We're off and running for the 20th Annual USASA National Championships! This year marks two decades, or rather, 20 seasons of the existence of the United States of America Snowboarding Association.
The USASA National Championships are held at Copper Mountain, Colorado; and they run are running through April 10, 2009.
One of the highlights of Nationals will be watching the PacSun USASA Team compete against the best snowboarders in the nation for top honors in the snowboarding world! This event is important for a couple of reasons. Not only will Nationals crown the best snowboarders in the nation, but it will determine the 2010 PacSun USASA Team.
Nationals, known as the "final showdown" is one of the most important stops for any snowboarder trying to make a career out of a passion. It is one of the top spots to get noticed for standout performances, and has hosted now-snowboard legends like Shaun White, Eddie Wall and Pat Moore.
DAYS 1 & 2
The 2009 USASA National Championships started with a bang at Copper Mountain, Colorado; with a strong array of mustaches - thanks to the Aspen/Snowmass series that have dubbed this year the 2009 Mustachionals. The parade coincided with the snow rolling down the mountains on top of the competitors. What a sight to see!
The first series charged in with enthusiasm and clear skies, and the last series marched in flurries and the same enthusiasm as series one. Copper followed the awards ceremony with a stellar show by the Yellow BMX Riders and fireworks that lit the sky.
All of Day 1 competitors battled wind and snow to get the first rounds of competition. Though there was snow everywhere else, boardercross saw some blue skies and the biggest field of the week, with 161 riders throughout the day! There were some heated battles, with everyone from 6 to 72 years old pushing to the finish. The best heat was Legend Men, with the 40-50 year old men proving they still have what it takes, probably something to do with all of the Monster Energy Drink they drank…
Day 1 saw the girls hit the big side and technical tricks on the rail section, proving that the women’s field is stepping up their game and is nothing to overlook.
Day 2's bluebird skies lifted everyone’s spirits. We are hoping to see a repeat of that tomorrow before another storm moves in.
Open class and PacSun rider Mimi Wiencke took home the gold in Slalom. Jacqueline Hernandez, also a PacSun USASA athlete took sixth, barely missing finals by two spots, not a bad feat for a sixteen year-old. Congrats on their hard won titles!
Day 2 also brought Junior men to slopestyle, wowing crowds with advances techniques. Copper Mountain once again provided a world class competition venue, while USASA showed the world that they can put together one of the best events in the world.
Check in at PacSun Community soon for another PacSun USASA Team Update and photos from the 2009 USASA National Championships, aka The Mustachionals!
Love,
USASA
Find out the latest news as the PacSun USASA competes throughout the week at Copper Mountain right here on the PacSun Community. Show your support for your favorite teammates as they fight to keep their positions on the PacSun USASA Team, and compete for Gold medals along the way!
