blog

"I Am Giant" The Queenstown Gig

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:28:13 +1300

"I Am Giant" came through Queenstown a couple of day's after a massive gig at the Rugby World Cup fan zone up in Auckland. We where lucky to get them here as they where really only playing the major cities throughout NZ before heading off to play Australia, then England.

Playing songs from there August 1st released album 'The Horrifying truth' at one of the local bars in Queenstown called Buffalo Club worked out real well for the crowd on hand, it was a mean spot as you could really get up close to the band (some people even crashing onto the stage ha)

The sound that was coming through the bands speakers was very loud and clear (full credit to the sound engineers!) I was real surprised at the quality for a last minute set up.

Anyway, "I Am Giant" really did delivery a truly sic as show, thanks heaps for coming through Queenstown, and thanks to Blair @ The Buffalo club for sorting out a last minute show.

Alexandra Blossom Festival Drag Racing

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:18:52 +1300

Alexandra, which is a little over a 1hr drive from Queenstown has been celebrating the Blossom festival for over 50 years now. With a 10,000+ strong crowd coming to watch the entertainment, it’s a big day for central Outage. Alexandra is known for its contribution to the summer fruit and wool industry, and is the hottest (and coldest) place in New Zealand.

As much as i wanted to check out the fruit, flowers and sheep, i was really there for one reason, Drag Racing. The local airstrip opens its runway to a truly massive array of cars, everything from the up-market Ferraris (from Queenstown ha) and Porsches, to nearly every kind of V8 muscle, and of course a big turnout of Japanese weaponry from Godzilla’s to Rotaries.

The drag racing kicks of around 11o/c, and normally finishes around 5 o/c with a rail car burning down the strip, unfortunately this year the rail car didn't get to go down the strip because the engine dropped a valve (which can be costly on a 100K engine!)

The day went exceptionally well with no dramas (except for the DX corolla windscreen blowing out, see pics) the weather was wicked, and there were some real quick times laid down.

The day was won by X2 Mitsi Evos, which I’m sure left the V8 boys pretty gutted not getting any of their cars in the final.

As per usual everyone there was having a mean time, big crowds again turned up, and im sure next year there will be more cars and faster times to come check-out, thanks Alex!

Revolver Skate Jam, Queenstown

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:19:02 +1200

Pi popped down to the Sunday Skate jam at Revolver which was held in memory of local Shaydon Hoskin. Starting at 8:30 there was about a dozen or so people on the Revolver movable ramp ripping it up with a decent crowd backing them.

Pi sponsor Taran Campbell was as per usual laying down some sick tricks that had the crowd going nuts. Another stand-out on the night was Shane who also impressive. Tunes where provided by Dirty ol nights Djs & J Diggah, and at about 11o/c when we vacated there was still a solid stream of people coming in for the viewing.

Thanks heaps to the crew at Revolver for another mean skate session.

Winter Games Freeski Big Air

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:34:20 +1200

Freeski Big Air goes to the Americans with Joss Christensen and Devin Logan taking Gold

LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (20 August 2011) - The eighth day of 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games saw the freeski athletes flying high in the Air New Zealand Big Air at Cardrona Alpine Resort with American’s Joss Christensen and Devin Logan taking the top spots.

The day began under glorious blue skies with a field of 20 men competing in two qualifying heats of 10 for the top eight spots. With three runs per round, the best two different jumps were combined for a final score in the qualifications. The heavily stacked women’s field of seven went straight to a four run final.

Competition amongst the world’s top freeskiers was heated with double cork 10’s and 12’s being the call of the day. The first heat saw Gus Kenworthy throwing a double 14 to once again take the lead in his quest to win his third event of the week. The standout in heat two was Joss Christensen’s switch double cork 1080 tail to shift, which scored him 95 points.

The men’s finals read like a who’s who from freeskiing with a field heavily dominated by Americans including Joss Christensen, Gus Kenworthy, David Wise, Nicholas Goepper, and Christopher Laker. New Zealand’s Jossi Wells landed his spot in the finals and the final two were Norway’s Pc Fosse and Switzerland’s Kai Mahler, the youngest in the field at only 15.

