontario and beyond.

(Below is the official Vernon DH 2005 event poster)

The organization of the event was top-notch. Mischo Erban (MethodX founder, organizer) did a tremendous job of smoothing out the wrinkles that normally accompany such a large-scale underground event. The day did not lag even once, and everything went smoothly.

A local traffic-control company volunteered its services for the day, as did the St. John's ambulance, which was crucial to the execution of a safe event.

A rider heads down the initial drop at the start of the course (above).

The course itself was very technical - and residential, no less. The top of the hill was very steep, for about 250 meters. At the bottom of the first segment was a sudden hairpin left-turn. The degree of the turn was so severe that it took even the most experienced riders their 2nd or 3rd heat just to adapt to the intensity of the carving needed to make the corner without sliding out and losing speed.

It takes perfect positioning, timing and a calculated stance for this rider to make the first hairpin turn (above).

After the first hairpin, the course descended about another 100 meters to a hard right corner - not as severe as the first hairpin, but it still required a precision approach in order to pull it off without losing traction.

The course ended with a downhill straightaway - and as luck would have it (for some), the wind was blowing against the riders on the final segment before the finish line. This actually made things more interesting towards the end of each heat, as riders would have to strategically manage their final stretch, taking advantage of a trailing position in order to "draft" their opponents, which would allow them to gain enough momentum for a pass (and a higher placing).

A rider sets up for the perfect exit into the final straightaway (above).

The competitors were all very talented (some of them were all-out crazy), and made up a very diverse range of riders. From international champions like Jimmy Flindt (California, USA) and Jim Ziemlanski (Kebbek boards) to 11-year-old Stevie Kopyt (Vancouver), the race was definitely a testament to the longboarding lifestyle - in that almost anyone can find their niche on a longboard.

"Lil' Stevie" (Stevie Kopyt, 12) starts his descent on the Vernon DH course. This kid was unbelievable! Stevie beat out 6 pro riders that were twice his age. His dad was ecstatic - and everyone else was amazed. Look for Stevie in the near future, he's like the "Jon Jon Florence" of longboarding.

Overall, the Downhill event in Vernon was first-rate. The atmosphere was very chill, and the local residents of Middleton Park, Vernon, were very supportive of the event. Several residents had set up lemonade stands (there was even an antique vending machine that got put to use) - and lawn chairs lined either side of the course.

The after-party was held at "Alexander's Pub", on the beach of the beautiful Kalamalka Lake, where celebrations erupted, and several awesome prizes were handed out (to riders, as well as spectators). At least 20 longboard decks were handed out to thrilled recipients, as were the T-shirts, hoodies, beanies and other apparel of the contributing sponsors. It was over the top (in a very good way), and caught everyone off-guard. Their next event will definitely have a lot to live up to.

The event was an overwhelming success considering the turnout and the introductory Okanagan location. Kudos to Mischo and his supporters, as this was a much needed event in BC's interior region.

We're looking forward to seeing the longboarding scene grow in the Okanagan (and in general), and it's events like this that make it happen.

Vernon DH 2005 Race Results:

Champagne, oversize checks and big smiles make up the cheerful atmosphere at the podium, where Jimmy Flindt (1st), Jody Willcock (2nd) and Ian Comishin (3rd) celebrate their winnings.

Top 10 Placements and Prizes:

1. Jimmy Flindt ($1000 Cash)

2. Jody Wilcock ($500 Cash)

3. Ian Comishin ($250 Cash)

4. Jesse Tynan ($125 Cash)

5. Nathan Lang

6. Dennis Manougian

7. Brian Elderkin

8. Erik Ware

9. Mike McGoldrick

10. Jim Ziemlanski

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Media from the Race:

Click above to watch the official LBD video of the Vernon DH 2005 event.

Additional Pictures:

Cranking around the second hairpin turn.

Regaining balance after exiting the first and most extreme turn of the course.

Craig Jackson (LBD Staff) takes a pre-race test drive before the racers begin their heats..

This guy was awesome. His racing suit was made from duct-tape, custom-fitted cutting boards, crazy carpets and a variety of other household items.

Mischo greets all the racers and lays down the rules for the event.

The On Shore Board is part of this racer's arsenal.

A local media crew shoots footage of the day's first heat.

The riders and groupies make themselves at home on somebody's lawn.

Resources and Contact Info:

MethodX is an up and coming longboarding/lifestyle event facilitation group. Check out their website at: www.methodx.ca