The 2006 New Zealand National Snowboard Championships start on Thursday August 31 in The Remarkables ski area.

150 riders from New Zealand and around the globe will line up to compete in the three-day event.

A New Zealand Snowboarding Association (NZSBA) event, the championships are expected to attract big names including Shawn Palmer of Palmer Snowboards who is an X-Games champion and one of the world’s best snowboard cross racers.

The championships get underway on a purpose built course with the boarder-X on the Thursday followed by the Slopestyle in the UP & GO Terrain Park on Friday September 1. The battle continues on Saturday September 2 with action in the Parklife Superpipe. Sunday September 3 is reserved as a bad weather postponement day.

The FIS certified competition is a crucial part of the New Zealand snowboard calendar and this is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience - according to Graham Dunbar, NZSBA Executive Director.

“Competitors will be working hard to build their FIS points tally which will help them qualify for FIS World Cup, World Championships and eventually the Olympics.”

Josh Clark, Youth Action Sports Co-ordinator at The Remarkables, says he’s excited about hosting this top level FIS rated event.

“The last weather cycle delivered a massive dump of snow on The Remarkables is looking superb thanks to the efforts of the grooming team.”

For those entering the championships, there is a $40 entry fee per discipline and a $20 fully refundable bib deposit.

To register visit www.nzsba.co.nz and complete the entry form in the News Section. For further information please email info@nzsba.co.nz