The men went head to head in a knockout format with three runs per round and a final score based on the best two different jumps.

Joss Christensen was the man of the day pulling off the first ever double misty 12 in competition and consistently landing his tricks.

At the finish line Christensen said he was surprised to have even made it through to the finals, “My adrenaline’s pumping. I’m stoked. I was feeling a bit beat up after the slopestyle so today’s win is a total surprise. I’m happy to have landed all my tricks. If I hadn’t Kai would have definitely been on top of the podium today.”

This is Joss’s first visit to New Zealand. “I’m stoked to be here and loving it so far. It’s great to be visiting the land of the Lord of the Rings.”

Ending the day in second was 15-year-old Kai Mahler who was the leader going into the final round with the best trick of the day, a switch double misty 14. He failed to land his jumps in the final round of competition costing him the gold.

Hometown boy, Jossi Wells, will once again grace the podium after taking silver in both slopestyle and halfpipe, his fluidity and control earned him the third place finish.

Commenting earlier in the day about how fourth place was the worst place to end a competition he promised he would go big in the final round and he did. “It’s always a good day when you’re on the podium,” said Wells. “I’m a bit shattered, we’ve been skiing since 8:30 this morning. It was great to watch Kai; he’s insane. Also great to see my homey, Joss Christensen, from back in the day at Park City win. The Winter Games rules.”

In the women’s field AFP Overall World Champion Devin Logan scored a trifecta becoming the winner of all three freeski events, halfpipe, slopestyle and big air. “Logan took the women’s field by 20 points,” said head judge Rafael Regazzoni. “She’s been super consistent throughout the week, landing all her tricks and mixing it up with different tricks. Her best tricks today were her rodeo 5 and 7 tailgrab.”

An excited Logan commented, “I got the Turkey (as they would say in bowling). Now if only more women would come over and compete.” This was Logan’s first Winter Games and second visit to New Zealand having competed last year at the Junior World Championships where she podiumed in third place in slopestyle and halfpipe. “I’ll definitely be back.”

America’s Jen Hudak who crashed pretty hard on her second and third run came back in her fourth run to take second.

Up and coming New Zealander Rose Battersby (Taupo) saw her first podium at an international event placing third today. “It’s great to see a kiwi girl coming through and showing huge potential for a spot in Sochi,” said judge Victoria Beattie.

This was Battersby’s first big air competition. “I’m so stoked to end in third place, and to have landed my 7’s and 3’s” said Battersby. “I wasn’t aiming to win it’s just great to be here. It’s awesome to have a competition of this level here in New Zealand and to get to compete against all the top level girls.”

Wrapping Up NZ Burton Open 2011

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:05:51 +1200

The New Zealand Burton Open 2011 rapped up last night with a kicking party down at the Queenstown Event center. With Kora, Sunshine Sound System, Shihad, Tiki and New Zealand’s own Dubstep Kings Optimus Grime there was a flavor for all and the artists appeared to be loving the vibe and the crowd.

Moving back to the snowboarding,,,,, the weather was on and conditions were perfect for Slope and Pipe at Cardrona Alpine Resort which made for exciting riding to say the least, as this made for the riders to push their personal limits.

The two stand outs to me were: Firstly New Zealand’s Shelly Gotlieb attempted the first women’s double in competition and secondly a young pipe rider going by the name Ayumu Hirano. This dude is 12 years old and stands less than 5 feet tall! Below is a clip of his styles at the Us Open five months ago as our footage is still in editing stage. Question is...whats he going to up to in three years, scarey!

