Photos: Nikita

The Nikita Chickita is one of the only all-girls amateur events in the world, and between the competitor turnout and the super cooperative nature of the weather, it’s pretty clear that girls are ready for many more of their own events and mother nature agrees. Despite the busy contest weekend, girls from around the country came out to support the Nikita Chickita USA and the result was a very fun day in the California sun on February 9, 2008.

Nikita Team Rider Jordie Karlinski.

Though there were winners, Isabelle Lalive and Alice Gong in the Open and Am classes respectively, the entire day didn’t feel much like a contest. “It was a lot of fun, the sun was out, girls were killing it,” Isabelle said. “It was such a good time. In general the vibe was mellow, girls were stoked for each other. It was more like a bunch of friends riding on a sunny day than a contest.”

Nikita Team Rider and 2nd Place finisher Vera Janssen.

The Mammoth Park staff did an amazing job on the South Park Terrain Park, which consisted of two lines—one with small jibs and jumps and the other boasting four 30-foot kickers into a fun jib line. Most riders in the open class opted for the bigger line, and a few of the ams braved the pro course as well. The judges rewarded riders for using all of the obstacles and of course, sticking their landings.

Event sponsors Nikita, K2 Snowboards, Active Ride Shop, Fender Guitars and DVS made sure no one left empty handed, but the big winners of the day were the top three in each division. Isabelle threw a backside 540 into a cab three then effortlessly rode the rest of the course to earn the highest score for the open class her first run. Nikita Riders Vera Janssen and Jordie Karlinski also stomped some spins and jibbed the boxes to take 2nd and 3rd.

Chickita Am Winner Alice Gong.

The contest is really about the amateurs though, and Mammoth local Alice took home not only a snowboard, boots, and a $200 gift card from Active ride shop, but the big kahuna—a one year Nikita Sponsorship.

“I couldn’t even believe it,” Alice said. “I am not sponsored by anyone, I just ride all the time. This is rad -- I am really excited!”

Am Podium.

Rounding out the amateur podium was another Mammoth local, Indigo Monk and New Zealand-via-Tahoe rider Femke Henriques. To top the am division it took solid landings, held grabs and a few spins. Alice’s winning run included a half cab indy, back three, a method an almost-frontside-540 and a solid front board.

“I was having so much fun riding in between qualifiers and finals,” Alice said. “I think that just got me really stoked, just having a great day on the hill and carrying that through into the contest.”

Best trick went to Amateur rider Tammy Varner for her super stylish and flaoy backside 180 melon.

Chickita Winner Izzy Lalive Shocked at the presentation of large trophies, fender guitars and cash money.

The Nikita Chickita is an all-girls event, with stops in Europe, Canada and the US. In its third year, the event has grown each year and is sure to keep girls riding and progressing for years to come. Next year Nikita will add two more US stops to the tour.

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