ZBoarding2002 - Romania

www.zboarding.ro

On June 15th, 2002, the Red Bull Balea ZBOaRding 2002, the third edition of the largest Romanian extreme sports competition, took place at Balea Lac. This event was the last meeting of extreme skiers and snowboarders for the 2001-2002 season. Red Bull Balea ZBOaRding was organized by Hai Hui Entertainment, offered by Red Bull, and co-sponsored by Rossignol.

While temperatures reached 40-50 Celsius degrees (in the sun), the unbelievable happened at Balea Lac in the Fagaras Mountains: a ramp built entirely of snow was created. It was comprised of a corner-jump 4.50m high, 9m long (upper part), and 15m long (the base). The construction team struggled 4 days for this "dream" to come true, which involved 40 trucks full of snow, 50kg of phosphates, 1 caterpillar, and 12 diligent men fighting with the weather. In spite of the high temperature, the ramp was ready to rock Friday evening and the night training session began.

Sunday morning the riders arrived: 11 Romanians, 6 Hungarians and 6 Bulgarians. The organizers expected many foreign riders and were very pleased at the turn out. A participation fee of $3 proved not to be a problem and the contest got off to a fabulous start. Each rider had the right to jump twice to qualify. In the finals, the riders had five jumps to prove their skill. The winners are:

Ski: 1. Gavozdea Alin (Rom); 2. Sorin Parau (Rom); 3. Attila Szorenyi (Hun)

Snowboard: 1. Mario Benio (Bul); 2. Gyula Kukoly (Hun); 3. Iulius Miklos (Rom)

A unique prize for a "special & impressive appearance" was given to - Petia from Bulgaria - the first female rider in the history of Red Bull Balea ZBOaRding.

The prizes were: $500 for first place; $300 for second place and $100 for third place. Rossignol prizes in equipment were also provided.

During the contest, the riders and the public (appr. 500 persons) watched and listened to 5 live acts from well-known Romanian hip-hop and alternative rock bands: Parazitii, Vita de Vie, Kgula, H8 and Trauma. Between the live acts, a Hungarian D.J. spun out the latest European techno from turntables in his van.

After the jump contest, a night slide contest took place that evening, which was another first in Romania. Cars, vans, trucks and a large bonfire provided the light for the riders. There were 2 sliding rails, specially planted for the contest. The public enjoyed fire, music, refreshments, and fun. A wonderful barbecue with good fish and adrenaline entertained the riders.

The third edition of Red Bull Balea ZBOaRding was a great success. It proved, once again, that Romanian extreme sports are evolving. Hai Hui Entertainment gathered riders from all over the country and from our closest neighbors: Hungary and Bulgaria. Everybody was exhilarated and many friendships were created. Hopes for an even better collaboration in the extreme sports field continue to ensure future accomplishments and an even bigger/brighter future for Balea ZBOaRding no matter what the mercury reads!

The organizers would like to thank the riders, the public and the construction team. We hope you all had an awesome time and we're awaiting the 2002-2003 winter season anxiously. Hai Hui Entertainment is currently planning more extreme snowboard-ski competitions and an even a bigger snow park. For info and pictures, visit www.zboarding.ro.