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Below is summaries of the slopestyle event&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Mark McMorris (CAN) put it all together in his second run with Fullcab Stall, Cab 270 Frontboard to fakie, Halfcab 50-50 to Backside 360, Backside 1080 Double Cork Mute, Frontside 900 Melon to a Cab 1260 Nosegrab. Close on Mark’s heels was fellow Canadian Sebastien Toutant with his Cab 540 Tailtap, Front Blunt 270 out, Tailslide 270 out, Backside 1080 Double Cork Mute, Frontside 1080 Double Cork Melon, to a Double Backside Rodeo 1080 Truckdriver. Coming in third Stale Sandbech (NOR) who’s run started with a Backside 540 Tailtap, Hardway Cab 270 to Frontboard, Frontboard 450 out, Cab 900 Stalefish, Frontside 1080 Indy to a Backside 1260 Mute.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;In the women’s competition, Jamie Anderson (USA) took her fourth straight New Zealand Open slopestyle title with a Switch Backside 180 Tailtap; Front Blunt to fakie; Halfcab 5-0 to Backside 180; Switch Backside 540 Indy; Frontside 360 Lein; to a Backside 540 Mute.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The first halfpipe competition of the season set a new standard of riding for the women as three of the most progressive female riders in the world took the top three spots on the podium. Coming in first was Kelly Clark (USA) with a Frontside 720, Cab 720, Backside 540 and Frontside Cork 900. Finishing close behind was Hannah Teter (USA) in second place, getting impressive height with a Method Air, Frontside 900 Lien, Backside 540, Frontside 540 and Cab 360. Rounding out the top three was Castellet Queralt (ESP) with a Backside 900, Frontside 540, Backside 540 and Frontside 900.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Ryo Aono’s first place run proved that practice does make perfect, “I have competed three or four times before with not the best results and am very happy to be on the podium this time around,” said Ryo. “During practice, I worked on a special run that I ended up hitting perfectly in competition. I am very happy!” &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Ryo Aono’s championship run started strong with a Frontside 1080 which lead into a Cab 1080, Frontside 900, Backside 900 and Frontside 1080 Double Cork. In second was Louie Vito (USA) with a Crippler, Backside 540 Mute, Frontside 1080 Double Cork, Cab 1080 Double Cork Truckdriver and Frontside 1080. Coming in third was Iouri Podladtchikov with a run that included a Cab 1080, Crippler, Backside 1260 Double McTwist and Frontside 1080.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Below is a summary of the Slope & Pipe final placings.

Mark McMorris (CAN) put it all together in his second run with Fullcab Stall, Cab 270 Frontboard to fakie, Halfcab 50-50 to Backside 360, Backside 1080 Double Cork Mute, Frontside 900 Melon to a Cab 1260 Nosegrab. Close on Mark’s heels was fellow Canadian Sebastien Toutant with his Cab 540 Tailtap, Front Blunt 270 out, Tailslide 270 out, Backside 1080 Double Cork Mute, Frontside 1080 Double Cork Melon, to a Double Backside Rodeo 1080 Truckdriver. Coming in third Stale Sandbech (NOR) who’s run started with a Backside 540 Tailtap, Hardway Cab 270 to Frontboard, Frontboard 450 out, Cab 900 Stalefish, Frontside 1080 Indy to a Backside 1260 Mute.

In the women’s competition, Jamie Anderson (USA) took her fourth straight New Zealand Open slopestyle title with a Switch Backside 180 Tailtap; Front Blunt to fakie; Halfcab 5-0 to Backside 180; Switch Backside 540 Indy; Frontside 360 Lein; to a Backside 540 Mute.

Coming in second place behind Jamie was Nowray’s Kjersti Ostgaard Buaas who held it down with a Frontside 360 Nosetap, 50-50 on the double kink, 50-50 to Backside 180, Cab 540, Frontside 720 to a Frontside 360 Stalefish.

The first halfpipe competition of the season set a new standard of riding for the women as three of the most progressive female riders in the world took the top three spots on the podium. Coming in first was Kelly Clark (USA) with a Frontside 720, Cab 720, Backside 540 and Frontside Cork 900. Finishing close behind was Hannah Teter (USA) in second place, getting impressive height with a Method Air, Frontside 900 Lien, Backside 540, Frontside 540 and Cab 360. Rounding out the top three was Castellet Queralt (ESP) with a Backside 900, Frontside 540, Backside 540 and Frontside 900.

