Air New Zealand Best Documentary – Mic Simpson.

Just Thursday the World Heli Challenge winners were announced and awarded in Wanaka, New Zealand. The winners were decided by the overall performance of the two days of competition (Extreme Day and Freestyle Day).

In both skiing and snowboarding the home team dominated, snagging almost every top position. After watching video of all of the runs, the judged decided these victors:

Men’s Ski Champion – Sam Smoothy (NZL)
Women‘s Ski Champion – Janina Kuzma (NZL)
Men’s Snowboard Champion – Benny Bright (AUS)
Women’s Snowboard Champion – Abby Lockhart (NZL)

Australian rider Benny Bright commented saying, “I’m pleased with the win because these days I spend more time coaching and managing athletes than in competition. This proves to the athletes that I’m working with that I actually know what I’m doing.”

The World Heli Challenge also showcased talented photographers and cinematographers in a competition. Photographs were judged in separate categories such as best extreme day shot, best freestyle shot, best Corona branded heli shot and best backyard Wanaka photo.

Cinematographers were judged on mini documentaries that captured the events over the two week event. Event founder tony Harringtong commented saying, “Each and every film transported the audience inside the unique experience that is the World Heli Challenge. It was hard to judge but in the end we needed to select the best of the best.”

Peoples Choice winners

Men Ski – Young Gun, Hank Bilous
Men Snowboard – Roland Morley-Brown
Women Ski – Natalie Segal
Women Snowboard – Abby Lockhart

Photos

Best Extreme Day Shot – Pablo Azocar
Best Freestyle Day Shot – Miles Holden
Best Corona Branded Heli Shot – Miles Holden
Best Exide Batteries Branded Heli Shot – Pablo Azocar
Lake Wanaka Tourism Best Wanaka’s Backyard Photo – Mitch Stubbs

Cinematography

Air New Zealand Best Documentary – Mic Simpson
Gobandit Best Footage Captured on the Point of View Helmet Cam – Sean Balmer
Best Corona Product Placement – Jason Larraman
Most Creative Angles – Chris Kirkham

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