Nikita Chickita Jam dates set and riders look back at 2008's events

The Nikita Chickita Jams return in 2009. They’ll be held at Mammoth Mountain in California on February 21 and in Serfaus, Austria on April 18.

Full details to come at www.nikitaclothing.com/nikitachickita

Nikita asked some riders and industry ladies what they thought of the 2008 events. Here’s what they said:

Cornelia von Hasselbach, editor of Spare Magazine
“The Nikita Chickita is an event that does the exact right thing to push women's snowboarding and help it progress; no invitational, no pro-hype but an open, warm, non-intimidating environment for girls of all trades to share their love for snowboarding and test their own athletic limits and thus help the sport progress in the most productive way: by simply riding, riding, riding.”

Alice Gong – US Am winner Nikita Chickita 2008
“Nikita Chikita 2008 in Mammoth was so much fun! The beautiful bluebird day, the perfect South Park jumps, and of course the amazing ladies competing all made for the best snowboard event I have ever attended.  I'm pretty sure everyone had a huge smile on their face, because it did not feel like a competition at all. We were just all snowboarding and enjoying the sunshine.  I can't wait for this February 21, 2009!“

Femke Henriques-Hilbink – Finalist and Am podium place Nikita Chickita USA 2008
“AJ and I left Reno at I think close to 5am that morning for our mission to Mammoth to hopefully make it there by 8am. With a few Monsters we made it just in time for registration, with me kinda freaken out as it was getting late and I had no idea where South Park was, (plus too much caffeine can make you jittery) meanwhile AJ parked the car.  I saw my friend Madeline from New Zealand, super stoked as wasn't expecting this and we got our jib/jump line on. The day couldn't have been more perfect, the line was smooth and the sun was shining, it was even kinda hot. I had my run set that I wanted and it all worked out. The atmosphere was awesome, everyone was super excited and supportive cheering for each other, and as for the end I walked out with a bunch of product including the K2 vava voom which I am still riding to this day. I couldn't be more happy and tired at the same time especially due to the fact that Nikita asked me to ride with them that week in Tahoe and the chance of sponsorship. Nikita Chikita was the highlight and pretty much made my 08 Tahoe winter, thanks guys.“

Jordie Karlinski – Nikita snow team rider, at Nikita Chickita USA 2008
“Last year’s Nikita Chickita was hands down one of the most fun events of the year!  Everyone was pumped and the jumps were super good!  The course overall was put together really well and it was really fun!  Every rider got free stuff no matter what age.  Everything was super organised and on time.  I can’t wait for this season’s Nikita Chickita!“

Ana Rumiha – Women’s European winner Nikita Chickita 2008
"I came to Nikita Chickita with one friend and by the end of the day I had at least 10 more.  Everybody knows that state of mind when you come off the mountain so stoked about something you've experienced that day and that's how I felt after this event."

Ivy Taylor – Nikita snow team rider, at Nikita Chickita Europe 2008
"The emphasis at Nikita Chickita was on having fun and riding in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which made a change from a lot of the comps I've done in my time!  It was a great chance to meet some of the other Nikita girls and I even got to ride with Heida and Runar!  First we were welcomed with Nikita goodie bags and then we all headed up the mountain to the jam session. The park catered for different abilities/braveries and there were plenty of rails and boxes to practice on away from the competition. And once it was all finished there was the afterparty! (which was buzzing!)."

Maude Richon – Nikita snow team rider, at Nikita Chickita Europe 2008
”What I can say is that the Nikita Chickita is one of the only moments when we (the girls who ride :-) ) meet and can ride together. Last year, the feeling was so cool between all the riders during the contest. It was one of the best meetings with other girl riders that I've had in a long time. I think that Nikita Chickita is a real opportunity to ride, having fun with riders from all over Europe.”

Julia Baumgartner – Nikita snow team rider and Nikita Chickita Europe 2008 judge
“The Nikita Chickita 08 in Serfaus was supersick again!  Even if the weather wasn’t that nice, the girls from all over  Europe were on fire and did amazing tricks on every obstacle! There was a recognisable step from last year to this year...so I wonder what they gonna do in 09 now! Huhuuu! I hope that more local girls will compete in 09 because it is such a great competition, where it seems like everybody has sooo much fun! A nice park with something in it for everybody, nice people, nice girls, good party, nice boys too, a competition with siick prizes and just fuuun! Thats what it’s about! Juhuuu!“