Ryo Aono’s first place run proved that practice does make perfect, “I have competed three or four times before with not the best results and am very happy to be on the podium this time around,” said Ryo. “During practice, I worked on a special run that I ended up hitting perfectly in competition. I am very happy!”

Ryo Aono’s championship run started strong with a Frontside 1080 which lead into a Cab 1080, Frontside 900, Backside 900 and Frontside 1080 Double Cork. In second was Louie Vito (USA) with a Crippler, Backside 540 Mute, Frontside 1080 Double Cork, Cab 1080 Double Cork Truckdriver and Frontside 1080. Coming in third was Iouri Podladtchikov with a run that included a Cab 1080, Crippler, Backside 1260 Double McTwist and Frontside 1080.

A big shout out to the NZ Burton Crew for putting on a wicked event, day and night. A special Cher to Guy an Rira… Guy for hooking me up with the mean spot to shoot from, and Rira for her hospitality. Thanks again from the Pi team!!

Below is a shot from Saturday night of our old mates Shihad, who did what they do best!

New Zealand Burton Open 2011

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:57:48 +1200

Well it's upon us once again. The New Zealand Burton Open 2011 kicked into action yesterday up at Cardrona Alpine Resort and will roll through to Saturday. This will be rounded off with the finals for both men’s and women’s half pipe. This event is spectacular to watch as you can get up close to the action and really get a feel for how much amplitude these athletes are boosting out of the pipe.

The photo above Photo: Zack Black - Photo Credit, Pablo Azocar

So as you can see it's all on!

Friday is the day of the Slopestyle event. This is also one not to be missed as once again as a spectator you can get up and close to view all the action!

The following has just come through into my inbox and sums up what the Burton Open Series is all about, and,,,,,,,,,,,,get off the couch and get up there.

The Burton Global Open Series events are the pinnacle snowboarding events of the season. Founded by Jake Burton, the Opens have grown from grassroots events to global spectacles attracting tens of thousands of spectators and riders from around the world. Since the beginning, the Opens have been driven by riders, for riders evolving with snowboarding and riders’ needs over the years. For more information, visit www.opensnowboarding.com.

After the Pipe finals on Saturday it will be time to roll down to Queenstown to check out the THE BURTON OPEN SESSIONS. This event is going to be phat to say the least covering hip hop, dubstep and good old rock. Not to be missed as seeing this stella line up in one show doesn't come around to oftern.

Queenstown Events Centre, 8 - 1am

Official After party for the Burton NZ Open Ft. Kora / Shihad / Optimus Gryme / Tiki and the Sunshine Soundsystem / $69+bf tickets available from www.ticketek.co.nz www.opensessions.co.nz

Episode Two Diaries Down Under

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:18:26 +1200

Howdy all!! Episode two of the Diaries series was released last week perfectly capturing the storms that have rolled through the Queenstown region a couple of weeks ago.

Talking to the boys as they were part way through filming they were explaining how they could ride and shoot so much lower than usual, which of course opened a whole lot of sick terrain that is normally not accessible.

So hit the play button below, turn up the speakers and check the boys having a good old time in this quality stomping ground of the Southern Lakes New Zealand.

<a href="http://vimeo.com/26996996" mce_href="http://vimeo.com/26996996">Diaries Downunder Episode 2 - Storm of the Decade!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/wintervolume" mce_href="http://vimeo.com/wintervolume">WinterVolume</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com" mce_href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.

"The Adults" Play In Queenstown

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:24:35 +1200

When the opportunity arose yesterday (from a good friend Lynn Christie, thank you again) to go and see “The Adults” perform live at Revolver Bar here in Queenstown last night, Robbie and I jumped on it!

Both being Shihad fans for the past 20 years (fuck me must be getting on) we were pretty darn interested to see what John Toogood’s new project was all about.

