By Nicole Purdy. Photos by Megan Purnell and Joey Krank

After days of rain in the Okanagan, the sun finally broke through on the morning of October 6, 2011, creating a shining spotlight on the man-made pile of snow that sat outside Freeride Boardshop. The air had a crisp feel to it, the scaffolding stood ready for 28 riders to shred on, and I had the hallelujah chorus ringing through my ears as I thought to myself “winter is almost here.”

I wasn’t the only one feeling excited for the upcoming season. Freeride Boardshop partnered up with YES Snowboards and Absinthe Films to provide one of the greatest ways possible to get Kelowna snowboarders stoked for winter: A rail jam followed up by a double-feature video premiere!

Lucas Debari, DCP and an auto-graph signing Helen Schettini served as judges at the rail jam.

The YES. It’s A Rail Jam may have been nerve-racking for the participating riders since, for most of them, it was their first time strapping in since April, but as a spectator it was incredible! Ladies stepped it up in front of guest judges DCP, Lucas Debari and Helen Schettini, with Janelle Leclair taking first with her front boards and lipslides to fakie. Stephanie Haines and Zuzy Rocka also stood out and were awarded second and third place respectively in the ladies division.

Winner Janelle Leclair.

As the night progressed, the audience was taken to downtown Kelowna to see Absinthe Films’ Twe12ve and the much anticipated YES. It’s a Movie. The films were showcased at Paramount Theatre, meaning the audience sat back in comfy seats, munching on extra buttery popcorn, and drooling over the untouched powder the pros conquered world-wide.

Second-place rider Stephanie Haines.

The nice and relaxing evening was quickly disrupted as soon as intermission took place and swag was thrown out to the audience. Determined viewers ran down aisles and soared through the air as fast and as high as the free hats and T-shirts could be thrown. The audience also had the opportunity to win a YES. snowboard through a heated hand-stand competition. A Rugged Riders raffle was also held for the ladies. Winner Alaura Ewen was gifted with entry into the Big White Kinky Rail Jam clinic and contest, a 1-year BC Snowboard Association membership, and two tickets to Revelstoke Mountain Resort.