Snowboarding has evolved significantly over its 50-year history. Not only have equipment and styles changed, but quad corks have become commonplace and complex handrails are now commonplace. However, one thing remains constant: the art of turning. Tactics team rider Josh Dirksen has been leading the way in style and trick selection since the 1990s. The Dirksen Derby is an event that reaffirms the fundamental joy of snowboarding. The Dirksen Derby 15 took place December 16-18 at Mount Bachelor, celebrating friendship and turning technique.
Following early winter snow and cold temperatures, the event was held amid dry powder and sunny skies. Over 500 riders enjoyed great visibility on Friday's practice day. Between practice sessions, locals and weekend warriors could be seen enjoying the natural terrain of the volcano. Low tide conditions offered some unique features, but caution was advised around rocks and vents.
Friday night saw a poster pick-up party at the Tactics Bend store. The shop was packed with old and new friends reuniting and the free BBC beer was a hit. The crowd then moved to the local Cascade West location, where the party continued into the night.
The first day was blessed with more sunny skies as the races got underway. It was a sight to see professional snowboarders competing in the same field, with many notable racers taking part, including Jared Elston, Gabe Ferguson, Desiree Melancon, Marissa Krozak, Marie-France-Roy and Jeremy Jones.
Garrett Warnick also showed off his new project. The snowboarding scene in Bend, Oregon, is really starting to take off. After the premiere, the excitement continued at Cascade West, where Jared and Gabe stayed until closing time and even placed highly in the race that followed.
Sunday was the big day. Racers prepared in the woods on the course with mobile tuning benches, spray wax, and drill-style buffers. Waxers also showed up to compete for the honor. There were some amazing displays of snowboarding skills, and even a party lap after the runs. Mount Bachelor is a special place. Thanks to all the sponsors who helped make the Dirksen Derby 15 a success, and to Josh for his dedication to the snowboarding community. This year, $27,000 was raised for charity, bringing the total since 2007 to $300,000. We can't wait for next year!
result
Elite Men's
Nils Mindnich
Jared Elston
Gabe Ferguson
Elite Women's
Marie-France Roy
Colleen Quigley
They Rose
Adaptive
Jason Walker
Devon Rainey
Michael Bannister
Sit skiing
Anna Soens
Gabriel Rousseau
Carl Burnett
non-binary
Marsh Amber
Boulder & Weiser Women's
Megan Pischke
Kelly Wright Whitlock
Carrie Lewis McQ
Older & Weiser Men's
Jason Loeb
JD Pratt
Dave Sypniewski
Classic Men's
Adam Haines
Chauncey Sorenson
Justin Mooney
Classic Women's
Jessica Dalpiaz
Sandra Sperry
Amy Eichner
Gentle Men's
Chad Cremers
Cale Meyer
Kobi Harloff
Gentle Women's
Teddy Whillans
Becky Stevenson
Jamie Desittor
Grom Boys
Cass Jones
Henry Hawkins
Elliot Dishman
Grom Girls
Lily Dawornwezi
Lila Short
Lily Aoki
Mid-Men's:
Cole Valles
Milo Markoski
Kevin Nolan
Mid Women's
Virginia Regan
Noel Edwards
Devin Schnake
Mini Shred Boys
Jonah Ingersoll
Cru Stevenson
sponsor
Patagonia
Mt. Bachelor
Salomon
Smith
HydroFlask
Sno Planks
Gentemstick
Crab Grab
North Drinkware
Asmo
Blackstrap
Parilla Grill
Parkraker
Charity
Protect Our Winters
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Democracy Engine
NAACP
Central Oregon Avalanche Association
Snowdays Foundation
The Wilderness Society
STAY
The National Forest Foundation
Tyler Eklund
The Walker family and
The Ortega family.