The Adults is a collaboration of New Zealand’s top musicians headed by John Toogood from Shihad. On their tour the band comprises of just three with John, Julia Deans from “Fur patrol” and Shayne Carter from such bands as Straight Jacket fits. To check out the stella line up of artist’s also involved with The Adults check it out here www.theadults.co.nz

The beats were rolling out from a trusty Mac Book and with the keys, guiter, and bass coming from the above crew, it sounded absolutely surperb.

Below is a track that they played with the same intensity. If you get a chance and “The Adults” are in your town…...go and see them!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

PI Heads Out To Huntington Beach

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:07:55 +1200

Los Angeles, 4th July, Orange County, a crowd of about 250,000 arrive at Huntington Beach celebrate Americas Independence day. Amongst the massive amount of people is a huge parade of floats, this one from 'OC Ramps' buy far being the best!

It's Finally Snowing In Queenstown!!

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:11:45 +1200

Well it’s finally happened, it’s snowing well and truly down here in Queenstown New Zealand. When I mean snowing, check out the photo above outside my house looking up the guts of The Remarkables Ski Area. If you have hung in the northern hem then I know this doesn't look like a whole lot, but for us down here where it has been dry as a bone, it's heaps!

As I write this on a Sunday night I can hear the rain nailing the roof above, so I’m guessing it’s puking up on the hills and from checking out the forecast over the next 12 hours I’m guessing it will turn to snow overnight.

The first episode of “Diaries Down Under” has been released a couple of days ago. What a contrast from riding SnowPark a week ago with minimal snow (boys still killing it mind you) to what going on around the mountains now.

Check out the latest Diaries below

<a href="http://vimeo.com/26107358" mce_href="http://vimeo.com/26107358">Diaries Downunder 2011 Ep 1 - It begins!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/wintervolume" mce_href="http://vimeo.com/wintervolume">WinterVolume</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com" mce_href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.

Winter Fest Queenstown 2011

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 18:57:00 +1200

Queenstown Winter festival 2011 went off without a hitch on Friday night, except for the lack of snow ofcourse but no point dwelling on that small issue. There appears, and feels like there is a ton of people in town which providing Queenstown with a much needed lift.

We went along to the parade on Saturday afternoon which is where I shot these two lovely ladies. Which you have got to give a lot of credit to, because it was cold,,,,, stiffening cold! Well done girls as they were like this for around two hours.

With several of the mountain activities on hold for the week due to the mountain not opening, there is still a lot to see downtown Queenstown. Check out www.winterfestival.co.nz to view the full programme.

There is snow forecasted for Tuesday so here’s hoping it won’t be long before we can get a slide in!

Photo below: Opening Night Winter Festival Queenstown 2011

No. 11 For Quest

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:47:50 +1200

It was Quest's Skate/Snow/Lifestyles annual welcome to winter party last Thursday night, and after eleven years (beleive it or not if your the local) it didn't disappoint.

It was held at Revolver located in downtown Queenstown which provided the perfect setting to get a swing on. With the beats rolling and the beer flowing the party was definitely alive and kicking by eleven o'clock.

Personally I made a sly exit not long after but by the look of it ther would of been a few sour heads rolling around town in the morning.

Congrats to Ants and the Quest team for putting on another ripping night, and hoping all of that foot stomping cranks up a snow fall or two!

See ya next year

Jeff 'Ox' Kargola dies in "Rip To The Tip"

Wed, 25 May 2011 23:06:33 +1200

I recieved a email today from the crew at Metal Mulisha with the sublect title "Jeff 'Ox' Kargola tribute Paddle Out" And I'm thinking "paddle out" for a fmx super star. Well if you haven't heard below this article from espn.com covers all the details.

Professional FMX rider Jeff "Ox" Kargola died Friday morning after sustaining a head injury and internal bleeding during the second day of the Desert Assassins' 2011 Rip to the Tip desert motocross event on Mexico's Baja Peninsula, American Freestyle Motocross Association executive director Leah Steiger confirmed Friday.

