On Saturday the 8th of July, Cardrona hosted the inaugural ‘Volcom Butterbean Memorial Rail Jam.’
The day started with a memorial for Sam Finnemore aka Butterbean, where family and friends shared memories at a pre-dawn service. Cardrona unveiled the mountain’s newest feature, ‘Butterbean Rock,’ a tribute to Sam and his 14 years growing up snowboarding there. The rock sits at the bottom of Big Bucks park with a metal replica of Sam’s snowboard perched up on top. “For him to see us hitting the jumps above is super special” Cool Wakushima.
Heading over to McDougall’s, the Cardrona park crew set up a flat down, down bar, shark fin and flat tube. The jam was all about having a go, it wasn’t about spinning the hardest, but rather stylish riding, giving it your best shot and having a great day on the hill. Your MC’s Zephyr Lovelock and Laura Wotton, set challenges for cash and prizes. We had epic sponsors on board who made this event shine. Volcom gave cash and prizes for tricks. Burton, Skullcandy, Pit Viper and Cheapskates Wanaka all generously donated prizes as well.
It was a laid-back day hiking rails with your mates. The jam session went next level with the high jump. Taking off from the shark fin, gapping a 1.5m+ bar and landing to flat. There were plenty of bails and a handful of makes. Spectators watched on from the sidelines and it was “the best vibe I’ve ever felt at Cardrona,” according to local, Laura Wotton. We were honoured to have the infamous P.Digsss spinning some tunes for us live, right there in the middle of the action. Following the jam, local legendary punk band 'Cheap Thrills' got the crowd going in the base area. Professional snowboarder Cool Wakushima shared that “everything about the day really encapsulated who Sam was.”
By popular request, we’re looking forward to celebrating the life of Sam each year with the Volcom Butterbean Rail Jam inked into the Cardrona events calendar annually. Next year is set to grow with talks of a BBQ and a bigger set up. Be there for an all-time day riding rails and hanging with mates.
This day wouldn’t be possible without the work of Ang LeeMackay Aaron Jamieson, Spy from GoldX Events Cardrona and support of sponsors Volcom, Cardrona, Burton, Cheapskates Wanaka, Pit Viper and Skullcandy.
If you want to be involved or become a sponsor, please contact Ang LeeMackay on 021834100
Video filmed and edited by Jimmy Williams
Words by Jimmy Williams
Butterbean
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