Endace Slopestyle – ISSSC 26

Pushing the Limits: Innovation and High-Stakes Action at the ISSSC 26 Slopestyle Competition

The Endace UKAFWSA slopestyle competition at ISSSC 26 showcased a blend of technical skill and tactical risk-taking, thanks to an unusual and innovative scoring format designed to push riders to their absolute limits. Col. Naomi Mac, Chair of UKAFWSA Snowboard, noted that the goal was to accommodate all ability levels while specifically enabling top-tier riders to “really send it”.

A Novel Format for Maximum Performance

The competition utilised a unique structure where all riders participated in a two-run qualifier, which was then followed by a third scored run for the top 10 men and top 6 women. Unlike traditional formats where earlier scores might be discarded, the first two runs still counted toward the overall competition score. This meant that elite riders could build upon their initial performances; if they crashed while attempting a high-risk manoeuvre in their third run, their earlier solid scores remained on the board, providing a safety net that encouraged “sending it” on the final descent.

Men’s Highlights: Technical Rails and the 720 Debate

The men’s side saw a fierce display of technicality, though the judges noted that the highest-scoring rail tricks did not always come from the overall winner. Riders were seen performing back boardslides, 540s, and highly technical moves like a 360 off a rail.

The standout performer was Chris Harrington, who secured the overall win by combining solid rail rides with exceptional performance on the kickers. There was significant debate among the judges regarding his signature move: Harrington landed a clean cork 5, but also attempted a 720. While the 720 was technically complete, a sketchy landing left the judges debating its final score, though his ability to “nail it” on the jumps ultimately secured his victory.

Women’s Highlights: Jasmine Maunder Dominates the Hard Line

In the women’s category, Jasmine Maunder from the Navy took the top spot with a performance that balanced technical rail work with airtime. Her winning run featured a 360 off the second jump and a confident boardslide on the “hard line”. This combination of technicality on the rails and clean execution on the jumps made her the clear standout in the female division.

The Verdict

The New format proved to be a success, allowing riders of all levels to participate while giving the experts the confidence to attempt their most difficult tricks. By rewarding both consistency in the early runs and bravery in the finals, the Endace UKAFWSA slopestyle competition delivered some of the most exciting snowboarding seen at ISSSC 26.