"I received a call at 8 a.m. and at that point he was unconscious and we were trying to coordinate a Medevac lift for him," said Steiger, who's also event coordinator for the La Jolla Group. "All AFMXA members have Medevac coverage as part of their membership benefits, but Medevac has to be able to stabilize you before they can even get you in the air. Unfortunately his injuries were just too great, and he passed at Buen Pastor hospital in San Felipe, Mexico early this morning. Now we're just trying to get him home."

Kargola, 27, lived in San Clemente, Calif., and was a member of the Metal Mulisha FMX team. He started riding at the age of 12 and turned pro at 16. He competed in Moto X events at the X Games every year from 2001 to 2010 and won a silver medal in the Best Trick competition at Winter X in 2005. In recent years he'd made a name for himself racing SuperLite trucks in the Lucas Off-Road Racing Series. Last month he won Round 2 of the 2011 series at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Ariz., and was in sixth place after four stops on the series.

Rip to the Tip is an eight-day, 1,376 mile adventure ride founded by Kargola's Metal Mulisha teammate Cameron Steele. The planned course for this year's event went from Mexicali to Cabo San Lucas, according to Steiger, who notes that Kargola was surrounded by Steele and teammates Ryan Hagy and Trigger Gumm in his final moments.

"I know Brian [Deegan] and the boys are devastated," Steiger said. "The Metal Mulisha is their family and Jeff was like their brother. He will be sincerely and severely missed by everyone in the action sports community."

Kargola was a professional-level member of the AFMXA, a trade association established by freestyle motocross riders and industry leaders to, according to their website, "organize, protect, and develop the sport of Freestyle Motocross in a collective and collaborative manner." His death marks the second for the Mulisha in just over two years -- Jeremy Lusk was killed after an FMX event in Costa Rica on Feb. 10, 2009.

"He was [an] ... all-or-nothing kind of guy, but he could also handle a bike better than just about anybody in the world," said Jay Schweitzer, director of the forthcoming Metal Mulisha video "Black Friday." "I can't even believe the news that he's gone. Just last week I was out shooting with him at Danimal's and he was at the top of his game, riding like I'd never seen him ride before."

Kargola is survived by his wife Jessica and sister Kristy.

Jeff sounded like a awesome dude and his riding was sick to say the least. Repects go out to his family and all the metal mulisha crew. Below is a tribute video with the crew paddling out at San Clemente pier to celebrate Ox's life.

How to break boards, QT style.......

Mon, 16 May 2011 19:48:41 +1200

The photo above is from our local New Zealand Mag "Manual Magizine". Mike Bancroft, lien air, Queenstown. Photo: Vaughan Brookfield.

Below is some old school footage of the opening of the Queenstown skatepark back in summer 08'. Jason parks designed and oversaw the project, with a big help with raising funds from the local boys.

Some of the local tree huggers where pissed at the wasted wood from all the board breakage.

Mountain Festival Week In Queenstown

Tue, 03 May 2011 21:34:43 +1200

Queenstown is getting to be known as one of the three leading biking centres in the world, positioned alongside the best - Morzine in France and Whistler in Canada.

The Queenstown Bike Festival is all about mountain bikes, downhill and road bikes through a series of competitions for beginners to experts, old and young with around 80 competitors hauling down through Ben Lomond Forest. The ten day's of madness features three events to suit all levels- the Ben Lomond DirtMasters Downhill, the New World Tour de Wakatipu and the Outside Sports Super D Enduro.nstown Bike Festival.

Queenstown is becoming one of the three leading downhill biking towns in the world, with people comparing it too - Morzine in France and Whistler in Canada. Boe was the fastest qualifier with a big crowd gathered at the bottom Brecon Street steps outside Loan Star to watch him put in the fastest run of the day, beating the second fastest rider, Rupert Chapman of Christchurch, who rode a 5.13.56

“This was an awesome race and it such a good thing for Queenstown,” says Boe. “I am sure we can get lots more people to come here in summer and hopefully one day we can hold a World Cup downhill.”

