Yann Horowitz Wins 2009 Quiksilver Bowlriders

Old School Meets New School in the Deep End of the Snake Run

The annual Quiksilver Bowlriders held at the Wave House Durban snake run is one of the most highly anticipated events on the South African skating calendar. With R10 000 in prize money going to the winner and the prestige of being King of the run, some of the top transition skaters in the country were hungry for the gold. Skaters from all around the country have been putting in the long hours finding the best lines and perfecting their runs before the event.

A sizable crowd turned out expecting fireworks and they were not disappointed. The five man jam format insured non-stop action, and with only the top 30 second run counting the competitors needed to make certain that they had their best riding on display at all times. Adding to the action were two extensions halfway down the run. Nicknamed the Beast and the Bell, they gave the skaters an opportunity to literally do or die. A bail off the top of the Beast meant risking serious injury.

The qualifying heats were all fire. Spurred on by the cheers of the crowd and the desire to claim one of the nine spots in the final, guys were giving it their all. Some took the all-or-nothing approach, busting huge airs over the hips, tail blunts in the deeper sections of the run and young underdog Ryan Arends sticking an Ollie Rock to Fakie on the aptly named Beast. The contest savvy competitors were utilizing the whole run, stringing together a variety of grinds, airs and stalls. A display between qualifying heats and the finals by visiting Quiksilver pros Alex Giraud (France) and Ross McGouran (UK) gave the spectators a glimpse of some amazing transition skating.

The finals were an intense affair. 2008 Defending champion Dallas Oberholzer was keen to protect his title, veteran transition charger Brett Shaw was throwing everything he had into his run with young guns Yann, Kalvyn and Ryan hungry to show their full worth. The crowd was hyped, cheering every move and the judges had a near impossible task choosing one run above all others, but ultimately that honor went to Yann Horowitz. His lines were smooth and flawless, his tricks various and stylish and his flow unmatched. With a huge roar from the gathered spectators he ascended the podium and took possession of the 2009 crown and a hefty chunk of change. "I'm so stoked to have won this event," said Yann. "The standard of riding has at least tripled since last year and everyone is killing it. To be given first prize against these guys has been amazing."

Will Twala walked away with the Red Bull Big Air cheque and Dallas Oberholzer took second place and the title of Best Trick. "This event gets bigger every year," said Quiksilver marketing manager Dane Patterson. "The field of competitors gets better too. We're so stoked to be involved with an event that's embraced by the youth of today and has it's roots right at the beginning of skateboarding. It's a great event for spectators and riders and Quiksilver is proud to make it happen year after year."

2009 Quiksilver Bowlrider Results:

1. Yann Horowitz
2. Dallas Oberholzer
3. Brett Shaw
4. Andrew Carrie
5. Ryan Arends
6. Kalvyn Macmillan
7. Thalente Biyela
8. JP Du Preez
9. George Van Blerk