The final day of the 2014 VÖLKL WORLD ROOKIE FINALS (WST 3 star) proved that the future of snowboarding is in good hands. The world’s best young snowboarders presented an amazing show at the snowpark Ischgl showcasing an impressive level of riding. For the first time in the history of the tour, the title of the World Rookie Champion is going to Japan conquered by Keita Inamura. 16-years old Katie Ormerod from Great Britain topped the podium in first as best Rookie girl. The contest format was judged in an overall impression – the best of three runs counts for the final ranking.
Keita Inamura (JPN) ended up as the best rider of the day killing it with a massive ride that would have placed well in an adult high class comp. The 17-years old shredhead went all out in his third run performing a Backside 1260 Melon and a Switch Backside 1260 Melon on the kickers, entering the jib-area with a Lip to Front Boardslide Gap 50-50 followed by a 50-50 Frontside 360 out and a Backside 360 on the pinkball - a solid basis for the young rider who received a wild card to the first edition of the Air & Style 2014/15.
Katie Ormerod (GBR) grabbed the female World Rookie Champion title impressing with a Cab 180 Indy and a cool Backside 720 Mute on the first two jumps followed by a 50-50 to Boardslide, another 50-50, a super stylish Frontside Boardslide before closing off with a Nose Bonk on the pinkball.