DIYX STRT Jam breaks the ice in Helsinki

New city, same wrecking crew!  

The finest in Snowboarding royalty descended on the icy streets of Helsinki for two days of non-stop anarchy and chaos for the first round of the eponymous 2023 DIYX STRT Jam event series this past weekend. With a superstar line up of 40 plus global riders in attendance, along with industry dons and the purest core media along for the ride. Warning: Parental discretion is advised, as if you haven’t already seen the steady hoard of clips bombarding social feeds since it all kicked off. 

DIYX head honcho and part time pyromaniac, Ethan Morgan, together with the stellar team at Method Mag, certainly know how to organize a party. STRT Jam brings together a rowdy mix of seasoned street huckers, jib lords and true misfits of the scene, making it an event for the people, by the people. A full revert to the skewed roots of early noughties DIY snowboarding that have been sorely missed from the culture since the introduction of highly televised events and cookie cut contest campaigns. With two fresh locations and some savage setups on offer, the spots had something for everyone who was prepared to shake their hangovers and risk it all for eternal STRT Jam glory!  

“What an insane event! I’ve witnessed so much carnage and some insane snowboarding this weekend, my head still hurts.” - Will Smith 
 

Day 1: Bolt Arena. Nothing like a football arena setting to get your head in the game. A steep and deep dead man rail leading into a tight AF scaffold hip setup was the order of the day to get the blood pumping with absolutely zero warmup opportunities.

Hammers were dropped; bodies battered and bruised. The city of Helsinki didn’t know what hit it as the smoke and flames dissipated from the unruly session. The Monster team riders pulled up strong in their numbers, wasting no time putting a serious hurting on the setup. Encouraging all to strap up their bindings and join the gnar party. Swedish snow savant Sven Thorgren made everything look steezy and easy as he always does, US ruler Dusty Henrickson put down countless lines as did Japan’s Ryo Aizawa who made light work of the hefty spot on his first ever appearance on Euro pow.

As the sun set, the inimitable ring of fire was hauled out from the back of a truck and promptly set alight by non-other than Ethan Morgan, this time with a twist – Positioned halfway down the lengthy rail setup that left no room for error. The crowd swamped around mere inches away from the flames as the riders bombed down in close succession, the session peaked with Rene Rinnekanga’s band Katfish starting a mosh pit to close out the day’s proceedings and warm up the crew for a night on the town.

Day 2: Linnanmaki. Hosted at the back of the Linnanmaki Amusement Park with a post-apocalyptic backdrop of roller coasters sandwiched between a wooded area and the train tracks, the second day kicked off with a Snow skate session hosted by the Helride homies, including a special appearance from Skate stalwart Gabriel Fortunado who ditched his usual setting of palm trees and waxed ledges for a subzero session with the crew.

Moving over to the pole jam and kinked rail setup. The powder started coming down thick and fast as hundreds of Helsinki natives pulled up to watch some serious sends. The session got well-heated as the sun dipped, and neon lights lit up the spot. Suitably paired with some ravey sounds from Annika Morgan, who put on a surprise DJ set much to everyone’s delight.

STRT Jam Helsinki MVP Awards

Even though STRT Jam isn’t a strictly performance-oriented event, the team generously rewarded the “rulers of the week” with cash prizes who went the hardest both day and night.

Paula Benito - Fresh off a knee injury, young Spanish shredder Paula looked like she hadn’t skipped a beat and put down stacks of tricks and moves on the dancefloor daily, earning best women’s rider of the weekend.

Dusty Henrickson - No stranger to the chaos of STRT Jam, Dusty brought his uber casual style and signature rail wizardry to every setup. Usually last to leave the party and bravely putting down first hits at the spots, making himself a clear pick for best men’s rider.

Thorir Hlynur - Special shouts go to underground legend Toros, who got absolutely bodied on the ring of fire. Earning himself biggest bail of the weekend and some cash money for the do or die commitment.

“Helsinki you’re crazy, I can’t wait to be back. I’m already looking forward to the next round in Innsbruck later this year, let’s go!” – Dillon Henrickson

Stay tuned for the official recap edit coming out later this week on the Monster Energy YouTube channel.