Kevin Konings Wins Meltdown’s 1st Annual Showdown at the Shop

Kevin Konings takes home $1,000 as he edges out Eric Brown and Joel Dalacker at Meltdown’s First Annual Showdown at the Shop.

Hundreds of spectators witnessed snowboard history as Meltdown Snowboard Shop hosted Kitchener-Waterloo’s very first professional snowboard rail competition. Crowds enjoyed free chili, a live DJ and a ton of free giveaways as they watched Ontario’s best battle-it-out on two thirty-foot pro rails for $1,000 in cold hard cash.

Riders were divided up into four heats. The top two riders from each heat moved on to the finals. While there was no woman’s division, Meltdown invited three of Ontario’s best women snowboarders to showcase the sport and promote female participation.

Two of the women are Kitchener locals, Jenna Blasman sponsored by Burton, Nomis and Von Zipper, and Meltdown’s own team rider Diana Sandru sponsored by Forum, Dialogue and Meltdown. Again and again these women threw down amazing runs as their local crowed cheered them on.

The finals saw a very close race between three participants. Eric Brown earned his spot in top three early in the game by stomping numerous switch tricks. Joel Dalacker’s crazy spins on the kinked rail got the crowd roaring and impressed the judges. Kevin Konings rode consistently in the finals to earn him one of the top three spots. With only a couple minutes to go each rider attempted bigger and better tricks. In the end, it was Kevin’s perfect last run which edged him into first place. Joel and Eric didn’t go home empty handed, they both received Texas Mickeys of Jack Daniels for breaking into the top three!

The First Annual Showdown at the Shop was a great success, and Meltdown would like to thank and congratulate all the riders, event staff and sponsors who helped make history. Special thanks go out to Forum Snowboards for their support and sponsorship.

Meltdown Snowboard Shop’s goal is to not only offer quality snowboard brands but to push, promote and grow the sport of snowboarding within the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Meltdown is a strong supporter of the local community and a proud sponsor of local athletes, events, entertainers, and the arts.

Stay connected to Meltdown. Join the Meltdown Army and receive VIP event invites, special promotions and member discounts.

Showdown at the Shop Video

Photos courtesy of Scott Trepanier Photography.