“This was the inaugural event in the inaugural festival and the huge interest it has created amongst both spectators and riders bodes well for the future. This is a developing sport and judging by the numbers of people on the hill, lining the street and gathering on nearby balconies, it’s the sort of action people love.”

The downhill boys and girls rode the Skyline gondola to the top of the course which was held on a track built by the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club, with everyone finishing at the Queenstown camp ground. Riders then rode into the finish area and the bottom the Brecon Street steps. “It was fantastic to see the riders come down the stairs, getting lots of air and gapping the last set of stairs,” says Hunt. “It all added to the excitement of the finish which was hyped by the commentators.”

The open men’s Jec Rooney of Oamaru placed second in 5.16.10 and Edward Masters of New Plymouth finished in third place 51.16.18.

Chapman won the under-20 section followed by Christchurch’s Nick McConachie in 5.23.

One of the best riders was 17-year-old Reuben Olorenshaw of Nelson who had a amazing time of 5.18.00

“The course was in perfect condition after being slippery during qualifying, “he says. “It had dried out and was quite grippy.”

Olorenshaw managed third place in the under- 18's and will compete at the World Champs in Switzerland.

The vet men’s first place went to Seb Kemp from Queenstown with a 5.22.44 , beating another local Jim Hawkridge who rode a 5.29.20 and Vertigo’s Tim Ceci in 5.31.59. The master of the 'master's' title went to Graeme (Morg) Morgan, getting down the course in 5.33.08 Veronique Sandler was fastest woman of the day competing in the under 16's rode a 6.27.35. Veteran Teresa Blanpain of Dunedin won with a 6.39.28. Open women’s was snapped up by Freedman Davies from Canada who got down in 6.59.18.

Big Congrats to all competing, will see you next year! I have thrown in a video here thanks to "Vertigo Bikes" just to give you a feel of the quality of track that we get ride here in Queenstown, watch and enjoy!

The Crompton Car Show

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:05:43 +1300

Saturday 15th, Cromwell Otago. What a wicked day for a truley massive car show. Over 400+ cars rolled into the Cromwell show grounds at around 11am. Being a sunny day it was really amazing seeing the quality of paint jobs, the colours that some of these vehicles had been painted where sick, especially the Impala coupe, and XC coupe (below).

One of the biggest head-turners (also below) was the SS Camaro, with a decent deepdish polished rim, and a stock wide body, it was a mean as sounding car that had the owners answering the usual questions about it all day (ha). Nice one Crompton for sweet, sweet day......

1970 Barracuda

Falcon xc coupe

1961 Ford Galaxy

AER Stocks Performance Industry

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:08:15 +1300

We are stoked to announce that AER Tyre & Performance Invercargill are our latest Performance Industry retailer. So if you live in the southland region drop by to check out the PI range, have a chat with emma and roll your eyes over out there quality display of rims and accessories.

To view there website check out www.tyreandperformance.co.nz

TV3 Presenter Clint Brown Wears PI!

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:14:06 +1200

Well sort I guess. If you notice at the bottom of shirt either side of the buttons a couple of trusty PI Logo's. We weren't to sure if he appreciated Robbie taken this sneaky snap, but cheers Clint!

Tanner Foust Takes Gold Twice At X-Games 16

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 22:32:54 +1200

Tanner Foust has taken Gold in both Rally Cross and Super Rally at the 16th X-Games held in L.A this weekend. He dominated the suer rally with Brian Deegan picking up the silver. Check out the footage below which really shows how fast these boys a going. A little bit of a shame about the commentating, but the footage makes up for it. After watching the video if your still wondering if Tanner won, well I'm guessing so!

Old skool ride at its finest

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:01:08 +1200

This sweet Nissan Skyline 2000 GT coupe with a RB25 under the cover. Check out the exhaust manifold and Watanabe wheels for classic styling....nice!"