Words: Austin Smith
Photos & Captions: Darcy Bacha

Each year the Dirsken Derby gets bigger and better and this year was no exception. A contest that was started by Josh Dirksen as a fundraiser for Tyler Eklund whom was paralyzed snowboarding during USASA nationals in 2007. It began as a friendly rally race among the locals of mt. Bachelor but this year proved that it has become something much more. Mt baker locals and shredders Matt Edgars, Blair Habenicht, Maria Debari, Forest Burki, Shaun McKay, John Laing, Jake Blauvelt and Michael Anderson came to stake their claim but the main attraction was Terje Haakonsen's arrival from Norway. There were over 300 competitors and it was a fine group of snowboards I was proud to be a part of. However for all I am concerned there were only two people in this race, Curtis Ciszek and myself, an epic battle for glory and shit talking rights for another year. This easily wins my vote for best contest in snowboarding.

Derby Elites Winners
1. Curtis Ciszek
2. Austin Smith
3. Scotty Wittlake

Men 14-49 Winners
1. Knut Eliasson
2. Blair Habenitch
3. Dustin Anderson

Women Winners
1. Maria Debari
2. Macy Price
3. Kelly Underwood/ Desiree Melancon

Get full results here.