Snowboard history was made this past weekend on the south island of New Zealand at a tiny valley resort called Cardrona during the first major Snowboard competition of the year... the 2009 Burton New Zealand Open. For the first time in competition riders were attempting the double cork 1080 spins. And they were landing them.

Much of this progression lends itself to the fact that these top riders are all vying for a coveted spot on the Olympic Snowboard Halfpipe team. Only four team spots will be given to the males for the United States, and with over a dozen American riders all skillful and qualified to make the team, many consider the race to get on the U.S. Olympic Snowboarding Halfpipe team much more interesting and competitive than the actual Olympic Competition itself.

Check out Shaun White's winning run from New Zealand with back to back double corks.



And then check out Luke Mitrani's double cork that landed him in the 2nd place position on the podium.